Persecution prevalent
Religious freedom cannot be taken for granted. Although every member state of the United Nations has signed on to the principle that "everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion," governments in many countries continue to deny their people such freedoms.
One hopeful sign is that abuses are less blatant when the court of global public opinion brings pressure to bear. And thanks to the efforts of increasing numbers of well-informed advocates, that is happening with greater frequency. It is becoming more perilous for countries to railroad religious minorities.
This is certainly the case for the Islamic Republic of Iran, where authorities have created a cause célèbre and turned their country into a poster child of religious freedom abuses. Throughout the fall, the case of
Christian pastor Youcef Nadarkhani - condemned to death for "turning his back on Islam" as a teenager - has grabbed the attention of the world and galvanized advocates of religious freedom.
This outcry from individuals, organizations and governments around the world is having an effect. Nadarkhani's case demonstrates how the limelight of public scrutiny can send the forces of darkness scurrying for the shadows. It also reveals the fragile state of religious freedoms in Iran - and elsewhere.
Nadarkhani is far from alone in his suffering. Indeed, Christian advocacy groups maintain that more than 200 million Christians around the world face brutal opposition and persecution because of their beliefs. And it's not just Christian groups.
The U.S. State Department's annual report on International Religious Freedom is a massive catalogue of problems and progress of religious freedom in more than 190 countries and territories around the world. "We are engaging with faith groups to address the issues that affect them," said U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at the September release of the current report. "Our embassies encourage inter-faith dialogue. And we will speak out against efforts to curtail religious freedom."
Do something
Are there things that Christians in Canada can be doing to ease the situation for people around the world whose religious freedoms are being trampled? In a word, yes.
Simply becoming informed is a first good step. Awareness of the problem is a prerequisite for action. Check out the web sites of any of the many organizations (religious and secular) that are documenting the abuses. These include: Voice of the Martyrs, Christian Solidarity International and news sites like Compass Direct.
Each of these organizations encourages anyone who is troubled by religious freedom abuses to speak up, to pray and to give.
Speaking up is as simple as signing a petition or writing a letter. Public opinion matters to leaders. The cumulative effect of thousands of voices bombarding the inboxes of decision-makers is a powerful tool to effect change in our age. When masses speak with a common message, barriers fall. Simply speaking out can make a life-or-death difference to a persecuted person.
Most of these organizations make giving easy as well. They provide a wealth of fundraising ideas and giving opportunities that will help the persecuted and those who advocate for them. Visit their web sites to learn how your generosity can help them do their work and provide necessary resources to people who are oppressed on account of their religious beliefs. Every gift - large or small - is a tremendous encouragement and a great help.
Praying is both the easiest and, potentially, the most powerful weapon in the struggle against persecution against any religious minority. It is also the most nebulous. According to the Bible, "The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective" (James 5:16). Christian advocates believe that deeply, and they strongly encourage and endlessly invite believers around the world to add their prayers to their own.
A prime opportunity for Canadian Christians to join in this chorus occurs November 13, a Sunday set aside to remember those who suffer. "Each year, Christians in over 130 countries stand in prayer with our persecuted sisters and brothers through the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP). Join with us as Christians across Canada unite in prayer for our brothers and sisters who suffer because they declare their faith in Christ."
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