Yes, Virginia, Persecution of Christians Still Exists

In fact, in some places it's fierce.

Take Morocco for example. The Christian Post reports authorities raiding a Bible study and holding 18 Christians for 14 hours.

Here's a quote from a Moroccan government official:

"The fight against Christian proselytizing in accordance with law cannot be considered among  human rights abuses, for it is an action aimed at preventing attempts to undermine the country’s immutable religious values. The freedom of belief does not mean conversion to another religion."

Only a politician could say that with a straight face.

The article goes on to discuss Moroccan women who are being harassed for converting from Islam to Christianity.

If the General Board of Church and Society wants to get the entire church behind them, they should be more involved in helping raise awareness about religious persecution and human rights abuses worldwide. This is an area where the U.S. government needs to apply more pressure, and GBCS could help make that happen.

Comments

[Pastor Chuck Smith]

You are so right about this. We need to stand beside our brothers and sisters worldwide who are truly suffering and sacrificing because of their faith in Jesus Christ! We need to be praying for them and flexing our political power to help Christians around the world who are being persecuted for their faith!

[Luke]

I agree. A resolution on that subject entitled "Affirming Solidarity" was passed by the 2008 General Conference. You should look it up in the Book of Resolutions and ask GBCS for resources for interpretation.

[Wesley Sanders]

Luke, the resolution, "Affirming Solidarity" was voted down on a consent calendar; the main motion to reject was adopted (confusing I know). The committee voted to reject, the full body adopted this recommendation.

http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&number=1248

[Luke]

Wesley, thanks for catching that. My eyes went right past the recommendation when I came across the resolution.