The persecution of Christians worldwide has risen dramatically over the last two years according to a new report issued by a leading Catholic charity.
The research, conducted by Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), shows that, in the past two years, acts of violence and intimidation against Christians have intensified in 17 out of the 30 countries under investigation. The findings, based on the charity’s book, Persecuted and Forgotten? A Report on Christians Oppressed for their Faith 2007/2008, show that the Church’s survival is now under threat in Algeria, Eritrea, Iran, Iraq and Palestine.
Based on first-hand reports and interviews with leading clergy, the book highlights the way in which the rise of religious extremism, combined with nationalism, have marginalized Christians who are often labeled as agents of Western interference.
Covering countries such as China, India, Israel/Palestine and Pakistan, Persecuted and Forgotten? gives an overview of the situation for Christians in each country before detailing significant incidents of violence and intimidation as well as key pronouncements by political and religious leaders.
The ACN report come less than two months before the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights being adopted by the United Nations General Assembly.
Copies of ACN’s Persecuted and Forgotten? 2007/2008 are available through ACN’s U.S. office for a suggested donation of $20. For a copy please contact ACN at Aid to the Church in Need, 725 Leonard Street, PO Box 220384, Brooklyn, NY 11222-0384 or contact Michael Varenne at michael@churchinneed.org or call 718-609-0939 or fax718-609-0938. http://www.churchinneed.org/
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