The Christian organization Global Christian Relief (GCR) recently shed light on the global problem of persecution against those who follow Jesus Christ. The worldwide watchdog group, which focuses on aiding persecuted Christians, reminded those, particularly in the West, that religious oppression is still very much a problem.
GCR President and CEO David Curry recently explained to The Christian Post that there has been a surge in Christian persecution in recent years. “There has been a rise in the persecution and oppression of Christians over the last 15 years or so,” He further stated that Christians must take action. “And we need to awaken to that and do a couple of things,” he said.
Curry continued, “We don’t want to see people get hurt, but what we really want is to start at the top and say, ‘Do you know what’s happening to your brothers and sisters around the world?’” Citing the nation of Nepal as an example, he said, “Including Nepal and the pressures they face just to do the simple things like read Scripture, go to church peacefully and practice their faith. That’s not a given in Nepal.”
The president of GCR drew from Biblical wisdom, explaining that the world is constantly undergoing a spiritual battle. “Because we have to recognize this is a spiritual battle,” Curry added. “First, we’ve got to start with prayer. It’s life or death. So we’ve got to understand it’s more than just politics; that’s why we start with prayer, and then there’s advocacy.”
The Christians Tribune recently reported on a shocking example of Christian persecution in the U.K. where a man was criminally convicted for praying outside of an abortion clinic. “I think once people get into this and they see that their voice makes a difference, then we can start talking about this with our representatives, having our churches pray about it, and we can move the needle on Western governments, the U.S., the U.K., France, speaking out for Christians who are being persecuted for their faith,” said Adam Smith-Connor, who was arrested for his expression of Christian faith.
“I think this has horrific, frankly, horrific implications for England. The idea that the state has empowered itself to peer into people’s minds and criminalize your very thoughts — that should terrify every freedom-loving Englishman,” he added. “Quite frankly. It doesn’t really matter whether you’re pro-life or pro-choice. You know, the abortion issue really is a side issue here, really. This is really a freedom issue,” he said.
Smith-Connor continued, “And if we so empower the state that it can make your very thoughts a criminal act, then every one of us is in trouble because you might agree with the government today, but in the future there could be a government you disagree with. But once you’ve established that thought crime is a thing. Then there’s no stopping what they can do.”
Speaking about his verdict in court, Smith-Connor said, “Today, the court has decided that certain thoughts – silent thoughts – can be illegal in the United Kingdom. That cannot be right. All I did was pray to God, in the privacy of my own mind – and yet I stand convicted as a criminal?” he said. You’ve established that thought crime is a thing. Then there’s no stopping what they can do.”
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