Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Fides Service) - Today in many parts of the world Christians are persecuted and denied the most fundamental of human rights, freedom of conscience. To inform people about situation of Christians in the world and religious freedom in the most difficult areas, to encourage prayer and commitment to promote respect for the values of religious freedom, tolerance and harmony, Aid to the Church in Need ACN has issued a report on Anti-Christian Persecution in the World compiled by lay Catholic Thomas Grimaux of the French sector of the Catholic charity association. Mr Grimaux said the report was drafted on the basis of Christian and non Christian information, material collected by ACN, and on what he himself witnessed and heard in visits to over 20 different countries in the Middle East, Africa and even Europe.
“One might think that Christians are persecuted only in certain areas of the world - says Mr Grimaux - but in fact episodes of violence happen even in western democracies”. Violence on Christians is perpetrated. according to Grimaux’s report, by radical Islam, degeneration of authentic Islam; repression by communist style regimes; Hindu and Buddhist fanatics and extremists; exasperated secularism particularly in the West which tends to penalise believers; Satanic movements and sects specifically anti-Christianity.
The Report on Anti-Christian Persecution in the World is compiled in different sections for each country in alphabetical order and includes a diagram on the development of the situation. Grimaux said ACN intends to compile the report with “facts and figures often overlooked by the world media will be compiled every year as a reminder of the many Christians all over the world who live the Gospel with fidelity and courage and are willing even to give their very life rather than forego faith in Jesus Christ”. (Agenzia Fides 17/3/2006 righe 27 parole 271)
