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'''Christian persecution''' has occured from the very beginnings of [[Christianity]] and continues today.  Currently more than 200 million Christians around the globe suffer imprisonment, abuse and sometimes death because of their faith.<ref>http://www.greaterthings.com/News/Christian/Persecution/</ref> In 1998, the publication ''[[The Voice of the Martyrs]]'' named 42 countries where Christians are facing persecution in various forms such as arrest, imprisonment, physical torture and death.<ref>http://jmm.aaa.net.au/articles/1096.htm</ref>  

'''Christian persecution''' has occured from the very beginnings of [[Christianity]] and continues today.  Currently more than 200 million Christians around the globe suffer imprisonment, abuse and sometimes death because of their faith.<ref>http://www.greaterthings.com/News/Christian/Persecution/</ref> In 1998, the publication ''[[The Voice of the Martyrs]]'' named 42 countries where Christians are facing persecution in various forms such as arrest, imprisonment, physical torture and death.<ref>http://jmm.aaa.net.au/articles/1096.htm</ref>  

Early  [[Christian]] persecution was severe in Ancient [[Roman]]. In Ancient Rome, Christians were most commonly murdered by [[crucifixion]] and being put in arenas with [[lion]]s. The emperor [[Nero]] was one of the most notorious persecutors. Christians continue to be persecuted around the world today in [[communist]] countries like [[China]], [[Islamic]] countries and [[Hindu]] majority countries like [[India]].

Early  [[Christian]] persecution was severe in Ancient [[Roman]]. In Ancient Rome, Christians were most commonly murdered by [[crucifixion]] and being put in arenas with [[lion]]s. The emperor [[Nero]] was one of the most notorious persecutors. Christians continue to be persecuted around the world today in [[communist]] countries like [[China]], [[Islamic]] countries and [[Hindu]] majority country like [[India]].

This persecution continued up through the fourth century, when Constantine's [[Edict of Milan]] in 317 A.D. promulgated a doctrine of religious tolerance.  In 393 A.D., Christianity became the state religion of Rome, gaining strength after Constantine's conquest of Rome from his fellow ''caesars'' of the time.<ref>"... in 391 AD, Christianity became the official, and only, state religion of the empire." [http://www.hyw.com/Books/History/Rome__Le.htm The Legacy of Rome] </ref>   

This persecution continued up through the fourth century, when Constantine's [[Edict of Milan]] in 317 A.D. promulgated a doctrine of religious tolerance.  In 393 A.D., Christianity became the state religion of Rome, gaining strength after Constantine's conquest of Rome from his fellow ''caesars'' of the time.<ref>"... in 391 AD, Christianity became the official, and only, state religion of the empire." [http://www.hyw.com/Books/History/Rome__Le.htm The Legacy of Rome] </ref>   

==People's Republic of China==

==People's Republic of China==

In [[People's Republic of China]], Christians face fines, imprisonment, torture and forced labour. Churches are often shut down.

In [[People's Republic of China]], Christians face fines, imprisonment, torture and forced labour.<ref name=CSWCHINA>[http://dynamic.csw.org.uk/country.asp?s=id&urn=China China]</ref> Churches are often shut down.<ref name=CSWCHINA/>

== References ==

== References ==