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Line 1: − '''Christian persecution''' has occurred 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/ International Persecution of Christians]</ref> + − ==Ancient Rome== − Early [[Christian]] persecution was severe in Ancient [[Roman]]. In Ancient Rome, Christians were most commonly executed by crucifixion and being put in arenas with lions. The emperor [[Nero]] was one of the most notorious persecutors. − − 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> − − Persecution generally ended in the Roman Empire in 317 A.D., with the [[Edict of Milan]]. − ==Reformation Europe== − During the [[Protestant Reformation]] many martyrs to the faith on both sides were persecuted and killed. − ==Modern world== − In contemporary period, Christians continue to be attacked by governments in communist countries like [[China]] and [[North Korea]], and by hostile religious forces inclusing Moslems in Africa, and by Hindus in [[India]]. − ==Africa== − Large scale rioting and violence between Moslem and Christian communities are common in parts of Africa, such as [[Nigeria]] and [[Sudan]]. − ==Bulgaria== − In [[Bulgaria]], there have been incidents of persecution of Christians. In 1998, local Church of God in the town of Vratza was attacked by skinheads.<ref name=CSWBC>[http://dynamic.csw.org.uk/article.asp?t=press&id=166 Bulgarian Christians under attack from skinheads and ultra-nationalists]</ref> On July 21st, 2004, the Bulgarian police force invaded the Bulgarian Orthodox churches across the nation and forcibly dragged out over 160 priests.<ref name=CSWB>[http://dynamic.csw.org.uk/country.asp?s=id&urn=Bulgaria Bulgaria]</ref> − ==China== − As with all forms of public assembly, the [[China|Chinese]] [[Communism|Communist]] Party keeps a tight rein on all religious activity, including those of Christians. While thousands of state-sanctioned churches exist in China, the process for obtaining a permit for a new church is cumbersome, and to be approved, clergy must also take exams over communist ideology.<ref name=StatedeptChina>[http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2008/108404.htm]</ref> There is a shortage of Chinese-born ministers who would pass state qualification, and Chinese citizens are forbidden by law to worship at churches with foreign-born pastors.<ref name=StatedeptChina></ref> For all of the above reasons, the vast majority of Christians in China opt to worship at underground "home churches." Leaders and members of these churches face fines, imprisonment, and confiscation of church property.<ref name=VM>[http://jmm.aaa.net.au/articles/1096.htm Persecution Of Christians Around The World]</ref> In some extreme cases, an underground church is labelled a cult, which the CCP uses to justify some of the worst of its persecution, including torture and forced labor.<ref>http://www.online2.church123.com/attach.asp?clientURN=christiansolidarityworldwide2&attachFileName=52d82f5db78a2871ae131128a54455ac.attach&attachOriginalFileName=CSW_Briefing_China_Liu_Statement.pdf Torture testimony of Liu Xianzhi</ref> − − ==Egypt== − The Coptic Orthodox church is the largest Christian group in [[Egypt]].<ref name=CSWE>[http://dynamic.csw.org.uk/country.asp?s=id&urn=Egypt Egypt]</ref> Majority of the violence against Christians in the 1990s were from Islamic extremists.<ref name=CSWE/> However there have been some incidents of violence against Christians due to communal tensions.<ref name=CSWE/> In 2007, Coptic Christians in Egypt were attacked by some Muslim rioters.<ref name=CSWECC>[http://dynamic.csw.org.uk/article.asp?t=press&id=645 Egyptian Coptic Christians Attacked by Violent Mobs]</ref> − − ==India== − ''See also [[Hindu fanatics]]'' − − [[Hindus]] form the religious majority in [[India]]. Proponents of the ''Hindutva'' ideology, often called ''Hindu fascism'', want to convert India into a Hindu nation in which other religions must assimilate to the Hindu religion, race and culture and seek to establish a cultural hegemony of Hinduism at the expense of other religions.<ref name=CSWI>[http://dynamic.csw.org.uk/article.asp?t=report&id=73 A submission to the United Nations Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review: India]</ref> In India, Christians have faced repeated attacks from Hindus.<ref name=FOXHEAIC>[http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,318549,00.html Hindu Extremists Attack Indian Churches, Torch Home of Prominent Christian]</ref> Australian missionary Graham Staines and his two sons, aged 8 and 10, were burned to death in [[Orissa]] in 1999 by Hindus.<ref name=FOXHEAIC/> In 2007, Hindus attacked Christians in the state of Orissa.<ref name=FOXHEAIC/> Ninety-five churches were destroyed in the attack.<ref name=CSWCVO>[http://dynamic.csw.org.uk/article.asp?t=report&id=72 Communal violence in Kandhamal District, Orissa: India]</ref> − − ==Iraq== − Persecution of the country's Christian minority has increased dramatically since the 2003 American invasion of [[Iraq]]. Christian archbishops were abducted in January 2005 <ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7271658.stm Archbishop abducted in Iraq]</ref> and February 2008<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4182629.stm Iraqi Chaldean archbishop seized ]</ref>. The Pope told President George Bush that "Particularly in Iraq, Christian families and communities are feeling increasing pressure from insecurity, aggression and a sense of abandonment." − − ==Myanmar== − [[Myanmar]] also known as [[Burma]] is ruled by a highly repressive, authoritarian military regime. The country was placed under concern by the International Religious Freedom Act in 1999 and a wide array of sanctions are in place for its violations of human rights. Population estimated 6 percent Christianity and rapidly growing. The junta has not allowed permanent foreign religious missions to operate and confiscated all remaining assets since the 1960's. Proselytizing is forbidden, and the printing of Bibles in the country is strictly prohibited. Disobeying the juntu and Burmese Christians will be killed, imprisoned and other human rights violations. <ref>[http://www.christianfreedom.org/cfi-news/1-latest-news/391-the-demand-for-bibles-in-burma-is-growing-despite-enormous-persecution-of-christians.html The Demand for Bibles in Burma is Growing Despite Enormous Persecution of Christians] Christian Freedom International</ref> − − ==North Korea== − There are approximately 12,000 practicing Christians in [[North Korea]].<ref name=BBCCNK>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/1744847.stm Eyewitness: Christianity in North Korea]</ref> Christians often face torture, imprisonment, and are often murdered.<ref name=CSWNK>[http://dynamic.csw.org.uk/country.asp?s=id&urn=North_Korea North Korea]</ref> According to human rights organizations, outside the officially sanctioned churches, Christians in North Korea can face harsh penalties.<ref name=BBCCNK/> − − ==Pakistan== − Christians in [[Pakistan]] have come under increasing attack in recent years.<ref name=CSWPAKISTAN>[http://dynamic.csw.org.uk/article.asp?t=report&id=56 Religious freedom update - Pakistan]</ref> In 2004, three Christians were killed due to attacks by Islamists.<ref name=CSWPAKISTAN/> Several Christian leaders in Baluchestan received threats.<ref name=CSWPAKISTAN/> The Blasphemy Laws of Pakistan under Section 295 of the Pakistan Penal Code is used as a tool for Christian persecution.<ref name=CSWPAKISTAN/> Some of the madrassas in Pakistan promote Islamic terrorism.<ref name=CSWPAKISTAN/> President [[Pervez Musharraf]] recently in a speech called for scrutiny of the Blasphemy laws and to reform the madrassas.<ref name=CSWPAKISTAN/> − − ==Turkey== − In [[Turkey]], there have been incidents of persecution of Christians. In 2006 and 2007, one Catholic Priest and three Protestant evangelists were killed; churches were also attacked.<ref name=CSWT>[http://dynamic.csw.org.uk/country.asp?s=id&urn=Turkey Turkey]</ref> In 2007, one German and two Turkish Christians were killed by Islamic extremists in Southeast Turkey.<ref name=CSWGTC>[http://dynamic.csw.org.uk/article.asp?t=press&id=615 One German and two Turkish Christians killed in Southeast Turkey]</ref> − − ==United States== − Traditional Christian values are consistently ridiculed by [[Hollywood]]<ref>[http://www.adl.org/PresRele/RelChStSep_90/5392_90.htm Survey: Americans Believe Religious Values Are 'Under Attack'] Anti-Defamation League, November 14, 2008</ref> − − Don Feder, founder of a group called Jews Against Anti-Christian Defamation, used his condemnation of the 2005 film "V for Vendetta" to say, "It's very much in keeping with what has become Hollywood's standard anti-Christian message – that Christians are hypocritical hate-mongers, with tendencies toward violence, who are waiting to seize the reins of government and persecute unbelievers."<ref> see [ http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/movies/2009/05/15/2009-05-15_is_hollywood_antichristian_angels__demons_sparks_debate_anew.html#ixzz0FeJYczRf&B David Hinckley, "Is Hollywood anti-Christian?" ''New York Daily News'' May 15th 2009]</ref> − − David Limbaugh says, "This anti-Christian bias manifests itself in unflattering portrayals of Christians in Hollywood films and entertainment television."<ref>[http://archive.newsmax.com/archives/articles/2003/10/2/102405.shtml The Media and Hollywood War Against Christianity] NewsMax, October 2, 2003</ref> − ==Further reading== − * [http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/ U.S Department of State, "International Religious Freedom" annual reports], the most detailed guide to conditions in every country; annual 2001-2008 − * [http://books.google.com/books?id=fH5H492nmtMC&pg=PA239&lpg=PA239&dq=persecution+by+homosexuals+attach+church&source=bl&ots=x8qEuajjOn&sig=hzKSrRsHFZPwZvarr1opWitt3lo&hl=en&ei=1XsMSvr_BZio8gSh-LXQDw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=8#PPA240,M1 Persecution, By David Limbaugh] − − == References == − {{reflist}} − − [[Category:Persecution of Christians]] − [[Category:Church and State]]
Replaced content with 'It happens to everyone, you biased bastards.'
It happens to everyone, you biased bastards.