Christian persecution

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.

Early Christian persecution was severe in Ancient Roman. In Ancient Rome, Christians were most commonly murdered 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.

Deep divisions remained within the Empire. Examples include:

1. The Altar of Victory affair.
2. The removal of avowed polytheists from office.

Persecution generally ended in the Roman Empire in 317 A.D., with the Edict of Milan.

During the Protestant Reformation many martyrs to the faith on both sides were persecuted and murdered.

In contemporary period, Christians continue to be persecuted in communist countries like China, Islamic countries and Hindu majority country like India. In South Asia, Christians are persecuted in India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Most of these persecutions are retaliation for christian missionary supported colonization and explotation of these lands.

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. On July 21st, 2004, the Bulgarian police force invaded the Bulgarian Orthodox churches across the nation and forcibly dragged out over 160 priests.

Egypt

The Coptic Orthodox church is the largest in Egypt. Majority of the violence against Christians in the 1990s were from Islamic extremists. However there have been some incidents of violence against Christians due to communal tensions. In 2007, Coptic Christians in Egypt were attacked by some Muslim rioters.

India

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. In India, Christians have faced repeated attacks from Hindus. Australian missionary Graham Staines and his two sons, aged 8 and 10, were burned to death in Orissa in 1999 by Hindus. In 2007, Hindus attacked Christians in the state of Orissa. Ninety-five churches were destroyed in the attack.

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 and February 2008. The Pope told George Bush last year that "Particularly in Iraq, Christian families and communities are feeling increasing pressure from insecurity, aggression and a sense of abandonment."

North Korea

There are approximately 12,000 practicing Christians in North Korea. Christians often face torture, imprisonment, and are often murdered. According to human rights organizations, outside the officially sanctioned churches, Christians in North Korea can face harsh penalties.

Pakistan

Christians in Pakistan have come under increasing attack in recent years. In 2004, three Christians were killed due to attacks by Islamists. Several Christian leaders in Baluchestan received threats. The Blasphemy Laws of Pakistan under Section 295 of the Pakistan Penal Code is used as a tool for Christian persecution. Some of the madrassas in Pakistan promote Islamic terrorism. President Pervez Musharraf recently in a speech called for scrutiny of the Blasphemy laws and to reform the madrassas.

People's Republic of China

In People's Republic of China, Christians face fines, imprisonment, torture and forced labour. Churches are often shut down, confiscation of church property is prevalent.

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. In 2007, one German and two Turkish Christians were killed by Islamic extremists in Southeast Turkey.