Archbishop Gary Beaver Lobbies World Governments and EU to
Help Stamp Out Christian Persecution

Released on = October 18, 2005, 12:53 pm

Press Release Author = Old Catholic Church

Industry = Government

Press Release Summary = Where there is no fear, there is no hatred!

Press Release Body = Archbishop Gary Beaver stated today “ In our sadness and longing for justice, the ever mounting reports of violence and persecution against Christians grows at epidemic levels around the world. No matter how we may try to understand the depth of feeling giving rise to such hatred, we must not, and cannot sanction it in any form.

The Old Catholic Church project “Doing Hard Time for God” led by Archbishop Gary states clearly that “hatred is always fueled by fear, and it is from fear that the good news sets us free. “Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid,” says Jesus. (John 14:27) In a world where fear is no longer warranted, hatred has no power”.

In an official church communication to World Leaders, Archbishop Gary wrote “ Persecution so often begets more violence? The Old Catholic Church calls for your support and legislation to put an end to this disturbing cycle of hate crime committed in the name of religion. In a world gripped with fear, revenge, and hatred, let us bring the light that shines brightly in the darkness.”

We must first define Christian persecution as violent acts against people, property, or organisations because of the faith to which they belong or identify with.

Scientific research is beginning to yield some good perspectives on the general nature of crimes committed because of real or perceived differences in race, religion, ethnicity or national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or gender.

Most hate crimes are carried out by otherwise law-abiding young people who see little wrong with their actions. The main determinant appears to be personal prejudice, a situation that colours people's judgment, blinding the aggressors to the immorality of what they are doing. Such prejudice is most likely rooted in an environment that disdains someone who is "different" or sees that difference as threatening. One expression of this prejudice is the perception that society sanctions attacks on certain groups such as Christians in a non-Christian country.

Researchers have concluded that hate crimes are not necessarily random, uncontrollable, or inevitable occurrences. There is overwhelming evidence that society can intervene to reduce or prevent many forms of violence, especially among young people, including the hate-induced violence that threatens and intimidates
different religious groups. Hate crimes are message crimes, according to Dr. Jack McDevitt, a criminologist at Northeastern University in Boston. They are different from other crimes in that the offender is sending a message to members of a certain group that they are unwelcome in a particular neighbourhood, community, school, or country.

“The notion that religious persecution is a violation of human rights is not a new one, as those who have experienced it’s effects would testify.” Said Archbishop Gary Beaver.

We must hold, not only individuals, but governments accountable. The silence of government equals permission to hate. Local governments must be responsible for the abuse of basic human rights of its citizens. State governments must stand up against intolerance. And federal governments must be the guiding force behind the protection of human rights and human dignity in their country. Wold-wide legislation must be enacted and enforced to protect individuals and groups from religious intolerance.

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” —Romans 12:21

Ways You Can Get Involved with the “Doing Hard Time for God” Crusade and Help Persecuted Christians

Get Informed: Be proactive, learn about the predicament of the persecuted. Read books and articles on the subject.

Get Involved: Make a commitment to be an active part of the solution. Be an advocate for persecuted Christians by speaking out on their behalf. Be creative in faithfully using all the resources you have (phone, fax, mail or e-mail) to send letters of concern to your elected officials as well as to the leaders of countries that practice persecution.

Get Others Involved: Provide “Doing Hard Time for God” materials to your church leaders. Ask your priest to share information about persecution from the pulpit and in church publications. Organise your own prayer and action group that meets regularly to pray for the persecuted church and write letters on their behalf.

Assist the Persecuted with Your Finances: Because the persecuted are often denied good jobs and are discriminated against in many ways, they suffer tremendous financial hardships. They desperately need your financial help.

Pray: Pray for the persecuted: that their faith remain strong and that they would be able to forgive those who persecute them. Pray for the persecutors: that they may be compelled to show mercy for the persecuted Christians and that those who are in power may change their policies. Pray for the leaders of the free world, that they may use their God-given power to make a difference. Finally, ask God how you can help to make a difference in the lives of persecuted Christians.

Web Site = http://www.oldcatholic.co.uk

Contact Details = Old Catholic Church of Great Britain
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