By Caroline Duffield2023-07-13T14:08:00
Pope Francis has set up a new commission to identify Christians of all denominations who have been murdered for following Jesus this century. But is it really more dangerous to be a Christian today than in the days of the early Church?
Like many, I somehow assumed martyrdom belonged to the first century AD.
St Paul, for example, was an old man when he wrote the book of Romans. He’d been imprisoned for years and knew his end would be gruesome. According to the Roman historian, Eusebius, he was eventually beheaded in 68 AD, during a period of intense persecution by Emperor Nero. Simon Peter and his wife apparently followed swiftly after. Peter watched his wife go to die before him, calling out to her as she passed his cell. The other apostles fared no better. Bartholomew was flayed alive. Thomas speared by four soldiers. James was stoned and clubbed to death. The list goes on.
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2024-01-22T14:22:00Z By John Coleby
Christian charity Open Doors has revealed the most dangerous places in the world to follow Jesus in 2024. Here’s the top ten list, and how you can pray for Christians who face imprisonment and even death because of their faith
2023-10-02T16:31:00Z By Martin Harris
If Prison Walls Could Speak portrays the true story of Petr Jasek, who was imprisoned for this faith in Sudan. It’s a one-man tour de force, and a harrowing story told in an extraordinary way, says our reviewer
2023-08-22T11:28:00Z By Daniel McIlhiney
In the last 30 years, the number of countries where Christians face extreme levels of persecution has almost doubled. As the United Nations marks the international day for commemorating victims of religious persecution, Daniel McIlhiney explains what has been happening in Pakistan, and how Christians can pray
2024-10-23T15:42:00Z By Tim Farron MP
The US election is just weeks away, but new research suggests at least 32 million Christians won’t be voting. Tim Farron makes the case for why believers should engage in the democratic process
2024-10-22T07:12:00Z By Lois McLatchie-Miller
The conviction of Adam Smith-Connor for silent prayer inside an abortion clinic “buffer zone” marks an era-defining moment. The law needs clarifying urgently, says Lois McLatchie-Millar, before the UK’s human right’s record becomes an international laughing stock
2024-10-21T13:48:00Z By Steve Beegoo
The government is breaking the law by discriminating against private Christians schools. That’s according to The King’s School in Hampshire who are challenging Labour’s decision to introduce VAT on private school fees. Christian Concern’s Steve Beegoo explains why he’s supportive of the legal action
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