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.
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
2025-07-11T14:46:00Z By Neil O'Boyle
New research shows more young people are praying, attending church and open to faith. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, says Youth for Christ’s Neil O’Boyle. But the Church must engage with Gen Z and Gen Alpha on their terms
2025-07-11T08:25:00Z By Ben Cohen
July 11 marks the International Day Against Stoning. It may seem barbaric that this method of corporal punishment still exists, says Ben Cohen, but it does. Here’s why Christians should care
2025-07-11T07:52:00Z By George Pitcher
83-year-old Anglican priest, Rev Sue Parfitt, was arrested for holding up a sign in support of Palestine Action, recently proscribed as a terrorist group. Peaceful protestors are standing between the oppressors and the oppressed, says George Pitcher. But it’s an uncomfortable place to be
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