Persecution ahead?

For many years, Christians and others have complained, in different ways, about Pakistan’s notorious 295C blasphemy laws. These laws have been abused, on a regular basis, in order to gain property; settle old scores; or simply harass non-Muslims. One of the major problems is that the law allows a complaint to be made – and it is up to the accused to prove his/her innocence!

How grateful those of us in the ‘West’ should be that we do not live under such a draconian law! But, if the European Commission (the unelected body that, effectively, runs the European Union) has its way, it would seem that the EU is preparing to adopt a similar set of laws! The EU Directive on Equal Treatment, that is currently making its way through the system creates a frightening threat to free speech and the free exercise of religious conscience. If executed in its current form, the Directive increases inequality for Christians – and members of other religious-belief communities – and places perilous restrictions on believers expressing their faith. If implemented, it is certainly expected to increase censorship of Christian expression and Government-sanctioned persecution of Christians in any of the member-states of the EU!

Rather than attempting to rehearse the situation in writing, I have downloaded a video from CCfON (Christian Concern for our Nation – www.ccfon.org ) in which Prof. William Wagner explains the situation with clarity and passion. It’s less than 15 mins long – and well worth viewing (and listening to, of course!).

For years, disciples of Jesus have been warning that the persecution that is seen in over fifty countries around the world, could reach the so-called ‘Christian West’. This directive, if written into law, could well be the catalyst that would turn that prediction into reality. If ever there was a time for disciples of Jesus to be intercessors for the nation, this must surely be it! Let us "pray without ceasing" (I Thes.5:17) - but let us also be prepared for the revealing of "the man of lawlessness", "the one who brings destruction" (II Thess.2:3).

P.S. I have discovered that I cannot create a direct link to the video. Please go to http://www.ccfon.org/ (copy and paste!) where you will find it under the heading "TV & Radio Media centre"! Apologies!