Christianity is the most persecuted religion in the world, with 200 million people suffering from discrimination, including jail time, murder and church vandalism.
So says the 2010 and 2011 Report on Religious Freedom in the World by Aid to the Church in Need.
In 21 of 194 countries studied, especially in Muslim countries and nations run by the Communist Party (North Korea and China in particular), almost no religious freedom exists. Also, 7 of every 10 people worldwide cannot practice their faith freely.
In addition, the 2011 Report says that 75% of all religious persecution around the world is directed at Christians, according to the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Community.
One major concern is the situation in Iraq, where the Christian population has fallen from 800,000 in 2003 to 500,000 (or even 150,000 according to some Roman Catholic prelates there).
Another concern is Venezuela, where the socialist government of Hugo Chavez has begun persecution of Roman Catholics.
The reports also show that religious freedom has declined in the United States, Canada, Spain, France, and Germany.
Please help your local church as well as MOVIEGUIDE® and the Christian Film & television Commission (www.movieguide.org and 1-800-899-6684) protect your religious freedom!!!
– Source: Aid to the Church in Need, 2011, and LifeSiteNews, 11/30/10.