Statement of the Czech Bishops' Conference on the Persecution of Christians

The media show us constantly that the words of Christ "They will hand you over to the courts. You will be beaten in synagogues. You will be arraigned before governors and kings because of me, as a witness before them… You will be hated by all because of my name" (Mk 13:9,13) are an oppressive reality of every day for many Christians throughout the world.

The statistics testify that more than 200 million Christians live in a permanent fear for their families, health or life. 160,000 people are killed every year, because they are not afraid to confess their faith in Christ. The pressure of persecution lies especially on the faithful living in Islam countries and in Communist states of Asia: above all North Korea and China, Near East countries, and Moslem states of the South-East Asia.

We, the bishops of the Czech Republic, thus join the Pope and pastors of local churches and appeal to the governments and politicians of all countries, where the Christians suffer from oppression on the part of authorities as well as the faithful of a majority religion: their duty is to stand up for justice in any case. Let them care for observation of human rights and let them never approve nor tolerate any violence in the name of God or in the name of materialistic ideologies.

We also appeal to the faithful of all religions: do not resort to violence in the name of faith but see all people for your brothers and sisters. God is not pleased by blood and any violence or injustice committed in his name is a serious offence against the order created and established by him.

Finally we appeal to all other people, Christians, believers of other religions, and all people of good will: stand out against all forms of injustice and oppression, against any violence and all forms of pursuit. Stand up for the persecuted, help them in any way you can, receive the refugees and pray to God, Father of all men, for all those who suffer wrong for the faith in him.

Velehrad, 4th July 2007

Bishops of the Czech Republic