Religious freedom: A complicated and bumpy ride

How should Christians respond to threats
against religious freedom in Canada? 

“Without religious freedom, all other freedoms are fake. What good is freedom of speech if you can’t express what you believe? What’s the point of freedom of association if the state restricts consciences and thus the whole point of associating?”

Jim Tonkowich from Oxford House Research asks these very questions in his article on Crosswalk exploring religious freedom today. While focusing specifically on the USA, his piece on religious freedom is certainly relevant for Christians in Canada as well.

Tonkowich highlights three incidents which, in his opinion, demonstrate the “neither merry nor bright” future of religious freedom:

• The federal court ruling that New York City may forbid churches from using school buildings for worship.
• The banning of male circumcision, a religious ritual for Jews and Muslims, in Santa Monica and California. 
• The closure of Catholic Charities, an adoption and foster care organization that shut their doors rather than violate their religious convictions by placing children with same-sex couples.

“The story of religious freedom in America ... [is] a complicated and bumpy ride – sometimes expanding, sometimes contracting,” Tonkowich points out. “The new circumstance we face is a growing hostility to orthodox religious believers in the public square. It’s a threat all religious believers must face seriously and together, knowing that with diligence and with God’s grace, the end of the story could surprise us all.”

You can read the full report here.

What do you think? Are the above incidents causes for concern? In what ways can Christians in the West approach religious freedom issues “seriously and together”? 

The most vulnerable part: Children of the persecuted Church

Khmu children in Southeast Asia

Do you have children?

If so, to what lengths would you go to protect them? What sacrifices would you be willing to make for their well-being? Your immediate answer might be, “Anything! I’ll do whatever it takes to ensure their safety and happiness.”

But for our brothers and sisters in restricted nations, these questions are incredibly difficult. Like any parent, they want the best for their children; they want their kids to be healthy and happy, to have stability and protection. But they also desire that their children learn the way of our Lord—to put Him first in their lives, regardless of the outcome.

From a young age, children of the persecuted Church learn that following Jesus does not guarantee a life free of danger or heartache. The reality is that many Christian children suffer threats, the loss of home or church, oppression from the community, and even death in their families.

“Children are the most vulnerable part of the suffering church,” Carl Moeller wrote in an article for Crosswalk. “They are highly susceptible to the impact of being persecuted for their faith. In lands where Christians are oppressed minorities, the youngest, weakest members of society are at particular risk because no one in power will advocate for them.”

Perhaps the earlier questions should be rephrased. Do you have children? If so, to what lengths would you go to ensure they understand their calling as Christ’s representatives? What sacrifices would you be willing to make as a family to whole-heartedly follow Him?

The Voice of the Martyrs is committed to standing with families and children of the persecuted Church as they seek to make Jesus their first priority. In the July edition of our monthly newsletter, we share stories of children who are suffering for Christ’s sake in Sri Lanka, India and Nigeria and how you can get involved in showing them love and support. You can sign up for your free copy here.