It’s not a word I often use.
But perhaps I should. Because persecution is real, even if it is on the edge of our sight.
This morning The Conversation published a thoughtful article by Ewelina Ochab from the University of Kent. Five reasons the world needs a wake-up call on religious persecution.
Did you know that today has been designated by the UN as International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief? I didn’t.
Yes, we can feel so powerless, but our guilt is to turn away.
At the end of the article Ewelina quotes Lord Ahmad, Minister of State for the Commonwealth, the UN and South Asia:
Our biggest challenge is not when we stand up for our own rights and beliefs. The real test is when we stand up for the rights and beliefs of others.
So I wanted to mark my being with people who express their belief on the edge in some way.
Therefore I’m standing here. Today. And sharing it with you.