Pope Francis: More Martyrs now than in the days of the early Christians
We Are All Nazarenes #WeAreN2015
We Are All Nazarenes #WeAreN2015
Just a couple of weeks ago, on April 2nd, an Islamic fundamentalist group killed 147 Christian university students in Kenya. Before this assassination, the assailants separated the Muslims from the Christians. Some witnesses claim to have seen gruesome scenes...not unlike those committed by ISIS.
Unfortunately, this is just the latest tragedy. But, as you know, Christians in Nigeria, Pakistan, Libya, Syria and Iraq, have been suffering for years. Why is it always the same? The victims: peaceful Christians. In these countries, they are suffering social, legal and employment discrimination, as well as actual physical persecution, and, sometimes, appalling violence. Meanwhile, the West seems to want to keep looking the other way.
The situation is so unbearable that the Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, Msgr. Silvano Tomasi, has called for intervention to curb the so-called "Islamic State."
Pope Francis, himself, referred to the persecuted Christians during Holy Week:
"We must protect our persecuted brothers and sisters, exiled, killed and beheaded. They are our Martyrs. And are much more numerous than in the first centuries of the Church ( ... ) I hope the international community will not look the other way and remain silent and inert against this unacceptable crime."
In this environment, the Pakistani Christian, Asia Bibi - unjustly imprisoned and sentenced to death presents an exhibition of faith, strength and hope from death row. This is what she wrote last Easter:
"During Passover, Jesus Christ gives us an example of peace and forgiveness. We all have to learn from the teaching and sacrifice of Christ, crucified for us. He forgave everyone and everything wrong. On this special day, I pray for Christians in Pakistan to live and pray in peace."
CitizenGO has a clear commitment to persecuted Christians. We have worked together for the liberation of a young Sudanese woman, Meriam Ibrahim.
We have also striven for the release of Asia Bibi by collecting signatures and by helping to create a new documentary, called "The Freedom of Asia Bibi." We are delighted to say that the world premiere of this documentary will be held in Madrid on April 17th.
Additionally, from the 17th to the 19th of April, in Madrid, we have organized the first congress of its type, called We Are All Nazarenes (# WeAreN2015). In attendance will be Christian leaders of Syria, Nigeria, Iraq, Egypt and Lebanon. Also participating will be some of the school girls who escaped the kidnapping of Boko Haram.
We want to give voice to many witnesses of suffering Christians worldwide.
If you leave your message of support and solidarity, we will deliver it personally to the family of Asia Bibi, to the rescued girls from Nigeria, and to all religious leaders in attendance.
Thank you for your solidarity and support.
For more information:
CitizenGO Campaign about Meriam Ibrahim
CitizenGO Campaign to Rescue Asia Bibi
CitizenGO Campaign to show Solidarity with our Coptic Brothers