A Message from LCA Bishop John Henderson on the Persecution of Christians in the Middle East and Africa

Dear fellow members of Christ in the LCA

Most of us are in no doubt that there is a push among some elements to remove Christianity from the Middle East and some African countries, despite the fact that Christianity is growing rapidly on that continent. There are also parallel, ruthless efforts to cleanse some Islamic movements and other religions as well. The reasons for this dramatic push for religious and cultural purity are many and complex, and go back a long way. A dramatic re-adjustment is underway following the withdrawal of the former European Christian powers from these regions.

Most of the Christians under persecution in the Middle East and many parts of northern Africa are Orthodox or Eastern Rite Catholic. Some are Protestant (including Lutherans in Sudan). Almost all of the persecuted Christian groups have living communities here in Australia.

Church leaders whose communities are under attack are saying that in this age, to be a Christian is to be a martyr. This is not the first time in the history of the church that this has been true, and it is a courageous message that we in Australia can take to heart and learn from.

In the face of this, what can we do?

• We need to get to know these Christian communities in our own society. They need our hospitality.
• We learn how to support and encourage them as brothers and sisters in Christ.
• We can give financial help when asked.
• We can ask opinion shapers to advocate for their needs.
• We can pray for persecuted Christians, and cry out to God against injustice, fear and oppression.

There are probably other things we can do as well. Maybe you have ideas you would like the LCA to explore.

Yours in Christ,

John Henderson

Bishop, Lutheran Church of Australia