Freedom to manifest one’s religion

Recent events in Egypt concerning acts of terrorism directed at Coptic Christians have sparked a debate both locally and abroad and, indeed, also within the European Parliament as to the right to freedom of religion and the persecution of Christians.

It seems there is a growing trend of hostility towards Christian communities around the world culminating in acts by fundamentalist groups that should be condemned in the most absolute of terms. Violent acts against Christians have most unfortunately not been restricted to Egypt and have, of late, also been reported in North Korea, numerous Muslim countries as well as India, China, Vietnam and even Turkey.

The situation in Turkey is what I find most troubling, with the state orchestrated pogrom that compelled Greek Christians to leave Istanbul, the continued closure of the Orthodox Theological School of Halki, the assassination of the Catholic priest Andrea Santoro in 2006 and the three Christians murdered in 2007 apparently motivated by their being employed in a Bible publishing firm.

We should be more vociferous in our identification of the perpetrators of these crimes and find ways to hold to account complacent governments that turn a blind eye to these atrocities. In most cases, there is little that can be done, especially when the events described occur in places where we exercise no authority. Nevertheless, we must start taking a stronger stand against intolerance of any form and even more so when such intolerance targets Christianity, part of our culture and heritage.

The Pope has recently stated that Christianity is being plagued by two extremes that fall on opposite ends of the spectrum. On the one hand, one finds religious fundamentalists who attempt to forcefully impose their views on others while, on the other side of the coin, there is a creeping extreme secularism which is gaining momentum in western cultures, preaching that the only place for religion is when it is restricted to the privacy of one’s home.

We must come together to protect our identity and, yes, this includes our religious beliefs. Christianity and Christian values are an important part of what makes us Maltese and what makes us European.

It can be argued we are becoming somewhat too complacent as a society. Is it possible we are becoming tolerant of intolerance? We have seen the European Court of Human Rights prohibit the hanging of a crucifix on a classroom wall and, despite the gross disrespect for Christianity in Turkey, a number of member states still look favourably on the country’s accession.

Religion should be seen as a force for good that aids an individual to find a purpose and meaning in life that transcends materialism. Inter-faith dialogue should further focus on the need for a coherent and forceful strategy to respect each other’s beliefs and to focus on common values.

I was heartened by the Muslim community’s display of solidarity with their Coptic Christian counterparts in Egypt when they risked their own lives to act as human shields in response to threats of further aggression that could have impeded Coptic Christmas celebrations.

When we possess the power to act in order to protect this fundamental human right we should do so as vigorously as possible, both within our borders and abroad. Fundamentalists and governments that in any way tolerate the presence and operation of fanatics must understand we will not sit idly by and watch fellow Christians suffering persecution nor will we renounce our beliefs, values, heritage, culture and identity.

The author is a Nationalist member of the European Parliament.