Current events unfolding in the world are a terse reminder of the rising wave of persecution against Christians. This is most marked in Syria and adjacent Arab countries which once were the cradle of Christianity. These countries’ Christian communities have been there since the dawn of the Faith and go back some two millennia.
The unparalleled brutality and violence against Christian communities include crucifixion, beheading, torture and rape. Despite these unspeakable atrocities the Western powers that were so cavalier in bombing Iraq and Libya to get rid of ruthless dictators, seem remarkably indifferent to the terrible situation they have let loose. Radicalised Islamists are not only exterminating Christians in countries where Christianity predate Islam by hundreds of years, they are also obliterating Christian heritage by destroying churches and monasteries.
This persecution is not restricted to Arab countries. In sub-Saharan Africa, particularly northeast Nigeria, Christian communities are being decimated and churches destroyed following the horrific pattern adopted by IS in Syria and Iraq. Pakistan, which is largely Muslim, is notorious for allowing Christians to be slaughtered, and its blasphemy laws have been used to subject hapless Christians to summary trials, imprisonment and execution. Malaysia has introduced the ridiculous law that only Muslims can use the word Allah. Even in India, that until recently had a record of religious tolerance, Hindu fanatics are on the rampage against Christians.
Unbelievably, these abominations hardly stir any international response. Inhumanity and violence is being portrayed as an inevitable religious phenomenon. This disgraceful interpretation is partly argued by Western culture that has not only abandoned its Christian roots but is doing its utmost to marginalise and exclude Christian participation in fashioning society. Anti-Christian and anti-Catholic intolerance is increasing, even in Malta.
This ambivalence was illustrated when US President Barack Obama, reacting to the burning alive of a Jordanian pilot, remarked: “Unless we get on our high horse and think this is unique to some other place, remember that during the Crusades and the Inquisition, people committed terrible deeds in the name of Christ.” Such an offensive statement betrays his superficial historical awareness and indifference to the fact that Christians are on the receiving end of this atrocious murdering spree by Islamic extremists.
What is overlooked is the historical reality that Christianity laid the roots of Western civilisation and culture, promoting human dignity and the common good. Even a basic knowledge of history will bear this out. One has only to revisit the Christian foundations and values that underpin the Magna Carta of 1215.
Anti-Catholic intolerance is increasing, even in Malta
The civilising impact of Christianity is also illustrated by the educational, social and medical services that were pioneered by the Church and its organisations. Despite the declining percentage of practising Catholics in Europe, these facts cannot be denied. Malta’s Christian credentials are all the more praiseworthy when one considers the magnificent contribution by Maltese Catholic missionaries worldwide.
Fr John Caruana, a Maltese missionary priest in Brazil, has taken the trouble to chronicle as extensively as possible ‘the Maltese missionary experience’, publishing a book with this title. This publication is a gem, making one realise that despite our small population, Malta’s record in propagating the Good News to the four corners of the earth is outstanding and should make us proud.
This tribute to the sacrifice and heroism of these worthy representatives of the Church and our country are now extensively documented, enabling us to realise the invaluable contribution that was and is being given to so many people, even in countries hostile to the Faith. This book should be widely promoted as reading it is a very positive educational experience.
As Gozo Bishop Mario Grech said: “Insomuch as they proclaimed the Gospel of Christ, so they spoke up for human rights they built homes, hospitals, schools, housed orphans they also laboured hard to build a culture of love which is the soul of ecclesial and social structures.”
Such testimony of evangelisation is also a reminder of our responsibility to support and defend Christian communities that are at risk to mindless and ruthless persecution.
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