Since the onset of the global Coronavirus pandemic, we are witnessing a rise in political and religious persecution. A recent report found that one in five Christians have experienced persecution as a result of practicing their faith.

At a time when community cohesion is most important, people of faith have come under sustained attack in many parts of the world.

Violence, oppression and persecution remain a challenge for Christians, particularly in the most vulnerable communities. There are two main forms of oppression; violence against people and places of worship, and more subtle discrimination that may include encoding restrictions into law.[1]

Persecution includes:

• Vilification, threats and intimidation;

• Deprivation of education, employment opportunities;

• Home raids and confiscation of Bibles;

• Dispossession of house, land and other property;

• Desecration of churches and graves;

• Destruction of villages, crops and businesses;

• Assault - physical and psychological abuse;

• Slavery and sex-trafficking;

• Imprisonment - often illegally and without charge;

• Falsified evidence presented in law courts;

• Torture for revenge, and to extract information;

• Kidnap and rape of women and children;

• Murder;

• Genocide to annihilate entire Christian populations

[1] https://www.eurasiareview.com/21042021-changing-face-of-religious-persecution-oped/

Authorised by George Christensen, Mackay for Pauline Hanson’s One Nation Party.