In a world plagued by violence and turmoil, one group of people often bear the brunt of unimaginable suffering – Christians. While we may hear about terror attacks and persecution of different religious groups, the global persecution against Christians often remains a silent issue. But one man, Fr. Andre Mahana, is determined to break this poisonous silence and bring attention to the plight of Christians worldwide.
Fr. Andre Mahana is a Catholic priest and the president of SOS Chrétiens d’Orient (SOS Christians of the East), an international humanitarian organization that assists Christians in the Middle East. He recently spoke out about the global persecution against Christians in an interview with The Gateway Pundit. His powerful words shed light on this often ignored issue and calls for action to protect and support Christians in need.
Fr. Mahana emphasizes the connection between silence and the perpetuation of violence against Christians. He proclaims, “Silence is poisonous when thousands, sometimes millions, of victims of atrocities from Iraq to China, and Lebanon to Indonesia, are not being spoken for.” He urges people to break this silence and raise their voices for the persecuted Christians.
The numbers speak for themselves – Christians are the most persecuted religious group in the world. According to a report by the UK-based organization Open Doors, over 340 million Christians face persecution and discrimination in different forms. From physical violence to economic and social exclusion, Christians are targeted for their faith in countries like North Korea, Afghanistan, and Somalia. Even in more developed countries, Christians face discrimination and harassment for their beliefs.
Fr. Mahana does not shy away from speaking about the root cause of this persecution – radical Islamist groups. He points out how countries like Syria, Iraq, and Nigeria have seen a drastic decline in the Christian population due to the atrocities committed by these extremist groups. He says, “The rise of radical Islam has brought about an unprecedented wave of violence and persecution against Christians, who are seen as infidels and treated as second-class citizens.” Yet, many Western countries turn a blind eye to this reality, choosing political correctness over the protection of human lives.
One may wonder why the global persecution against Christians goes unnoticed and unreported. Fr. Mahana believes that one of the reasons is the media’s lack of interest in covering Christian persecution. He says, “The media is often focused on sensational stories and neglects the plight of Christians.” The biased portrayal of Christianity in the media also adds to this problem. While other religious groups are portrayed as victims, Christians are often portrayed as oppressors, creating a skewed understanding of the situation.
But Fr. Mahana is not just speaking about the problem, he is also working towards a solution. His organization, SOS Chrétiens d’Orient, provides material and spiritual support to persecuted Christians in the Middle East. They also work towards creating awareness and advocating for the rights of Christians. Fr. Mahana believes that education and empowerment are key to ending the global persecution against Christians. “We need to educate people about the reality of Christian persecution and empower them to take action, whether through donations or advocacy,” he says.
Fr. Mahana’s voice is just one among many who are speaking out against the global persecution of Christians. Pope Francis has been vocal about this issue, calling it a “dramatic situation” and urging the international community to take action. The United Nations also passed a resolution in 2019, recognizing the need for protecting religious minorities, including Christians. But more needs to be done, and it starts with breaking the silence.
Fr. Mahana’s message is not just for Christians but for everyone. He reminds us that the persecution of one group affects us all. He says, “If we remain silent about the suffering of our brothers and sisters, we become part of the problem. We need to stand together in solidarity and show our support for those who are facing persecution for their faith.”
In a world that often seems divided, we can come together to support and protect the most vulnerable among us. The global persecution against Christians may seem like a daunting issue, but we can make a difference by speaking out and taking action. Fr. Mahana’s words are a powerful reminder that our voices have the power to create change. Let us break the silence and stand with Christians who are being persecuted for their beliefs.
