Persecution: much more than a religious issue

Having said that, a climate of persecution usually begins in deceptively small and subtle ways and people of all faiths – and no faith – must be wary.

Already, the UK has denied some reputable church groups the right to run charities because of their moral beliefs. In so doing, it has robbed the community of valuable social resources, very often provided at minimal cost to the community.

In some instances, individuals have been denied the right to work in their chosen fields, again because of a moral stance – which they do not necessarily promote in a strident way.

Says the Prince of Wales: 'It seems to me that our future as a free society – both here in Britain and throughout the world – depends on recognising the crucial role played by people of faith.'

People of all faiths and no faith need to be aware of how easily disagreement can become social hostility, or worse, institutional oppression.

Persecution is not simply an issue for the religious. It ought to be a concern for us all, for the simple reason that hatred is as irrational in its treatment of 'believers' as people who profess no active faith.

It makes no difference whether the dispute is about faith or something else. In any field, those who hate cannot build concensus; nor do they recognise legitimate difference.

Persecution is an issue exacerbated by political indifference and corruption. In some places it is impacted by poverty, scarcity of resources and the lack of education.

In others, it is the result of an attempt to bully individual conscience, which the teachings of Christ for one strictly forbid. In still other cases, it is born when so-called liberals become strikingly illiberal toward those with whom they disagree.

At home we must remain wary of persecution and determined to strike it down through compassion, open and frank discussion and, at times, honest disagreement. Further afield, we must see that our engagement with the persecuted reflects and reinforces our stated values of defending the defenceless and providing for the poor.

After all, whether as individuals or societies, we are not measured primarily by what we say, but what we do...