Religious Intolerance Intensifies in Europe      12/31/1997

Europe is moving backwards in history by adopting anti-Christian bigotry and attempting to establish a state church. Following the example in Russia, Central European countries plan to ban all public religious activity except for the Orthodox Church. Now the European Parliament, under the pressure from psychiatric, legal, media, and socialist groups, is planning to debate and vote on a Europewide document identifying what they consider to be ”dangerous sects,“ or cults (Washington Times, 12/5/97). Included on the list are Catholic Charismatics, Baptists, Hasidic Jews, the YWCA, and Campus Crusade for Christ.

The purpose of the document being considered is to outlaw or limit the activities of many religious minorities in Europe. Masimo Introvigne, an Italian Roman Catholic scholar, stated that although the intentions of the European Parliament do not qualify as actual persecution, anti-religious sentiment is escalating. Referring to the anti-sect movement as a group of ”liberal rationalists,“ Mr. Introvigne said ”they criticize the 'rising tide of irrationality.' Since religion is not disappearing, they are quite angry about that“ (Washington Times, 12/5/97).

Extensive lists of religious groups and organizations are being compiled by several countries. France has already begun to limit various religions and organizations, and the government has funded anti-sectarian panels. The anti-sect groups are urging legislation to list groups, prohibit them from assembling or opening bank accounts, outlaw ”mind control,“ and set up state bureaus to monitor their activities.

European courts are the only means of limiting anti-sect activity. Fortunately, no U.S. court has accepted a ”mind control“ charge. And the American Psychological Association (APA) determined ”mind control“ as unscientific in 1987. Pray that these rulings held by our court system and the APA will not change, and the U.S. would not follow in the footsteps of Central Europe.

We, as Christians, should daily give thanks for the freedom we have in America to assemble and worship without fear of persecution. If you see limits being placed on religious activity in schools, churches, or in your community and state, write your state representative and defend your religious freedom. Lest we and other religious groups are placed on a blacklist and targeted by our own government for persecution.

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