OSCE Representative Calls for the Establishment of a Day of Christian Martyrs of Our Time
Dr. Massimo Introvigne, OSCE Representative on Combating Racism, Xenophobia, and Intolerance against Christians and Members of Other Religions: "On the level of raising awareness about discrimination against Christians we can do more. ... I have ... suggested to the States that wish to participate the celebration of a Day of Christian Martyrs of our time, to be celebrated not – or not only – in churches, where there are already similar initiatives in place, but in schools, cities, and public institutions because the persecution of Christians does not affect just Christians, but everyone."
... "I suggested the date of 7 May recalling the great ecumenical event which the Venerable John Paul II celebrated at the Colosseum on 7 May 2000, with eight 'stations' recalling the main groups of Christian martyrs of our time: the victims of Soviet totalitarianism, of Communism in other countries, of Nazisim, of the conflicts between religions, of the violent religious nationalisms in Asia, of tribal and anti-missionary hatred, of aggressive secularism and of organised crime. This day could be an annual opportunity for a collective examination of conscience and for an exacting approach from Europe to the problem of the protection of Christian minorities in various countries. It is always worth re-reading the appeal made by John Paul II on 7 May 2000 at the Colosseum at the start of the 21st century which was then just beginning: 'In the century and the millennium just begun may the memory of these brothers and sisters of ours remain always vivid. Indeed, may it grow still stronger! Let it be passed on from generation to generation, so that from it there may blossom a profound Christian renewal'. The establishment of a Day of Christian Martyrs of our time would be a wonderful response to this appeal which today is more real than ever." This is an excerpt from a paper presented by Dr Massimo Introvigne, OSCE Representative on Combating Racism, Xenophobia, and Intolerance against Christians and Members of Other Religions at the joint Council of European Bishops' Conferences (CCEC) and Conference of European Churches (CEC) meeting, Beograd, February 18, 2011. Read the entire text at: http://www.cesnur.org/2011/mi-bel-en.html