OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Urges States to Combat Intolerance and Discrimination Against Christians in the West
Dear friends,
On July 11, 2011 The Parliamentary Assembly of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) condemned Intolerance and Discrimination against Christians „in its different forms, both in the eastern and western countries of the OSCE“ (56 participating states from Europe, Central Asia and North America, list: http://www.osce.org/who/83).
It continues to recommend that a "public debate on intolerance and discrimination against Christians be initiated and that the right of Christians to participate fully in public life be ensured";
that, "in view of discrimination and intolerance against Christians, that legislation in the participating States, including labour law, equality law, laws on freedom of expression and assembly, and laws related to religious communities and right of conscientious objection be assessed";
"encourages the media not to spread prejudices against Christians and to combat negative stereotyping";
and "encourages Christian churches to continue their participation in public life contributing to the defence of the dignity of all human beings and to freedom and social cohesion".
The clarity of this document is striking – especially taking into consideration that not even all Christians are fully aware of developments of discrimination against Christians and how these developments, especially in law-making, will affect them. The Parliamentary Assembly has urged governments to ensure that Christian positions are not excluded from public life and that national laws do not infringe on human rights. One example ist the right to conscientious objection of a doctor, a nurse or a hospital not to be forced to provide abortion, or that of a pharmacist who does not want to sell the morning after pill.
The Parliamentary Assembly urges the media to be more self-reflected when it comes to the treatment of Christians. After all, when have you last seen a nice, intelligent prayerful Christian in a sitcom? Every other group of people is somehow represented.
Finally, the Parliamentary Assembly says what the initiative Europe for Christ has said for years: Speak up in public, in the defence of the weakest, without fear and not ashamed.
If this call is not given enough consideration coming from Christians, let it resonate strongly with you when it comes from the Parliamentary Assembly of the largest human rights organization, including most of the governments of the Western hemisphere.
OSCE's Parliamentary Assembly has shown praiseworthy sensitivity to a growing phenomenon which in many places still lacks awareness. It is now on every Christian in Europe and on the participating states to take this urgent call seriously.
Thank you for praying with us for a Christian Europe!
Your “Europe for Christ” – Team!
Full Text of Resolution: http://www.intoleranceagainstchristians.eu/reports-and-documents-detail/article/osce-parliamentary-assembly-urges-state-to-combat-intolerance-and-discrimination-against-christians.html
Link to the entire document in English (view pages 50 and 51): http://www.oscepa.org/images/stories/documents/activities/1.Annual%20Session/2011_Belgrade/BelgradeDeclarationFINALEnglish.pdf
Link to the entire document in Russian: http://www.oscepa.org/images/stories/documents/activities/1.Annual%20Session/2011_Belgrade/BelgradeDeclarationFINALRussian.pdf
Link to the entire document in French: http://www.oscepa.org/images/stories/documents/activities/1.Annual%20Session/2011_Belgrade/BelgradeDeclarationFINALFrench.pdf
