SW News: On the occasion of the UN International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief which is observed on August 22, Pope Francis reiterated the plea to stop invoking God to incite violence and hatred. On Twitter, he said “I renew my appeal to stop using religions to incite hatred, violence, extremism, and blind fanaticism and to refrain from using the name of God to justify acts of murder, exile, terrorism, and oppression.

On the same occasion, pontifical charity Aid to the Church in Need, which also tracks Christian persecution, has said that attacks on Christians and their institutions are witnessing an escalation in several parts of the world. Managing Director of Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) Germany Florian Ripka said they are receiving “new shocking reports every day”.

He cited the case of eastern Pakistan where Muslim hardliners burned down churches and houses of Christians following the allegation that a Christian family desecrated the Koran. Ripka also referred to the Indian state of Manipur where ethnic violence has been going on for three months.

Ripka also expressed concern over the kidnappings and murders in Nigeria as well as the drastic action taken by the Nicaraguan regime against priests and Church institutions in the Central American country. He reiterated that ACN supports Christians facing persecution and oppression around the world and stands up for the right to freedom of religion.

“Religious persecution affects all denominations and religions. It is never tolerable. Religions, with their commitment to human dignity and charity, are not part of the problem, but part of the solution. Religious freedom must not become a second-class human right,” he said.

He said people across the world have to closely observe religious violence and persecution whenever they take place. “Human rights are never a sure-fire success. And it is just as true: where religious freedom is trampled underfoot, other human rights such as freedom of expression, political participation and the protection of minorities are just as affected. Therefore, keep your eyes open for freedom of religion! Unfortunately, the topic is still underrepresented in our country – politically, socially and ecclesiastically,” Ripka said.