BRATISLAVA, Slovakia, FEB. 21, 2011 (Zenit.org).- The Slovak Bishops’ Conference is expressing their concern for the safety of Christians in the Middle East.
A declaration of the episcopal conference published Friday states: “We observe with a great concern that Christians are exposed to violence, especially in the countries of the Middle East. We want to express our fellowship to the brothers and sisters, daily facing various kinds of injustice when confessing their faith.
“We are aware of the fact that anywhere in the world it is important to defend religious freedom and freedom of consciousness.”
The bishops also expressed their hope that the European Union will soon “adopt a clear declaration, in which the EU will declare support for active protection of persecuted Christians, especially in Iraq.”
“We are convinced,” the statement added, “that this act would be an adequate fruit of ongoing dialogue between the European Union and the churches [of Europe].”
