Persecution and the Unity of Believers

Introduction: Dr. John Eibner

Dr. John Eibner, president of CSI, explains the background to this multi-part series that aims to stimulate a conversation about the unity among Christians in the face of persecution.

Cardinal Koch: Persecution of Christians and the Ecumenism of the Martyrs

An English version of an address given by Cardinal Kurt Koch at the Congress on Persecution of Christians, Schwäbisch Gmünd, Germany on November 17, 2015

Rowan Williams: A Response to Cardinal Koch

Former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams points out that while it may be the call of the persecuted to suffer, the calling of those Christians who do not know injustice and violence is to name it and oppose it. Recognizing the persecution of our brothers and sisters in Christ should help us to break down confessional barriers in the spirit of Christian unity.

Archbishop Angaelos: A Response to Cardinal Koch

The Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London reflects on the Church's heritage of martyrdom and the Christian call to advocacy for the oppressed.

Yusufu Turaki: A Response to Cardinal Koch

Nigerian theologian Yusufi Turaki argues that Christian survival requires not only embracing martyrdom but also pursuing advocacy and legitimate self-defense.

(photo: Deborah Yakubu, a Christian from Sokoto State, Nigeria, was stoned to death by a Muslim mob in 2022)

Rita Famos: A Response to Cardinal Koch

Rita Famos, President of the Protestant Church in Switzerland, asks how the Reformed tradition in Switzerland can answer the call for solidarity with persecuted Christians, and how an “ecumenism of the martyrs,” might be lived out in practice, even without full theological unity between confessions.

(photo: CSI founder Rev Hansjürg Stückelberger addresses the Focus on Religious Freedom conference by video. EKS)