At HRLA we take our role defending religious freedom in Australia seriously.

But we’re also conscious of how fortunate we are that the fights we have are mostly confined to the courtrooms and industrial relations tribunals.

There are other places where the fight is in the streets and the persecution is violent.

Many Christians in Australia face hostility, in the media, or even from governments.

These battles are with the weapons of words and laws.

But in many places around the world, Christians face real weapons and violence as they are persecuted and even killed for their faith. 

Earlier this month, 70 Christians in the Democratic Republic of the Congo were murdered and beheaded by Islamic terrorists.

This evil act of religious persecution was met with near silence, with very little news coverage.

Only the Hungarian government officially condemned the attack.

It’s a harsh lesson in perspective that for all the challenges Christians face in Australia, we can be grateful we are not facing death and violence.

That’s not to ignore the real challenges many Australians face. People like Jereth Kok have paid a price for expressing their faith in a hostile environment.  Jews in Australia face rising anti-semitism and attacks against synagogues and their own homes.

It is essential to defend the freedom to speak truth and live faithfully, and to never take these freedoms for granted.

But while remaining vigilant, we should be grateful for the relative peace and freedom we enjoy in this country.