Release urges: love must overcome hate, fear must be refused and freedom must be celebrated and used to the full.

Release International

Release International is deeply saddened by the horrific killing of a priest in France during a church service. The UK-based organisation, which supports persecuted Christians around the world, is urging supporters to refuse fear and cherish freedom.

'Every attack on a Christian around the world is an attack on each of us,' says Release Chief Executive Paul Robinson. 'Each act of persecution hurts the body of Christ, so it is imperative that we pray for each other.'

Christians are often considered easy targets. Release receives similar reports almost every day of attacks against Christians in Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Now the trouble has come to Europe.
'The terrorists' intention is to stir up hatred and division and to rob us of our freedom,' says Paul Robinson.

'But what Release has seen around the world time and again is something much more powerful than hate. We have seen the words of Jesus lived out in the lives of ordinary Christians - love your enemies.

'The message of persecuted Christians around the world is to refuse to hold hatred in your heart. Forgive, love and continue to walk in freedom. Love kills hate.

'This is our wake-up call - to refuse fear and to value, cherish and celebrate the freedom we have. To make the very best of every opportunity.

'Release is working around the world to support Christians who are victims of persecution and religious hatred. Now that hatred has come to our door, we cannot help but have our eyes opened to the suffering of countless Christians around the world who have been persecuted for their faith.
'It reminds us that we must stand with the persecuted as one family and support them the more. They need us and we have much to learn from them.'