Christians regularly practice self-censorship when faced with secular intolerance. This is the conclusion of several Christian human rights organizations in a report published in June.## Unjustified distinctionThe three organisations, including the International Institute for Religious Freedom, investigate Christian persecution and “secular intolerance.” The distinction between a “free church in the West” and “the persecuted church” is not justified, they write in the report. Forms of persecution also take place in the West, but these are often incidents. “A few cuts do not kill you and barely hurt. But continuous small strikes eventually have an impact.” The chilling effect According to the researchers, this leads to what they call the “chilling effect”: a form of paralysis among Christians to profess their faith or to speak out about themes that are controversial in the culture, such as views on marriage, and family or sexual morality. The researchers surveyed individuals from Mexico, Colombia, France and Germany on these themes, and concluded that Christians regularly practice self-censorship. For example, believing scientists often feel compelled to keep their beliefs secret or Christians are reluctant on social media for fear of a “social lynching.”
Unawareness The study also states that many Christians are not aware that they practice self-censorship. Because it is a subtle process, this element is often not recognized in studies of religious freedom. According to the authors, however, self-censorship does hinder a free confession of religion.
Training needed Christians see a need for more training on this topic, the study concludes. They want to know how to detect self-censorship and how to react to places where they are prone to the “chilling effect”. The researchers write: “We cannot but interpret this as a request for help made by the global Church.” At the same time, they suggest the Church should play a more active role in fighting self-censorship, because of unawareness among its members.
Christian response The research suggests that both the chilling effect and self-censorship are real and call for a Christian response. One of the recommendations given in this study is for churches to raise awareness. In this way, Christians can, individually and collectively, take a proactive stand against the leading secular worldview. As one interviewee states: “if churches stand their ground, it might be possible to push back on parts of secular intolerance.”
| upport conditions According to the Swedish broadcaster SVT, support may not be given to a religious community if the religious community, any of its congregations or a representative who acts within the framework of the religious community's or a congregation's activities 1. uses violence, coercion or threats against a person; 2. violates a child's rights in such a way that there is a risk that the child's health or development will be harmed; 3. violates the fundamental rights and freedoms of a person by taking advantage of a vulnerable situation; 4. discriminates against individuals or groups or otherwise violates the principle of equal value of all human beings; 5. opposes the democratic system of government. |
| upport conditions According to the Swedish broadcaster SVT, support may not be given to a religious community if the religious community, any of its congregations or a representative who acts within the framework of the religious community's or a congregation's activities 1. uses violence, coercion or threats against a person; 2. violates a child's rights in such a way that there is a risk that the child's health or development will be harmed; 3. violates the fundamental rights and freedoms of a person by taking advantage of a vulnerable situation; 4. discriminates against individuals or groups or otherwise violates the principle of equal value of all human beings; 5. opposes the democratic system of government. |
| upport conditions According to the Swedish broadcaster SVT, support may not be given to a religious community if the religious community, any of its congregations or a representative who acts within the framework of the religious community's or a congregation's activities 1. uses violence, coercion or threats against a person; 2. violates a child's rights in such a way that there is a risk that the child's health or development will be harmed; 3. violates the fundamental rights and freedoms of a person by taking advantage of a vulnerable situation; 4. discriminates against individuals or groups or otherwise violates the principle of equal value of all human beings; 5. opposes the democratic system of government. |
