In solidarity with plight of Christians

Re: “It’s open season on Mideast Christians” (NP Montreal, March 18)

Matthew Fisher has written an excellent, eye-opening exposé on the harsh persecution that Christians are facing in many parts of the world. Throughout recent history, when our world has faced genocides, we shook our heads in disbelief, vowing that this must never happen again. Yet, it is happening now to the Christian population in the Middle East and parts of Africa and Asia, and has been for some time. Do we turn away once more?

These Christians are people who have lived in the areas for centuries. They have every right to live, flourish, and practise their faith without fear of discrimination and death. They should not have to walk on eggshells, living in constant fear, watching their beloved churches and artifacts destroyed before their very eyes.

I will be participating in the West Island’s Walk of Faith on Good Friday morning, as I have for the past several years. I urge others, both practising and lapsed Christians, to look into their local events for the Easter weekend, teach their children the true meaning of the holiday, and uphold Christianity, not only to affirm their own faith, but also for the sake of those who cannot freely express theirs. It is a gentle and peaceful event, in fellowship with others who believe that defending the love that Jesus taught is worth the sacrifice. Natalie Turko-Slack, Dollard-des-Ormeaux