April 5, 2015
By Kathryn Jean Lopez

Pope Francis has said that there are at least as many martyrs today as during the times of the early church. This isn’t an academic debate. And even as we’ve been touched by the testimonies of relatives of Christian martyrs in the Middle East and Africa, it still may seem a world away. A visit to that area from an American presidential candidate could lead the way in bringing the tragic and inspiring stories home....

...”Religious freedom (click here) is a sacred space that must be protected in the name of civilization,” Nebraska Rep. Jeff Fortenberry, co-chair of the Caucus for Religious Minorities in the Middle East, tells me....

...He adds a visit to the area by an American presidential candidate would be a “bonanza for the humanitarian agencies like Catholic Relief Services and World Vision.” For anyone seeking to be president, it would not only demonstrate some mature leadership, it would also be the decent thing to do.

Everyone benefits from protecting human dignity.

Speaking during a “religious freedom summit” put on by New York Archbishop Cardinal Timothy Dolan just before Easter, an imam suggested that Muslims take a lead from Catholics and others who have worked to integrate their faith into a pluralistic society.

Truth be told, Christians in the West have miles to go yet in terms of emulating Christ, but in walking that humble walk, by seeing God in others, they do make a difference....

I don't know how realistic it is for all US Presidential candidates to make a trip to the Middle East to promote the well being of Christians. Not because they don't care about the faith, but, because there is a a fairly good chance they may meet up with violence.

I don't believe anyone should be setting a standard involving unknown danger for potential leaders of the free world. I think that comes later after they are elected. 

The fact of the matter is, Christians across the world are running into problems with prison or worse, even in countries such as China.