” “During the plenary assembly taking place in Vehlerad at the beginning of the month, the bishops approved a declaration on the persecution of Christians. "We, bishops of the Czech Republic, join the Pope and the pastors of local Churches in appealing to governments and politicians in all the countries in which the Christians suffer oppression by authorities and by the believers of a majority religion. Their duty is committing themselves to justice in any case, keeping an eye on respect for human rights, neither approving nor tolerating any kind of violence in the name of God or materialistic ideologies", it is written in the document. "We also appeal to the believers of all religions: don’t resort to violence in the name of faith, but consider all the people as though they were your brothers and sisters. God does not rejoice at blood, and any violence or injustice made in His name is a serious offence for the order He created and established". Thus the bishops conclude the appeal: "Commit yourselves against any kind of injustice and oppression, violence and persecution. Commit yourselves to the persecuted, help them as much as you can, welcome refugees and pray God, the Father of all, and for those who are wronged because of their faith in Him".” “
