The First Amendment isn't World-wide

Perhaps you've heard of Meriam Yehya Ibrahim.

Perhaps not.

She is a young mother of a son less than two years old and a daughter born last month.

She is also convicted and facing death by hanging.

Based on just that sentence, you would likely conclude Meriam must be dangerous or did something authorities believe can't be tolerated.

I guess on some level, both of those are true.  Meriam is a Christian who lives in Sudan and was convicted of apostasy.

You can read her story in this column by Leonard Pitts.

I am thankful to read that the U.S. government is outraged and urging Sudan not to carry out the horrendous sentence and that people and governments around the world are speaking out on her behalf and her right to believe in Jesus Christ as her Savior.  

I first read about Meriam last week in a daily devotion from Lutheran Hour Ministries and her refusal to tell authorities what they want to hear is inspiring.

Here in the United States, it can seem unfathomable that such things could or do happen.  But they are happening around the world, Christians in India have been persecuted and have had their homes burned.  Other times, the persecution can be more subtle with teasing, bullying, or denied opportunities.

Unfortunately, persecution is fairly common.  Christians, who are sinners too, have persecuted others and fought wars they thought were right.  In places around the world, even in the U.S., folks persecute others instead of trying to understand.

Any persecution is wrong, and it is the way of the world.

A tenet I remember from growing up in a Christian home and school was that while we may not agree with everyone, we can listen respectfully and respond gently.  We ought not be a perpetrator of cruel and unkind words and actions. 

Understand I will, and you will too, fall short of that goal. 

Perhaps the best course of action is not standing idly by, because when good people say nothing all kinds of bad can occur.

It's very difficult to place where Meriam is - waiting out her appeal while steadfastly refusing to say what authorities want to hear.  I'd like to think I would be doing the same - and thankful to live in a country where we have the freedom to believe (or not) as we choose.