The Muslim preacher, Sheik Abdul Kerim Fuat, has been ordered to stand trial on charges of insulting the secular government for remarks that he made at a prayer meeting last week in Izmir. It should be noted that he was not calling for the downfall of the government by violent means, only criticizing its religious policies in a private gathering. According to the Times report, even Muslim prayer meetings in private houses in Turkey are illegal without permits.

I asked a colleague who is an expert on Turkish politics and religion for his opinion on this case, and he wrote the following comment on the situation. Because of the sensitive nature of his ongoing work in Turkey, he prefers to remain anonymous.

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When Christians are persecuted in predominantly Muslim nations, the presumption is usually made that Islam is to blame. But in many cases Christians are persecuted for nationalist or secular reasons, with Islam sometimes used as a pretext to gain popular support.

In secular Turkey, persecution against Christians almost always occurs alongside persecution of Muslims who do not enjoy support of the staunchly secular army and government. Young women are not allowed to express their faith by wearing traditional headscarves and non-sanctioned Muslim prayer meetings are raided by the police. Muslim activists are routinely followed and harassed by the Turkish counter-terrorism police and other authorities.

Perhaps the best way to defend Christians in Turkey is to call attention to the widespread infringement upon human rights in Turkey against minorities of every kind. That defense should include Muslims, who will no doubt gain a deeper understanding of Christ through the witness of our unbiased attention. Religious liberty is in fact a broader concern than just Christian liberties, and a Christ-like attitude would surely include advocacy for others who are suffering.

(from the WEF Religious Liberty Commission E-mail Conference)