Faith is just one freedom that requires protection

The months of December and January are when Christians of the Arab world celebrate Christmas – not just on December 25 but also January 6 and 7, depending on their denomination. With the rise of Islamist extremism, many in the West fear for the survival of the Christian community in the region – and are suggesting policies accordingly. But how best to tackle this admittedly worrying issue?

Concerns about the continued survival of Christian communities in the Arab world are not unfounded. Indeed, next month, one of the world’s most noted Muslim religious scholars, Abdullah Bin Bayyah, will host a conference on the issue of religious minorities in Muslim lands. It is being held under the auspices of the King of Morocco – which indicates that the subject of minorities is being taken seriously by at least some, if not enough, political and religious authorities in the region.

The opening of the article. The full text is at The National.