American Family Association: Christians must pray for boldness and prepare for persecution

TUPELO, Miss. — A new report revealed a startling discovery about modern Christianity — Christians are finding it difficult to express their faith freely in society without fear of being publicly shunned or discriminated against. This concern, according to the report, leads to “self-censorship” regarding personal faith. “Some people do indeed fear being subjected to legal proceedings or being criminally sanctioned on charges of discrimination, while others fear being subjected to disciplinary proceedings in their work or places,” noted the study. Overall, the majority of Christians are choosing to keep their expressions of faith or opinions on issues related to life, marriage and the family from a Christian doctrine perspective private.

American Family Association (AFA, www.AFA.net) Executive Vice President Ed Vitagliano responded to this act of self-censorship, stating that modern Christians have not been prepared for the day-to-day intimidation suffered by the early followers of the faith.

Vitagliano commented, “When the early church was suffering persecution, the Book of Acts said they prayed for boldness to preach the Gospel. That is what the church in America needs as much as anything. We have been a welcomed part of the culture for so long that hostility comes as a shock. It’s time to remember that our primary task as salt and light is to bear witness to the reality of the love of God in Jesus Christ. If that comes at a price, so be it. Our brothers and sisters around the globe are already paying it.”

For over 40 years, AFA has operated within the mission to inform, equip and activate individuals to strengthen the moral foundations of American culture and give aid to the church here and abroad in its task of fulfilling the Great Commission.  Founded in 1977, AFA has long been on the front lines of America’s culture war. Today, AFA is one of the largest and most effective pro-family organizations in the country, with nearly a million online supporters and approximately 110,000 subscribers to The Stand (formerly known as the AFA Journal), the ministry’s monthly magazine.  Find AFA Action Alerts here.  In addition, AFA owns and operates nearly 180 radio stations across the country under the American Family Radio banner. 

View the media page for AFA here. For more information on American Family Association, visit www.afa.net or follow AFA on Facebook or Twitter @AmericanFamAssc.        

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To interview an AFA spokesperson, contact Media@HamiltonStrategies.com, Beth Harrison, 610.584.1096, ext. 105, or Deborah Hamilton, ext. 102.