Later this month, the Congressional Human Rights Council will begin a series of events concerning the persecution of Christians around the world. Open congressional briefings are being planned in an attempt to learn more about why Christians are being persecuted, and to furnish people with the means to address the tragedy. One of the areas in which persection is reported as strongest is the Sudan, which is also one of the fastest-growing regions of Anglicanism. In a recent appearance in the United States, the Rt. Rev. Nathanial Garang, Bishop of Bor, told how one Christian stood in front of a military tank holding a Bible and a cross, and was killed by soldiers, but because of his commitment, "32,000 people came to the Lord," the bishop said.

The situation also is bad in Pakistan, where violent acts have been reported against Christians by Muslims. In February, 13 churches were burned, and a Christian village was nearly destroyed, leaving nearly 30,000 Christians homeless.

Stories of persecuted Christians are so overwhelming that it is almost hard to believe that such atrocities can be going on. "It might sound implausible," a Pakistani Christian leader told the Daily Telegraph in London, "but you have got to forget your secular way of thinking."

The inhuman treatment of Christians in countries where they are minorities cannot be tolerated. Caring persons throughout the Anglican Communion should be prepared to help those being persecuted. An Episcopal Church delegation could be sent to Pakistan and the Sudan and report its findings to the 72nd General Convention in Philadelphia. Letters could be sent to Pakistani and Sudanese embassies to register our protest and to seek their help to establish fair treatment and tolerance for the Christian minorities in those countries. In this season of resurrection, let us pray that those persons may experience increased faith and hope.