A statement on behalf of the Seventh-day Adventist Church to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights on April 9 deplored the “ever-increasing rise in religious intolerance, conflict and violence,” and protested persecution of religious minorities.

Adventist U.N. liaison director Jonathan Gallagher says it was important to raise these issues in this key international forum. He points to estimates that 100 million Christian believers were killed through persecution in the 20th century; more died between 1990 and 2000 than in all the previous centuries combined. He cautions, though, that it’s essential to remember that Christians are not the only faith group to suffer religious persecution. Intolerance has many faces, he says.

“We as a Church continue to be appalled at the rising tide of religious violence that is engulfing the world,” says Gallagher. “To persecute and to attack another human being just because of religious differences is a terrible indictment of how religions can be hijacked for hatred. As the statement says, ‘The Seventh-day Adventist Church adds its voice and its resources to this global battle against the forces of evil intimidation and persecution, determined to do its part to ensure human rights—particularly freedom of religion or belief for all peoples.’”

The statement cited Saudi Arabia, China, Sudan, North Korea, and some central Asian states as examples of religious persecution that has led to violence and death. It concludes: “The Adventist Church recognizes and deplores this ongoing tragedy, and calls upon all nations, religions and individuals to reject any and all forms of violence, particularly violence carried out ‘in the name of God.’”