First thought that entered my head when I saw the title of this thread is "of or by?"
No religion can claim the moral high ground when it comes to persecuting those who don't fit their particular set of guidelines. The history of the Christian church is second-to-none in having earned itself a bloodsoaked reputation - Quentin Tarrantino - eat your heart out!!!
Even under the general umbrella of Christianity - hard luck if you happen to 'kick with the wrong foot' (and even within the "right" denomination you are not guaranteed protection from abuse - ask the possible victims of Archbishop McQuaid.
Religion deals in mystical absolutes and while it has any say whatever in the day-to-day running of our lives other than that of spiritual guidance, the better, and even that should be only with the total agreement of consenting adults.
Religion and politics is a toxic mix and the sooner it is neutralised, the more likely we are to stop tearing each others heads off in the name of a spiritual bogie-man
Jim Carroll