"Then you have a different definition."
We have indeed - mine includes to oppress, worry or harass - political or religious persecution is given as only an example, not a definitive condition - what's yours?
"there are still degrees of severity within the category"
Not witin the definition there aren't (you pair raised it) - persecution is persecution.
There is also the fact that persecution remains an option to religious groups and is only checked by prevailing circumstances, the statement by the churchman on the Inquisitions makes it quite clear that in his opinion the church never did anything wrong and, if allowed to, would continue that policy were it left off it were only allowed to do so.
Grounds enough for disbarring any church from having a say in the running of any country as far as far as I'm concerned.
However Mike - I'll do my best to sort myself out - thanks for the heads up again
Jim Carroll