The Church of England issue a request to their members to push for relevance, moan about being sidelined by society and try to claw back their once influential position. One way, according to guidance issued back in June to diocese offices, is to point out the suffering in the real sense wherever Christians are the minority cult and somehow use that as a way to stop people questioning them here.

There have been instances of this since. Members of The lords claiming that gay marriage was tantamount to Christian persecution. The laity in the bishops debate saying forcing women to be eligible for the top jobs is Christian persecution.

Starting threads such as this one fits into the mould wonderfully.

Why the word "Christian" in the title Keith? What was wrong with pointing out where one cult oppresses another, regardless of flavour? Why the particular emphasis on Christians? The coverage is part of an effort to gain more influence in an increasingly secular society.

Is a society that doesn't want to give religions privilege a threat? Isn't guaranteed freedom to follow your faith enough? Is it so bloody important to play the persecution card to get normal people to stop marginalising the ancient undue influence religion has had?

Enjoy your faith. Nobody is stopping you. But nobody is linking bloody atrocity to empty pews. Except those who see well adjusted people as a threat.