Dear Editor:

People in power used the law to persecute Jesus. They persecuted Old Testament prophets, the disciples and early Christians the same way — using laws. We’ve had it easy in this country for a long time. But Christian persecution is rising in America.

There are people running for powerful positions in our government and working in our government who want to pass laws that would criminalize Christian morality.

If they get their way, Christian churches could not preach that marriage can only be between one man and one woman and could not preach anything that opposes gay marriage or homosexuality. If the churches do not agree, they would lose their tax exempt status. Only churches that conform to the LGBTQ agenda would be tax exempt.

Beto O’Rourke was asked, “Do you think religious institutions — like colleges, churches, charities — should lose their tax-exempt status if they oppose same-sex marriage?” His response was, “Yes! There can be no reward, no benefit, no tax break, for ANYONE or any institution, any organization in America, that denies the full human rights and the full civil rights of every single one of us, and so as president, we are going to make that a priority and we are going to stop those who are infringing upon the human rights of our fellow Americans.”

When asked this question, Cory Booker answered that there should be “consequences” for ANYONE who opposes same-sex marriage.

We, as followers of Christ, will be made criminals for our beliefs. Jesus said, “You will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers.” Jesus told us it would happen. Today it is manifesting itself right before our eyes.

Let’s remember: Jesus told us to love and pray for those who persecute us.

Tim Waters

Powell