Pastors cite persecution as major problem

PHOENIX — In a nationwide study of Protestant pastors, 91 percent said persecution of Christians is a major problem in today’s world and 77 percent called for U.S. sanctions against governments guilty of such persecution.

China was the country most likely to be criticized for persecution of Christians based on their faith, according to a study by Ellison Research, a marketing research company located in Phoenix. Researchers polled 518 current pastors this spring. The margin of error is 4.3 percent.

Republican clergy felt stronger about the issue; 68 percent said they felt “strongly” that Christian persecution is a major problem. While eight of 10 Democrats agreed with the statement, just 33 percent said they agreed “strongly.” 

The rest said they agreed “somewhat.”