Comments on: Virtual solidarity?

By: Bex Lewis

Bex Lewis — Wed, 23 Jul 2014 16:35:29 +0000

I have been wondering about this too – and was thinking I’d change to a Twibbon as it’s best of both worlds – maybe not as effective as seeing a row of them, but the rest of the world doesn’t necessarily see all those. So, having spotted Bryony had a Twibbon, I followed the link from hers and changed on both FB/Twitter now!

By: Tim

Tim — Wed, 23 Jul 2014 10:20:31 +0000

If it doesn’t directly affect anyone being persecuted in Iraq, increased awareness still helps over here – folks can add it to the list of ways to treating others to try and avoid doing themselves.

By: TheGinger_Rich

TheGinger_Rich — Wed, 23 Jul 2014 10:06:58 +0000

I too have seen the symbol and know it’s meaning, my one and only concern in it’s using is how long before the far-right Islamaphobic people start to use it? The Likes of Britain First who have a “christian” division (christian with a small c as they do not show any sign of being Christian as I and I know you would know it).

I would use it to show solidarity, but I feel it’s only a matter of time until it’s use is stolen. ISIS do not represent the majority of Islam.

By: vahva

vahva — Wed, 23 Jul 2014 08:29:16 +0000

I’ve been having very similar thoughts Richard. I did seriously consider replacing my profile picture but then I thought ‘what good will it really do?’ and doesn’t doing that make it about me and not them? I thought what Sister Catherine posted on Facebook made some sense: “Why I am not changing my profile pic:
I’m not changing my profile pic to show my solidarity with Iraqi Christians for three reasons. First, I rely on other people’s profile pics to identify them quickly and easily. When everyone uses the same, it confuses me. Second, I think the persecution is going to go on for a long time . . . and third, I remember what my father said about the contemptuous use of the term ‘Nazarene’. We already have the perfect symbol of identification and solidarity in the Cross, either worn outwardly or inscribed on the heart; and I think that’s the one I myself will be using.”

I do want to express solidarity with Christians being persecuted around the world but I am wary of taking such a simple action and then feeling like I’ve ‘done my bit’. I’m trying to use the symbol as a prayer prompt when I see it in my feed.