February 27 St. Anne Line, St. Mark Barkworth, St. Roger Filcock

In today’s America there is much talk about religious freedom, whether it is a Christian nation, where and what rights and responsibilities infringe on other people in the area of religion. We can all generally spot the crazies, like Westboro Church, but the fine shades of gray are often difficult points of interactions. In the end, Americans are free to practice what they believe, discuss and debate religion in public. Or choose not to practice any faith. Or choose not to enter the discussions, public or private. This was not always the case in World History. Governments have formed to impose religious views on a nation and governments have formed to stamp out religions. The people (Christians and atheists alike) suffered greatly. They faced real danger, brutal torture and public deaths. It makes it rather hard for me to listen to either side talk about being persecuted for religion in modern day America.

Anne Line was born into a wealthy family in England in 1565. When she converted to Catholicism, she was disowned. She married another convert, Roger Line who was immediately exiled to Belgium where he promptly died. Anne became a supporter of the underground Catholics in London and a staunch supporter of Father John Gerard. She managed a home which served as refuge for priests and believers. It was often the first stop for people (including Father Gerard) as they escaped from the Tower of London. After moving houses several times, the police finally caught up with her, barging in while Father Gerard was saying mass. Although Father Gerard was able to quickly discard his vestments and disappear in the general crowd, Anne Line, Mark Barkworth and Roger Filcock were arrested. Charged with possessing objects used in a Catholic service (Anne Line) and being a priest (Mark Barkworth and Roger Filcock), the three were condemned to die. On February 27, 1601 the three were hanged, drawn and quartered in the public square of Tyburn, London, England.

Being denied the right, or forced, to recite the Lord’s Prayer in public gatherings just doesn’t reach the level of intensity to use the word persecution. Still a gray area that needs to be discussed, debated, defined. But it is not persecution.