One of the most influential spiritual figures in Sunni Islam has called for the destruction of all Christian churches.

The Grand Mufti of Saudia Arabia declared that it is "necessary to destroy all the churches of the region."

The Washington Times nails it:

If the pope called for the destruction of all the mosques in Europe, the uproar would be cataclysmic. Pundits would lambaste the church, the White House would rush out a statement of deep concern, and rioters in the Middle East would kill each other in their grief. But when the most influential leader in the Muslim world issues a fatwa to destroy Christian churches, the silence is deafening.

On March 12, Sheik Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah, the grand mufti of Saudi Arabia, declared that it is "necessary to destroy all the churches of the region." The ruling came in response to a query from a Kuwaiti delegation over proposed legislation to prevent construction of churches in the emirate. The mufti based his decision on a story that on his deathbed, Muhammad declared, "There are not to be two religions in the [Arabian] Peninsula." This passage has long been used to justify intolerance in the kingdom. Churches have always been banned in Saudi Arabia, and until recently Jews were not even allowed in the country. Those wishing to worship in the manner of their choosing must do so hidden away in private, and even then the morality police have been known to show up unexpectedly and halt proceedings.

This is not a small-time radical imam trying to stir up his followers with fiery hate speech. This was a considered, deliberate and specific ruling from one of the most important leaders in the Muslim world. It does not just create a religious obligation for those over whom the mufti has direct authority; it is also a signal to others in the Muslim world that destroying churches is not only permitted but mandatory.

Coptic Christians in Egypt, Iraq, and elsewhere in the Middle East are being persecuted and driven out of the region by a deliberate, and concentrated effort by religious and secular authorities. There is nothing subtle about it. Christian churches are being burned and blown up. Christian clergy are being murdered. Observing Christians are harrassed, discriminated against, beaten, and killed.

And now the Grand Mufti has poured gasoline on this fire. The State Department is silent as is the White House. Even Congress hasn't issued a resolution condemning this bigotry and hate.

It appears that Christians in the Middle East are on their own.