Read the full story: Religion News Service
One could argue that the first time Christians protested was the early church’s refusal to worship Roman gods and its subsequent persecution. In a story that has captured the imagination of generations of Christians, St. Lawrence, a third-century deacon, was asked to surrender the treasures of the church to imperial authorities. Three days later, he turned up with the sick, marginalized, poor, elderly and widows and boldly proclaimed, “These are the true treasures of the church.” For his insolence, he was roasted alive.