by Brian HuttPosted: Thursday, January 6, 2011, 11:30 (GMT)
Christian Solidarity Worldwide has condemned as “brutal” the arrest and detention of 70 Christians during the Christmas period in Iran.
Twenty-five of them were rounded up in the early hours of Christmas Day. CSW said another 50 Christians were detained although their circumstances remain unclear.
The 25 detained on Christmas Day were evangelicals and included pastors and leaders from Iran’s house church networks, which are under severe pressure from the government.
Eleven of the group have so far been released but CSW said it had “serious concerns” for the 14 who remain in detention.
Andrew Johnston, Advocacy Director of CSW, said: “We condemn this brutal attack on evangelical Christians in Iran.
“The arrest of 70 members of one group reveals the clear targeting of individuals along religious lines.
“Iran is a signatory to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and is therefore legally obligated to uphold international standards of religious freedom for all its citizens.”
CSW said members of house churches have been subjected to brutal interrogations and solitary confinement at the hands of the authorities looking to extract the names of other church members and deter them practising their faith.
It said it was troubled by the anti-Christian rhetoric of religious and political leaders in the media.
Most recently the Governor of Tehran, Morteza Tamadon, described Christians as ‘tabshiri’, or ‘missionaries’, and threatened more arrests during a speech in Tehran on Tuesday announcing the arrest of several evangelical leaders.
He told the state-run IRNA news agency: “Just like the Taliban … who have inserted themselves into Islam like a parasite, they have crafted a movement with Britain’s backing in the name of Christianity.”
source:http://www.christiantoday.com/article/70.christians.arrested.over.christmas.in.iran/27321.htm
Showing posts with label persecution. Show all posts
Showing posts with label persecution. Show all posts
Friday, January 7, 2011
Authorities raid worship service in Hunan Province, China
by Staff
January 5, 2011
(christiansunite.com) - Chinese authorities raided a house church worship service held by members of the Hope Church in the city of Changsha, Hunan Province, on December 12.
At approximately 9:30 a.m., dozens of believers were gathered for worship when police officers and government officials arrived on scene. The authorities forced the believers to disperse and confiscated several items belonging to the church, including the podium, chairs and air-conditioner. They also took into custody two of the believers -- Pastor Zing Jinfu and Minister Le -- who were taken to a local police station and questioned for a couple of hours.
It is not known if this raid was part of the nationwide "Operation Deterrence" campaign that the Politburo of the Chinese Communist Party launched on December 1 against all house churches in the nation. Even if it was not officially part of this campaign, there is fear that local authorities could be increasing the frequency and severity of their moves against this church in the coming weeks in relation to the nationwide crackdown.
source:http://news.christiansunite.com/Religion_News/religion09848.shtml
January 5, 2011
(christiansunite.com) - Chinese authorities raided a house church worship service held by members of the Hope Church in the city of Changsha, Hunan Province, on December 12.
At approximately 9:30 a.m., dozens of believers were gathered for worship when police officers and government officials arrived on scene. The authorities forced the believers to disperse and confiscated several items belonging to the church, including the podium, chairs and air-conditioner. They also took into custody two of the believers -- Pastor Zing Jinfu and Minister Le -- who were taken to a local police station and questioned for a couple of hours.
It is not known if this raid was part of the nationwide "Operation Deterrence" campaign that the Politburo of the Chinese Communist Party launched on December 1 against all house churches in the nation. Even if it was not officially part of this campaign, there is fear that local authorities could be increasing the frequency and severity of their moves against this church in the coming weeks in relation to the nationwide crackdown.
source:http://news.christiansunite.com/Religion_News/religion09848.shtml
Algerian Christians sentenced for setting up "illegal" place of worship
by Staff
January 6, 2011
(christiansunite.com) - Four Christians were recently given suspended prison sentences for opening a place of worship in the eastern region of Kabylia, Algeria, without a proper license issued by authorities.
The Christians -- a Protestant clergyman and three of his parishioners -- were convicted on the basis of a controversial 2006 law that requires that anyone who wants to set up a place of worship, whether Muslim or non-Muslim, must obtain a permit indicating the name of the place of worship as well as that of the pastor. Some believe this law violates Algeria's constitution, and this is first time it has been enforced in the nation.
Three of the men -- Abdenour Raid, Nacer Mokrani and Idir Haoudj -- received two-month prison sentences. The fourth man, Pastor Mahmoud Yahou, was sentenced to three months in jail and fined almost $3,600 CAN for illegally sheltering a foreigner.
source: http://news.christiansunite.com/Religion_News/religion09853.shtml
January 6, 2011
(christiansunite.com) - Four Christians were recently given suspended prison sentences for opening a place of worship in the eastern region of Kabylia, Algeria, without a proper license issued by authorities.
The Christians -- a Protestant clergyman and three of his parishioners -- were convicted on the basis of a controversial 2006 law that requires that anyone who wants to set up a place of worship, whether Muslim or non-Muslim, must obtain a permit indicating the name of the place of worship as well as that of the pastor. Some believe this law violates Algeria's constitution, and this is first time it has been enforced in the nation.
Three of the men -- Abdenour Raid, Nacer Mokrani and Idir Haoudj -- received two-month prison sentences. The fourth man, Pastor Mahmoud Yahou, was sentenced to three months in jail and fined almost $3,600 CAN for illegally sheltering a foreigner.
source: http://news.christiansunite.com/Religion_News/religion09853.shtml
Monday, November 22, 2010
Christian accused of desecrating Qur'an jailed in Ethiopia
(christiansunite.com) - A Christian in Ethiopia's southern town of Moyale has been languishing in jail for two months after his Muslim business partner accused him of writing "Jesus is Lord" in a copy of the Qur'an.
Tamirat Woldegorgis, who is in his early 30s and is a member of the Full Gospel Church, was arrested in early August after his partner in their clothes-making business discovered Tamirat had inscribed "Jesus is Lord" on some cloth. His Muslim co-worker, whose name has not been established, went to a nearby mosque with the accusation that Tamirat had written "Jesus is Lord" in the Qur'an itself. Angry sheikhs at the mosque subsequently had Tamirat arrested for desecrating the book sacred to Islam.
Other sources have said, however, that Muslims accused Tamirat of writing "Jesus is Lord" on a piece of wood, on a minibus, and then on the wall of a house. A church leader who requested anonymity has stated that when two of Tamirat's friends enquired about him at the Moyale police station, they were jailed for two weeks.
In Ethiopia's federal state system, each state is autonomous in its administration, and most of those holding government positions in Somali Region Zone Five are Muslims. "We fear that our brother might be taken to Islamic court in Jijiga for trial, which will further threaten his life," the church leader said.
Authorities are reportedly offering to release Tamirat if he will convert to Islam. Tamirat is physically weak but strong in his faith, the church leader said, adding that he needs food and other material assistance, as well as an attorney. (Source: Compass Direct)
source:http://news.christiansunite.com/Religion_News/religion09782.shtml
Tamirat Woldegorgis, who is in his early 30s and is a member of the Full Gospel Church, was arrested in early August after his partner in their clothes-making business discovered Tamirat had inscribed "Jesus is Lord" on some cloth. His Muslim co-worker, whose name has not been established, went to a nearby mosque with the accusation that Tamirat had written "Jesus is Lord" in the Qur'an itself. Angry sheikhs at the mosque subsequently had Tamirat arrested for desecrating the book sacred to Islam.
Other sources have said, however, that Muslims accused Tamirat of writing "Jesus is Lord" on a piece of wood, on a minibus, and then on the wall of a house. A church leader who requested anonymity has stated that when two of Tamirat's friends enquired about him at the Moyale police station, they were jailed for two weeks.
In Ethiopia's federal state system, each state is autonomous in its administration, and most of those holding government positions in Somali Region Zone Five are Muslims. "We fear that our brother might be taken to Islamic court in Jijiga for trial, which will further threaten his life," the church leader said.
Authorities are reportedly offering to release Tamirat if he will convert to Islam. Tamirat is physically weak but strong in his faith, the church leader said, adding that he needs food and other material assistance, as well as an attorney. (Source: Compass Direct)
source:http://news.christiansunite.com/Religion_News/religion09782.shtml
Church building destroyed in India
by Staff
November 22, 2010
(christiansunite.com) - Believers in an Indian village were working hard to construct a church building, only to have their hopes -- and their building -- dashed by anti-Christian militants.
Pastor Paul Joseph and his congregation had completed much of the building when anti-Christian militants arrived September 14. That afternoon, the intruders demolished half the building. Pastor Paul and other church leaders approached the police, but they refused to help.
On the following day, the militants pressured those living in the area to sign a petition against the church construction. Ignoring the believers' pleas to stop the destruction, they insisted, "We don't want any church in this area." They then reduced the rest of the building to a heap of rubble.
Although the congregation had received government permission to build the church building, the militants accused the church members of not having the proper permission to build. (Source: Gospel for Asia)
November 22, 2010
(christiansunite.com) - Believers in an Indian village were working hard to construct a church building, only to have their hopes -- and their building -- dashed by anti-Christian militants.
Pastor Paul Joseph and his congregation had completed much of the building when anti-Christian militants arrived September 14. That afternoon, the intruders demolished half the building. Pastor Paul and other church leaders approached the police, but they refused to help.
On the following day, the militants pressured those living in the area to sign a petition against the church construction. Ignoring the believers' pleas to stop the destruction, they insisted, "We don't want any church in this area." They then reduced the rest of the building to a heap of rubble.
Although the congregation had received government permission to build the church building, the militants accused the church members of not having the proper permission to build. (Source: Gospel for Asia)
Friday, October 29, 2010
US college president: Anti-Israel professor cannot be fired
Tenured Pennsylvania professor who questioned Shoah, referred to Israel as ‘hydra-headed monster’ cannot be fired, university president says; Pakistan-born lecturer gets green-light to express his opinions outside classroom
Associated Press
Published: 10.29.10, 01:59 / Israel News
The president of Lincoln University in Pennsylvania says he cannot fire a tenured professor who has questioned the Holocaust and expressed virulent anti-Israel views because the teacher has kept his opinions out of the classroom.
A Thursday statement from Ivory Nelson, president of the state-supported university, says Professor Kaukab Siddique's beliefs may be "insidious" but he can express them "as long as he does not present such opinions as the views of the university."
Siddique has questioned the Holocaust and called for the destruction of Israel in forums including a September rally in Washington, DC, and an online magazine he edits called New Trend.
Speaking at the recent Labor Day rally, Siddique said: "We must stand united to defeat, to destroy, to dismantle Israel – if possible by peaceful means... For the Jews, I would say, 'See what could happen to you if the Muslims wake up.' And I say to the Muslims, Dear brothers and sisters – unite and rise up against this hydra-headed monster which calls itself Zionism.'"
Vocal critic of Israel
Originally from Pakistan, Siddique, 67, is a vocal critic of what he calls "Israel's record of human-rights abuses in the Palestinian territories." Nevertheless, he maintains that his Labor Day statements have been misunderstood.
The professor's remarks sparked outrage among pro-Israeli groups and as Lincoln University is a Pennsylvania State-sponsored school, State Senator Daylin Leach – and numerous other members of the State Assembly – have urged Lincoln president Ivory Nelson to ensure the professor's "anti-Semitic diatribes" had not made their way into the university's classrooms.
Siddique is a tenured professor in English and mass communications. He did not respond to messages from The Associated Press seeking comment.
source:http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3976608,00.html
Associated Press
Published: 10.29.10, 01:59 / Israel News
The president of Lincoln University in Pennsylvania says he cannot fire a tenured professor who has questioned the Holocaust and expressed virulent anti-Israel views because the teacher has kept his opinions out of the classroom.
A Thursday statement from Ivory Nelson, president of the state-supported university, says Professor Kaukab Siddique's beliefs may be "insidious" but he can express them "as long as he does not present such opinions as the views of the university."
Siddique has questioned the Holocaust and called for the destruction of Israel in forums including a September rally in Washington, DC, and an online magazine he edits called New Trend.
Speaking at the recent Labor Day rally, Siddique said: "We must stand united to defeat, to destroy, to dismantle Israel – if possible by peaceful means... For the Jews, I would say, 'See what could happen to you if the Muslims wake up.' And I say to the Muslims, Dear brothers and sisters – unite and rise up against this hydra-headed monster which calls itself Zionism.'"
Vocal critic of Israel
Originally from Pakistan, Siddique, 67, is a vocal critic of what he calls "Israel's record of human-rights abuses in the Palestinian territories." Nevertheless, he maintains that his Labor Day statements have been misunderstood.
The professor's remarks sparked outrage among pro-Israeli groups and as Lincoln University is a Pennsylvania State-sponsored school, State Senator Daylin Leach – and numerous other members of the State Assembly – have urged Lincoln president Ivory Nelson to ensure the professor's "anti-Semitic diatribes" had not made their way into the university's classrooms.
Siddique is a tenured professor in English and mass communications. He did not respond to messages from The Associated Press seeking comment.
source:http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3976608,00.html
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Pastor charged with forced conversions in India
by Staff
October 26, 2010
(christiansunite.com) - On Sunday, September 26, Hindu militants stormed a small, mostly tribal fellowship in Umachagi village, Karnataka, which has been led by Pastor Shivanda Siddi (45) for the past five years.
After interrupting prayers, they tried to argue with Pastor Siddi while abusing believers and taking their Bibles. For the next half hour they insulted, beat and stripped the pastor before phoning the police and falsely accusing him of forced conversions. When the police arrived they arrested the pastor, seven women and two children.
While the Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC) was able to intervene to get the women and children released, Pastor Siddi was tried and charged under Section 295 of the Indian Penal Code, which prohibits "forced" conversions. At last report, the pastor had been released on bail.
Omar Beiler, a regional director with AG World Missions, has shared, "Although I'm deeply pleased that GCIC was able to secure the release of Pastor Siddi...this kind of incident is not isolated or restricted to India. Persecution is a very real experience for many Christians around the world. I believe our prayers for the suffering Church can make the difference between life and death for many of our brothers and sisters in Christ who experience -- at the very least -- daily threats." (Source: Australian Evangelical Alliance Religious Liberty Commission, AGNews)
source:http://news.christiansunite.com/Religion_News/religion09758.shtml
October 26, 2010
(christiansunite.com) - On Sunday, September 26, Hindu militants stormed a small, mostly tribal fellowship in Umachagi village, Karnataka, which has been led by Pastor Shivanda Siddi (45) for the past five years.
After interrupting prayers, they tried to argue with Pastor Siddi while abusing believers and taking their Bibles. For the next half hour they insulted, beat and stripped the pastor before phoning the police and falsely accusing him of forced conversions. When the police arrived they arrested the pastor, seven women and two children.
While the Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC) was able to intervene to get the women and children released, Pastor Siddi was tried and charged under Section 295 of the Indian Penal Code, which prohibits "forced" conversions. At last report, the pastor had been released on bail.
Omar Beiler, a regional director with AG World Missions, has shared, "Although I'm deeply pleased that GCIC was able to secure the release of Pastor Siddi...this kind of incident is not isolated or restricted to India. Persecution is a very real experience for many Christians around the world. I believe our prayers for the suffering Church can make the difference between life and death for many of our brothers and sisters in Christ who experience -- at the very least -- daily threats." (Source: Australian Evangelical Alliance Religious Liberty Commission, AGNews)
source:http://news.christiansunite.com/Religion_News/religion09758.shtml
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Execution of Iranian Pastor Temporarily Delayed
Sources say the execution of a Christian pastor in Iran for "thought crimes" has been temporarily delayed.
Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani was convicted of apostasy, which carries the death sentence in Iran. Authorities had scheduled his execution for Oct. 24. Sources say Iranian authorities are delaying the execution in order to put more pressure on the pastor to turn away from Christ.
According to Iranian law, once the written verdict is delivered, there will be 20 days to appeal to the Islamic Republic's Supreme Court.
Iranian security officials have informed the courts to temporarily delay the pastor's execution until further notice, the Assist News Service reported.
Meanwhile, Nadarkhani is being kept in a security prison in Lakan, Iran, which is just south of his hometown of Rasht. His wife was also sentenced to life in prison.
Nadarkhani leads one of the largest Protestant communities in Iran and has been targeted for converting Muslims to Christ.
He was arrested last October after protesting against the decision of local authorities to enforce the reading of the Koran to Christian children.
Jason DeMars of the website presenttruthmn.com quoted an Iranian mullah, or cleric, who said: "The circles for promotion of Christianity, Baha'ism, Wahhabism, Sufism should be eliminated with the efforts of the Law Enforcement Force as per God's wish. The most significant psychological disease is created by these meetings and circles. They are corrupt and the biggest disrupters of the country's security."
DeMars reports that supporters of the pastor are continuing in prayer for Nadarkhani to have strength to endure this pressure and suffering and that he would soon be delivered from the hand of his enemies.
Christians and human rights activists are also petitioning the Iranian government for the couple's release.
source:http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2010/October/Execution-of-Iranian-Pastor-Temporarily-Delayed/?cpid=EU_CBNNEWSPM_2010_298
Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani was convicted of apostasy, which carries the death sentence in Iran. Authorities had scheduled his execution for Oct. 24. Sources say Iranian authorities are delaying the execution in order to put more pressure on the pastor to turn away from Christ.
According to Iranian law, once the written verdict is delivered, there will be 20 days to appeal to the Islamic Republic's Supreme Court.
Iranian security officials have informed the courts to temporarily delay the pastor's execution until further notice, the Assist News Service reported.
Meanwhile, Nadarkhani is being kept in a security prison in Lakan, Iran, which is just south of his hometown of Rasht. His wife was also sentenced to life in prison.
Nadarkhani leads one of the largest Protestant communities in Iran and has been targeted for converting Muslims to Christ.
He was arrested last October after protesting against the decision of local authorities to enforce the reading of the Koran to Christian children.
Jason DeMars of the website presenttruthmn.com quoted an Iranian mullah, or cleric, who said: "The circles for promotion of Christianity, Baha'ism, Wahhabism, Sufism should be eliminated with the efforts of the Law Enforcement Force as per God's wish. The most significant psychological disease is created by these meetings and circles. They are corrupt and the biggest disrupters of the country's security."
DeMars reports that supporters of the pastor are continuing in prayer for Nadarkhani to have strength to endure this pressure and suffering and that he would soon be delivered from the hand of his enemies.
Christians and human rights activists are also petitioning the Iranian government for the couple's release.
source:http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2010/October/Execution-of-Iranian-Pastor-Temporarily-Delayed/?cpid=EU_CBNNEWSPM_2010_298
Historian: German ministry was actively involved in Holocaust
Eckhart Conze says 'Jew Department' head traveled to Hungary during Third Reich to help organize killing of Jews
Associated Press
Published: 10.26.10, 08:06 / Israel Jewish Scene
A historian who helped prepare an official report on the German Foreign Office's involvement in the Holocaust has been quoted as saying the ministry was more deeply involved in the genocide of the Jews than previously known.
Eckhart Conze told Sunday's Frankfurter Allgemeine am Sonntag newspaper that some ministry staff members were actively involved in the mass murder.
For example, Conze is quoted as saying that documents indicate Franz Rademacher, head of the ministry's so-called Jew Department, traveled to Hungary during the Third Reich to help organize the killing of Jews in eastern Europe.
Conze is one of the historians who spent five years preparing the 900-page government report on the ministry's role in the Holocaust. It is to be published this week.
source:http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3974251,00.html
Associated Press
Published: 10.26.10, 08:06 / Israel Jewish Scene
A historian who helped prepare an official report on the German Foreign Office's involvement in the Holocaust has been quoted as saying the ministry was more deeply involved in the genocide of the Jews than previously known.
Eckhart Conze told Sunday's Frankfurter Allgemeine am Sonntag newspaper that some ministry staff members were actively involved in the mass murder.
For example, Conze is quoted as saying that documents indicate Franz Rademacher, head of the ministry's so-called Jew Department, traveled to Hungary during the Third Reich to help organize the killing of Jews in eastern Europe.
Conze is one of the historians who spent five years preparing the 900-page government report on the ministry's role in the Holocaust. It is to be published this week.
source:http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3974251,00.html
Eight house churches closed in Syria
by Staff
October 22, 2010
(christiansunite.com) - At least eight evangelical churches in northern Syria have reportedly been closed by the Syrian government. The government ordered the closure of numerous house churches, claiming that they were meeting in places deemed inappropriate for worship.
Many Syrian Christians, however, believe that the government's "legal" excuse for closing churches is merely a cover-up for a wider government crackdown against evangelical Christian activity in Syria.
The closures are a devastating blow to Christian church communities in Syria, as many congregations cannot afford to buy a plot of land and build a church and so instead purchase apartment buildings to use as places of worship. (Source: International Christian Concern)
October 22, 2010
(christiansunite.com) - At least eight evangelical churches in northern Syria have reportedly been closed by the Syrian government. The government ordered the closure of numerous house churches, claiming that they were meeting in places deemed inappropriate for worship.
Many Syrian Christians, however, believe that the government's "legal" excuse for closing churches is merely a cover-up for a wider government crackdown against evangelical Christian activity in Syria.
The closures are a devastating blow to Christian church communities in Syria, as many congregations cannot afford to buy a plot of land and build a church and so instead purchase apartment buildings to use as places of worship. (Source: International Christian Concern)
Friday, October 22, 2010
Church demolished, Bible study raided in China
by Staff
October 22, 2010
(christiansunite.com) - Nearly 200 police officers demolished the prayer room of Taishan Christian Church in Taizhou, Zhejiang province, China on September 21 on the grounds of a "building code violation."
After the demolition, dozens of church members arrived on site and worshipped the Lord, reciting the Bible and singing hymns while the police officers tried to disperse them. A member of the church said a line of police prevented them from removing their belongings from the prayer room.
The attack was the second such incident in less than a month, as authorities previously destroyed prayer rooms on August 30. Commenting on the incidents, Pastor Zhu said, "The last time they came here, they tore down six of the eight rooms.... , about 200 people came again and surrounded the entire place. Then, they totally leveled the buildings, stating that the structures violated the building code."
On September 22, several believers were gathered for a Bible study and training session at Chen Pengyi Church in Wancheng District, Henan province when police raided the meeting. An American pastor, a Russian pastor and over 30 attendees, including local Christians, were detained. One believer's car was also confiscated. (Source: ChinaAid)
source:http://news.christiansunite.com/Religion_News/religion09752.shtml
October 22, 2010
(christiansunite.com) - Nearly 200 police officers demolished the prayer room of Taishan Christian Church in Taizhou, Zhejiang province, China on September 21 on the grounds of a "building code violation."
After the demolition, dozens of church members arrived on site and worshipped the Lord, reciting the Bible and singing hymns while the police officers tried to disperse them. A member of the church said a line of police prevented them from removing their belongings from the prayer room.
The attack was the second such incident in less than a month, as authorities previously destroyed prayer rooms on August 30. Commenting on the incidents, Pastor Zhu said, "The last time they came here, they tore down six of the eight rooms.... , about 200 people came again and surrounded the entire place. Then, they totally leveled the buildings, stating that the structures violated the building code."
On September 22, several believers were gathered for a Bible study and training session at Chen Pengyi Church in Wancheng District, Henan province when police raided the meeting. An American pastor, a Russian pastor and over 30 attendees, including local Christians, were detained. One believer's car was also confiscated. (Source: ChinaAid)
source:http://news.christiansunite.com/Religion_News/religion09752.shtml
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Persecution is a basic teaching in our church, says North African pastor
by Maria MackayPosted: Wednesday, October 20, 2010, 10:25 (BST)
For Imad Dabour, persecution is part and parcel of being a Christian in predominantly Muslim North Africa.
It is a region that has had next to no church for eight centuries, but now the church is rising again in spite of daily challenges, the pastor told delegates at Cape Town 2010 last night.
Although there are no exact figures, the number of Christians in North Africa is estimated to be in the tens of thousands.
In the likes of majority-Muslim Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria most of the Christians are converts from Islam.
In such a hostile environment, growing in their new identity as a Christian is not easy and many new converts face losing their friends and family, Dabour explained.
With persecution occurring daily across the region, becoming a Christian is a “serious decision”.
“There are two things about Christianity that we teach people. That it gives you salvation and a lot of joy with it - and persecution.
“Persecution is a basic teaching in our church, he said.
Despite the difficulties, the church continues to teach converts the truth that Jesus is the only way.
“It is a hostile environment [and] a daily challenge for Christians with a new identity from a Muslim background,” he said.
More than 4,000 Christian leaders are in Cape Town this week for the Third Lausanne Congress on world evangelisation.
Last night’s session addressed the challenges faced by believers living in regions where conflict or persecution is a part of everyday life.
Also addressing the Congress was Rajael Achi, who serves in children’s ministry in Lebanon.
He said children were exposed to violence and fear in the face of ongoing unrest in the country and entire Middle East region.
“Many people have lost hope in a good future in the country and want to leave. The children dream of leaving as they grow up.”
Although many families and children are choosing to leave Lebanon and the church, Achi is desperate to see those who remain in the country come to know Christ as their Lord and Saviour.
The conditions for evangelism are favourable but he believes Christians must make the most of the opportunities.
He said: “The Lord has given us freedom of worship and of ministry outreach and evangelism that we need to make use of.
“If we want a better future for Lebanon, if we want better leaders for Lebanon we need to start now in reaching out to children.”
He continued: “There are no unreached children in Lebanon. Every child is reached. But if they are not reached by the Gospel something else will reach them.”
source:http://www.christiantoday.com/article/persecution.is.a.basic.teaching.in.our.church.says.north.african.pastor/26931.htm
For Imad Dabour, persecution is part and parcel of being a Christian in predominantly Muslim North Africa.
It is a region that has had next to no church for eight centuries, but now the church is rising again in spite of daily challenges, the pastor told delegates at Cape Town 2010 last night.
Although there are no exact figures, the number of Christians in North Africa is estimated to be in the tens of thousands.
In the likes of majority-Muslim Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria most of the Christians are converts from Islam.
In such a hostile environment, growing in their new identity as a Christian is not easy and many new converts face losing their friends and family, Dabour explained.
With persecution occurring daily across the region, becoming a Christian is a “serious decision”.
“There are two things about Christianity that we teach people. That it gives you salvation and a lot of joy with it - and persecution.
“Persecution is a basic teaching in our church, he said.
Despite the difficulties, the church continues to teach converts the truth that Jesus is the only way.
“It is a hostile environment [and] a daily challenge for Christians with a new identity from a Muslim background,” he said.
More than 4,000 Christian leaders are in Cape Town this week for the Third Lausanne Congress on world evangelisation.
Last night’s session addressed the challenges faced by believers living in regions where conflict or persecution is a part of everyday life.
Also addressing the Congress was Rajael Achi, who serves in children’s ministry in Lebanon.
He said children were exposed to violence and fear in the face of ongoing unrest in the country and entire Middle East region.
“Many people have lost hope in a good future in the country and want to leave. The children dream of leaving as they grow up.”
Although many families and children are choosing to leave Lebanon and the church, Achi is desperate to see those who remain in the country come to know Christ as their Lord and Saviour.
The conditions for evangelism are favourable but he believes Christians must make the most of the opportunities.
He said: “The Lord has given us freedom of worship and of ministry outreach and evangelism that we need to make use of.
“If we want a better future for Lebanon, if we want better leaders for Lebanon we need to start now in reaching out to children.”
He continued: “There are no unreached children in Lebanon. Every child is reached. But if they are not reached by the Gospel something else will reach them.”
source:http://www.christiantoday.com/article/persecution.is.a.basic.teaching.in.our.church.says.north.african.pastor/26931.htm
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Former Chinese Protest Leader Chai Ling Hails Nobel Peace Prize Award to Liu Xiaobo
by Staff
October 12, 2010
BOSTON, (christiansunite.com) -- Former 1989 student protest leader Chai Ling on Friday hailed the decision to award the 2010 Nobel Peace to Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo and called for prayers for his release from prison and for the salvation of China.
Chai, who was nominated twice for the Nobel Peace Prize for her leadership role in the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests, recalled the "bonding experience" of spending the last hours of the movement with Liu on the square in central Beijing.
"Liu Xiaobo and I were in the last group at Tiananmen when the tanks moved in. Together we stood our ground, advocating ... non-violence until the last hour," Ms. Chai said.
She applauded Liu's steadfast efforts in the 21 years since those protests were violently suppressed by the Chinese military. Liu was imprisoned after the 1989 crackdown, and was sentenced again in 2009 to 11 years in prison for co-authoring a declaration, called Charter 08, championing political reform, greater human rights, and an end to one-party rule in China.
Chai called the Nobel Committee's decision "a milestone" and said she was "thankful for the Nobel peace prize committee for finally standing up and doing the right thing to acknowledge heroes like Liu and what he represents." She expressed the hope that "the Western leadership would follow the Nobel Committee's example and stand up for human rights and the development of a civil society in China."
Chai in particular called on U.S. President Obama, the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize winner, "to step up the pressure on China" on human rights issues and for the release of Liu and Chinese Christian human rights lawyer Gao Zhisheng, who has been repeatedly kidnapped, arrested, imprisoned and tortured by Chinese authorities for defending the persecuted.
Chai, who became a Christian almost a year ago, called on all Christians to pray for Liu and Gao's release and for "more people to join the movement to bring peace and salvation to China." She also asked Christians to remember the lives lost each day as a result of China's one-child policy, a death toll that far exceeds the number who died in the Tiananmen crackdown. In September, Chai founded the advocacy group All Girls Allowed to fight the one-child policy and to support women's and babies' rights.
source:http://news.christiansunite.com/Religion_News/religion09731.shtml
October 12, 2010
BOSTON, (christiansunite.com) -- Former 1989 student protest leader Chai Ling on Friday hailed the decision to award the 2010 Nobel Peace to Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo and called for prayers for his release from prison and for the salvation of China.
Chai, who was nominated twice for the Nobel Peace Prize for her leadership role in the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests, recalled the "bonding experience" of spending the last hours of the movement with Liu on the square in central Beijing.
"Liu Xiaobo and I were in the last group at Tiananmen when the tanks moved in. Together we stood our ground, advocating ... non-violence until the last hour," Ms. Chai said.
She applauded Liu's steadfast efforts in the 21 years since those protests were violently suppressed by the Chinese military. Liu was imprisoned after the 1989 crackdown, and was sentenced again in 2009 to 11 years in prison for co-authoring a declaration, called Charter 08, championing political reform, greater human rights, and an end to one-party rule in China.
Chai called the Nobel Committee's decision "a milestone" and said she was "thankful for the Nobel peace prize committee for finally standing up and doing the right thing to acknowledge heroes like Liu and what he represents." She expressed the hope that "the Western leadership would follow the Nobel Committee's example and stand up for human rights and the development of a civil society in China."
Chai in particular called on U.S. President Obama, the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize winner, "to step up the pressure on China" on human rights issues and for the release of Liu and Chinese Christian human rights lawyer Gao Zhisheng, who has been repeatedly kidnapped, arrested, imprisoned and tortured by Chinese authorities for defending the persecuted.
Chai, who became a Christian almost a year ago, called on all Christians to pray for Liu and Gao's release and for "more people to join the movement to bring peace and salvation to China." She also asked Christians to remember the lives lost each day as a result of China's one-child policy, a death toll that far exceeds the number who died in the Tiananmen crackdown. In September, Chai founded the advocacy group All Girls Allowed to fight the one-child policy and to support women's and babies' rights.
source:http://news.christiansunite.com/Religion_News/religion09731.shtml
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
North Korea's Christians face uncertain future under next leader
by Brian HuttPosted: Monday, October 11, 2010, 19:31 (BST)
The chief executive of Release International is calling on Christians to express their solidarity with persecuted believers in North Korea next month.
It is holding a day of worship, prayer and testimony on November 6 to highlight the plight of Christians in the reclusive communist country.
One of the main speakers at the conference is a Christian man who defected from North Korea. He will address delegates on the difficulties faced by Christians there.
With current leader, Kim Jong-il, lining up his son to be his successor, it is not certain whether a change of leadership will improve the situation of Christians, who face arrest, imprisonment, torture and even death for their faith.
"The eyes of the world are currently on North Korea - one of the world's worst abusers of religious freedom," said Andy Dipper, Release CEO.
"Christians are treated without mercy. Up to three generations of Christian families are rounded up and thrown in prison camps to try to eliminate the faith.
"The nation is now grooming its next leader. But the question is, will Kim Jong-un finally put an end to his country's policy of ruthless persecution?"
The conference will also hear testimonies from persecuted Christians in Sri Lanka and Eritrea, while a former missionary to China will explain the challenges experienced by unregistered churches there.
Dipper said the conference was a chance for Christians in the UK to stand with persecuted believers around the world "in spirit" and to be "encouraged by the vitality of their faith".
He said: "We can learn so much about overcoming faith from our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world."
source:http://www.christiantoday.com/article/north.koreas.christians.face.uncertain.future.under.next.leader/26875.htm
The chief executive of Release International is calling on Christians to express their solidarity with persecuted believers in North Korea next month.
It is holding a day of worship, prayer and testimony on November 6 to highlight the plight of Christians in the reclusive communist country.
One of the main speakers at the conference is a Christian man who defected from North Korea. He will address delegates on the difficulties faced by Christians there.
With current leader, Kim Jong-il, lining up his son to be his successor, it is not certain whether a change of leadership will improve the situation of Christians, who face arrest, imprisonment, torture and even death for their faith.
"The eyes of the world are currently on North Korea - one of the world's worst abusers of religious freedom," said Andy Dipper, Release CEO.
"Christians are treated without mercy. Up to three generations of Christian families are rounded up and thrown in prison camps to try to eliminate the faith.
"The nation is now grooming its next leader. But the question is, will Kim Jong-un finally put an end to his country's policy of ruthless persecution?"
The conference will also hear testimonies from persecuted Christians in Sri Lanka and Eritrea, while a former missionary to China will explain the challenges experienced by unregistered churches there.
Dipper said the conference was a chance for Christians in the UK to stand with persecuted believers around the world "in spirit" and to be "encouraged by the vitality of their faith".
He said: "We can learn so much about overcoming faith from our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world."
source:http://www.christiantoday.com/article/north.koreas.christians.face.uncertain.future.under.next.leader/26875.htm
Monday, October 11, 2010
Church attacked by militant Muslims in Pakistan
by Staff
October 8, 2010
(christiansunite.com) - On September 18, the Nasri Pentecostal Church in Shah Latif Town, Karachi, Pakistan was attacked and vandalized by militants angered over a threat to burn Qur'ans in the United States earlier this month.
"The church gates were open and the locks broken. The attackers broke open a cupboard and vandalized religious items at around midnight," said Pastor Peter Shahzad. Nine copies of the Bible, three hymn books and three wooden crosses were found burned, and a drum was damaged.
It was the second church attack within a week as countrywide protests continue against American Pastor Terry Jones, who withdrew his threat to burn copies of the Islamic holy book on the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks (see www.persecution.net/dove.htm for more information). (Source: Union of Catholic Asian News)
source:http://news.christiansunite.com/Religion_News/religion09726.shtml
October 8, 2010
(christiansunite.com) - On September 18, the Nasri Pentecostal Church in Shah Latif Town, Karachi, Pakistan was attacked and vandalized by militants angered over a threat to burn Qur'ans in the United States earlier this month.
"The church gates were open and the locks broken. The attackers broke open a cupboard and vandalized religious items at around midnight," said Pastor Peter Shahzad. Nine copies of the Bible, three hymn books and three wooden crosses were found burned, and a drum was damaged.
It was the second church attack within a week as countrywide protests continue against American Pastor Terry Jones, who withdrew his threat to burn copies of the Islamic holy book on the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks (see www.persecution.net/dove.htm for more information). (Source: Union of Catholic Asian News)
source:http://news.christiansunite.com/Religion_News/religion09726.shtml
Nine believers arrested in Iran
by Staff
October 6, 2010
(christiansunite.com) - Nine believers were recently arrested on the charge of carrying out journalism just outside Hamedan, Iran, according to a broadcast on Iranian State television.
Two of the arrested were reportedly supported by organizations based outside the country, in particular the United States and Great Britain, but their nationalities are unknown.
The other seven detained were reportedly cooperating with "Christian-Zionist organizations" -- a term used in Iranian government culture for evangelical Christians who are benefiting from having access to a number of networks and TV satellite programs for evangelism.
It is reportedly the first time in three decades that the State TV has broadcast news about the arrest of a group of Christians. (Source: Farsi Christian News Network)
source:http://news.christiansunite.com/Religion_News/religion09720.shtml
October 6, 2010
(christiansunite.com) - Nine believers were recently arrested on the charge of carrying out journalism just outside Hamedan, Iran, according to a broadcast on Iranian State television.
Two of the arrested were reportedly supported by organizations based outside the country, in particular the United States and Great Britain, but their nationalities are unknown.
The other seven detained were reportedly cooperating with "Christian-Zionist organizations" -- a term used in Iranian government culture for evangelical Christians who are benefiting from having access to a number of networks and TV satellite programs for evangelism.
It is reportedly the first time in three decades that the State TV has broadcast news about the arrest of a group of Christians. (Source: Farsi Christian News Network)
source:http://news.christiansunite.com/Religion_News/religion09720.shtml
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Cambridge, Mass. Hindu Yoga Accepted While Christian Symbols Are Taken Down
by Staff
September 30, 2010
MADISON, Wis., (christiansunite.com) -- The city of Cambridge, Massachusetts has pictures of yoga positions on parking ticket envelopes while Christian symbols are being taken down throughout the United States.
September 30, 2010
MADISON, Wis., (christiansunite.com) -- The city of Cambridge, Massachusetts has pictures of yoga positions on parking ticket envelopes while Christian symbols are being taken down throughout the United States.
Forty thousand citations have been issued by Cambridge parking officers with yoga positions on the front of parking ticket envelopes. Instructions are given to show people how to do the yoga positions. Yoga is a 'symbol' of Hinduism.
Officials say the tickets are used to lead to a "peaceful exchange" between officers and the public. Cambridge officers hand out 340,000 parking tickets per year.
However, throughout the United States, Christian symbols are being removed from many public places. Schools, courthouses, and other public buildings have been forced to remove Christian symbols.
The ACLU and other atheist organizations have worked overtime to make sure Christian symbols are taken down. However, they are silent as yoga is propagated in our schools and public buildings, and now on parking tickets.
Yoga is a 'symbol' of Hinduism. Hindu leaders know this and they are pleased that yoga is making headway. Rajan Zed, Hindu statesmen, sent out a news release thanking Cambridge for their promotion of yoga.
Zed says "Yoga was based on a eightfold path to direct the practitioner from awareness of the external world to focus on the inner." Swami Vivekananda brought yoga to the United States in 1893. About 16 million Americans now do yoga.
Some say that Christians can practice yoga, however, yoga is a spiritual exercise. It goes beyond normal stretching.
ChristianInvestigator.com President Steve McConkey says, "Yoga, being a symbol of Hinduism, is pushed by some Christians without realizing yoga promotes Hinduism, spiritually and symbolically."
Steve McConkey is the President/Founder of 4 Winds Christian Athletics (4 WINDS), a worldwide track and field ministry which offers ChristianInvestigator.com. ChristianInvestigator.com is the first ever news-apologetics site offered by a sports ministry. The ChristianInvestigator.com site was started for athletes, but the vast number of readers are now non-athletes. Steve has been on hundreds of radio stations and in major newspapers throughout the world.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Buddhists assault Christian aid workers in India
by Staff
September 27, 2010
(christiansunite.com) - A visually impaired Christian and his friend have accused drunken Buddhists of abducting and assaulting them. The incident happened on September 1 in the town of Leh in the northern Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Christians had been distributing relief aid in the area where flooding and landslides destroyed hundreds of houses and killed around 200 people in early August.
The attackers, identified as members of the Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA), abducted Ram Kumar Thapa, Stanzin Chosphel and his pregnant wife Putali Sherpa because of their Christian faith and beat the men, the victims said. According to the victims' complaints to the Jammu and Kashmir State Human Rights Commission, LBA members were upset that Thapa was preaching Christianity to displaced residents.
The assailants took Thapa to the LBA office at the Soma Monastery, where a Buddhist monk was also present, and beat him again. He was then moved to a room where he could hear the voice of his friend, Chosphel, with his wife. The attackers showed Thapa's bruised and bleeding face to Chosphel to warn him against continuing as a Christian. Chosphel confirmed that he and his wife were taken to the LBA office at the monastery.
"They dragged me into a room and gagged my mouth so I could not cry out as they beat me with rubber pipes and rods and fists continuously," Chosphel said. "All along they kept telling me to leave my wife and also renounce my faith in Christianity and return to Buddhism." The men released the couple at around 12:30 a.m. after giving them two days to leave Leh or convert to Buddhism, "or else they will chop my wife into pieces and kill me and also kill my family ... who are still practising Buddhists," stated Chosphel. (Source: Compass Direct)
source:http://news.christiansunite.com/Religion_News/religion09702.shtml
September 27, 2010
(christiansunite.com) - A visually impaired Christian and his friend have accused drunken Buddhists of abducting and assaulting them. The incident happened on September 1 in the town of Leh in the northern Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Christians had been distributing relief aid in the area where flooding and landslides destroyed hundreds of houses and killed around 200 people in early August.
The attackers, identified as members of the Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA), abducted Ram Kumar Thapa, Stanzin Chosphel and his pregnant wife Putali Sherpa because of their Christian faith and beat the men, the victims said. According to the victims' complaints to the Jammu and Kashmir State Human Rights Commission, LBA members were upset that Thapa was preaching Christianity to displaced residents.
The assailants took Thapa to the LBA office at the Soma Monastery, where a Buddhist monk was also present, and beat him again. He was then moved to a room where he could hear the voice of his friend, Chosphel, with his wife. The attackers showed Thapa's bruised and bleeding face to Chosphel to warn him against continuing as a Christian. Chosphel confirmed that he and his wife were taken to the LBA office at the monastery.
"They dragged me into a room and gagged my mouth so I could not cry out as they beat me with rubber pipes and rods and fists continuously," Chosphel said. "All along they kept telling me to leave my wife and also renounce my faith in Christianity and return to Buddhism." The men released the couple at around 12:30 a.m. after giving them two days to leave Leh or convert to Buddhism, "or else they will chop my wife into pieces and kill me and also kill my family ... who are still practising Buddhists," stated Chosphel. (Source: Compass Direct)
source:http://news.christiansunite.com/Religion_News/religion09702.shtml
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Pastor faces criminal charges in Turkmenistan
by Staff
September 17, 2010
(christiansunite.com) - Pentecostal pastor Ilmurad Nurliev, who was arrested at his home in Mary in south-eastern Turkmenistan on August 27, faces criminal charges of large-scale swindling that carry a maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment and confiscation of property.
Three women who had attended church meetings wrote statements that he took money from them. His wife and other church members vigorously deny these charges, saying police pressured the three to write the statements and that they now regret doing so.
Another church member has been threatened that if she does not testify against Pastor Nurliev, her husband, who is not a church member, will be fired from his job. (Source: Forum18)
source:http://news.christiansunite.com/Religion_News/religion09683.shtml
September 17, 2010
(christiansunite.com) - Pentecostal pastor Ilmurad Nurliev, who was arrested at his home in Mary in south-eastern Turkmenistan on August 27, faces criminal charges of large-scale swindling that carry a maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment and confiscation of property.
Three women who had attended church meetings wrote statements that he took money from them. His wife and other church members vigorously deny these charges, saying police pressured the three to write the statements and that they now regret doing so.
Another church member has been threatened that if she does not testify against Pastor Nurliev, her husband, who is not a church member, will be fired from his job. (Source: Forum18)
source:http://news.christiansunite.com/Religion_News/religion09683.shtml
Chinese church leaders threatened for mission conference
by Staff
September 21, 2010
(christiansunite.com) - At least three Chinese house churches were shut down on August 5 and 6. The churches were located in Wuhan, Hubei, in Sanmenxia, Henan, and in Changsha, Hunan. They belonged to China Gospel Fellowship, one of the major house church networks in China, with an estimated 5-7 million members.
The churches were forced to close down by the Chinese government because church leaders were invited to attend the Third Lausanne Congress on World Evangelisation in October 2010 at Cape Town, South Africa.
Sources informed ChinaAid that the Chinese Public Security Bureau has obtained the list of 200 Chinese invitees and threatened some of them not to attend, but CGF leaders refused to back down. (Source: ChinaAid)
source:http://news.christiansunite.com/Religion_News/religion09693.shtml
September 21, 2010
(christiansunite.com) - At least three Chinese house churches were shut down on August 5 and 6. The churches were located in Wuhan, Hubei, in Sanmenxia, Henan, and in Changsha, Hunan. They belonged to China Gospel Fellowship, one of the major house church networks in China, with an estimated 5-7 million members.
The churches were forced to close down by the Chinese government because church leaders were invited to attend the Third Lausanne Congress on World Evangelisation in October 2010 at Cape Town, South Africa.
Sources informed ChinaAid that the Chinese Public Security Bureau has obtained the list of 200 Chinese invitees and threatened some of them not to attend, but CGF leaders refused to back down. (Source: ChinaAid)
source:http://news.christiansunite.com/Religion_News/religion09693.shtml
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