by Brian Hutt
North Korea has been named the world’s worst persecutor of Christians for the eighth year running by Open Doors.
The reclusive communist country topped the ministry’s annual list of 50 countries where the most severe persecution of Christians has occurred in the past year.
Open Doors said the North Korean government was arresting and killing Christians, as well as torturing them in “horrible ways”. The ministry has received evidence that arrested Christians are being used as guinea pigs in the testing of biological or chemical weapons.
Carl Moeller, head of Open Doors USA, said, “There is no other country in the world where Christians are being persecuted in such a horrible and systematic manner.”
The report said that in spite of the hardships, Christianity was growing in North Korea and opportunities to hear the Gospel were growing, particularly in cities close to the Chinese border.
North Korea was followed on the watchlist by Iran and Saudi Arabia. Open Doors said Iran was ranked second as a result of a wave of arrests of Christians that began in 2008 and intensified in 2009. At least 85 Christians were arrested in the Islamic country, with many of them reporting mistreatment at the hands of the authorities.
Open Doors believes the arrests were a ploy of the Iranian government to distract attention away from internal unrest and to show it was still in control. The majority of those arrested have been released, although for some, court cases are still pending.
Although Saudi Arabia moved down one place on the watchlist to rank third, Open Doors said this was not because the situation for Christians had improved, but rather because there were no reports of Christians being killed or physically harmed for their faith, and only one Christian was known to have been arrested.
It remains in the top three, however, because of its strict adherence to Wahabbi Islam, which allows citizens only to adhere to Islam and deems apostasy punishable by death. Christians may worship in private, but anyone found to publicly practising their faith faces arrest, imprisonment, lashing, deportation, and torture.
Also making it into the top ten were Somalia, the Maldives, Afghanistan, Yemen, Mauritania, Laos and Uzbekistan.
Kazakhstan came off the list altogether this year, but Open Doors stressed this was not because religious freedom had improved there but because the situation for Christians in other countries had worsened.
The report noted: “This may change again if Kazakhstan implements tougher legislation on religion in the future.”
Source: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/north.korea.tops.persecution.watchlist.again/25018.htm
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Update: Religious communities in Azerbaijan and Tajikistan face registration deadline
by Staff
January 7, 2010
(christiansunite.com) - Many religious communities in Azerbaijan and Tajikistan have not yet re-registered with authorities, as required by restrictive religion laws that were passed in both countries earlier this year. If religious communities fail to register by January 1, 2010, they will be considered illegal.
As of December 16, only about 100 of the 534 religious communities in Azerbaijan that previously had registration statuses have re-registered. Amendments to the Religion Law will require communities to provide an increased range of information when applying for registration and to obtain approval to build or rebuild worship places.
Additional amendments include a ban on the sale of religious literature in unapproved locations and on religious activity outside registered addresses.
In Tajikistan, fewer than half of the religious communities in the country have been re-registered. The highly restrictive Religion Law imposes state censorship on all religious literature, bans state officials from being among the founders of a religious community, requires state approval to invite foreigners for religious visits or to travel abroad for religious events, and restricts children's religious activity and education. (Source: Forum18)
Source: http://news.christiansunite.com/Religion_News/religion08910.shtml
January 7, 2010
(christiansunite.com) - Many religious communities in Azerbaijan and Tajikistan have not yet re-registered with authorities, as required by restrictive religion laws that were passed in both countries earlier this year. If religious communities fail to register by January 1, 2010, they will be considered illegal.
As of December 16, only about 100 of the 534 religious communities in Azerbaijan that previously had registration statuses have re-registered. Amendments to the Religion Law will require communities to provide an increased range of information when applying for registration and to obtain approval to build or rebuild worship places.
Additional amendments include a ban on the sale of religious literature in unapproved locations and on religious activity outside registered addresses.
In Tajikistan, fewer than half of the religious communities in the country have been re-registered. The highly restrictive Religion Law imposes state censorship on all religious literature, bans state officials from being among the founders of a religious community, requires state approval to invite foreigners for religious visits or to travel abroad for religious events, and restricts children's religious activity and education. (Source: Forum18)
Source: http://news.christiansunite.com/Religion_News/religion08910.shtml
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Persecution in North Korea set to worsen in 2010
by Jenna Lyle
Posted: Thursday, December 31, 2009, 10:43 (GMT)
A charity supporting oppressed believers around the world has warned that persecution against Christians is set to worsen in North Korea in 2010.
Practising Christianity is currently illegal in the reclusive communist country and Christians can face imprisonment, torture and even execution for their faith.
Release International works through local Christian partners to support North Korean refugees fleeing to China or South Korea, by providing pastoral care, safe houses, and Christian literature and Bibles.
Partner Tim Peters said North Korea was one of the world’s worst trouble spots for Christians. In the latest edition of the Release magazine, he said he had received reports of worsening persecution against Christians as the North Korean economy continues to collapse.
“2010 is forecast to be a year of tremendous hardship and food shortages since the country’s harvest in 2009 was a poor one,” he said.
Kang Cheol Hwan is a former prisoner who converted to Christianity after finding refuge in South Korea. He told Release the situation was getting worse in North Korea.
“It is like a giant prison camp has crossed the land. Starvation spreads out over the entire nation; it has become the norm,” he said.
“I lived in Yoduk prison camp for 10 years; I was treated like an animal there. I had watched many people die from starvation and beatings.
“I witnessed open executions and watched helplessly as people died miserably.
“These fearful scenes have not left my mind.”
Mary, whose surname was withheld by Release for security reasons, is another Christian refugee from North Korea now living in China. She secretly delivers food parcels into North Korea together with Bible verses.
In one month alone, she delivered 100 packages containing sausages, bread, soap and a toothbrush, together with the hand-written Bible verses.
Release said people living in the border area, including her uncle Mr Lee, had come to know Christ as a result of her visits.
Mr Lee, whose first name was withheld by Release for security reasons, told the organisation that March, April and May were the hardest months for North Koreans.
“Those without food must eat grass and catch frogs. At the market there is meat, but it’s not affordable,” he said.
Release said Mary was taking a terrible risk by delivering the packages.
She told the organisation: “God has poured His love upon me so I cannot stop my work.”
Release partners have given Mr Lee an mp3 player containing Christian material, which he has to keep hidden. He told Release he tries to memorise as much Scripture as he can.
“Pray that North Korea will open its door to Christian activity,” he said.
Release CEO Andy Dipper recently visited the North Korean border. He appealed to Christians to pray for believers there.
“Christians found to have Christian literature, or holding Bible studies and prayer meetings are subject to imprisonment – and so are their families,” he said.
Release is urging Christians to pray that God will restore a just government to North Korea, for the thousands of Christians who are forced to practise their faith in secret, and for Christians who make the dangerous journey through China to share the love of Christ with refugees.
The organisation fears that the plight of Christians in Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan is also set to take a turn for the worse in 2010.
Christians are still waiting for the perpetrators of deadly attacks carried out in Gojra, Pakistan, to be brought to justice. Some 50 houses were destroyed and eight Christians killed in the attacks in August.
Release and its partners are pressing the Pakistani government to repeal the controversial blasphemy laws, which they say are being used to falsely accuse Christians and stir up religious hatred.
One Release partner said Kyrgyzstan was about to become the most dangerous country for Christians in Central Asia in 2010 thanks to a new law that requires every local church to have at least 200 members before it can be officially registered.
The partner, who was unnamed for security reasons, said: “This means that 95 per cent of independent and evangelical churches could be forced to close and their property be confiscated.”
Release International serves persecuted Christians in 30 countries, supporting pastors and Christian prisoners, as well as their families, supplying Christian literature and Bibles, and seeking justice.
source: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/persecution.in.north.korea.set.to.worsen.in.2010/24995.htm
Posted: Thursday, December 31, 2009, 10:43 (GMT)
A charity supporting oppressed believers around the world has warned that persecution against Christians is set to worsen in North Korea in 2010.
Practising Christianity is currently illegal in the reclusive communist country and Christians can face imprisonment, torture and even execution for their faith.
Release International works through local Christian partners to support North Korean refugees fleeing to China or South Korea, by providing pastoral care, safe houses, and Christian literature and Bibles.
Partner Tim Peters said North Korea was one of the world’s worst trouble spots for Christians. In the latest edition of the Release magazine, he said he had received reports of worsening persecution against Christians as the North Korean economy continues to collapse.
“2010 is forecast to be a year of tremendous hardship and food shortages since the country’s harvest in 2009 was a poor one,” he said.
Kang Cheol Hwan is a former prisoner who converted to Christianity after finding refuge in South Korea. He told Release the situation was getting worse in North Korea.
“It is like a giant prison camp has crossed the land. Starvation spreads out over the entire nation; it has become the norm,” he said.
“I lived in Yoduk prison camp for 10 years; I was treated like an animal there. I had watched many people die from starvation and beatings.
“I witnessed open executions and watched helplessly as people died miserably.
“These fearful scenes have not left my mind.”
Mary, whose surname was withheld by Release for security reasons, is another Christian refugee from North Korea now living in China. She secretly delivers food parcels into North Korea together with Bible verses.
In one month alone, she delivered 100 packages containing sausages, bread, soap and a toothbrush, together with the hand-written Bible verses.
Release said people living in the border area, including her uncle Mr Lee, had come to know Christ as a result of her visits.
Mr Lee, whose first name was withheld by Release for security reasons, told the organisation that March, April and May were the hardest months for North Koreans.
“Those without food must eat grass and catch frogs. At the market there is meat, but it’s not affordable,” he said.
Release said Mary was taking a terrible risk by delivering the packages.
She told the organisation: “God has poured His love upon me so I cannot stop my work.”
Release partners have given Mr Lee an mp3 player containing Christian material, which he has to keep hidden. He told Release he tries to memorise as much Scripture as he can.
“Pray that North Korea will open its door to Christian activity,” he said.
Release CEO Andy Dipper recently visited the North Korean border. He appealed to Christians to pray for believers there.
“Christians found to have Christian literature, or holding Bible studies and prayer meetings are subject to imprisonment – and so are their families,” he said.
Release is urging Christians to pray that God will restore a just government to North Korea, for the thousands of Christians who are forced to practise their faith in secret, and for Christians who make the dangerous journey through China to share the love of Christ with refugees.
The organisation fears that the plight of Christians in Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan is also set to take a turn for the worse in 2010.
Christians are still waiting for the perpetrators of deadly attacks carried out in Gojra, Pakistan, to be brought to justice. Some 50 houses were destroyed and eight Christians killed in the attacks in August.
Release and its partners are pressing the Pakistani government to repeal the controversial blasphemy laws, which they say are being used to falsely accuse Christians and stir up religious hatred.
One Release partner said Kyrgyzstan was about to become the most dangerous country for Christians in Central Asia in 2010 thanks to a new law that requires every local church to have at least 200 members before it can be officially registered.
The partner, who was unnamed for security reasons, said: “This means that 95 per cent of independent and evangelical churches could be forced to close and their property be confiscated.”
Release International serves persecuted Christians in 30 countries, supporting pastors and Christian prisoners, as well as their families, supplying Christian literature and Bibles, and seeking justice.
source: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/persecution.in.north.korea.set.to.worsen.in.2010/24995.htm
Stephen Baldwin takes his faith to the Celebrity Big Brother House
by Charlie Boyd
If Big Brother chiefs were hoping for some eyebrow-raising controversy on the last ever Celebrity Big Brother, they must be pinning their hopes on contestants other than born-again Christian Stephen Baldwin.
The former hellraiser and now active evangelist is one of the contestants on the last ever series of Celebrity Big Brother, a TV show not generally associated with salubriousness.
Baldwin stayed up late talking with fellow contestant Vinnie Jones and explaining parts of the Bible to him, before kneeling at his bedside to say his prayers at the end of the night.
Later, Baldwin and the other housemates got talking about religion.
He told them: "I tell you right now, what the experience in Heaven is going to be is so far beyond this experience. I can't wait to get there."
Glamour model Nicola Tappenden responded by saying: “I do believe there’s a lovely Heaven but I don’t think I’d take the Bible’s law. I’ll take peace.”
Housemate and “Hollywood madam” Heidi Fleiss had a moan about him in the Diary Room, saying, “Right now I think Stephen’s a bit of an idiot, but I could be wrong. He could be a really nice guy.
“When I was sleeping I thought I heard him preaching a bit and he was telling Sov (fellow contestant Lady Sovereign) how to get paint out of her hair … just maybe being a little bit instructing everybody.”
In a conversation with Baldwin and housemate ex-Dynasty star Stephanie Beacham earlier in the night, Fleiss said she was thankful for abortions.
“I hope I never have babies. That would kill me. Every minute I’d be, ‘Is the baby ok? I’d worry too much,” she said.
“Thank God for abortion. I don’t mean to offend anyone but I wouldn’t be a good mother. I shouldn’t have kids.”
Other contestants on Celebrity Big Brother are Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood’s ex Ekaterina Ivanov, DJ Basshunter and Katie Price’s cage-fighter boyfriend Alex Reid.
source:http://www.christiantoday.com/article/stephen.baldwin.takes.his.faith.to.the.celebrity.big.brother.house/25015.htm
If Big Brother chiefs were hoping for some eyebrow-raising controversy on the last ever Celebrity Big Brother, they must be pinning their hopes on contestants other than born-again Christian Stephen Baldwin.
The former hellraiser and now active evangelist is one of the contestants on the last ever series of Celebrity Big Brother, a TV show not generally associated with salubriousness.
Baldwin stayed up late talking with fellow contestant Vinnie Jones and explaining parts of the Bible to him, before kneeling at his bedside to say his prayers at the end of the night.
Later, Baldwin and the other housemates got talking about religion.
He told them: "I tell you right now, what the experience in Heaven is going to be is so far beyond this experience. I can't wait to get there."
Glamour model Nicola Tappenden responded by saying: “I do believe there’s a lovely Heaven but I don’t think I’d take the Bible’s law. I’ll take peace.”
Housemate and “Hollywood madam” Heidi Fleiss had a moan about him in the Diary Room, saying, “Right now I think Stephen’s a bit of an idiot, but I could be wrong. He could be a really nice guy.
“When I was sleeping I thought I heard him preaching a bit and he was telling Sov (fellow contestant Lady Sovereign) how to get paint out of her hair … just maybe being a little bit instructing everybody.”
In a conversation with Baldwin and housemate ex-Dynasty star Stephanie Beacham earlier in the night, Fleiss said she was thankful for abortions.
“I hope I never have babies. That would kill me. Every minute I’d be, ‘Is the baby ok? I’d worry too much,” she said.
“Thank God for abortion. I don’t mean to offend anyone but I wouldn’t be a good mother. I shouldn’t have kids.”
Other contestants on Celebrity Big Brother are Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood’s ex Ekaterina Ivanov, DJ Basshunter and Katie Price’s cage-fighter boyfriend Alex Reid.
source:http://www.christiantoday.com/article/stephen.baldwin.takes.his.faith.to.the.celebrity.big.brother.house/25015.htm
More than 150 attacks on Christians in India last year
by Babu Thomas
Posted: Tuesday, January 5, 2010, 16:52 (GMT)
The Evangelical Fellowship of India recorded 152 incidents of anti-Christian violence during 2009.
Most of the attacks happened in Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh.
The Global Council of Indian Christians issued a similar report charting violence hotspots across India.
According to the Bangalore-based group, there were a total of 177 attacks against Christians in India in 2009. Karnataka topped all other states with 72 incidents of violence.
The Christian community has been the target of attacks in Karnataka since the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party installed its first government in 1998, said the Rev Dr Richard Howell, general secretary of the EFI.
The most horrific attack against Christians in the history of the church in India occurred in the wake of radical Hindu leader Laxmananda Saraswati’s death in Kandhamal, Orissa, in 2008.
Though Maoists claimed responsibility for the murder, the VHP blamed local Christians and took revenge for the death with large-scale violence that lasted over two months.
Howell said: "Persecution of Christians in India is as old as Christianity itself. St Thomas, a disciple of Christ, who came to India, was martyred in about AD 52 in south India."
Howell said the response of Christians to these atrocities had been one of forgiveness and an appeal to the government to protect the life and property of its citizens.
A report released on December 2009 by the US-based Pew Research Centre placed India second only to Iraq in social hostility and religious discrimination.
source:http://www.christiantoday.com/article/more.than.150.attacks.on.christians.in.india.last.year/25014.htm
Posted: Tuesday, January 5, 2010, 16:52 (GMT)
The Evangelical Fellowship of India recorded 152 incidents of anti-Christian violence during 2009.
Most of the attacks happened in Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh.
The Global Council of Indian Christians issued a similar report charting violence hotspots across India.
According to the Bangalore-based group, there were a total of 177 attacks against Christians in India in 2009. Karnataka topped all other states with 72 incidents of violence.
The Christian community has been the target of attacks in Karnataka since the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party installed its first government in 1998, said the Rev Dr Richard Howell, general secretary of the EFI.
The most horrific attack against Christians in the history of the church in India occurred in the wake of radical Hindu leader Laxmananda Saraswati’s death in Kandhamal, Orissa, in 2008.
Though Maoists claimed responsibility for the murder, the VHP blamed local Christians and took revenge for the death with large-scale violence that lasted over two months.
Howell said: "Persecution of Christians in India is as old as Christianity itself. St Thomas, a disciple of Christ, who came to India, was martyred in about AD 52 in south India."
Howell said the response of Christians to these atrocities had been one of forgiveness and an appeal to the government to protect the life and property of its citizens.
A report released on December 2009 by the US-based Pew Research Centre placed India second only to Iraq in social hostility and religious discrimination.
source:http://www.christiantoday.com/article/more.than.150.attacks.on.christians.in.india.last.year/25014.htm
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
IAF Hits Terrorist Tunnels in Gaza Strip
03 January 2010 , 12:29
On Friday night (Jan. 1), the Israel Air Force successfully targeted two terrorist smuggling tunnels leading from the northern and southern Gaza Strip towards Israel in a joint IDF-ISA operation. The tunnels originated from a distance of approximately one kilometer from the Gazan-Israeli border, and were intended for terror operatives to enter Israel and execute a terror attack against Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers.
The operation was carried out in response to the firing of a rocket at the city of Netivot on Thursday evening. More than 280 rockets and mortars were fired at Israel since the end of Operation Cast Lead and more than 750 hit Israel in the whole of 2009. Throughout 2008, prior to Operation Cast Lead, over 3300 rockets and mortars were fired at Israel from the Gaza Strip.
The IDF will not tolerate the firing of rockets by terrorist organizations at Israel and will continue to respond against any attempt to disrupt the calm in Israel's southern communities.
source: http://dover.idf.il/IDF/English/News/today/10/01/0301.htm
On Friday night (Jan. 1), the Israel Air Force successfully targeted two terrorist smuggling tunnels leading from the northern and southern Gaza Strip towards Israel in a joint IDF-ISA operation. The tunnels originated from a distance of approximately one kilometer from the Gazan-Israeli border, and were intended for terror operatives to enter Israel and execute a terror attack against Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers.
The operation was carried out in response to the firing of a rocket at the city of Netivot on Thursday evening. More than 280 rockets and mortars were fired at Israel since the end of Operation Cast Lead and more than 750 hit Israel in the whole of 2009. Throughout 2008, prior to Operation Cast Lead, over 3300 rockets and mortars were fired at Israel from the Gaza Strip.
The IDF will not tolerate the firing of rockets by terrorist organizations at Israel and will continue to respond against any attempt to disrupt the calm in Israel's southern communities.
source: http://dover.idf.il/IDF/English/News/today/10/01/0301.htm
Christian Security Network Releases 2009 Crime Report Against Christian Organizations in the United States
by Staff
January 5, 2010
CINCINNATI, (christiansunite.com) -- The Christian Security Network receives phone calls and e-mails from Christians across the country on a weekly basis telling them they are concerned about their safety while at church - the 2009 crime statistics report shows that there is good cause.
"It is disheartening to see all these incidents and loss of life in churches in 2009 and even sadder because we know 2010 isn't going to be any different unless the status-quo changes," stated Jeff Hawkins, executive director of the Christian Security Network.
The 2009 report published by the Christian Security Network outlines 1,237 crimes against Christian churches including 12 homicides, 38 other violent incidents including, 3 sexual assaults, 3 kidnappings, 98 arsons, and over 700 burglaries resulting in more than $24 million in property loss.
Hawkins goes on to state, "People want to be protected, especially at church, and as we have seen from incidents in 2009, criminals don't care that they are targeting a church - they are seen as soft targets."
The crime report, the first of its kind, specifically tracked incidents just against Christian organizations, mostly churches, for all of 2009.
"These are not just numbers, these are people who have been killed or seriously injured serving their church. The church is supposed to be a place of peace and protection. Many of these incidents just didn't have to happen. With a few precautions, changes in operations, and training of staff and volunteers, they may have been averted. The church has to start taking responsibility for the safety of their staff, volunteers, and congregation and good stewards of the gifts God has provided." Hawkins concluded.
Jeffrey A. Hawkins is available for interviews on this topic by telephone or Skype. He is a 30-year veteran of law enforcement and security and formerly chief security officer for an international Christian ministry. He is frequently quoted in magazines, newspapers, radio, and television.
The Christian Security Network is a national organization dedicated to the advancement of security and emergency planning for Christian churches, schools, ministries and missionaries.
source: http://news.christiansunite.com/Religion_News/religion08896.shtml
January 5, 2010
CINCINNATI, (christiansunite.com) -- The Christian Security Network receives phone calls and e-mails from Christians across the country on a weekly basis telling them they are concerned about their safety while at church - the 2009 crime statistics report shows that there is good cause.
"It is disheartening to see all these incidents and loss of life in churches in 2009 and even sadder because we know 2010 isn't going to be any different unless the status-quo changes," stated Jeff Hawkins, executive director of the Christian Security Network.
The 2009 report published by the Christian Security Network outlines 1,237 crimes against Christian churches including 12 homicides, 38 other violent incidents including, 3 sexual assaults, 3 kidnappings, 98 arsons, and over 700 burglaries resulting in more than $24 million in property loss.
Hawkins goes on to state, "People want to be protected, especially at church, and as we have seen from incidents in 2009, criminals don't care that they are targeting a church - they are seen as soft targets."
The crime report, the first of its kind, specifically tracked incidents just against Christian organizations, mostly churches, for all of 2009.
"These are not just numbers, these are people who have been killed or seriously injured serving their church. The church is supposed to be a place of peace and protection. Many of these incidents just didn't have to happen. With a few precautions, changes in operations, and training of staff and volunteers, they may have been averted. The church has to start taking responsibility for the safety of their staff, volunteers, and congregation and good stewards of the gifts God has provided." Hawkins concluded.
Jeffrey A. Hawkins is available for interviews on this topic by telephone or Skype. He is a 30-year veteran of law enforcement and security and formerly chief security officer for an international Christian ministry. He is frequently quoted in magazines, newspapers, radio, and television.
The Christian Security Network is a national organization dedicated to the advancement of security and emergency planning for Christian churches, schools, ministries and missionaries.
source: http://news.christiansunite.com/Religion_News/religion08896.shtml
Militant Muslims destroy church building in Indonesia
A mob of approximately 1,000 Muslims attacked a church building under construction in Bekasi Regency, near Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia.
At midnight on December 17, the Muslims arrived at the Church of Saint Albert, some on bikes and some on foot, and stormed into the building, carrying banners and tanks of kerosene. One witness reported hearing them shout, "Destroy ! Destroy it! Replace the church with mosque!"
The Muslims damaged bricks, broke lights, uprooted newly planted trees and set the building on fire. No one was injured in the attack, but damage amounted to around 60 million rupees (approximately $6,700 CAD). Local Christians were planning to use the nearly completed building for a Christmas Mass service.
Following the attack, a leader of the church's construction committee shared, "Even though our chapel was attacked we are not afraid. We will continue the construction of this chapel until its completion." (Sources: AsiaNews, Union of Catholic Asian News)
source:http://news.christiansunite.com/Religion_News/religion08900.shtml
At midnight on December 17, the Muslims arrived at the Church of Saint Albert, some on bikes and some on foot, and stormed into the building, carrying banners and tanks of kerosene. One witness reported hearing them shout, "Destroy ! Destroy it! Replace the church with mosque!"
The Muslims damaged bricks, broke lights, uprooted newly planted trees and set the building on fire. No one was injured in the attack, but damage amounted to around 60 million rupees (approximately $6,700 CAD). Local Christians were planning to use the nearly completed building for a Christmas Mass service.
Following the attack, a leader of the church's construction committee shared, "Even though our chapel was attacked we are not afraid. We will continue the construction of this chapel until its completion." (Sources: AsiaNews, Union of Catholic Asian News)
source:http://news.christiansunite.com/Religion_News/religion08900.shtml
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