Tackling Muslimophobia AND Christianophobia

Barnabas Fund, 30 November 2017

The media is awash with stories about the extremist organisation Britain First, whose videos were retweeted by President Trump.

The UK was the first country in the world to begin to establish human rights such as freedom of religion, freedom of speech and freedom of the press.

Britain First undermine this heritage of freedom, stating for example, that “Anyone found to be promoting the ideology of Islam will be subject to deportation or imprisonment”.

Yet it is NOT just Britain First who are undermining the UK’s heritage of freedom of religion. Increasing Christianophobia in the UK, comes from a variety of sources. 

In the last few years, a Crown Prosecution Service lawyer has claimed in court that quoting from the King James Bible in public “must be considered to be abusive and is a criminal matter;” and in the last election the BBC, Buzz Feed, The Daily Mirror, The Independent and The Spectator suggested that, because they held beliefs such as believing in miracles or Christian marriage, Christian candidates were “unfit” to hold public office.

India archbishop served notice

World Watch Monitor December 1, 2017 

Christian groups have rallied behind Archbishop Thomas Macwan, Gujarat state in western India, after the federal Election Commission served a notice on him for his pastoral letter ahead of state elections this month. Gujarat is the home state of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“The secular and democratic fabric of our country is at stake. Human rights are being violated. Not a single day goes without an attack on our churches, faithful or institutions,” Archbishop Macwan said in his pastoral letter on 21 November.

The Election Commission served a notice on Macwan, asking him why his appeal should not be viewed as a violation of the Model Code of Conduct for the election.

Samson Christian, an outspoken Christian activist based in Gujarat, told World Watch Monitor “this is the first time the Hindu nationalists are targeting the church leader to polarise the Hindu voters” ahead of the election.

“Archbishop Macwan has all the right to protect the people and ask them to pray,” added Samson. “The complaint against the archbishop is politically motivated.”

ERITREA: CHRISTIAN STUDENTS ARRESTED

30 November 2017

Sixteen Christian students were arrested earlier this month, the latest in a series of arrests since May 2017.

The students, who were arrested after being discovered praying together, were held for more than two weeks before being released.

Nearly 200 Christians have reportedly been arrested since May 2017. “What makes this persecution different is that whole families are now being arrested,” a VOM contact said.

 “Whereas in the past most were picked up at Bible studies or Christian services, now believers are being arrested at their homes.

Because of the arrests, more than 30 children have been left without parents or guardians and the security police are monitoring them to make sure they do not get support from the Christian community.”

Nigeria – Muslim Herdsmen Kill Nine Christians

Morning Star News November 10, 2017

Nine Christians, all members of the Church of Christ In Nations (COCIN), were buried after a funeral in north-central Nigeria yesterday after Muslim Fulani herdsmen killed them earlier this week.

The Rev. Dacholom Datiri, president of the COCIN, confirmed the killing of members of his church.

“We have continued to be forced into mourning the death of some our members for no just cause. Whatever it is, our faith is dependent on Jesus Christ, our Saviour.”

Istifanus Gyang, a Nigerian member of parliament, said the attacks were carried out by “terror militia” to wipe out Christian communities and occupy their lands.  “We shall therefore overcome this season, as it is written, “weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning.”

Christians make up 51.3 percent of Nigeria’s population, while Muslims account for 45 percent.  Nigeria ranks 12^th on Open Doors’ 2017 World Watch List of countries where Christians suffer the most persecution.

Indonesia – Many students support Islamic caliphate

Reuters, Jakarta 02 November 2017

Nearly 20 percent of high school and university students in Indonesia support the establishment of a caliphate in the world’s largest Muslim-majority country over the current secular government, a new survey showed this week.

The vast majority of Indonesians practise a moderate form of Islam and the country has sizeable minorities of Hindus, Christians, and people who adhere to traditional beliefs. Religious diversity is enshrined in its constitution.

The survey by a Jakarta-based organisation polled over 4,200 Muslim students.

Nearly one in four students said they were, to varying degrees, ready to wage jihad to achieve a caliphate.

The survey showed that the vast majority of students disagree with the establishment of an Islamic caliphate and violence.

But authorities have repeatedly warned against the creeping influence of radical Islamic thought among student organisations and in campus activities.

India – Hindu Extremists Beat Pastor Unconscious

Morning Star News November 5, 2017

Weeks after a pastor led five families to faith in Christ in southern India, masked men intercepted him on his way home from worship and tried to kill him, sources said. 

They had threatened him twice before, he said.  In their prior threats, the assailants had asked him what he told the Banjara tribal people.

 “I told them, ‘We are all sinners, and this world is to come to an end someday. Only Jesus Christ can cleanse us from the sins. He was crucified for our sake, and rose again to present us eternal life.”  Pastor Sevya said he told them he spoke to every person individually when they came to ask him about Christ.

When five families came to Christ, he had been as astonished as anyone.  “I too belong to the same Banjara tribal community.  It is a miracle.”