Churches Attacked in Sri Lanka
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Kristin Wright Religious persecution, missions, Christianity around the world - Updated Jan 20, 2014
Police have identified the individuals who attacked two churches in Sri Lank on Sunday. The attacks were perpetrated by 24 people, according to police, including 8 Buddhist monks. No one was harmed in the attacks, but church members were threatened and one pastor was issued a death threat. Two churches were vandalized, and Bibles and other Christian books were burned by the mob.
In the wake of the attacks, Police spokesman Ajith Rohana admitted “inaction” on the part of the police department, due largely to insufficient numbers.
“We request your urgent prayer support for justice, peace and common sense to prevail and for the protection of these pastors, believers and their families,” said one Sri Lanka Assemblies of God leader.
Karu Jayasuriya, a senior politician of the main opposition party, has urged a full investigation by the government into what he called “very sad” attacks.
“The government should take steps, corrective actions, to ensure this doesn't happen again,” he told the BBC.
One Assemblies of God church leader reported, “The police made believers vacate from the back of the building and go into neighboring homes, and we are thankful to God that no lives were harmed.”
*Published 1/20/2014
