Religion Today Summaries – Jan. 11, 2007
Daily briefs of the top news stories impacting Christians around the world.
In today's edition:
- Human Rights Lawyer Fights For Her Life In Congolese Prison
- Federal Judge Allows Religion in Care for Veterans
- Advocacy Groups Report Escalating Christian Persecution in China, India
- Service Cancelled in Otherwise Quiet Christmas in Indonesia
Human Rights Lawyer Fights For Her Life In Congolese Prison
A human rights lawyer, who is also the mother of four children, has briefly received medical treatment before being returned to prison in Kinshasa, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, ASSIST News Service reports. According to Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), Marie Therese Nlandu, who was charged on 11 December with inciting insurrection and possessing illegal firearms, briefly received medical treatment in a military hospital for a severe lung infection contracted whilst in prison. However, against medical advice, Mrs. Nlandu was returned to Makala Prison before the course of treatment had been completed. Her health is reported to be deteriorating rapidly due to the poor conditions of her incarceration. CSW says that, although a civilian, Mrs. Nlandu was due to appear before a military tribunal on January 3, but the hearing was postponed until the January 24 due to her poor health. If found guilty, Mrs. Nlandu could face execution.
Federal Judge Allows Religion in Care for Veterans
AgapePress reports a federal judge has ruled that the Department of Veterans Affairs' use of religion in treating ailing veterans does not violate separation of church and state. Judge John Shabaz dismissed a lawsuit by the Freedom From Religion Foundation and defended the agency's practices, saying religion can help patients heal and is legal as long as it's voluntary. The lawsuit challenged the V-A's practice of asking patients questions about faith, such as how often they attend church and how important religion is in their lives. The suit also targeted V-A substance abuse programs that include religion and the integration of chaplains into patient care. The Freedom From Religion Foundation says it will appeal the judge's ruling.
Advocacy Groups Report Escalating Christian Persecution in China, India
Persecution continues to increase against Christians throughout India and in Communist China, AgapePress reports. Representatives of organizations that minister to and advocate for believers in those countries say government authorities in both nations are severely oppressing Christians and limiting their religious freedom. Late last month, Hindu extremists torched a church in the Indian state of Orissa after members had decorated and prepared the sanctuary for Christmas services. The Global Council of Indian Christians is investigating the church burning. Ten Indian Christian missionaries along with a pastor were beaten and arrested for singing Christmas carols. An expert on Christian persecution within communist China says believers in that country will face increasing scrutiny from authorities.
Service Cancelled in Otherwise Quiet Christmas in Indonesia
According to Compass Direct News, a 200-strong mob prevented a church here from holding a Christmas Eve service in what was an otherwise peaceful holiday season in Indonesia. Some Muslim groups even provided protection for churches alongside police and army personnel. In Cengkareng Timur, the large mob prevented the Pentecostal Church in Indonesia from holding the Christmas Eve service. Mob leader Kodri said the church was violating a West Jakarta regulation banning worship services in private homes, although the congregation had worshipped in a private residence without problem since 2004. In the lead-up to Christmas Eve, more than 17,000 policemen and soldiers were deployed to protect churches, shopping malls and airport terminals in Jakarta. Several Muslim organizations also took part in providing security.
Originally published January 11, 2007.
