Religion Today Summaries, January 10, 2003
In Today's Edition:
- North Vietnamese Launch Offensive Against Christians
- Muslim Extremists Pressure Christians
- Christians Begin to Fight Terrorism on Knees
- New Law on Religion Provokes Controversy
North Vietnamese Launch Offensive Against Christians
(Charisma News) Police used noxious gas recently to break up a worship gathering attended by 40 Hmong Christians in the Dien Bien Dong district. According to Assist News Service (ANS). "Police discovered the meeting, so they came to stop the meeting by spraying noxious gas to these Christians," a source told ANS. Meanwhile, Hmong listeners to Far East Broadcasting's (FEB) gospel radio programs have told about the severe persecution that they are experiencing. "At this time, we don't know why our government has sent soldiers and policemen to guard all of the Christian villages," one listener said in a tape sent to FEB. "It seems as if we are criminals or are preparing to do something against the government! They watch every one of us very closely. We cannot hold church meetings any more. "These officials have also come to check every Christian home and check for bibles, hymnbooks and other literature," the listener added. "If they find anything, it will be burned. If homes are not found with evil spirit signs, that household will be penalized." According to International Christian Concern, Christian Hmong leaders said the government has made statements on radio and TV stations declaring that Christianity would soon cease to exist. www.charismanews.com
Muslim Extremists Pressure Christians
(Compass) — Leaders of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in southwest Nigeria have denounced incessant attacks by Muslim extremists on the churches in the area. “The clergy and Christians in Ikota Estate area are increasingly under harassment and terrorism by Muslim fanatics. They have put the churches under taxation,” Rev. Henry Ogbuechi, CAN area chairman, told newsmen. Harassment surfaced in the nearby state of Ondo when Muslim fundamentalists invaded the Adeyemi College of Education to protest the expulsion of four Muslim students who insisted on wearing veils on campus, a practice prohibited to guard against cheating on examinations. Protestors abducted the college provost, Dr. Rueben Adeboyeje, a Christian. In another incident, Muslim leaders in the city of Sokoto have demanded that a Christian church built by Nigerian policemen in their barracks be demolished. Assistant Inspector General of Police Mike Okuo, a Christian, insists that the church building will remain, pointing out that Muslim policemen have built a mosque in the barracks.
Christians Begin to Fight Terrorism on Knees
(Charisma News) Prayer movements across the country are rallying support for a major prayer effort intended to keep the United States safe from terrorist attack. The Homeland Security Prayer Initiative urges Christians to unite in 91 days of concerted prayer, through April 1. Launched by Ministry to the Nations (MN), the effort has been endorsed by a wide range of groups, including Intercessors for America, Aglow International, the Messianic Jewish Alliance and Global Advance. "Since the tragic events of 9/11, the increase of terrorist activity worldwide and the possibility of war, it's time for the church in the United States and beyond to sound the alarm," said MN founder Jim Goll, a former pastor who teaches internationally on prayer and prophetic ministry. The aim was to "call forth a Holy Spirit Border Patrol Guard of angelic protection all around the entrances of our nation -- our seaports, airports, landmarks, large public gatherings, waterways and sources, military installations," he added. Participants are being asked to use Psalm 91 as a prayer guide each day during the three-month watch, and follow seven daily prayer points -- "praise to God, penitence for our sins, petition for those in authority, proclamation of the names of God, protection for our land, pronouncement of judgment on the powers of darkness and prophesying life." www.charismanews.com
New Law on Religion Provokes Controversy
(Compass) -- The Bulgarian Parliament has passed a controversial law recognizing the dominant role of the Orthodox Church and requiring all other denominations to register. The law defines Orthodox Christianity as “the traditional religion in Bulgaria” that “plays a historic role in Bulgarian statehood.” One objective of the law is to end a deep rift between supporters of Patriarch Maksim, who stands accused of collaboration with communist rulers from 1971 to 1990, and rival leaders. The law’s provisions are a source of serious concern for representatives of minority religions and human rights groups, who argue that the law grants a privileged position to the Orthodox Church and could lead to discrimination against other faiths.
Originally published January 13, 2003.
