Almost a couple of months ago, I gave a parallel on how the rule of President Donald Trump resembles when Nebuchadnezzar, the Babylonian emperor, went crazy for seven years during his reign.
Well, confirmation of this parallel was given in a tweet last week from George Conway, the husband of President Trump spokesperson Kellyanne Conway. He calls President Trump "Deranged Donald." This new nickname encapsulates the current Presidency along with confirming my theory.
Sunday, April 28, 2019
Wednesday, April 24, 2019
Laos is not so bad after all
International
Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that over the Easter weekend, three
American Christians who were recently detained in Laos were freed and
have returned home.
Identified as Wayne, Autumn, and Joseph, the three individuals volunteered with the US-based Christian non-profit organization Vision Beyond Borders (VBB), bringing Bibles to villagers in northern Laos. On April 8, they were detained by police in Laos as they visited villages north of Muang Sing in the Louang Namtha province.
Radio Free Asia, citing an unidentified district policeman in Laos, reported on April 16 that the three were detained for distributing religious materials without obtaining government approval. They were later freed from police custody, but still confined to a guesthouse and the surrounding village. The Lao New Year holidays from April 13 to April 16 slowed the progress on their release.
Eric Blievernicht, the acting Operations Manager of VBB, told ICC that on April 20, Wayne, Autumn, and Joseph flew out of Hong Kong. He further confirmed with ICC that they all returned to their respective homes on Easter Sunday.
“They are back now and getting rested up. I heard back from Autumn and she seems in really good spirits!” Blievernicht said, before adding that the three will soon share what they have learned from this experience.
Gina Goh, ICC’s Regional Manager, said, “We are joyful to know that these three brave Christians have returned home safely. We hope that this incident helps shed light on the lack of religious freedom in communist Laos. For others who are still risking their safety to distribute Bibles in restricted countries, we continue to pray for wisdom and protection over them.”
Identified as Wayne, Autumn, and Joseph, the three individuals volunteered with the US-based Christian non-profit organization Vision Beyond Borders (VBB), bringing Bibles to villagers in northern Laos. On April 8, they were detained by police in Laos as they visited villages north of Muang Sing in the Louang Namtha province.
Radio Free Asia, citing an unidentified district policeman in Laos, reported on April 16 that the three were detained for distributing religious materials without obtaining government approval. They were later freed from police custody, but still confined to a guesthouse and the surrounding village. The Lao New Year holidays from April 13 to April 16 slowed the progress on their release.
Eric Blievernicht, the acting Operations Manager of VBB, told ICC that on April 20, Wayne, Autumn, and Joseph flew out of Hong Kong. He further confirmed with ICC that they all returned to their respective homes on Easter Sunday.
“They are back now and getting rested up. I heard back from Autumn and she seems in really good spirits!” Blievernicht said, before adding that the three will soon share what they have learned from this experience.
Gina Goh, ICC’s Regional Manager, said, “We are joyful to know that these three brave Christians have returned home safely. We hope that this incident helps shed light on the lack of religious freedom in communist Laos. For others who are still risking their safety to distribute Bibles in restricted countries, we continue to pray for wisdom and protection over them.”
For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org
About ICC
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.
Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842
International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.
Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842
International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org
New proselytization law in Nepal
International
Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that five Christians, including an
American citizen and an Indian citizen, were arrested by authorities in
Nepal and charged with attempted proselytization. The arrests come as
religious freedom in Nepal continues to deteriorate under the country’s
controversial anti-conversion law that was enacted in August 2018.
According to local reports, the five Christians were arrested on April 23 in Nepal’s Dang District. Among those arrested were Pastor Dilli Ram Paudel, General Secretary of the Nepal Christian Society; Gaurav Srivastava, an Indian citizen; and Leanna Ciquanda, an American citizen.
The Christians were reportedly arrested by police after they visited local villages in the Dang District. Police seized the Christians’ Bibles, computers, and other items before transporting them to the local police station and accusing them of attempted proselytization.
According to local media reports, Ciquanda’s visa to Nepal has been cancelled. She may be deported and banned from returning to Nepal. Criminal charges have been filed against the other Christians who will likely face local courts.
Proselytization is now considered a criminal offense in Nepal. The process of criminalizing religious conversion began in 2015 when Nepal adopted a new constitution. According to Article 26 (3) of the new constitution, “No person shall behave, act or make others act to disturb public law and order situation or convert a person of one religion to another or disturb the religion of other people…such an act shall be punished by law.”
On August 17, 2018, the Nepalese government enacted this controversial portion of the new constitution when it was added to the country’s criminal codes. Under these new laws, an individual found guilty of even encouraging religious conversion can be fined up to 50,000 Rupees and placed in prison for up to five years.
ICC’s Regional Manager, William Stark, said, “These arrests and the potential deportation are truly concerning for Nepalese Christians and the future of religious freedom in Nepal. Since the new constitution was adopted in 2015, Nepalese Christians have been concerned that Article 26 and its enacting laws would be used against their community. In June 2016, seven Christians in Dolakha District were arrested for distributing handkerchiefs and Bible handbooks. In July 2018, a Christian couple was deported from Nepal after police claimed that they were involved in religious conversion because they participated a church service in Kathmandu. Today, Nepalese Christians have seen their fears realized again. Nepal’s sweeping anti-conversion law must be repealed if religious freedom is truly a right to be enjoyed by the country’s citizens.”
According to local reports, the five Christians were arrested on April 23 in Nepal’s Dang District. Among those arrested were Pastor Dilli Ram Paudel, General Secretary of the Nepal Christian Society; Gaurav Srivastava, an Indian citizen; and Leanna Ciquanda, an American citizen.
The Christians were reportedly arrested by police after they visited local villages in the Dang District. Police seized the Christians’ Bibles, computers, and other items before transporting them to the local police station and accusing them of attempted proselytization.
According to local media reports, Ciquanda’s visa to Nepal has been cancelled. She may be deported and banned from returning to Nepal. Criminal charges have been filed against the other Christians who will likely face local courts.
Proselytization is now considered a criminal offense in Nepal. The process of criminalizing religious conversion began in 2015 when Nepal adopted a new constitution. According to Article 26 (3) of the new constitution, “No person shall behave, act or make others act to disturb public law and order situation or convert a person of one religion to another or disturb the religion of other people…such an act shall be punished by law.”
On August 17, 2018, the Nepalese government enacted this controversial portion of the new constitution when it was added to the country’s criminal codes. Under these new laws, an individual found guilty of even encouraging religious conversion can be fined up to 50,000 Rupees and placed in prison for up to five years.
ICC’s Regional Manager, William Stark, said, “These arrests and the potential deportation are truly concerning for Nepalese Christians and the future of religious freedom in Nepal. Since the new constitution was adopted in 2015, Nepalese Christians have been concerned that Article 26 and its enacting laws would be used against their community. In June 2016, seven Christians in Dolakha District were arrested for distributing handkerchiefs and Bible handbooks. In July 2018, a Christian couple was deported from Nepal after police claimed that they were involved in religious conversion because they participated a church service in Kathmandu. Today, Nepalese Christians have seen their fears realized again. Nepal’s sweeping anti-conversion law must be repealed if religious freedom is truly a right to be enjoyed by the country’s citizens.”
For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org
About ICC
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.
Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842
International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.
Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842
International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org
Fulani militants strike again in Nigeria
International
Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that on Wednesday, April 17, 2019,
Fulani militants launched an attack on Bolon village, a predominantly
Christian village in Demsa Local Council Area of Adamawa State, Nigeria.
The attackers struck at approximately 10:30 p.m., firing gunshots
sporadically. When the dust settled, four people were killed and another
six were injured by gunfire.
A local resident recalled, “An older man went to his backyard… and saw the attackers coming. The old man quickly went back and alerted the villagers of imminent danger while the attackers advanced very fast. Some of the villagers were able to flee, while some of the brave men tried to resist and repel the attackers.” More than 100 houses were burned down, as well as many food storage barns. An 89-year-old man and his wife were killed in their home when it burned down around them. Among the four victims were Nathan Maduwuri (89), Mirdiya Nathan (70), Demto Lord (13), and Emiko David (10).
Kalla Lord Dennis, a 48-year-old father, was shot in the hand and leg. The bullet that was lodged in his leg was finally removed several days after the attack. Kalla’s 13-year-old daughter Demto was killed, while his 10-year-old was shot in the leg. A total of six injured people are currently receiving treatment at Numan General Hospital. Other injured persons include Pwayakadi Zaro (35), Veronica Pwabideino (26), Hussieni Ishaku (22), and Kwahana Lord (10).
Confirming the identity of the attackers, one of the young men in the village, who wished to remain anonymous, was among the brave individuals who tried to repel the armed attackers. He said, “They were definitely Fulani militia, because we chased them away and were able to kill one of them, from whose identity we can tell.” The vigilante added that the government security forces were called to come and see the destruction unleashed in Bolon village.
Pastor Barkati, a native of the village, showed ICC the graves of the victims who were killed. They were all buried on Wednesday morning.
Prior to the federal and state elections in Nigeria, the security situation in southern Adamawa was relatively calm. This attack seems to have signaled the resumption of hostility by the Fulani militants, adding to the tension in the region.
A local resident recalled, “An older man went to his backyard… and saw the attackers coming. The old man quickly went back and alerted the villagers of imminent danger while the attackers advanced very fast. Some of the villagers were able to flee, while some of the brave men tried to resist and repel the attackers.” More than 100 houses were burned down, as well as many food storage barns. An 89-year-old man and his wife were killed in their home when it burned down around them. Among the four victims were Nathan Maduwuri (89), Mirdiya Nathan (70), Demto Lord (13), and Emiko David (10).
Kalla Lord Dennis, a 48-year-old father, was shot in the hand and leg. The bullet that was lodged in his leg was finally removed several days after the attack. Kalla’s 13-year-old daughter Demto was killed, while his 10-year-old was shot in the leg. A total of six injured people are currently receiving treatment at Numan General Hospital. Other injured persons include Pwayakadi Zaro (35), Veronica Pwabideino (26), Hussieni Ishaku (22), and Kwahana Lord (10).
Confirming the identity of the attackers, one of the young men in the village, who wished to remain anonymous, was among the brave individuals who tried to repel the armed attackers. He said, “They were definitely Fulani militia, because we chased them away and were able to kill one of them, from whose identity we can tell.” The vigilante added that the government security forces were called to come and see the destruction unleashed in Bolon village.
Pastor Barkati, a native of the village, showed ICC the graves of the victims who were killed. They were all buried on Wednesday morning.
Prior to the federal and state elections in Nigeria, the security situation in southern Adamawa was relatively calm. This attack seems to have signaled the resumption of hostility by the Fulani militants, adding to the tension in the region.
For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org
About ICC
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.
Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842
International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.
Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842
International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org
Tuesday, April 23, 2019
Be glad that you do not live in India
International
Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that on Sunday, April 14, 40
Christians were violently kicked out of their homes by Hindu extremists
in Patamanda village, located in India’s eastern state of Odisha.
According to local reports, the extremists accused the Christians of
following a foreign religion and told the Christians that they were not
allowed to stay in the village if they continued to practice their
faith.
The attack began at 9:30 p.m. when a mob of villagers influenced by Hindu radicals stormed into the homes of seven Christian families in Patamanda village. The mob verbally abused the Christians and beat them with bamboo sticks. Two Christians, Mohan Vadeka and Mistu Vadeka, were targeted by the mob because of their leadership positions within the local Christian community. To escape the violent mob, the 40 Christians fled into the nearby forest. The mob then ransacked the seven Christian homes.
“Forty of us, including women and infants, walked more than two kilometers through the thickest forests in the dark,” Jilla Vadeka told ICC. “We traveled to the police station for help, but no help was rendered. We were just told to come back tomorrow.”
When the Christians returned to the police station on April 15, police officers arranged a compromise between the Christian and Hindu villagers. “They told both of us not to interfere in each other’s faith and sent us away,” Mohan Vadeka said. “However, when we returned to Patamanda, there was a huge crowd waiting for us. They ruthlessly chased us back to the forest.”
“For more than a week now, we cannot stay freely in our homes,” Jilla Vadeka explained to ICC. “We are worried for our lives.”
On Friday, April 19, the Christians of Patamanda were told that they were not allowed to stay in the village if they continued to practice their faith. “Two border security force [officials] came to the village and threatened us,” Mohan Vadeka said. “They said that we cannot stay in the village if we follow the Christian faith. They said we would lose our government subsidized food and lose our ID cards.”
“This is not the first time Christians in this region have faced violent attacks,” a local pastor, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told ICC. “The consequences of practicing the Christian faith can mean losing your house, facing social boycotts, and even physical torture. Christians cannot depend on police for help.”
ICC’s Regional Manager, William Stark, said, “Local authorities in India must do more to help the Christians of Patamanda village. Too often, attacks on Christians and their places of worship are ignored by India’s authorities. This climate of impunity has only emboldened Hindu radicals who now feel that they have a free hand to attack religious minorities across the country. Article 25 of India’s constitution guarantees religious freedom to all citizens. Until this right is enforced, Article 25 will remain only words on paper for the Christians of Patamanda village.”
The attack began at 9:30 p.m. when a mob of villagers influenced by Hindu radicals stormed into the homes of seven Christian families in Patamanda village. The mob verbally abused the Christians and beat them with bamboo sticks. Two Christians, Mohan Vadeka and Mistu Vadeka, were targeted by the mob because of their leadership positions within the local Christian community. To escape the violent mob, the 40 Christians fled into the nearby forest. The mob then ransacked the seven Christian homes.
“Forty of us, including women and infants, walked more than two kilometers through the thickest forests in the dark,” Jilla Vadeka told ICC. “We traveled to the police station for help, but no help was rendered. We were just told to come back tomorrow.”
When the Christians returned to the police station on April 15, police officers arranged a compromise between the Christian and Hindu villagers. “They told both of us not to interfere in each other’s faith and sent us away,” Mohan Vadeka said. “However, when we returned to Patamanda, there was a huge crowd waiting for us. They ruthlessly chased us back to the forest.”
“For more than a week now, we cannot stay freely in our homes,” Jilla Vadeka explained to ICC. “We are worried for our lives.”
On Friday, April 19, the Christians of Patamanda were told that they were not allowed to stay in the village if they continued to practice their faith. “Two border security force [officials] came to the village and threatened us,” Mohan Vadeka said. “They said that we cannot stay in the village if we follow the Christian faith. They said we would lose our government subsidized food and lose our ID cards.”
“This is not the first time Christians in this region have faced violent attacks,” a local pastor, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told ICC. “The consequences of practicing the Christian faith can mean losing your house, facing social boycotts, and even physical torture. Christians cannot depend on police for help.”
ICC’s Regional Manager, William Stark, said, “Local authorities in India must do more to help the Christians of Patamanda village. Too often, attacks on Christians and their places of worship are ignored by India’s authorities. This climate of impunity has only emboldened Hindu radicals who now feel that they have a free hand to attack religious minorities across the country. Article 25 of India’s constitution guarantees religious freedom to all citizens. Until this right is enforced, Article 25 will remain only words on paper for the Christians of Patamanda village.”
For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org
About ICC
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.
Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842
International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.
Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842
International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org
Sunday, April 21, 2019
Easter attacks in Sri Lanka
International
Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that at least 189 people have been
killed in a series of bombings targeting churches and hotels across Sri
Lanka. According to reports, as many as 400 others have been
hospitalized with injuries as a result of the bombings that mark the
first major terrorist attack since the country’s civil war came to a
close in 2009.
Six
bombings took place around the same time at 8:45 a.m. in the morning as
Easter services began across the country. The deadliest attack took
place at St. Sebastian’s Church, a Catholic church in Negombo, about 20
miles north of the country’s capital city of Colombo. In that attack
more than 60 worshipers were killed.
In
other attacks on churches, St. Anthony’s Shire, a Catholic shrine in
Colombo, and Zion Church, an evangelical church in Batticoloa, were also
bombed. In those attacks, at least 52 were killed at St. Anthony’s and
another 38 killed at Zion Church.
Three
hotels popular with foreign tourists in Colombo were also bombed,
including Shangri-La Colombo, Kingsbury Hotel in Colombo and the
Cinnamon Grand Colombo. According to various media reports, it remained
unclear whether there were any casualties in the hotels.
So
far, no one has taken responsibility for the attacks on the churches
and hotels. However, Sri Lankan police say the attacks were highly
coordinated and early investigations suggest that they were carried out
by suicide bombers.
Out of Sri Lanka’s total population of 22 million, Christians only account for 7.6% according to the 2012 census.
Christians
in Sri Lanka have claimed to be facing increasing intimidation from
Buddhist extremists in recent years. According to the National Christian
Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka (NCEASL), which represents more than
200 churches and other Christians groups in Sri Lanka, there were 86
verified incidents of persecution in 2018. This included incidents of
discrimination, threats, and violence against Christians.
In
2019, NCEASL has already recorded 26 verified incidents of persecution.
This includes incidents as recent as a mob attack on a Methodist Prayer
Center on Palm Sunday. In that incident, ICC reported that 25 young
people pelted Christian worshipers with stones and firecrackers before
locking the Christians within the prayer center and refusing to release
them.
ICC's Regional Manager, William Stark, said, "The
thoughts and prayers of ICC first and foremost go out to the families
of those killed and injured in this deadly wave of attacks. No one
should fear being the target of such extreme violence simply because of
their identity as a religious minority. Too often Sri Lanka’s
authorities have tolerated instances of discrimination and intolerance
against Christians and other religious minorities. This must come to an
end. Authorities must investigate who was behind these deadly attacks
and bring them to justice."
For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org
About ICC
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.
Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842
International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.
Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842
International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org
Tuesday, April 16, 2019
When Muslims attack in Egypt
International
Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that on April 12, 2019, a mob of
extremists attacked the Church of Society of Anba Karassof in Khalaf
Allah Jaber village, located in Egypt’s Sohag Governorate. As a result,
the church was damaged, three people were injured, Christian children
attending Sunday School were traumatized, and the church was closed to
avoid further violence.
The mob, armed with knives and sticks, attacked the church at 4:00 p.m. on April 12 as Christian children were attending Sunday School classes. According to local reports, a large iron gate delayed the mob in their assault which allowed local police to arrive and disperse the crowd.
However, the mob was still able to inflict damage on the church and injure several Christians, including two priests, Father Basil and Father Pachomius, and one Coptic man, Asaad Bakhit Rizk Allah. Following the attack, local police closed down the church in order to avoid further violence.
Though there were limited injuries, one local Christian woman said, “The hardest emotion in that incident is the kids lived the incident in the reality. They saw the extremists attacking the church and how they injured the priests. This incident will hurt them psychologically in the future.”
A day prior to the attack, the village mayor confiscated building materials from the church and attempted to close down the church. According to local reports, the mayor became frustrated with the local church because the Coptic Christians were renovating their church building in an attempt to accommodate their growing congregation of nearly 1,300 Christians.
Though the church had applied for legal status in September 2017, it has yet to receive official authorization.
Commenting on the political environment surrounding the attack, one local said, “The motivation of this incident [is] the constitution amendments. Many Christians will accept it, while other Muslim [extremists] hate the continuation of Sisi’s presidency. The Christians are always the victims of this regime.”
To date, the Church of Society of Anba Karassof remains closed to avoid additional violence. This is despite the fact that the Coptic congregation is commemorating Holy Week and preparing for Easter. With no other local church in the area, the congregation is likely to be left without a formal worship space this Easter.
ICC’s Regional Manager, Claire Evans, said, “Egypt’s Christians are often singled out during the celebration of Christian holidays, such as Easter. President al-Sisi has taken symbolic steps of support for the Coptic population. Now he must take action to protect the rights of Christians to worship in their churches. More must be done to protect Christians from both discrimination and violence.”
The mob, armed with knives and sticks, attacked the church at 4:00 p.m. on April 12 as Christian children were attending Sunday School classes. According to local reports, a large iron gate delayed the mob in their assault which allowed local police to arrive and disperse the crowd.
However, the mob was still able to inflict damage on the church and injure several Christians, including two priests, Father Basil and Father Pachomius, and one Coptic man, Asaad Bakhit Rizk Allah. Following the attack, local police closed down the church in order to avoid further violence.
Though there were limited injuries, one local Christian woman said, “The hardest emotion in that incident is the kids lived the incident in the reality. They saw the extremists attacking the church and how they injured the priests. This incident will hurt them psychologically in the future.”
A day prior to the attack, the village mayor confiscated building materials from the church and attempted to close down the church. According to local reports, the mayor became frustrated with the local church because the Coptic Christians were renovating their church building in an attempt to accommodate their growing congregation of nearly 1,300 Christians.
Though the church had applied for legal status in September 2017, it has yet to receive official authorization.
Commenting on the political environment surrounding the attack, one local said, “The motivation of this incident [is] the constitution amendments. Many Christians will accept it, while other Muslim [extremists] hate the continuation of Sisi’s presidency. The Christians are always the victims of this regime.”
To date, the Church of Society of Anba Karassof remains closed to avoid additional violence. This is despite the fact that the Coptic congregation is commemorating Holy Week and preparing for Easter. With no other local church in the area, the congregation is likely to be left without a formal worship space this Easter.
ICC’s Regional Manager, Claire Evans, said, “Egypt’s Christians are often singled out during the celebration of Christian holidays, such as Easter. President al-Sisi has taken symbolic steps of support for the Coptic population. Now he must take action to protect the rights of Christians to worship in their churches. More must be done to protect Christians from both discrimination and violence.”
For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org
About ICC
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.
Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842
International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.
Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842
International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org
Monday, April 15, 2019
Layover in Laos leads to 3 being arrested
International
Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that on April 8, three American
Christians were detained by police in Laos as they visited villages
north of Muang Sing in the Luang Namtha province. Wayne, Autumn, and
Joseph were volunteering with the US-based Christian non-profit
organization Vision Beyond Borders (VBB) at the time of their detention.
They were sharing Gospel literature and the Good News of Jesus Christ
with villagers.
VBB has been serving Asia by reaching people through the Word and strengthening the persecuted Church since its founding 25 years ago. VBB has carried over 1 million Bibles and 15,000 tape players containing the Gospel into closed countries. Many volunteers dedicate their time and energy, taking great risks in order to bring the Word of God to people with limited access to it.
The US Embassy in Laos has been involved in the case, according to VBB. A State Department spokesman also told Radio Free Asia on Friday, “We can confirm the temporary detention and subsequent release of three U.S. citizens in Luang Namtha, Laos. We take seriously our responsibility to assist U.S. citizens abroad and are providing all appropriate consular services.”
According to Asia News, a local Christian group is trying to help the three. "We have just learned of this and are traveling to the province of Luang Namtha to assist these three Americans," the leader of a church in Vientiane stated on the condition of anonymity.
However, Eric Blievernicht, the acting Operations Manager of VBB, informed ICC that as of April 15, there is still no update regarding their release. He asked ICC to share the following prayer requests:
“1. For Wayne, Autumn and Joseph to be able to come home to their families soon. That this time forced to remain in Laos would turn to be a blessing for them and others in God's purposes. 2. For the protection and fair treatment of believers in Laos, and particularly in Luang Namtha province. 3. That the Laos government would allow religious freedom so that believers could freely obtain Bibles and worship together.”
Gina Goh, ICC’s Regional Manager, said, “ICC joins VBB in calling for the release of the three Americans: Wayne, Autumn, and Joseph. These Christian volunteers entered the communist country out of their love for the Laotian people, and they have done nothing wrong to deserve detainment. We pray for strength and protection over them as they suffer for the Gospel’s sake.”
VBB has been serving Asia by reaching people through the Word and strengthening the persecuted Church since its founding 25 years ago. VBB has carried over 1 million Bibles and 15,000 tape players containing the Gospel into closed countries. Many volunteers dedicate their time and energy, taking great risks in order to bring the Word of God to people with limited access to it.
The US Embassy in Laos has been involved in the case, according to VBB. A State Department spokesman also told Radio Free Asia on Friday, “We can confirm the temporary detention and subsequent release of three U.S. citizens in Luang Namtha, Laos. We take seriously our responsibility to assist U.S. citizens abroad and are providing all appropriate consular services.”
According to Asia News, a local Christian group is trying to help the three. "We have just learned of this and are traveling to the province of Luang Namtha to assist these three Americans," the leader of a church in Vientiane stated on the condition of anonymity.
However, Eric Blievernicht, the acting Operations Manager of VBB, informed ICC that as of April 15, there is still no update regarding their release. He asked ICC to share the following prayer requests:
“1. For Wayne, Autumn and Joseph to be able to come home to their families soon. That this time forced to remain in Laos would turn to be a blessing for them and others in God's purposes. 2. For the protection and fair treatment of believers in Laos, and particularly in Luang Namtha province. 3. That the Laos government would allow religious freedom so that believers could freely obtain Bibles and worship together.”
Gina Goh, ICC’s Regional Manager, said, “ICC joins VBB in calling for the release of the three Americans: Wayne, Autumn, and Joseph. These Christian volunteers entered the communist country out of their love for the Laotian people, and they have done nothing wrong to deserve detainment. We pray for strength and protection over them as they suffer for the Gospel’s sake.”
For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org
About ICC
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.
Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842
International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.
Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842
International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org
Wednesday, April 10, 2019
March report on Fulani militants in Nigeria
Fulani
militants continued to carry out violent attacks throughout Nigeria’s
Middle Belt region in March. The brutal attacks perpetrated by these
hardline Islamic militants persistently spark fear among Christians
living in the Middle Belt, as death tolls continue to rise. This
undeclared war has turned Muslims and Christians against each other in a
confrontation that threatens the stability of Nigeria, with Christians
suffering in far greater numbers. Last month, at least 150 people were
killed. Additionally, Boko Haram conducted at least one major attack in
Adamawa State that claimed many lives and homes.
Attacks at the hands of these violent militants have spiked dramatically following the 2019 elections, and partially due to economic scarcity, as Nigeria’s land resources are depleting. Fulani militants attack defenseless farmers, impoverishing Christian communities, as the bloodshed is inextricably wrapped up in religious, ethnic, and socioeconomic prejudices.
Nigerian bishop William Amove Avenya of Benue State said, "Fulani tribesmen armed to the teeth, are murdering pregnant women and children, and destroying our smallholdings."
"This is a time bomb that threatens to ignite the whole region. We cannot wait for a mass genocide to happen before intervening," he added.
Meanwhile, recently reelected President Muhammadu Buhari, a former military leader, has failed to stop the violence in Nigeria’s Middle Belt. These states have been devastated by the long-simmering conflict between farmers and herdsmen. His broken election promises have left Nigeria’s Christians living in a constant state of fear, as the Nigerian government does not hold the Fulani militants accountable or plan to disarm them. As the violent militants continue to unleash bloodshed, the humanitarian crisis deepens across the region.
Below are the largest attacks that took place in March:
1. March 4, 2019: Fulani militants attack Benue State, killing 23
2. March 11, 2019: Fulani militias attack Kajuru, burning more than 100 homes, killing 52
3. March 18, 2019: Boko Haram sieged a Christian majority town in Adamawa State, inhabited by more than 370,000 people
According to Open Doors’ 2019 World Watch List, Nigeria ranks as the 12th worst country in the world for Christian persecution. As Boko Haram and Fulani militants’ brutal campaigns of violence have claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced millions more in recent years, we will continue to call on the Nigerian government to rebuild destroyed communities and protect Nigerians from further tragedies.
For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org
Attacks at the hands of these violent militants have spiked dramatically following the 2019 elections, and partially due to economic scarcity, as Nigeria’s land resources are depleting. Fulani militants attack defenseless farmers, impoverishing Christian communities, as the bloodshed is inextricably wrapped up in religious, ethnic, and socioeconomic prejudices.
Nigerian bishop William Amove Avenya of Benue State said, "Fulani tribesmen armed to the teeth, are murdering pregnant women and children, and destroying our smallholdings."
"This is a time bomb that threatens to ignite the whole region. We cannot wait for a mass genocide to happen before intervening," he added.
Meanwhile, recently reelected President Muhammadu Buhari, a former military leader, has failed to stop the violence in Nigeria’s Middle Belt. These states have been devastated by the long-simmering conflict between farmers and herdsmen. His broken election promises have left Nigeria’s Christians living in a constant state of fear, as the Nigerian government does not hold the Fulani militants accountable or plan to disarm them. As the violent militants continue to unleash bloodshed, the humanitarian crisis deepens across the region.
Below are the largest attacks that took place in March:
1. March 4, 2019: Fulani militants attack Benue State, killing 23
2. March 11, 2019: Fulani militias attack Kajuru, burning more than 100 homes, killing 52
3. March 18, 2019: Boko Haram sieged a Christian majority town in Adamawa State, inhabited by more than 370,000 people
According to Open Doors’ 2019 World Watch List, Nigeria ranks as the 12th worst country in the world for Christian persecution. As Boko Haram and Fulani militants’ brutal campaigns of violence have claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced millions more in recent years, we will continue to call on the Nigerian government to rebuild destroyed communities and protect Nigerians from further tragedies.
For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org
About ICC
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.
Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842
International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.
Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842
International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org
Wednesday, April 3, 2019
Police kidnap pastor in Malaysia
International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that on April 3, the
Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) announced that the special
police intelligence team was involved in the abduction of Pastor
Raymond Koh. Koh was kidnapped by a group of men in Petaling Jaya, while
on his way to visit a friend, on February 13, 2017. His abduction in a
military-precision operation led many to believe that it was
orchestrated by the former Najib administration, possibly linked to
accusations of him proselytizing to Muslims.
According to Commissioner Datuk Mah Weng Kwai, the disclosure is a result of the inquiry panel’s findings with regards to Koh’s abduction. “The direct and circumstantial evidence in Pastor Raymond Koh’s case proves, on a balance of probabilities, that he was abducted by State agents, namely the Special Branch [from] Bukit Aman, Kuala Lumpur,” Suhakam’s report reads.
Mah added that the conclusion came from the wife of also-missing Shiite activist Amri Che Mat, who said the Special Branch officer Mohd Shamzaini Mohd Daud told her that the disappearances of both Koh and Amri were carried out by Bukit Aman’s Special Branch.
The police’s refusal to acknowledge this and the fact that they reclassified Koh’s case as an enforced disappearance, rather than an abduction, further prove that the state was responsible for his disappearance.
According to Malaymail, the panel subsequently made several recommendations, including the formation of a special task force to re-investigate Koh’s disappearance, the separation of powers between the police and religious authorities, and reforms to the police’s standard operating procedures.
Pastor David Low, chairman of the Evangelical Free Church of Malaysia, of which Pastor Raymond Koh was previously a pastor, told ICC, “Thanks for journeying and praying for the family. Let's continue to pray that the government will have the gumption to take the next steps as recommended by Suhakam.”
Gina Goh, ICC’s Regional Manager, said, “ICC welcomes Suhakam’s report and urges the government to do the right thing: thoroughly investigate, convict the responsible individuals, and return Pastor Raymond Koh to his family as soon as possible.”
For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org
According to Commissioner Datuk Mah Weng Kwai, the disclosure is a result of the inquiry panel’s findings with regards to Koh’s abduction. “The direct and circumstantial evidence in Pastor Raymond Koh’s case proves, on a balance of probabilities, that he was abducted by State agents, namely the Special Branch [from] Bukit Aman, Kuala Lumpur,” Suhakam’s report reads.
Mah added that the conclusion came from the wife of also-missing Shiite activist Amri Che Mat, who said the Special Branch officer Mohd Shamzaini Mohd Daud told her that the disappearances of both Koh and Amri were carried out by Bukit Aman’s Special Branch.
The police’s refusal to acknowledge this and the fact that they reclassified Koh’s case as an enforced disappearance, rather than an abduction, further prove that the state was responsible for his disappearance.
According to Malaymail, the panel subsequently made several recommendations, including the formation of a special task force to re-investigate Koh’s disappearance, the separation of powers between the police and religious authorities, and reforms to the police’s standard operating procedures.
Pastor David Low, chairman of the Evangelical Free Church of Malaysia, of which Pastor Raymond Koh was previously a pastor, told ICC, “Thanks for journeying and praying for the family. Let's continue to pray that the government will have the gumption to take the next steps as recommended by Suhakam.”
Gina Goh, ICC’s Regional Manager, said, “ICC welcomes Suhakam’s report and urges the government to do the right thing: thoroughly investigate, convict the responsible individuals, and return Pastor Raymond Koh to his family as soon as possible.”
For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org
About ICC
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.
Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842
International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.
Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842
International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org
Monday, April 1, 2019
China attempting to ban the underground
International
Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that on March 28 and March 29, two
underground church leaders in China’s Hebei province were taken into
custody by local authorities. On March 28, vicar general Father Zhang
Jianlin of Xuanhua diocese was taken into custody by provincial
religious bureau officials. Coadjutor Bishop Augustine Cui Tai was
seized the next day by officials from various agencies after he received
a text message informing him of his pending arrest. His whereabouts are
currently unknown.
This was not the first time that either of the Catholic clergymen have been detained. Father Zhang was detained in 2009 and again last January. Bishop Cui has been repeatedly kept in captivity since 2007, and only released during the Chinese holidays so he could return home to visit his elderly sister, before he was taken away again. His last detention ended on January 24.
“The government’s aim is to paralyze the diocese. If the diocese fails to manage the community, then the government will use this as an opportunity to take it over,” a priest from the underground community told UCA News. He added that the government would give control of the diocese to the state-backed Patriotic Church.
Some believe that the latest detention is linked to a former underground priest from the same diocese, Francis Zhang Li. Asia News reported earlier this month that Cui suspended Zhang for switching to a Patriotic Church and for his "charismatic" activities.
Displeased that Bishop Cui still refused to join the Patriotic Church, after the signing of a provisional deal between the Holy See and Beijing last September, and Cui’s criticism of the government, Zhang called for his arrest.
When inquired about this news, Father Francis Liu from Chinese Christian Fellowship of Righteousness told ICC, “Actually, this is the norm – during Lenten season, in order to prevent underground bishops from performing the Chrism Mass on Holy Thursday, the government would take them away, forcing their parishioners to attend the Mass at another diocese or an official church [that is controlled by Beijing].”
Gina Goh, ICC’s Regional Manager, said, “The undisclosed Sino-Vatican deal has brought little positive development, if not more suffering for the underground Catholic community in China. The Holy See must have empathy for the underground Church and pressure China into respecting their religious freedom. A rapprochement with China should not be built at the expense of underground Chinese Catholics’ rights.”
For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org
This was not the first time that either of the Catholic clergymen have been detained. Father Zhang was detained in 2009 and again last January. Bishop Cui has been repeatedly kept in captivity since 2007, and only released during the Chinese holidays so he could return home to visit his elderly sister, before he was taken away again. His last detention ended on January 24.
“The government’s aim is to paralyze the diocese. If the diocese fails to manage the community, then the government will use this as an opportunity to take it over,” a priest from the underground community told UCA News. He added that the government would give control of the diocese to the state-backed Patriotic Church.
Some believe that the latest detention is linked to a former underground priest from the same diocese, Francis Zhang Li. Asia News reported earlier this month that Cui suspended Zhang for switching to a Patriotic Church and for his "charismatic" activities.
Displeased that Bishop Cui still refused to join the Patriotic Church, after the signing of a provisional deal between the Holy See and Beijing last September, and Cui’s criticism of the government, Zhang called for his arrest.
When inquired about this news, Father Francis Liu from Chinese Christian Fellowship of Righteousness told ICC, “Actually, this is the norm – during Lenten season, in order to prevent underground bishops from performing the Chrism Mass on Holy Thursday, the government would take them away, forcing their parishioners to attend the Mass at another diocese or an official church [that is controlled by Beijing].”
Gina Goh, ICC’s Regional Manager, said, “The undisclosed Sino-Vatican deal has brought little positive development, if not more suffering for the underground Catholic community in China. The Holy See must have empathy for the underground Church and pressure China into respecting their religious freedom. A rapprochement with China should not be built at the expense of underground Chinese Catholics’ rights.”
For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org
About ICC
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.
Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842
International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.
Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842
International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org
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