Commentaries On Spirituality

Wednesday, October 31, 2018

Baghdad blast from 8 years ago

Today, International Christian Concern (ICC) and Iraq’s Christian community are commemorating the eighth anniversary of the 2010 Baghdad church massacre. The attack on Our Lady of Salvation Church left over 50 believers massacred during a four-hour standoff with security forces.

The al-Qaeda aligned gunmen stormed the church during mass, taking the congregants hostage. The militants destroyed the church, taunted the congregants for their faith, and randomly shot some of the hostages. A gunman began killing the Christians en masse when the security forces stormed the church.

“I was raised at that church... When I knew the church had been attacked, I went there to help because my son and his family [were] there. For more than two hours the government didn't respond,” Kasim, a local affected by the attack, remembered. “By [the] time everything was over, I lost my son and his family at that place, something that cannot be forgotten.”

Lina, another victim of the attack, recalled, “I was inside the church. The terrorist[s] thought I was dead. I was covered by a dead body at some point, it was so hard, I can't describe it.”

She continued, “Eight years have passed and still I can't forget the pain on my back when a terrorist stepped [there] and broken glass was everywhere. His shoes were so painful on my back and hence I couldn't even breathe, I was trying to hide to stay alive… We thought that they are taking hostages and will ask for money, but soon we realized that they will kill everyone. Church mass turned into disaster that day.”

Said one priest, “If I have a word to describe the church bombing incident, it would be government corruption and failure.”

The 2010 bombing was initially regarded as the country's worst incident of Christian persecution since 2003. However, this would change four years later when ISIS militants swept across the Nineveh Plains in 2014, displacing tens of thousands of Christians and prompting a mass exodus of Christian immigration from Iraq. Today, ISIS is militarily defeated, but the situation for Christians remains dangerous and uncertain.

Claire Evans, ICC’s Regional Manager, said, “Eight years ago, the Iraqi Christian community suffered an unimaginable tragedy that sadly was foreshadowing things to come. The massacre at Our Lady of Salvation Church continues to traumatize those who were there, and more broadly remains a defining moment for Iraq’s beleaguered Christians. A high level of persecution persists in Iraq, the underlying causes of which have not been addressed and have contributed to the decreasing number of believers left in the country. We must keep the victims of the 2010 massacre in our prayers today as they remember the horrific violence that forever changed their lives.”

For interviews with Claire Evans, Regional Manager, 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.

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Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
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www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org

Asia Bibi Freed

International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that the Supreme Court of Pakistan has acquitted Asia Bibi of the blasphemy conviction she had been sentenced to death under for nearly a decade. The judgment announced by the three-judge bench, led by Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nasir, rendered the death sentence against Bibi null and void.

Bibi, a Christian woman accused of blasphemy in 2009, was the only woman in Pakistan’s history to be sentenced to death under the country’s notorious blasphemy laws. The 56-page judgment, authored by Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nasir, found that the prosecution against Bibi had not proved the blasphemy charges beyond a reasonable doubt and that the presumption of innocence remained with the accused.

“Asia Bibi today got justice,” Saif-Ul-Malook, Bibi’s Supreme Court Advocate, told ICC. “The Supreme Court held that the charges against her could not be proven. The Supreme Court of Pakistan deserves a salute.”

“Indeed it is a happy moment for Asia’s family, the Christian community, and Pakistan as she is acquitted by the Supreme Court,” Peter Jacob, the Executive Director at Center for Social Justice, told ICC. “The decision raises hope for the rule of the law and justice. The charges against Asia were false and based on a narrative of hatred, hence the Supreme Court has dealt with the case on merit.”

“Truth prevailed,” Sajid Christopher, President of Human Friends Organization, told ICC. “Justice has won. Asia will be leaving Pakistan immediately after her release for her safety.”

On October 8, the Supreme Court heard final arguments on Bibi’s appeal. Following the hearing, the court announced that it would reserve announcing its final verdict for an unspecified future date. The court further ordered the media not to comment on the case until the verdict was formally announced.

In spite of the media blackout, extremists took to the streets on October 12 in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi, demanding that the government put Bibi to death. Extremist groups like the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan warned of “terrible consequences” for the Supreme Court Justices if Bibi was allowed to flee the country. Others threatened to bring the country to a standstill through sit-ins and other forms of protest.

Following the announcement of Bibi’s acquittal, extremists once again took to the streets in protest. “The situation on the roads is very tense today,” a Christian from Lahore, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told ICC. “Muslims have blocked the roads, set fire to tires, and are protesting continuously. Christians are feeling very insecure.”

“The situation all over the country is very tough,” another Christian from Sindh, also speaking on the condition of anonymity, reported. “Serious threats are being expected. All over the country is blocked now because people are demonstrating against the decision. Remember us in your prayers.”

Bibi was on death row since her conviction and death sentence were announced by the Sessions Court in Sheikhupura in 2010. Her High Court appeal was delayed and rescheduled seven times and was finally held on October 16, 2014 by the Lahore High Court which confirmed Bibi’s death sentence. On July 22, 2015, the Supreme Court of Pakistan accepted Bibi’s petition for her case to be reviewed and suspended her death sentence pending their final verdict.

The blasphemy accusation against Bibi was based on flimsy evidence following a dispute that took place in June 2009 between Bibi and a group of Muslim coworkers with whom she had been harvesting berries in Sheikhupura. The Muslim coworkers became angry with Bibi when she, a Christian whom they considered unclean, drank water from the same water bowl as the Muslims. An argument between Bibi and the Muslim women ensued and the Muslim coworkers later reported to a local cleric that Bibi had blasphemed against the Prophet Muhammad.

ICC’s Regional Manager, William Stark, said, “We here at ICC are so excited to finally see Asia get justice. It took nearly a decade, but finally justice has been done. Our prayers now are with Asia and her family as they are in extreme danger until they are safely out of Pakistan. We are also very concerned for the safety of Pakistan’s Christian community at large. Asia’s case remains highly sensitive and the ignition point for many acts of religious hatred. It is our hope that Pakistan’s security forces will be able to secure all Pakistani Christians, as extremists will likely seek revenge against their community. It is also ICC’s hope that this decision will lay a foundation for reforming Pakistan’s notorious blasphemy laws and signal to both Pakistan and the world that justice will prevail over extremism, even when a religious minority is accused of blasphemy.”

For interviews with William Stark, Regional Manager, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org

Wednesday, October 17, 2018

Boko Haram Executes Aid Worker in Nigeria

International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that Boko Haram, an Islamic extremist group from northern Nigeria, released a video depicting the execution of Hauwa Leman, an aid worker with International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). This is the second captive who Boko Haram has killed recently, as they killed Saifura Khorsa on September 15. They said that they killed Hauwa and Saifura for being apostates.

In the video, they make Hauwa kneel down on the ground with her hands tied and wearing a hijab, before shooting her. In the video of Saifura, they said that if the government did not give in to their demands, they would kill Hauwa and two other captives, Leah Sharibu and Alice Ngaddah.

However, in the recently released video, Boko Haram claimed that they will “keep [Leah and Alice] as slaves.” They said that they are not allowed to kill “kafir,” or people who are not apostates, like they did with Hauwa and Saifura, but will instead keep them as their slaves.

ICC spoke with a close friend of the Sharibu family, who said, “On Friday, October 12, a federal government delegation…. visited the Sharibu family at Dapchi. This was the very first time any government official had visited the family since the abduction of Leah. This visit according to the Information Minister was a follow up from the recent phone call by the president to Rebecca, Leah’s mom. [It was meant] to reassure the family that the government is doing everything possible to ensure Leah is released soon, but they did not say how soon.”

She continued, “This visit devastated the family…. and all of us who were there, as we had hoped that they were bringing Leah. [This is because] the president just recently spoke to Rebecca with strong words of assurances of Leah's soon release.”

The officials came to the family home with nearly 100 people, mostly security personnel, which made the family believe that they would be getting Leah back. They were devastated by the news that Boko Haram is not planning on returning Leah now, due to the government’s lack of response to this case.

Nathan Johnson, ICC’s Regional Manager, said, “We are deeply saddened by the news that Leah and Alice will not only be kept, but that they will be made into slaves to serve those who persecute them. This continued persecution by Boko Haram must be stopped, and the government must figure out a plan to help rescue these young women. Leah’s faith is truly amazing and we will continue to pray that she will be freed and return home safely.”

For interviews with Nathan Johnson, Regional Manager, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org

Monday, October 15, 2018

Muslims in Darfur going crazy again

International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that on October 13, 12 Christian men from Darfur were arbitrarily arrested by officers from the Sudan National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) for mingling with the local Muslim community. Reverend Kuwa Shamal confirmed, “The arrests were done at Nyala market while the young men were interacting with Islam adherents, building rapport for witnessing, when Sudan’s security authorities surrounded them and led them to the police station, handcuffed.”

Darfur is a predominantly Muslim, war-torn region. The constant conflict between the Arab Muslims and Christians led to the secession of South Sudan in 2011, after which Sudan pressed harder for adopting stronger Islamic policies.

Commenting on the incident, a lawyer who represents Christians prosecuted in Sudanese courts, expressed, “Until now, the Christians have not been asked what was happening or given a chance to explain what they were doing. This is a total breach of the law of the land that gives freedom of worship and sharing of one’s faith. It is also unlawful to detain anyone without trial.”

Adding to the matter, Rev. Kuwa said, “Some of the arrested men are disciples that I baptized in 2015 when they left Islam and converted to Christianity. The detainees have been doing a recommendable work of sharing the Good News in Darfur, and we pray for their immediate and unconditional release.”

Christians in Sudan who convert from Islam often face discrimination and hostility as a result of their faith. They are considered apostates who deserve the death penalty, according to radical Muslims throughout Sudan.

While speaking with ICC, Pastor Abdulrahem Yoshua of the Sudan Christian Assembly (SCA) sympathized with the arrested brothers and petitioned “all Christians in Sudan and all over the world to stand with the 12 during this trying moment. I sympathize with them because I have gone through the same ordeal a few years ago.”

For interviews with Nathan Johnson, Regional Manager, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org

Saturday, October 13, 2018

Crackdown on Montagnard House in Vietnam

International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that on October 7, local authorities attempted to shut down a Montagnard church and took their leader in for interrogation in Daklak Province, Vietnam.

On Sunday morning, more than 20 churchgoers gathered at the home of Christian leader Ama Sim for service. Approximately 13 officials from the Cuor Dang commune and Cu M'Gar district suddenly entered the home as the group was praying.

Officials asked the members to stop their religious activities and leave. The group refused and responded by saying that if any action were to be taken, it must be after their service.

Given the cramped space, the officials could not enter and only stood at the door until the group finished. They then demanded that Ama Sim be taken back to their office for investigation. The church refused, worrying that he might disappear if taken into custody, so they stood their ground until the officials relented.

Finally, the officials threatened them, saying, “We are giving you [a] warning this time, but next Sunday if you still gather, we will bring more crowds to shut you down.”

The church is asking for prayer for the Ede Border Evangelical Group, in Cuor Dang Commune, M'Gar District, Daklak Province.

The communist government in Vietnam is nervous about large gatherings of people for fear of ‘subversive activities.’ Many religious gatherings fall victim to this suspicion, with believers often attacked, detained, or imprisoned on trumped up charges.

Gina Goh, ICC’s Regional Manager, said, “Montagnard Christians in Vietnam have long faced persecution and discrimination for their ethnicity, Christian faith, and role of fighting alongside the US during the Vietnam War. It is shameful that the government continues to violate the freedom of belief and religion, as enshrined in Vietnam’s constitution, especially toward minorities.”

For interviews with Gina Goh, Regional Manager, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org

Andrew Brunson released by Turkish Government

International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that on October 12, 2018, Turkish courts released American pastor Andrew Brunson from house arrest. In court on Friday, Brunson was convicted of a “terror” charge, but as a result of the time previously served and good behavior, has been released from house arrest and his travel ban has been lifted. This will allow him to return to the United States.

After the hearing, Brunson left the courthouse and US officials said that he will be returning to his home in Izmir, Turkey before departing for the United States on Saturday morning. US President Donald Trump tweeted, “PASTOR BRUNSON JUST RELEASED. WILL BE HOME SOON!”

Pastor Brunson has ministered in Turkey since 1993 and was originally detained with his wife Norine in October 2016. While his wife was released shortly thereafter, Pastor Brunson remained imprisoned despite a lack of formal charges. The first series of charges was brought 63 days into his imprisonment, and other charges continued to be added as time progressed.

Pastor Brunson faced charges of having links to terrorist organizations, an increasingly common accusation in Turkey against any individual or group that the government is looking to target. If Pastor Brunson had not been released today, he could have faced up to 35 years in a Turkish prison.

The United States government has been fighting for the past 24 months for his release. Last week, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo stated, “President Trump has had a focus on it [and] the administration's had a focus on it. We're very hopeful that we'll see a good outcome before too long."

Since Brunson’s arrest, tensions have been high between Turkey and the United States as negotiations were made on Pastor Brunson’s behalf. In August of 2018, the United States imposed sanctions on two Turkish cabinet members, seeking to pressure the Turkish government to release Pastor Brunson. The Turkish government is hopeful that his release will help solve the diplomatic disputes between the United States and Turkey.

Religious freedom in Turkey has significantly deteriorated since the 2016 military coup. Turkey is currently listed as a Tier 2 Country on the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom’s (USCIRF) annual report.

Claire Evans, ICC’s Regional Manager, said, “Turkey’s release of Pastor Andrew Brunson is most welcome news. For two years, he has been held as a political hostage by Erdogan and has been imprisoned in challenging circumstances. While we are pleased with his release, it is disappointing that Turkey has still convicted him of a terrorism charge. This is a stark warning to the local Church that Turkey remains a serious violator of religious freedom.”

For interviews with Claire Evans, Regional Manager, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org

2 teachers killed by Islamic militants in Kenya

International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that on the morning of October 10, Somali Islamic militants ambushed a school at 1:00 a.m. in Mandera East and bombed the teachers’ house. As a result, two non-local teachers were killed and three others were severely injured. Non-local teachers living in northeastern Kenya are commonly targeted by Muslim radicals because they are a predominantly Christian group.

The two victims, Johnstone Okumu and Simon Wekesa, taught at Arabia High School which is situated along the porous Kenya-Somalia border, a terrorist hotbed. While speaking with ICC, the senior police commander of Mandera confirmed, “We have lost two teachers to a terrorist attack early this morning at Arabia Boys School. We are already pursuing the attackers in collaboration with our forces in Somalia in case they have crossed the border.”

Several teachers have expressed their concern about the continued hostility and spate of attacks targeting teachers and non-locals who live and work in northeastern Kenya.

“It is unfortunate that innocent teachers who are out to bring light and open up the northeastern region are being slaughtered time to time just because of their faith,” said Mr. Martin Kamutu, a teacher in Mandera. “It is painful to lose our colleagues through such a heinous act of cowardice. Our hearts bleed because even after dedicating our time and professionalism in serving this community, they still hate Christians.”

Esita Katunge, a senior teacher in Elwak, Mandera, expressed, “Non-local teachers have suffered enough. The government declined to give us transfers to safer school and promised to protect us, but until now security has not improved.”

Rev. John* of Mandera said, “This is another bad example of what religion can do. We are losing Christians at a very high rate in Mandera. Last month we lost five to terrorism and now again we have lost two teachers. We ask the international community and human rights groups to get involved in northern Kenya.”

This attack on Christian teachers in northeastern Kenya took place barely eight months after three teachers of Qarsa Primary School were killed in a similar way on February 16, 2018. In 2014, 28 teachers were massacred after al-Shabaab militants attacked a Nairobi-bound bus in Mandera, singling out Christians passengers.

Nathan Johnson, ICC’s Regional Manager, said, “It is sad that those serving and teaching in northeastern Kenya are often targeted and attacked for their faith. The border with Somalia must be secured and the terrorist group al-Shabaab must be stopped. We hope to see these killings end and for teachers to be able to practice whatever faith they choose in safety.”

*Name changed for security

For interviews with Nathan Johnson, Regional Manager, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org