Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin | RLPB 090 | Wed 12 Jan 2011
IRAN: REGIME HITS OUT AT APOSTASY -- 70 ARRESTED
By Elizabeth Kendal
Ethnic Armenian and Assyrian Orthodox Churches in Iran may exist in peace as long as they do not proselytise (i.e. seek converts). It is illegal to preach Christianity in Farsi (the Persian language) just as it is illegal for Muslims to reject Islam (apostasy). The penalty for apostasy is death. So when Muslim Farsi-speaking Iranians convert to Christianity, they must meet and worship in illegal 'underground' fellowships.
Early on 25 & 26 December 2010 armed plain-clothed agents from the infamous Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS) raided the homes of Christians known to be converts from Islam and/or active in witnessing to Muslims. As well as confiscating CDs, Bibles, religious books, computers and personal documents, they arrested 25 Christians. Sixteen other Christians listed for arrest were not home at the time of the raids and remain unaccounted for. Further to this there are unconfirmed reports that as many as 50 other mostly young believers have since been arrested. Amongst those detained are five married couples, one of whom has been separated from their two-year-old child and another from their breast-feeding infant. The detained Christians are being interrogated and coerced. Eleven have since been released after signing documents promising to refrain from Christian activity. The detained believers are virtually all converts from Islam.
The governor of Tehran province, Morteza Tamadon, describes Protestants and evangelicals as 'corrupt and deviant' and also accuses them of conducting an 'enemy cultural invasion'. 'The leaders of this movement,' he declared, 'have been arrested in Tehran province and more will be arrested in the near future. Just like the Taliban, who have inserted themselves into Islam like a parasite, [evangelicals] have crafted a movement with Britain's backing in the name of Christianity. But their conspiracy was unveiled quickly and the first blows were delivered to them.' (See: Iran arrests Christian missionaries: official. AFP, 4 Jan 2011)
In June 2010 Protestant pastor Youcef Nadrkhani and his wife Fatemah were arrested in the northern city of Rasht. According to court documents, Nadrkhani has been convicted of apostasy, organising meetings, proselytising, establishing a house church, baptising people, and openly expressing his distaste for Islam. For these crimes he has been sentenced to death while Fatemah has been sentenced to life in prison. The couple have two young children. In September 2010 a court of appeals upheld the death sentence, which is being delayed to give MOIS more time to try to coerce Pastor Nadrkhani to return to Islam. Pastor Behrouz Sadegh-Khanjani, also arrested in June 2010, has likewise been indicted for apostasy and similar 'national security' offences. Nine other believers arrested with him, including his wife, have been released but he has not yet been sentenced.
In October 2010 Iran's intelligence minister said his agents had discovered hundreds of underground church groups, including 200 in the Muslim holy city of Mashad. According to iranfocus.com, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in an October speech that Iran's enemies were behind the underground churches. The director of the Toronto-based Iranian Christian News Agency, Saman Kamvar states, 'Since officials gave these comments, pressure has increased on our community, and the crackdowns have taken a more organised shape.'
It would be a mistake to think only politically about this as it is essentially a spiritual battle.
PLEASE PRAY THAT GOD WILL:
* demonstrate his supremacy over a belligerent regime that increasingly regards itself as supreme (see Isaiah 37:21-29 where God pronounces judgement on Sennacherib, king of Assyria); may God's hand, God's glory and God's supremacy be evident to all.
* continue his powerful work inside Iran and amongst the Iranian diaspora by his irrepressible Holy Spirit, graciously drawing Iranians out of darkness and despair into light and joy; may revival erupt, transforming the landscape.
* restrain violent hands, shield believers, provide for families, bring the schemes of the wicked to nothing (Psalm 146:9) and may what was meant for evil produce glorious fruit.
* flood the hearts of all Iranian Christians -- particularly those detained, threatened and imperilled -- with the supernatural peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7).
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SUMMARY TO USE IN BULLETINS UNABLE TO RUN THE WHOLE ARTICLE
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IRAN HITS OUT AT APOSTASY: 70 ARRESTED
It is illegal in Iran to share Christianity with Muslims or preach the gospel in Farsi, the Persian language. It is also illegal for a Muslim to reject Islam (apostasy). Farsi-speaking Iranian Muslim converts to Christianity must worship therefore in illegal 'underground' fellowships. In September 2010 an appeals court upheld a death sentence against Pastor Youcef Nadrkhani, convicted of apostasy. The sentence is being delayed to give intelligence agents more time to try to coerce Pastor Nadrkhani to renounce Christ and return to Islam. His wife has been sentenced to life imprisonment. They have two small children. In a massive crack-down some 70 believers have been arrested by the authorities since Christmas Day. Most are young converts from Islam. They are being interrogated and coerced. Please pray.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
089. Ominous start to New Year
Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin | RLPB 089 | Wed 05 Jan 2011
OMINOUS START TO NEW YEAR
By Elizabeth Kendal
On the evening of 30 December 2010, Islamic militants placed a bomb on the doorstep of a home belonging to a Christian couple in Baghdad (Iraq) and rang the doorbell. Fawzi Rahim (76) and his wife Janet Mekha (78) were killed instantly when they answered the door. Three passers-by were wounded. Seven homes were targeted across Baghdad that night, leaving a further 13 people wounded. (Six were Christian homes and one was Muslim, targeted because of the Christmas tree in its front window.) Al-Qaeda in Iraq (Sunni) declared war on Iraq's Christians in November 2010. However, militant Sunnis are not the only threat for, according to reports, Christians living in Shi'ite-dominated areas are intimidated by Muqtada al-Sadr's Mahdi Army (Shi'ite) which pressures them into not celebrating their faith openly.
Early on New Year's Day, a massive bomb exploded outside Saints Church in Sidi Bishr, Alexandria (Egypt), just as Coptic Christians (indigenous Egyptians) were emerging from a New Year mass. The bomb, which killed 21 and wounded 79, was detonated by a suicide bomber who had packed his arsenal with nails, bolts and ball bearings to maximise casualties. Christians protested into the early hours, lifting up wooden crosses, some draped with bloodied cloths. When scuffles broke out between Christian and Muslim groups, the police reportedly sided with the Muslims. Copts are understandably anxious about celebrating Coptic Christmas on 7 January. Last year five Copts, mostly youths, were gunned down as they emerged from Christmas Eve mass at St John's Church in Nag Hammadi, Upper Egypt. A further 11 were critically wounded. Whilst the government has arrested the gunman, he has not been convicted.
Meanwhile, Africa's ethnic-religious fault-line is under immense stress. The political crisis in Ivory Coast is rapidly heading towards civil war. West Africa, France, the USA and the UN have been quick to endorse Ouattara for various reasons ranging from pragmatism to profit, while disregarding constitutional issues. They have also ignored widespread reports of voter intimidation and fraud in the rebel-held Muslim north which, in violation of all peace agreements, has never disarmed. In Nigeria, ethnic-religious tensions are soaring in the Middle Belt city of Jos as Islamic aggression intensifies. Also Boko Haram (now officially affiliated with al-Qaeda) is escalating its terrorism in Borno, north-east Nigeria. Ethnic-religious tensions are soaring in Sudan ahead of the long-awaited referendum on Southern independence on Sunday 9 January. This has the potential to trigger Muslim-Christian and North-South conflict, as well as ethnic-religious cleansing in the North.
Furthermore 2011 may well prove to be a pivotal year for flood-devastated, politically-paralysed, increasingly radicalised Pakistan. On 24 December 2010 many thousands of fundamentalist Muslims joined in a national strike, protesting in Pakistan's major towns and cities against any moves to reform the blasphemy law. In Lahore, a crowd of some 1500 called for 'jihad' and pledged to sacrifice their lives to protect the honour of their prophet Mohammad. The family of Aasia Bibi (45), a Christian mother of five sentenced to death for alleged blasphemy, has fled into hiding because of death threats. Even if Aasia receives a presidential pardon she will remain a targeted woman and the whole family will require asylum in a secret location. On 4 January the governor of Punjab province, Salman Taseer (65), was assassinated by his bodyguard, Malik Mumtaz Hussain Qadri (26), who labelled Taseer a 'blasphemer' because of his opposition to the blasphemy laws. The brutal assassination has further polarised Punjab's conservatives and moderates. Qadri has become an instant hero to pro-Sharia Islamic fundamentalists everywhere. A fan page established on Facebook is attracting thousands of supporters.
PLEASE PRAY THAT GOD WILL:
* defend, comfort and lead all persecuted and threatened Christians, that they will know his strength and his love and not lose heart in these faith-testing times.
Behold, the Lord GOD comes with might,
and his arm rules for him;
behold, his reward is with him,
and his recompense before him.
He will tend his flock like a shepherd;
he will gather the lambs in his arms;
he will carry them in his bosom,
and gently lead those that are with young.
(Isaiah 40:10,11 ESV)
* pour out a spirit of intercession upon The Church, so that The Church -- desiring spiritual unity, compelled by brotherly love -- will pray and wait on the Lord, just as he exhorts us.
'. . . praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints . . .' (Ephesians 6:18 ESV)
~~~~
SUMMARY TO USE IN BULLETINS UNABLE TO RUN THE WHOLE ARTICLE
-----------------------------------------------------------
OMINOUS START TO NEW YEAR
In the past week six Christian homes were bombed in Baghdad (Iraq) killing two and wounding 16, and a Coptic Church was bombed in Alexandria (Egypt) killing 21 and wounding 79. Religious tensions are soaring on Africa's increasingly stressed ethnic-religious fault-line: particularly in Ivory Coast where civil war looms; in Middle Belt and Northern Nigeria where dozens of Christians were killed and wounded in Islamic terror over Christmas; and in Sudan where the 9 January referendum on Southern independence threatens to trigger renewed conflict. In Pakistan the year opened with mass strikes by Islamic fundamentalists demonstrating in support of harsh blasphemy laws. On 4 January the governor of Punjab province, Salman Taseer (65), was assassinated by his conservative bodyguard for opposing Pakistan's blasphemy laws. In 2011 the Body of Christ must become serious about the business of prayer (advocacy to the highest authority). Let us pray.
OMINOUS START TO NEW YEAR
By Elizabeth Kendal
On the evening of 30 December 2010, Islamic militants placed a bomb on the doorstep of a home belonging to a Christian couple in Baghdad (Iraq) and rang the doorbell. Fawzi Rahim (76) and his wife Janet Mekha (78) were killed instantly when they answered the door. Three passers-by were wounded. Seven homes were targeted across Baghdad that night, leaving a further 13 people wounded. (Six were Christian homes and one was Muslim, targeted because of the Christmas tree in its front window.) Al-Qaeda in Iraq (Sunni) declared war on Iraq's Christians in November 2010. However, militant Sunnis are not the only threat for, according to reports, Christians living in Shi'ite-dominated areas are intimidated by Muqtada al-Sadr's Mahdi Army (Shi'ite) which pressures them into not celebrating their faith openly.
Early on New Year's Day, a massive bomb exploded outside Saints Church in Sidi Bishr, Alexandria (Egypt), just as Coptic Christians (indigenous Egyptians) were emerging from a New Year mass. The bomb, which killed 21 and wounded 79, was detonated by a suicide bomber who had packed his arsenal with nails, bolts and ball bearings to maximise casualties. Christians protested into the early hours, lifting up wooden crosses, some draped with bloodied cloths. When scuffles broke out between Christian and Muslim groups, the police reportedly sided with the Muslims. Copts are understandably anxious about celebrating Coptic Christmas on 7 January. Last year five Copts, mostly youths, were gunned down as they emerged from Christmas Eve mass at St John's Church in Nag Hammadi, Upper Egypt. A further 11 were critically wounded. Whilst the government has arrested the gunman, he has not been convicted.
Meanwhile, Africa's ethnic-religious fault-line is under immense stress. The political crisis in Ivory Coast is rapidly heading towards civil war. West Africa, France, the USA and the UN have been quick to endorse Ouattara for various reasons ranging from pragmatism to profit, while disregarding constitutional issues. They have also ignored widespread reports of voter intimidation and fraud in the rebel-held Muslim north which, in violation of all peace agreements, has never disarmed. In Nigeria, ethnic-religious tensions are soaring in the Middle Belt city of Jos as Islamic aggression intensifies. Also Boko Haram (now officially affiliated with al-Qaeda) is escalating its terrorism in Borno, north-east Nigeria. Ethnic-religious tensions are soaring in Sudan ahead of the long-awaited referendum on Southern independence on Sunday 9 January. This has the potential to trigger Muslim-Christian and North-South conflict, as well as ethnic-religious cleansing in the North.
Furthermore 2011 may well prove to be a pivotal year for flood-devastated, politically-paralysed, increasingly radicalised Pakistan. On 24 December 2010 many thousands of fundamentalist Muslims joined in a national strike, protesting in Pakistan's major towns and cities against any moves to reform the blasphemy law. In Lahore, a crowd of some 1500 called for 'jihad' and pledged to sacrifice their lives to protect the honour of their prophet Mohammad. The family of Aasia Bibi (45), a Christian mother of five sentenced to death for alleged blasphemy, has fled into hiding because of death threats. Even if Aasia receives a presidential pardon she will remain a targeted woman and the whole family will require asylum in a secret location. On 4 January the governor of Punjab province, Salman Taseer (65), was assassinated by his bodyguard, Malik Mumtaz Hussain Qadri (26), who labelled Taseer a 'blasphemer' because of his opposition to the blasphemy laws. The brutal assassination has further polarised Punjab's conservatives and moderates. Qadri has become an instant hero to pro-Sharia Islamic fundamentalists everywhere. A fan page established on Facebook is attracting thousands of supporters.
PLEASE PRAY THAT GOD WILL:
* defend, comfort and lead all persecuted and threatened Christians, that they will know his strength and his love and not lose heart in these faith-testing times.
Behold, the Lord GOD comes with might,
and his arm rules for him;
behold, his reward is with him,
and his recompense before him.
He will tend his flock like a shepherd;
he will gather the lambs in his arms;
he will carry them in his bosom,
and gently lead those that are with young.
(Isaiah 40:10,11 ESV)
* pour out a spirit of intercession upon The Church, so that The Church -- desiring spiritual unity, compelled by brotherly love -- will pray and wait on the Lord, just as he exhorts us.
'. . . praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints . . .' (Ephesians 6:18 ESV)
~~~~
SUMMARY TO USE IN BULLETINS UNABLE TO RUN THE WHOLE ARTICLE
-----------------------------------------------------------
OMINOUS START TO NEW YEAR
In the past week six Christian homes were bombed in Baghdad (Iraq) killing two and wounding 16, and a Coptic Church was bombed in Alexandria (Egypt) killing 21 and wounding 79. Religious tensions are soaring on Africa's increasingly stressed ethnic-religious fault-line: particularly in Ivory Coast where civil war looms; in Middle Belt and Northern Nigeria where dozens of Christians were killed and wounded in Islamic terror over Christmas; and in Sudan where the 9 January referendum on Southern independence threatens to trigger renewed conflict. In Pakistan the year opened with mass strikes by Islamic fundamentalists demonstrating in support of harsh blasphemy laws. On 4 January the governor of Punjab province, Salman Taseer (65), was assassinated by his conservative bodyguard for opposing Pakistan's blasphemy laws. In 2011 the Body of Christ must become serious about the business of prayer (advocacy to the highest authority). Let us pray.
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