There are fears of violence and repercussions against Christians in India after the conviction of thirteen militant Hindus on September 15, including a popular Hindu activist. The men were convicted of the deaths of Graham Stewart Staines and his sons Philip, 10, and Timothy, 8, in January 1999 when a mob burned their vehicle while they slept outside a church in Manoharpur, in eastern India's Orissa state. Sentences will be handed down on September 22 and may include the death penalty. The man accused of leading the mob, Dara Singh, was considered a hero by many and was hidden by supporters for over a year after the attack before he was finally arrested. After the verdict was announced, Staines' widow and brother both expressed their forgiveness of the men.
Join with the Indian church in praying for those convicted, that they might yield to the conviction of God's Spirit and seek His forgiveness. Pray that violence will not erupt in response to the verdict. Pray for Gladys Staines, who continued her ministry to the lepers of Orissa after the death of her husband and sons.
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