Twelve people have been arrested in Raikia, Orissa after an attack on Our Lady of Charity Catholic Church. On August 26, militant Hindus attacked the church building, as well as homes of some of the members. The door of the church was knocked down to allow the vandals to enter. They destroyed musical instruments, furniture, fixtures and literature. Windows were smashed on several homes. The incident began after church members protested the removal of a fence around the church property by local residents. According to news reports, at least six people were injured in the attack. As many as three hundred people were involved in the mob action.
Several platoons of armed police have been called in to protect the church property in an attempt to ease the tense situation. According to "The Hindu" news service, those arrested included Christians as well as Hindus.
Pray for peace between Christians and Hindus in Raikia and throughout India. Pray that Christians will be free from attack and be allowed to serve Christ without threats of violence.
For more information on persecution of Christians in India, click here.
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