 Tens of thousands of Christians were forced to flee their homes following the 2008 attacks. Many remain displaced. |
About 10,000 Christians remain homeless four years after Hindu militants destroyed over 5,000 homes while plundering and setting hundreds of villages ablaze in Orissa State (now called Odisha State), India. Violence broke out in 2008 in Orissa following the assassination of the leader of a Hindu ultranationalist group. Although a Marxist group claimed responsibility, Hindu militants blamed Christians and launched widespread attacks (for more information, click here). During the violence, tens of thousands of Christians fled their homes, dozens were killed, and hundreds were injured.
Today, many families that were affected by the violence continue to live in ghettos, and Christians who refuse to convert to Hinduism are often victims of social, economic and political discrimination. According to a fact-finding visit by a group of journalists, activists and writers, there has been no justice for victims and compensation for lost homes and churches has been inadequate or non-existent.
Please remember these suffering brothers and sisters in your prayers. Praise God for their perseverance, and ask Him to continue to provide them with His strength and grace for each day. Please pray that their homes and communities will be restored. Pray that their passion for Christ will be the light that draws others to Jesus (Matthew 5:14-16).
To learn more about the suffering Church in India, please visit the India Country Report.
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