Christians in Sri Lanka are increasingly being specifically targeted in Sri Lanka's renewed civil war, according to a report by Compass Direct released on February 20. According to Compass Direct, "Since hostilities resumed in earnest last year, churches on the Jaffna Peninsula have provided shelter to hundreds of internally displaced people (IDPs), prompting retaliatory raids by the Sri Lankan army." One source, who preferred to remain anonymous, told Compass Direct, "One wonders if the attacks on churches are just a coincidence, or an attempt by the government to warn the clergy not to give protection to these defenseless people." The same source said that those speaking out for IDPs were often silenced by intimidation or "elimination," often in the form of unexplained disappearances. You can read the full report on VOMC's weblog page.
Please pray that peace will be restored to the nation of Sri Lanka . Pray for courage for those who are speaking up for those who have been displaced by the war. Pray that international pressure can be brought to bear on both sides to stop their intimidation of churches who seek to represent the Prince of Peace in the midst of violence.
For more information on the persecution of Christians in Sri Lanka, click here.
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