Tags

India

  • Situation Improves for Emmanuel Mission International
    Archbishop M.A. Thomas
    and son Samuel Thomas
    Bail for Archbishop M.A. Thomas and his son Samuel Thomas, the leaders of Emmanuel Mission International, was extended by the Rajasthan High Court on August 7. The court also restored the registration of five of the mission’s institutions and unfroze EMI bank accounts. The court also ordered the Social Welfare Department to pull its officials out of the EMI orphanage in Kota district.
  • Oppression Against Christians Continues

    Several incidents in recent days exemplify the severe oppression facing Christians throughout India. As the states of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh tighten their anti-conversion legislation, Christians in areas throughout the country face charges and violence because of their faith and testimony for Christ.

    In late July, Pastor Venketesh was forced to flee his village of Soulanga in the Indian state of Karnataka after he was attacked by Hindu militants and threatened by the police inspector. Venketesh was forced to flee without his wife and fifteen-day-old child. When he filed a police report on the incident, as many as three hundred protestors retaliated by going to his home on August 6 and threatening to kill his wife Manjula and the baby if they did not leave the village within four days.

    According to a report on http://www.konkaniworld.com/, Father Thomas P.T. from St. Michael's Church in Jhapadra, Madhya Pradesh was arrested on July 21 on charges related to the state's anti-conversion legislation. The charges relate to false accusations that the Catholic school in the area was giving free tuition to students who convert to Christianity. Similar accusations have been made in the past and dismissed as false.

    On July 24, two Catholic priests, Soby Thomas and Vinod Kanat, were ambushed by a gang of youths wielding sticks and cricket bats. Both men were taken to hospital because of their injuries. Father Thomas required stitches for a head wound. There have been five arrests.

    On July 29, four young women from the Good Shepherd Community Church were abused and then taken to the police station for showing a film on Christ in the village of Chinnamalpuram in Tamil Nadu. No police report was filed against the four.

    Pray for protection for Pastor Venketesh and his family. Pray that they will stand firm in the midst of their suffering (Psalm 40:1-2). Pray for all those facing legal troubles because of their testimony for Christ. Pray that they will have the words needed to answer their accusers (Luke 12:11-12).

    For more information on the persecution facing Christians in India,click here. A recent video report on the persecution in India can be viewed on VOMC's multimedia website, www.vomcanada.com.
  • Attacks Against Christians Continue Throughout India

    Violence against Christians across India in recent days further demonstrates the difficulties facing believers in the most populated democratic nation in the world.

    The ruling party in the Indian state of Kerala is the Communist Party of India. The government has passed a law which will end the independence of religious education in the state. Under the new law, Christian colleges will only be able to choose fifteen percent of the student body. The remainder will be filled by students from a state-wide list. When some Christian schools appealed the new law, a court granted a temporary injunction, allowing them to maintain last year's admissions and fee structure. This decision angered youth supporters of the Communist government. On July 19, they staged a series of attacks on Christian colleges throughout the state. Office equipment, vehicles and furnishings were smashed. Student records were destroyed. There were some injuries in the attacks. Four people were arrested but released on bail. The colleges affected in the attacks were: Tiruvalla Pushpagiri College of Nursing, Trivandrum Mary Matha Engineering College, Nandancode Mohandas Engineering College, Kollam T.K.M. Engineering College, Chertala K.V.M. Nursing College, Kozhikkodu Kuttikkattoor A.W.H. Engineering College, Mukkom K.M.C.T. Engineering College.

    On July 17, three Bible College students from the Harvest Full Gospel Church were visiting patients in the Megan Government Hospital in the city of Shimoga in the state of Karnataka. The three students, Daniel (17), Manju (21) and Umesha (27), were praying for the patients and giving out literature to those who were interested. Hindu militants discovered what they were doing and twenty members of the Rama Sena and Hindu nationalist BJP party forcibly took the students to the police station where they accused the Christians of being in the hospital without permission and converting the patients.  The police immediately arrested the three and sent them to jail. They were released on bail on July 22 and are to appear in court on July 31.

    On the same day, in Bagalkote, Karnataka, four students - Jaganath, Simon, Santosh and Vijay - from the Gospel for Asia Bible College in Bijapur, were visiting homes in the community and distributing copies of the Bible. Members of the militant group Rama Sena beat the youths and dragged them to the local police station where they were arrested. When local pastors requested their release, police claimed that the students were in custody to protect them from the Rama Sena members. The four were released two days later.

    On July 16, police arrested lay pastor Om Prakash Pandey while he was leading worship at an independent church in the village of Daksinwara in the Sultanpur district of Uttar Pradesh state. Police told Compass Direct that villagers were accusing Pandey of preaching Christianity to children. VOMC sources in India report that Pandey, a former Hindu, was detained overnight without food and was beaten by a police constable for converting to Christianity. Local Christians lodged a complaint but police refused to register it. Written statements have been sent to state and national authorities and politicians, asking for action against those responsible and that the rights of religious minorities would be protected.

    Praise God for the courage and evangelistic zeal of these students from Bijapur and Shimoga. Pray that they will be an example of Christ-like love, faith and purity (1 Timothy 4:12).  Pray that there truly would be many conversions as a result of their testimony. Pray that all believers who are facing opposition will take comfort in the fact that God commends those who suffer for doing good (1 Peter 2:20-21). Pray that they would follow Christ's example and entrust themselves to the One who judges justly (1 Peter 2:23). Ask God to give local church leadership wisdom to know how to shepherd the people through these times (James 1:5).

    For more information on the persecution of Christians in India,click here. A video report on the persecution facing India's Christians is also available on VOMC's multimedia website, https://www.vomcanada.com/.
  • Tightened Anti-Conversion Legislation Passed in Indian State

    As Christians in India face increasing pressure from militant Hindu organizations who often use anti-conversion laws as leverage to accuse Christians, the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh has passed new legislation that further tightens their existing anti-conversion legislation. Under the amended legislation, a person wishing to change religion must inform the district magistrate. The priest or organization performing the "conversion rituals" is required to inform the authorities a month in advance and police will verify the credentials of the officiants and ensure that the conversion is being done without force or allurement. Punishments include fines and imprisonments for those failing to follow the proper procedures.

    The bill passed the Madhya Pradesh Assembly on July 25 with the majority BJP party refusing to allow discussion on the bill. Opposition members are calling on Governor Balram Jakhar to return the bill without approving it. Government opposition members and Christian leaders see this legislation as a tool that will be used by militant Hindus to further suppress the Christian minority. "Requiring government approval to change one's religion is a gross violation of religious liberty," says Glenn Penner, spokesman for VOMC. "To ask Christians to abide by this law is to ask them to acknowledge that the government has authority that only belongs to God. We render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's but Christians cannot grant unto Caesar that which is God's."

    Pray that believers in Madhya Pradesh will echo Peter's sentiment and determine to obey God regardless of what man says (Acts 5:29).  Pray that believers will always be prepared to tell others about the hope they have in Christ (1 Peter 3:15). Ask God to work in the hearts of those in leadership to recognize the religious freedom of all Indians. Pray that Governor Balram Jakhar will not approve the bill. Pray for special protection for those who oppose this bill.

    For more information on the persecution facing Christians in India,click here.
  • Pastor and Family Traumatized in Church Attack
    Marthoma Church Logo
    The Shivanapura Marthoma Mission station includes a small congregation in the village of Shivanapura, forty-five kilometres from Bangalore. At around midnight on July 15, the mission station was attacked by a group believed to be Hindu militants who are opposed to its work. Rev. Alexander Tharakan was locked in the living quarters of the church along with his wife, his two-year-old child and his seventy-year-old mother. The mob then proceeded to cause extensive damage to the property. According to VOMC sources in India, Alexander and his young child were "terribly traumatized" because of the attack.

    Pray that this family will rest in the knowledge that the Good Shepherd walks with them through this difficult time (Psalm 23). Ask God to give the adults the strength to leave justice in the hands of the Heavenly Father (Rom. 12:17-21). Pray that they will be able to rebuild their facilities without any further opposition from those around them.

    For more information on the suffering experienced by Christians in India,click here. A video report on the increasing violence against Christians in India is also available at https://www.vomcanada.com/.
  • Catholic Nuns Arrested for Proselytism
    On June 25, four members of the Missionaries of Charity in India -- best known as the organization formerly led by Mother Teresa -- were visiting AIDS patients in a hospital in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh when they were accosted by Hindu militants. As many as fifty members of Dharma Parirakshana Samithi accused the nuns of trying to convert the patients to Christianity.  According to Asia News, Sister Maria Julia, Sister Chriselda, Sister Emma Felesia and Sister Reena Francis, were detained while their bags were searched for literature. Some militants in the crowd threatened to remove their distinctive blue and white saris and replace them with saffron-coloured clothes, a symbol of Hinduism. Some hospital managers, who were accompanied by militant BJP members, coerced the patients into accusing the nuns of attempting to convert them. Based on these testimonies, the four were taken to the local police station where they were charged. These charges were later dropped after intervention from the Archbishop of Hyderabad. An inquiry into the incident has been started.

    Pray that there will be no further incidents involving the Missionaries of Charity. Pray that Christians in the area will be free to tell others of Christ. Pray that, even when there is limited freedom, they will continue to be faithful to give testimony to Him in their lives (Acts 4:19). Pray that those opposed to the gospel will be ineffective in their efforts to silence God's people.

    For more information on the persecution of Christians in India,click here.
  • Church Attacks in India

    Several attacks on Christians in India in recent days highlight the serious persecution facing Christians in this predominantly Hindu nation. A video news report from India is available on VOMC's multimedia website, www.vomcanada.com. Anti-conversion legislation in several states serves to encourage militants to attack Christians, accusing them of proselytism. The following are three examples reported in the past week.

    On June 30, the Disciples Church in Harda, Madhya Pradesh suffered fire damage after militants set fire to a table containing 150 Bibles and hymn books. The pastor of the church, Jaidi Khan, was able to escape without injury but was unable to stop the razing of the church that followed. Witnesses report that the attackers were members of the Hindu organization Dharam Sena (Religious Army). Authorities have been unwilling to take action. Despite various eye-witness reports, the local superintendent of police, K.D. Peshara told the Indo-Asian News Service that the attack was from members of a rival group of Christians. Peshara also claimed that this rival group burned the guard's motorbike rather than the church building.

    On June 25, militant members of Dharam Sena, disrupted a weekly prayer meeting of Christians, in the village of Bothli west of the Chhattisgarh capital of Raipur. The crowd surrounded the house and shouted anti-Christian slogans before they burst into the building and beat those gathered for prayer. A woman who was eight-months pregnant had to be rushed to the hospital in terrible pain after being punched and kicked. Police have allegedly refused to intervene in the situation.

    On July 2, approximately twenty rioters raided a worship service conducted by Pastor Bagh Masih in western India. According to the Global Council of Indian Christians, the church was then ransacked and the pastor and other worshippers were beaten. One man, Mr. Bakshish was hospitalized but later that evening he was removed from the hospital when a mob threatened to kill him if he didn't leave. Police officers commissioned to protect the church were present throughout the attack but did nothing. Authorities later refused to file a report about the incident.

    Pray that the Disciples Church will be able to rebuild the church building without facing any further attacks. Pray that those who have been beaten in these attacks will recover quickly as they rely on the Lord to give them a heart of thankfulness (II Corinthians 1:9-11). Pray that the incomprehensible peace of Christ will rule their hearts and minds in the face of ongoing threats and danger (Philippians 4:7). Pray also that the Lord would make them strong to lovingly and boldly proclaim the gospel, even to their enemies (Ephesians 6:18-20, Matthew 5:44-48).

    For more information on the persecution facing Christians in India,click here.
  • EMI Licenses Temporarily Restored
    EMI Founder M. A. Thomas and president Dr. Samuel Thomas
    Since troubles began for the Emmanuel Mission International in the Kota district of the Indian state of Rajasthan in February, their bank accounts have been frozen and their licenses to operate five institutions were also revoked. Recently, the government has also attempted to take over running the organizations. However, a ruling from the Rajasthan High Court on June 28 has temporarily restored the licenses along with access to the bank accounts. Judges were set to review the decision at a judicial hearing on July 4. No news is yet available on decisions made. The Kota Registrar of Societies was been ordered to show cause for revoking the licenses at the hearing. Pray that the licenses will be permanently restored and that EMI will be able to continue their ministry throughout India.
  • Militants Attempt to Burn Pastor to Death in Church Assault

    As many as twenty Indian militants interrupted the worship service at the Hossana Church in Kosa Nala, Chhattisgarh on June 18, according to a June 22 report from Compass Direct. The intruders grabbed the Bible of Pastor David Raj as he was preaching and began beating him. The mob also assaulted Raj's wife and some of the church members. The attackers then placed a rubber tire around Raj's neck and attempted to burn him to death. When they were unsuccessful in lighting the tire, they beat him some more and then turned him over to the police.

    Raj and his wife have both been arrested on charges of deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings and promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion. They were also charged with attempted forced conversion.

    According to local sources, the charges arise from statements signed by two of the women in the church. The women thought they were signing statements that they had been in the church that morning. Instead, the statements claim the two were offered cash and a motorcycle if they would convert to Christianity. Such allegations against an extremely poor pastor and his wife are considered preposterous.

    Three of the assailants were arrested for their part in the attack but were immediately granted bail.

    Pray that all charges against Pastor Raj and his wife will be dropped. Pray that they will be protected from every plan to harm them and that God will bring about justice in this situation (Psalm 140). Pray that they will confidently entrust themselves to Christ so that they may preach the gospel without hesitation (2 Timothy 1:7-12). Pray that the attackers will see that the message Pastor Raj proclaims is one of a free gift, not coercion, and respond in faith to Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9).

    For more information on the persecution of Christians in India,click here. To see the latest video report on the persecution in India, go to https://www.vomcanada.com/. The June edition of The Voice of the Martyrs Newsletter focuses on India. The feature article is available online to those who subscribe to this free monthly publication. Go to our newsletter page (Sorry, Canadian mailing addresses only).
  • Pastor Beaten While Police Watch

    An independent pastor in the district of Devangere in the Indian state of Karnataka was severely beaten by militant Hindus on June 11, according to a June 15 report from Compass Direct. Pastor Sundar Rao was holding a prayer meeting in his sister's home when as many as 150 people surrounded the house. As he attempted to leave the meeting, Rao was dragged to the local police station where he was forced to sign a blank paper. They also told Rao that the land he had purchased for a church building would be used for a Hindu temple instead.

    While at the police station, some of the militants beat the pastor as police merely looked on and said nothing. Around midnight, the police apparently asked Rao to leave the station. He refused, knowing the mob was waiting outside for him. At 3:30 the following afternoon, the police released him without offering any protection. The crowd outside the station severely beat him. Even after he managed to get on a bus, the crowd stopped the bus and resumed their abuse. Rao was hospitalized with internal injuries and multiple contusions.

    When Rao's wife went to the police station the next day, June 13, the police refused to accept a formal complaint. Having no other alternative, she traveled to the police district headquarters in Devangere where she was able to file her complaint. At last report, there have been no arrests.

    Ask God to bring about justice in this case. Pray that the perpetrators of this crime will be arrested. Pray that the Lord will give Pastor Rao a speedy recovery.

    For more information on India and the persecution facing Christians there,click here. The June edition of The Voice of the Martyrs Newsletter features the persecution of Christians in India. The feature article is available online to those who subscribe. Go to our newsletter page to subscribe.

Page 38 of 53