Tags

Sri Lanka

• Churches Threatened, One Attacked

  On November 9, The Voice of the Martyrs received a report from the National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka (NCEASL) outlining recent anti-Christian activity taking place.  In the early morning of November 1, attackers broke down the doors of an independent church in Korakandamulla, Matugama and went to the pastor's living area.  In the presence of the two young children, the men slapped the pastor's wife and cut off her hair with a sword.  They then set fire to some furniture.

  Demonstration by Sri Lankan Buddhist monks

  A week later, a group of Buddhists staged a demonstration in Matugama.  Delivering a petition to the Divisional Secretary against various churches in the area, they stated that the "patience and tolerance" of the Buddhists was reaching an end.  They threatened serious violence unless action was taken against Christian fundamentalists.  Handbills were handed out calling on Buddhists to rise up against churches in the area.  Information has been received that a similar protest is planned for Sunday, November 14 in Udugampola in Gampaha District.

  Pray that the threatened violence will abate.  Pray for wisdom for church leaders in Sri Lanka , as they deal with this volatile situation.

  The Voice of the Martyrs has recently released a 35-minute video documentary on Christian persecution in Sri Lanka .  You can order a VHS or DVD copy from our online catalog.

  For more information on the persecution of Christians in Sri Lanka ,click here.

• Constitutional Amendment Proposed

  Sri Lankan Church Destroyed in 2003

  Media reports from Sri Lanka suggest that a constitutional amendment is to be proposed which would make Buddhism the official religion of Sri Lanka. While the amendment would allow for freedom of worship, other religions would be required to be practised "in peace and harmony with Buddha Sasana."

  The National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka (NCEASL) also reports an increase in violence against Christians since the Supreme Court ruled against parts of a proposed anti-conversion bill on August 17 (click here). In the latest incidents, two churches in Dematagoda were disrupted by mobs led by Buddhist monks on September 26. In both instances, church members were verbally abused and threatened, and documents were taken from the church. On September 17, a pastor in Kiribathgoda was surrounded by a mob and beaten with oars.

  Pray that violence against Christians in Sri Lanka will subside and that legislative proposals to ban religious conversions and seal Buddhism as the official religion will fail. Pray for Christian leadership in Sri Lanka, as they endeavour to lead the Church through this challenging time.

  The October edition of VOM's monthly newsletter features an article on the difficulties facing Christians in Sri Lanka. A 35-minute video documentary filmed on location is in the final stages of production and will be available shortly from The Voice of the Martyrs. To subscribe to our free monthly newsletter, click here.

  For more information on persecution of the Church in Sri Lanka,click here.

• Buddhist Party Launches International Campaign

  Uduwe Dhammaloka Thera of the JHU Party

  Sri Lanka's JHU party, made up entirely of Buddhist monks, has apparently begun an international campaign to gain support from embassies and governments around the world for their anti-conversion bill. According to VOM sources in Sri Lanka, members of the JHU have met with numerous foreign embassies in Sri Lanka. Some JHU members of parliament are currently in Canada as part of the Sri Lankan delegation to the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Summit in Ottawa on September 1-9. There is concern that they may use this summit to gain international sympathy for their proposed religiously discriminatory legislation.

  The world needs to be aware of the dangers of anti-conversion legislation, such as that being proposed by the JHU. To view two proposed bills before the Sri Lankan parliament, as well as articles analyzing the legislation, go to SriLankanChristians.Com. We encourage Canadians and Christians around the world to express their concerns to government leaders. Canadians are urged to contact the federal Minister of Foreign Affairs at the following:
  

  Hon. Pierre Pettigrew
  Minister of Foreign Affairs
  Phone: (613) 995-8872
  Fax: (613) 995-9926
  Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

  Other contact information is available through our website (click here).

  Continue to remember Sri Lanka in your prayers, as the government deals with the rising demand for anti-conversion legislation by militant organizations. Pray for wisdom for the church in Sri Lanka during this time.

  A news report from 2002 on the persecution of Christians in Sri Lanka produced by VOM for Faith in Focus (a program of Trinity Television in Winnipeg, MB), is available on our multimedia website PersecutionTV.

  For more information on persecution in Sri Lanka,click here.

• Parts of Anti-Conversion Bill Ruled Unconstitutional

  On August 17, Sri Lanka's Supreme Court announced its ruling to the parliamentary speaker on the proposed "Bill of Prohibition of Forcible Conversion." The court determined that Sections 3 and 4(b) of the proposed Bill violated Article 10 of the country's constitution that "guarantees the freedom of thought, conscience and religion, including the freedom to have or adopt a religion or belief of one's choice." To become law in its present form, the bill would, thus, require a two-thirds majority vote of the parliament, as well as a national referendum. However, the court also added that if the offending Sections are deleted, the Bill will be consistent with Article 10 and would not require the two-thirds majority and referendum. Section 3 of the proposed Bill required a person who is converting from one religion to another and any person performing or involved in a "conversion ceremony" to report to the Divisional Secretary of the area. Section 4(b) stipulated punishments of a fine and prison term for any person failing to comply with Section 3.

  The court further recommended amendments to Sections 4(a) and 5 of the Bill relating to institution of proceedings against an accused. The Supreme Court recommended that action for offences against the Bill should be instituted in accordance with the provisions of Section 136 of the Criminal Procedure Code Act and subject to the written sanction of the Attorney-General. As written, the Bill allows categories of persons including "any interested person" to institute proceedings in a Magistrate's court, without the sanction of the Attorney-General.

  In the ruling, Sections 8(a) and 8(c) concerning the definition of "allurement" and "force" remain as they are, but the Supreme Court suggests the interpolation of the words "for the purpose of converting a person from one religion to another" to bring in the element of intentional temptation or force. Similarly, the definition of "fraudulent means" in Section 8(d) remains the same, but the court suggested that the words "misrepresentation or other fraudulent means" should read as "willful misrepresentation or other fraudulent means."

  In their analysis of the Supreme Court's ruling, The National Christian Evangelical Christian Alliance of Sri Lanka (NCEASL) expressed their continued concern about certain provisions of the Bill, including the extended means given to the definitions of the words "allurement," "force" and "fraudulent means" under Section 8. For example, the word "force" is defined to include not only physical force and harm but also "threat of religious displeasure". Additionally, NCEASL states that Section 2 is too wide in its scope, as it makes even an "attempt to convert, either directly or otherwise..." an offence.

  According to parliamentary procedure, the bill will now go to a Parliamentary Standing Committee for discussion. It will then be sent to the Legal Draftsman for any amendments /re-drafting. This is followed by the second reading in Parliament and then the voting. The bill was introduced by the opposition National Heritage Party (JHU), a party composed entirely of Buddhist monks. The JHU may choose to accept the Supreme Court determination and proceed with a suitably amended version of the bill, in which case, it would require only a simple majority. This process could take several months. They may also choose to proceed with the bill in its present form, seeking a two-thirds majority vote in Parliament and a referendum of the people.

  This proposed legislation is one of two anti-conversion bills being brought to the Sri Lankan parliament. The other was introduced to the cabinet by Ratnasiri Wickramanayake, the government's Minister of Buddha Sasana and may come before parliament. A copy of both proposed bills are available online at http://www.srilankanchristians.com/legislation.html.

  Sources for The Voice of the Martyrs in Sri Lanka are continuing to monitor the situation and will give more details and the implications of this ruling as they become available. Continue to pray that members of Sri Lanka's parliament will drop all attempts to restrict the religious freedom of its citizens. Pray that mob violence will not escalate and that Sri Lankan Christians will reflect the grace and peace of Jesus Christ no matter what the outcome. Especially pray for Sri Lankan church leaders during these days of concern and uncertainty.

  Padukka Church - Destroyed 2002

  The feature article of October issue of The Voice of the Martyrs' newsletter will focus on the plight of Sri Lanka's Christians today. The Voice of the Martyrs will also be releasing a new 30-minute documentary video in October entitled "Faith Under Fire: Sri Lanka." Subscribe today (click here) to keep up-to-date on this and other developments with the Persecuted Church around the world (available only in Canada).

  For more information on the challenges facing Christians in Sri Lanka,click here.

• Decision on Court Petitions Due August 12

  On August 6 and 9, twenty-two petitions were presented to the Sri Lankan Supreme Court, challenging the constitutionality of a proposed law severely restricting religious conversions. Members of the Buddhist JHU party, who had introduced the bill, also presented petitions in favour. The court is expected to give their decision to the Speaker of the Parliament on August 12. If the court rejects the legislation, a second, even more restrictive law, could be tabled.

  Uduwe Dhammaloka Thera

  Christians throughout Sri Lanka have been working together in opposition to these bills. The general secretary of the JHU party, Uduwe Dhammaloka Thera, claims that many Catholics support this legislation, despite press releases by the Catholic Bishops' Conference in opposition to the bill (see http://www.srilankanchristians.com/press2.html). Godfrey Yogarajah, General Secretary of the NCEASL, describes the proposed law as a violation of basic human rights and urges those who support the bill to reconsider. "We are already fragmented racially," he says. "Do we need religious fragmentation as well?"

  Pray that the judges will recognize the restrictions that such legislation will place on religious freedom in Sri Lanka. Continue to pray for Christians throughout Sri Lanka facing opposition and violence from religious extremists.

  For more information on the problems facing Christians in Sri Lanka,click here.

• Petitions to be Heard August 6 and 9

  On July 29, the National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka filed a formal appeal against the proposed anti-conversion legislation which is presently before the Sri Lankan parliament. Twenty-two petitions have been filed against the legislation while twenty-five are in favor of it. The NCEASL had filed a motion asking that the entire bench of the Supreme Court hear the petitions. However, news reports state that the petitions will be heard by three members of the Court on July 6 and 9. Background information on the proposed legislation, an interview by Godfrey Yogarajah, General Secretary of the NCEASL, as well as a variety of other articles and news releases are available at http://www.srilankanchristians.com/.

  

• Private Members Bill Listed; New Website Goes Online

  The Voice of the Martyrs learned this morning that the private members bill on the prohibition of forcible conversion put forward by a member of the Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) party has been listed in the Order Paper of Sri Lanka's parliament for today, 21st July 2004. According to procedure, those who object to the bill have just seven days to file objections with the Supreme Court, counting from today. Please pray for the National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka and other Christian groups who are concerned that this legislation will severely restricted religious liberty in Sri Lanka.

  This week, a group of concerned Christian citizens from Sri Lanka released a new website, http://www.srilankanchristians.com/, dedicated to be a voice for those whose rights are being violated. SriLankanChristians.com come together from a variety of ethnic traditions and diverse denominations in Sri Lanka for the common purpose of ensuring freedom of religion, worship and practice for Christians in Sri Lanka. This website contains a good deal of relevant and helpful information and The Voice of the Martyrs encouraged you to get involved in speaking out on behalf of our brothers and sisters in Sri Lanka at this time.

• Christian Organization's Office Ransacked

  The office of the National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka (NCEASL) was vandalized on July 3 in what appears to be a systematic search. Sometimes during the day, the attackers forced open the back door. They searched through desk drawers and filing cabinets, breaking locks and scattering their contents. It is unclear at present what exactly they were looking for. Though money was taken from a cash box, robbery does not appear to be the primary motive, since a video projector, camera, computer and other items of value were not taken.

  There are concerns that the break-in may be related to NCEASL's opposition to Sri Lanka's proposed anti-conversion legislation. The organization is presently conducting a public awareness campaign and their first advertisement in the Daily News paper appeared on July 3. NCEASL suspects that the vandals may have been looking for documents related to the campaign. Files related to finances and related to action against the anti-conversion bills before parliament were not kept in the office, however.

  The NCEASL is concerned about being able to continue renting their facilities as a result of this raid. Most building owners are reluctant to rent space to the organization for fear of potential damage.

  An NCEASL spokesperson told VOM, "We are more determined to stand firm and struggle on for religious freedom in Sri Lanka, whatever happens. Incidents like what happened on Saturday only strengthens our resolve." Local police are apparently taking a very laid back approach to the break-in and the NCEASL does not expect justice from the Sri Lankan police or courts at this point in time.

  Pray for the continued ministry of the NCEASL and other Christian organizations fighting to protect the rights of Christians in Sri Lanka. Pray that anti-conversion bills presently before the Sri Lankan parliament will not become law. The Voice of the Martyrs urges Christians from around the world to protest to Sri Lankan authorities against this proposed legislation. Click here for addresses.

  For more information on Sri Lanka and the challenges facing Christians there,click here.

• Church Leaders Express Opposition to Proposed Law

  Rt.Rev.Kumara Illangasinghe Chairperson: National Christian Council of Sri Lanka Most Rev. Dr. Oswald Gomis Archbishop of Colombo

  Sri Lankan church leaders continue to express their opposition to the government's proposed anti-conversion legislation that is due to be introduced when the parliament reconvenes on July 20. This week, the National Christian Council and the Catholic Bishops' Conference issued a formal press release saying that the proposed legislation "could well be the beginning of an invasion of the right to personal choice."

  Please pray for church leaders in Sri Lanka as they attempt to influence their government. The Voice of the Martyrs also encourages Christians from around the world to write to Sri Lankan authorities, protesting this legislation. A copy of the proposed law can be found on our website (click here). For addresses of government officials that you can write to, click here.

• Buddhist Monks Stir Up Mob Against Church

  In continuing violence against Christian churches in Sri Lanka, late last week Buddhist monks from the Bodhidumarama temple in Wadduwa, Sri Lanka incited a mob to march against an evangelical church, intending to "rid our village of the fundamentalist plague."

  On the evening of June 19, around fifty monks, accompanied by one hundred and fifty others, marched from the Buddhist temple to the church. When they arrived, they found only two parishioners, along with the pastor's two daughters. After demanding that the pastor be brought to them, they began throwing chairs and tearing down Scripture banners, as well as physically threatening the pastor's daughters.

  One of the daughters managed to call police, who were unable to control the mob when they arrived. After damaging the church, the mob finally left with no arrests being made.

  The next morning, the pastor cancelled services, as he had done the previous Sunday because of threats. Again a large mob gathered and tried to force their way into the church, despite police guards. The rioters threw gasoline bombs, bricks and rocks, damaging the roof and windows. A parapet wall also collapsed. The police used tear gas to disperse the crowd, as well as firing shots into the air. The pastor was eventually forced to announce that he would stop holding meetings at the church.

  Minister of Buddhism, Ratnasiri Wickramanayake

  Pray for the pastor and members of this church, along with Christians throughout Sri Lanka facing ongoing violence and opposition from individuals as well as the government. Earlier this month it was announced that various bills were to be introduced in the Sri Lankan parliament to restrict religious conversions (click here for more details). A bill introduced by the Minister of Buddhism, Ratnasiri Wickramanayake, has been approved by the cabinet. Click here to read a copy of the proposed bill. It is expected that this bill will be considered a high priority when parliament reconvenes on July 20. The Voice of the Martyrs is urging Christians from around the world to write to Sri Lankan authorities protesting this restrictive legislation. For addresses that you may write to, click here.

  For more information on persecution facing Christians in Sri Lanka,click here.