Pakistan: the bitter fruits of a radicalised society

-- a call to pray for the Church in Pakistan

By Elizabeth Kendal
Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin (RLPB) 201
Special to ASSIST News Service

Christian neighborhood vandalized
 over alleged blasphemy row in Lahore

AUSTRALIA (ANS) -- Sawan Masih (26) is a sanitation worker and Christian resident of Joseph Colony in Badami Bagh, Lahore. For some years now he has wrapped up his day by sharing a drink with his friend and neighbour Shahid Imran, a Muslim. They would sit together outside Shahid's barber shop drinking locally brewed hooch. Though their debates sometimes got heated, they would just sleep it off and start afresh the next day.

On the evening of 7 March, the men had one of their drink-fuelled arguments. This time, however, a good night's sleep failed to clear the slate. The next day, Shahid claimed Sawan had blasphemed during their spat.

Like a spark casually flicked in an incendiary tinderbox, the rumour exploded and spread like wildfire. As soon as Sawan heard what Shahid had done, he fled for his life. Later that evening, inflamed Muslims marched from a nearby mosque to the Masihs' home. To pacify the mob, the police took Sawan's father Chaman Masih into custody. While local Muslims ransacked the Masihs' home, members of the Sunni Tehreek-i-Taliban presented the police with two alleged witnesses who claimed to have heard Sawan's blasphemy. A blasphemy charge was registered, again primarily for the purpose of pacifying the mob. But registering a blasphemy complaint is hardly enough to douse a fire-storm of Islamic fury these days. With rumours circulating that worse was to come, the police advised the Christian community to flee, which they did.


The next day, Saturday 9 March, thousands of Muslims, mostly from the ethnic Pakhtun community, descended on the Christian colony with weapons and fuel to inflict collective punishment. Sources told Morning Star News that the provincial government led by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) had ordered police not to hinder the protesters and 'let them vent their grief and anger'. With the colony vacated and the police immobilised, the Muslims went freely from door to door, plundering and ransacking..

 By 11:30am Joseph Colony was ablaze. By the time the fire brigade turned up at 3pm, at least 160 homes, 18 shops and two churches -- Assemblies of God and Roman Catholic -- had been looted and burnt. According to the City Superintendent of Police, up to 7000 people took part in the attack. Police are saying they have Sawan in 'protective custody'. Knowing what lies ahead, Sawan's mother is distraught. 'I want my son back,' she wails, 'please bring my son back.'

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan laments, 'The attack is y et another shameful incident against a vulnerable community and further confirmation of the slide toward extremism in society on the one hand and, on the other hand, the apathy and inaction that has become the norm among the police.' On Sunday 10 March Christians rallied in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad and Multan, expressing their fear, grief and anger over their deepening insecurity. Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif told a private meeting in his home that the attack was in no way a service to Pakistan or Islam. What he really needs to do is get that message accepted in the thousands of hyper-radical mosques and madrassas spread across Punjab. Pakistan has a population of 185 million with Christians accounting for about 2.45 percent (Operation World 2010).

Decades of Saudi-sponsored Islamisation, Sunni radicalisation and impunity are producing bitter fruits: local Muslims prepared to kill and destroy their Christian neighbours. Shi'ite Muslims (30 percent, mostly ethnic Hazara) and Hindus (1.5 percent) are also experiencing esca lating systematic persecution. Pakistan is becoming increasingly intolerant and lawless as it lurches towards collapse and disintegration. When local civilians are prepared to eliminate their neighbours on ethnic, caste and/or religious grounds, then the environment is clearly genocidal.
 
PLEASE PRAY SPECIFICALLY THAT THE LORD WILL --

intervene and secure justice for Sawan Masih, as well as security for his extended family and compensation for the Christian community of Joseph Colony.

draw the wounded and traumatised into his embrace, comforting and healing their broken hearts and providing all their needs. 'The Lord is my shepherd . . . He restores my soul. . . You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies . . .' (Psalm 23:1a,3a,5a ESV). THANK YOU Father that nobody was killed.

awaken those who have been turned into killers, bringing a profound conviction of sin upon all who wou ld be willing killers of their own neighbours.

bring a profound sense of shame on Pakistan, so pervasive it demands and enables deep, risky reform at the mosque and madrassa level; may this and a sense of failure and great danger prompt many to seek out a new and better way.
SEE ALSO: Deepening divide leaves Pakistan staring into the abyss
Pakistan's Supreme Court admits a blasphemy petition against Sherry Rehman, Pakistan's Ambassador to the USA.
By Elizabeth Kendal, Religious Liberty Monitoring, 7 March 2013.

Iran: Five Christians Receive Exorbitant Bail Demands

By Dan Wooding
Founder of ASSIST Ministries

SHIRAZ, IRAN (ANS) -- Five members of the Church of Iran denomination appeared before a judge at the 14th Branch of the Revolutionary Court in Shiraz, Fars Province on March 10 and were handed exorbitant bail terms

.

According to Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), Mohammad Roghangir, Surush Saraie, Eskandar Rezaie, Shahin Lahooti and Massoud Rezaie are charged with disturbing public order, evangelizing, action against national security and an internet activity against the system.

Their trial was expected to commence on March 10; however, during their court appearance, Judge Sadati set bail for Mohammed Roghangir at US$ 200,000, while the others were asked for US$ 80,000 each. No date was set for the continuation of the trial.

CSW says that the five Christians were among seven people arrested on 12 October 2012 during an evening raid by the security services on a house in Shiraz where a prayer service led by Mr. Roghangir was underway. They were initially held in Plaque 100, the Intelligence Ministry's notorious detention centre, before being transferred to Adel-Abad Prison, where they are held separately from other prisoners.

Andrew Johnston, Advocacy Director at Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), said, "CSW is concerned that the Iranian authorities continue to characterize legitimate religious activities as crimes against the state. In addition to our concern at these charges, we also deplore the exorbitant bail demands, which are increasingly common and appear to be designed to economically cripple families and congregations. We continue to call for the release of all prisoners of conscience, without recourse to extortionate payments, and in line with Iran's undertakings under Article 18 of the International Covenant of Civil and Political Rights."

Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) is a Christian organization working for religious freedom through advocacy and human rights, in the pursuit of justice.

Burma - warning against euphoria over reforms, as military targets minorities Attacks against Kachin Christians and Muslim Rohingyas continue

Dha Der Church in Burma, seen here in October 2010,
 was rebuilt 18 months later (World Watch Monitor)

Christians around the world who have been praying for Burma have been warned against ‘euphoria’ over reform, while Christian and Muslim minorities remain under attack by the military.

Sunday March 10th, 2013, the 16th anniversary of the Global Day of Prayer for Burma (started by Aung San Suu Kyi), celebrated some progress, but warned that grave issues remained, especially continuing attacks against the Kachin and Rohingya minorities.

The Day of Prayer followed a new report claiming government troops have destroyed 66 churches in Kachin State in the north of Burma, and are using rape as a weapon of war. The report, by the Kachin Women's Association of Thailand (KWAT), also claimed the military are using rape as a weapon of war. Speakers in London said non-Buddhist religious minorities were being deliberately targeted under a policy of Burmanisation. The aim was to unite the country under the army and under Buddhism.

A speaker for the Kachin National Organisation accused the President of Burma, Thein Sein (who has been visiting Europe) of lying over his claim to have ordered a ceasefire with the Kachin. Hkanhpa Sadan demanded that the president be indicted for war crimes for calling down air strikes against the Kachin in December 2012 and January 2013.

According to reports, more than 100,000 Kachin have been displaced since the ceasefire collapsed in 2011, and in Rakhine State, to the west, more than 120,000 Muslim Rohingya have been driven from their homes. Many are starving.

The international prayer event coincided with the first party congress in Burma of the National League for Democracy, led by Aung San Suu Kyi. In London, disappointment was expressed over the Nobel Peace laureate’s failure to intervene to protect the ethnic minorities under attack from the Burma army.

The European Union is currently reviewing a temporary suspension of sanctions against Burma. British Parliamentarian Baroness Cox, who has just returned from Kachin State, confirmed to the BBC that military attacks were continuing against the Kachin and called on the EU to maintain sanctions against Burma.

Read full story...

Copyright 2013 World Watch Monitor

Urgent Statement to Condemn Attacks on Innocent Copts in Libya and Call for Actions

WASHINGTON, March 12, 2013 /Christian Newswire/ -- Coptic Solidarity condemns in the strongest terms the unlawful acts by the group Ansarul Sharia in Libya to arrest, torture and detain dozens of Copts; and the detention by Libya's Preventive Security department in Tripoli of the Coptic man Ezzat Hakim Atallah for ten days until he died on March 9 under torture, and the detention of his Coptic colleagues Imad Seddik Ibrahim, Issa Ibrahim Isaac, Emad Shaker, Sharif Ramses, and others who are still being subjected to torture inside the Preventive Security building.

Event Details:

What: Coptic Solidarity calls for a peaceful demonstration in front of the Libyan Embassy

When: At noon on Thursday, March 14, 2013

Where:
2600 Virginia Avenue, NW Suite 705
Washington, D.C., 20037

Coptic Solidarity further demands that the Libyan authorities at the highest levels order the immediate release of all Copts detained in Libya under the despicable and idiotic charges of proselytizing, simply based on possessing Christian books for personal use.

Coptic Solidarity demands that the Libyan authorities conduct a just investigation into the death of Izzat Hakim Atallah, punish those responsible and compensate fairly the victims' families.

Coptic Solidarity condemns in the strongest terms the Egyptian authorities, especially the foreign minister, the ambassador in Libya and the Consul in Benghazi, for their failure to defend their fellow citizens. In contrast, the presidency and the foreign ministry had enthusiastically rushed to defend a Muslim Brotherhood cell that was arrested in the United Arab Emirates on charges of threatening the country's national security. The attitude of the Egyptian authorities in dealing with the Coptic citizens is shameful.

Coptic Solidarity demands international bodies and organizations and human rights organizations to immediately intervene to stop the flagrant attacks on innocent Copts in Libya, and to conduct investigations and accordingly pursue those responsible.

Pakistan's Christians sort through rubble

(Pakistan images courtesy Christian Aid Mission)

Pakistan (MNN) ― Although Lahore seems calm today, it's been three days of anything but calm in Eastern Pakistan.

On Friday, an argument started between a Muslim and a Christian in the Joseph Colony, a Christian area in Lahore. After prayers that same day, thousands of Muslims took to the streets and took up the call of blasphemy. By Saturday, says Christian Aid Mission spokesman Bill Bray, "There were 170 homes in Lahore, in that area--Joseph colony there, that had been destroyed."

The story spread, as did the arson attacks. "The rioting had spread to Karachi, Islamabad, Multan, and Rawalpindi. In all those cities, burnings and looting of Christian homes and shops" took place. Because police had done little to stop the violence, Bray says, "On Sunday after church, the Christians went out and began to demonstrate and call for police protection."

Police arrested 150 suspects following the arson attack, which was sparked by accusations of blasphemy. Bray notes, "The problem is these terrible blasphemy laws. Their legislature needs to rewrite the blasphemy laws. We just really need to pray for Pakistan."

Law 295a -- blaspheming Islam, and Law 295b -- blaspheming the Qur'an, are criminal offenses. Law 295c makes blaspheming Mohammed a crime punishable by death. Courtrooms packed with militants have often pressured judges into returning a guilty verdict or continuing trials indefinitely. It takes very little to stir whole communities to riot. The accusation itself is hard to disprove.

The good news: "None of our missionaries that we support in the projects that we support have been killed or destroyed in this violence." In fact, police had evacuated the area prior to the Muslim rampage. While frustrating, authorities say the move kept the number of casualties to a minimum.

Still, the emotional scars of the attack will remain vivid for weeks to come. The physical damage is heavy, too. These attacks took place in a poor part of the city. Bray says by yesterday, they were already overloaded by requests. An assessment is underway to determine the best ways Christian Aid can help.

"We're getting calls for help to rebuild churches, help to rebuild homes and families," explains Bray. "The average Christian probably sustained about $10,000 USD damage, which would be a lifetime's savings."
Christian Aid supports indigenous missionaries in Pakistan who provide relief aid in the midst of disaster, distribute Christian literature, and open up Christian schools to educate the poor, all while living with the threat of persecution and violence.

Although Pakistan promises religious freedom for minorities in its Constitution, in practice minority religions are fiercely persecuted. The Rimsha Masih case prompted a debate on blasphemy laws, but others still face charges, and extremist groups continue to incite hatred for Christians. Still, it's an opportunity for the story of Jesus Christ to be told. "Probably, it helps the Gospel more than it harms it," Bray observes. "I think that it helps people be sympathetic to Christians. In quiet moments, it promotes the dialogue between Muslims and Christians."

Pray that Christians in Pakistan will have a bold testimony to those around them. Pray for protection for Christians facing intimidation and threats. Give thanks that the Christian population is growing and a steady but significant trickle of Muslims are joining churches.

It's a battle for the next generation in Russia

Joseph Stalin

Russia (MNN) ― The political winds continue to change in Russia. Many Christians in that country are concerned about the loss of religious freedom under President Vladimir Putin. While it's a far cry from Joseph Stalin, Putin appears to be turning back the clock as it relates to free speech and religious freedom.

Joel Griffith with Slavic Gospel Association says there are questions. "What direction is Putin going? Well, you can't really say he's a communist. He isn't, but he's not really what you would call a western democrat, either."

  

Since President Vladimir Putin came into power in 2000, he has "launched a comprehensive program to ideologically reeducate society," Lev Gudkov, director of independent Levada Center polling group, told Reuters. 

"Putin's spin doctors did not deny that Stalin's regime had conducted mass arrests and executions but tried to minimize these events...while emphasizing as far as possible the merits of Stalin as military commander and statesman who had modernized the country and turned it into one of the worlds two superpowers," Gudkov wrote.

"There was no doubt that Stalin certainly did build the Soviet system to a position of military might, but the human cost was really high," Griffith says.  

"Joseph Stalin has a very bloody legacy," Griffith continues. "Even compared to the other communist and dictators that followed him, Stalin was--among all of them--the bloodiest. Millions of people died at his orders or as a result of his orders.

"From a Christian perspective, you look back on it and see how Stalin persecuted the church. There was a brief period of thaw during WWII, when the believers were needed for support, so he stopped the persecution of churches for a while. 

Then after the war was over, it was resumed with a renewed vigor. So Stalin, from the perspective of believers, has an awful bloody legacy."

In a 1994 poll, two-thirds of Russians agreed with the statement that "Stalin was a cruel, inhuman tyrant, responsible for the deaths of millions of innocent people." But for the last 13 years of his power, Putin has put a different light on Stalin.

 

In a 2013 poll, asking the same questions asked in 1994, 47% of respondents said Stalin was "a wise leader who brought the Soviet Union to might and prosperity." Only 32% of those who responded said it was negative. This is roughly the opposite of the 1994 survey.

Many older Christians remember the days when fellow believers would disappear in the night, never to be seen again. 

But the younger generation has only stories to rely on when it comes to Stalin, says Griffith. "The generation that's growing up now has no memory of that communist past, and that certainly is a concern. We've really got to pray for the next generation as well, that they are able to have a really firm, truthful historical grasp."

Pray that believers will continue to share the good news of Christ in Russia. "I don't think we can ever let our guard down as prayer warriors for believers over there," urges Griffith. "They are going to continue advancing the Gospel, no matter what."