A message by militant Muslims posted on the walls of the refugee centre.
Photo: Open Doors Germany
Religiously motivated violence among immigrants at a refugee centre in the central German town of Rotenburg an der Fulda has left life for some Christians "still unbearable" despite praiseworthy responses to incidents this summer. A case study, which Open Doors has released as an example for other refugee centres to follow, notes that "much action is needed" and demands there be "no more integration experiments at the expense of Christians."
According to the report, the victims of religiously motivated attacks in most centres represent the minority, and the reasons why (militant) Muslims attack Christians and other religious minorities are not well known to the facilities' operators and management.
The following letter was written by group of Iranian Christian refugees:
"We, the Iranian refugees based in the city of Rotenburg, have fled from the Islamic Republic of Iran because we have been accused of being Christians and, therefore, have repeatedly been threatened by torture, imprisonment and the death penalty.... Here, where we have been accommodated presently, we are exposed to the same kinds of threats as before, this time at the hand of Afghan Muslims, and we fear for our lives. The Afghan refugees...call us Iranian Christians 'apostates' and 'infidels' because of our decision to leave Islam and consider the shedding of our blood as legitimate (or even necessary).
The Muslim Afghans, who by far outnumber us, have beaten us repeatedly.... They have threatened to kill us.... Therefore, we are very much afraid. We are asking you, our fellow citizens, desperately for help. You, who engage yourselves in the protection of pets, please also engage yourselves on our behalf. We are suffering these threats and difficulties because of our faith. In the hope for the day when throughout the world no one will be suppressed because of their faith. Thank you very much, your Iranian Christians."
Please uphold in prayer the Christians in refugee centres and camps around the world who are experiencing persecution from fellow inhabitants. Pray a blessing of unity among all the refugees, so that even if they don't practise the same religion, they will live in harmony with one another. Ask the Lord to provide opportunities for His people to express compassion and kindness to others so that: 1) the Gospel may be proclaimed through both word and deed, 2) peace will prevail, and 3) His name shall be exalted.
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