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2016-11-03

• Christians Facing Persecution in Refugee Camps

  
  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.

• Judges' Religious Freedom May be Restricted

  Judges in the central Asian nation of Kazakhstan could be deprived of their rights to freedom of religion or belief if the proposed Code of Judges' Ethics is adopted in its current form later this month. Judges could face disciplinary action for talking about their faith with others, being among the legal founders of a religious organization, attending a religious conference as a private individual or "providing support in any form" to a religious organization.

  The code, which would apply to all of Kazakhstan's estimated 2,660 judges, may be adopted at the next Congress of Judges. According to Madiyar Balken, a Supreme Court judge and secretary of the Union of Judges public association, the congress meeting is scheduled to be held in the capital city of Astana on November 24th.

  Judge Balken justified the proposed restrictions, insisting that judges "shouldn't be very active in their religious conduct." Aina Shormanbayeva, an Almaty-based lawyer who heads a non-governmental organization, International Legal Initiative, is among several legal specialists concerned by the union's proposed rules.

  In violation of its international human rights obligations, Kazakhstan already bans meeting for worship without state registration, talking to others about religion without state permission, and publishing or distributing literature about religion without state permission.

  Join with us in prayer, especially on behalf of the Christian judges in Kazakhstan. Pray that any measures threatening their basic human rights -- including the expression of their faith -- will not be approved. In fact, we pray that throughout the deliberation process, these judges will be granted a platform among their peers to voice their beliefs and demonstrate their high standard of Biblically based ethics. May the country's believers in no way be hindered from worshipping their Creator or sharing their faith with others.

• Blasphemy Charges Dropped Against Child

  Blasphemy charges have been dropped against a young Christian boy in Quetta, Pakistan. The youngster and his mother were both accused of burning pages of the Quran, an incident that allegedly took place on October 20th.

  While the child and his mother remained behind bars, local Christian leaders negotiated on their behalf. Thankfully the matter was resolved a day later, resulting in the release of the mother and son. The blasphemy accusations were quashed and an official complaint was filed against some unknown persons.

  Nasir Saeed, Director of CLAAS in the United Kingdom, said this is not the first time a minor has been charged with a blasphemy offence. He then cited examples. One such case took place in 1993 when 12-year-old Salamat Masih was charged under the blasphemy law for a crime he never committed. In 2011, a 13-year-old Christian girl by the name of F. Bhatti was accused of blasphemy by her Muslim teacher for misspelling a word.

  The director further states in regards to this concern: "The Government of Pakistan must consider such cases and take appropriate steps to bring necessary changes to stop the ongoing misuse of this law. The international community has continuously expressed its concern and called for amendments." Please pray that the needed amendments will be made so the country's citizens -- including its children -- will be protected from injustice and abuse. May our Lord's mercy and justice prevail, not only in the judiciary system but also in the hearts of the country's majority.