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Sri Lanka

• Two Churches Torched

  St. Michael's Church - Homagama Picture from the Archdiocese of Colombo More pictures available atwww.archdioceseofcolombo.com

  Two Catholic churches were attacked in Sri Lanka within four days in continuing violence against Christians that appears to be escalating since the death last month of a prominent Buddhist monk, Gangodawila Soma Thero. Just after midnight on Thursday, January 15, ten people broke into St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church in Homagama. Statues were smashed and furnishings were soaked in kerosene and set on fire. According to the church priest, Rev. Hishantha Perera, the members of the church are remaining calm, but are anxious to see those responsible brought to justice. This was the same church where a Buddhist mob tore down the cross and raised a Buddhist flag on the top of the church in November, 2003 (Click here for more details).

  Early Sunday morning, January 18, St. Anthony's Roman Catholic Church in the village of Hokandara was also attacked when around six youth cut through the fence and set burning tires against the door, damaging part of the building. There were no injuries in either attack.

  Pray that Christians in Sri Lanka will continue to be a light in the darkness that surrounds them. Pray for a continued ministry for the Church in Sri Lanka.

  For more information on persecution in Sri Lanka, go towww.vomcanada.com/srilanka.htm.

• Huge Anti-Christian Rally Demands Charges Be Dropped

  Sri Lankan Buddhist Monks Demonstrating

  Around five thousand Buddhists converged on the streets of Homagama, Sri Lanka in an anti-Christian rally on January 11. The demonstrators demanded guarantees from the police that those suspected of an attack on a Catholic Church on November 30 not be taken to court on January 12. (See www.vomcanada.com/lk-2003-12-10.htm for more details on the November 30 attack.) Police reportedly agreed to exclude any Buddhist monks. One of the suspects is a monk. A similar rally is being planned for January 25 to protest against Christian ministries with prominent Buddhist monks scheduled to speak.

  This is one of several incidents in Sri Lanka this week reported by the National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka. In various locations pastors and churches received threats of violence or death. In Pita-Kotte, Kirimatiyana, Wadduwa, Thennekumbura and Matugama homes or church buildings were damaged in attacks.

  Please continue to pray for your Christian brothers and sisters in Sri Lanka as they stand for Jesus Christ during this critical time.

• At Least Fourteen Attacks During Christmas Week

  The Christmas season was a time of prayerful concern in Sri Lanka this year. VOM has received reports of at least fourteen separate attacks on Christians during the week of December 23-29. Several church buildings and the homes of several Christians around Sri Lanka were vandalized. In one such incident on December 27, twenty people attacked a Christian home, destroying the door and windows, and seriously damaging a three-wheeled taxi belonging to the family. Two young children who were in the house when the attack occurred were seriously traumatized and the family has been warned to renounce Christianity or they will be forced out of the village.

  Ven. Gangodawila Soma Thero

  Following the funeral of a revered Buddhist monk, as reported last week (for more information, see lk-2003-12-31.htm), hundreds of churches cancelled their traditional Christmas Eve midnight service, with the exception of a few larger churches where there were armed police guards. Some churches remained closed on Christmas day. Many Christian left their homes to spend Christmas in safe houses or with friends because of the danger they faced.

  On three consecutive nights (December 24-26), the King's Revival Church in Maharagama was pelted with stones. Then, on the afternoon of December 28, a mob converged the church. Police were called and some of the attackers were arrested. After an agreement was reached with a monk from the Vajiraghnana temple that there would be no more trouble, those arrested were released.

  Sri Lankan Buddhist Temple

  The Aroma Children's Home in Buruthakele, Chilaw is a government registered children's home run by Christians. On the night of December 29, they received a threat that the children would be taken away by force. The next morning, part of the building was set on fire. Thankfully no children were in that area of the building, but all the children's clothing, school books and other school equipment was burned.

  These are only a few of many recent incidents of threats and violence against Christians in Sri Lanka. Many details cannot be publicized for security reasons. Pray for protection for Christians as they seek to serve Christ and spread the Good News of Jesus Christ in their nation. Pray for church leaders in Sri Lanka as they continue to minister in an increasingly hostile religious environment.

  For more information on Sri Lanka, go towww.vomcanada.com/srilanka.htm.

• Tensions Surround Death of Buddhist Monk

     On December 23, the Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka called on Christians to pray that there would not be an increase in attacks against Christians in the wake of the death of a prominent Buddhist monk Ven. Soma Thero, who passed away while in Russia to accept an honorary degree. While the cause of death was determined to be a heart attack, militant Buddhist groups suspected foul play and some wildly speculated that his death was the result of a Christian conspiracy. Thero was a champion of the Buddhist nationalist movement in Sri Lanka.
  Following Thero's funeral on December 24, a riot erupted, with five people severely beaten, one man because he was identified as a Christian.

  Ven. Gangodawila Soma Thero

  Police increased security for churches, particularly in areas where violence was a particular concern, and some churches cancelled services. On December 28, two churches in Puvakpitiya, 60 km east of Colombo, were attacked by mobs at the close of the worship services. While there were no reports of injuries, there was extensive damage to the buildings. Local police are reported to be questioning fifteen people and expected to make arrests.

  Illustrating the rising hatred for Christians by Buddhist militants, posters have begun appearing around Colombo claiming that NGOs (non-governmental organizations) such as World Vision are part of a "diabolical conspiracy" by Christians to convert and corrupt the nation. The posters read "Let's defeat the NGO mafia" and feature pictures of Thero walking with the Sri Lankan army.

  Anti-NGO Poster in Colombo Photo:  TamilNET

  In response to this tension, the Sri Lanka Daily News reported today that the government will be setting up "religious unity committees" to maintain peace and prevent religious tensions. These reconciliation committees are being set up under the direction of the Ministries of Buddha Sasana, Christian Affairs, Muslim and Hindu Religious Affairs.

  In a less positive development, speaking to reporters on December 28, Thiagaraja Maheswaran, Sri Lanka's minister for Hindu religious affairs, said that he had obtained a copy of the anti-conversion legislation passed by the Tamil Nadu government in India and that, "this will serve as a model for the legislation to be passed in our country." Maheswaran expressed concern about the rising number of religious converts to Christianity among the poor. More than seven thousand Hindu families converted to Christianity in the northeast and central provinces of Sri Lanka in the past ten years. The minister seemed to link the conversions with the work of international relief agencies involved in reconstruction work.

  Pray for the increasing danger faced by Sri Lankan Christians from both religious militants and possible government legislation. Pray for wisdom for national and local church leaders in Sri Lanka as they seek to provide guidance to believers there. Pray for the work of Christian organizations in Sri Lanka as they face false accusations of proselytism. For an explanation of the difference between proselytism and evangelism, go to https://www.vomcanada.com/faq.htm.

  
   

• Wave of Violence Batters Christians

  Last week VOM reported on a series of attacks on churches in Sri Lanka during the last weekend of November. The first weekend of December saw Christians being targeted in at least twelve new incidents of violence, according to VOM sources.

  During the first week of December, a small group meeting for prayer in Ampegama was assaulted. A pastor leading the prayer meeting and some of the members were beaten by the assailants.
   
  On December 7, three churches in Bulathkohupitiya in the Kegalle District were attacked by religiously motivated militants. Belongings were stolen, one church was burned, and church members were beaten. On the same day, the Assembly of God Church in Deraniyagala (Kegalle District) was also besieged as a mob smashed the church building's windows and doors, burned the belongings and threatened the lives of some church workers who lived in the building.

  Sri Lankan believers gather for worship: an increasingly dangerous thing to do.

  
  On the afternoon of December 9, Buddhist groups held a rally in Embilipitiya (Ratnapura District). The speakers said that Christian churches were functioning illegally and should be attacked and smashed. The police were threatened not to intervene. That evening, several Christian organizations discovered just how serious these groups were. Police prevented an attack on a local Assembly of God Church, but the World Vision office and Catholic church were not spared. Soldiers from a nearby army camp attempted to prevent the Catholic church building from being burned, but were told by the mob to not intervene, claiming they had orders from "higher authorities." When the mob left, the military personnel extinguished the fire. In nearby Udawalawe, police warned the Assembly of God church of a potential attack, due to the spreading violence. After they left, the church was besieged by about thirty people, who smashed windows and doors and burned furnishings. The pastor managed to escape unharmed, but the home of another pastor was damaged by stones.

  Pray that these increasing acts of violence will subside. Pray for wisdom for pastors and other church leaders, as they lead their congregations through these dangerous times. Pray for healing for those injured and for provisions for the churches which need to repair their buildings.
   

• Buddhist Mobs Attempt to Close Churches

  Over the weekend of November 29-30, the National Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka reports that there were several incidents of gang attacks on Christian churches, primarily in the areas of Homagama and Horana.

  On the morning of November 29, the factory premises where the "Jeevana Diya" branch Church meets in Moragahahena, Horana was broken into by a large mob led by several Buddhist monks. Two caretakers were on the premises at the time. Scripture verses were torn from the walls and burned, along with Bible tracts. Bibles, hymnals, and documents, including lists of cell group members, were stolen.

  In the same town that evening, the home of Pastor Wickramasinghe, who leads the United Christian Fellowship Church in Piliyandala, was broken into. No one was home at the time. Bibles, notes and other belongings were stolen, along with money collected for a children's program. A death threat was painted on the wall, demanding that he leave the area immediately.

  Also that evening, a large crowd, led by Buddhist monks, attacked a house church in Gonapola, Horana, threatening the life of the pastor if he does not stop holding services. Christians in the area report that they have received anonymous phone calls, saying their homes will be burned or they will be killed if they do not renounce Christ.

  The next afternoon, a mob, led by about twenty Buddhist monks, was responsible for two separate attacks in Homagama. At around 1:30 p.m., they attacked the home of the Assembly of God pastor, where they found his wife and three other Christian women. They demanded that the pastor and his family leave the community immediately or face physical violence. They also demanded that the landlord evict the family from their home. Files, including the membership list, were taken. The mob then went to the Katuwana Road Catholic Church where they broke the cross off the top of the church and raised a Buddhist flag in its place and planted a sacred Bo tree. Membership records were also taken from this church. It is also reported that "Kithu Himi Sevana" church was attacked by a mob that day. The church building, furniture, and musical instruments were damaged.

  The Assembly of God pastor in Ambalangoda has also faced repeated threats and had been asked to leave his home, which he agreed to do. However, as he was packing on November 30 to move to another house in the community, a mob arrived, demanding that he completely leave the area or face death. When the police arrived, they took him to the police station, leaving the mob at his home. Though the police also asked that he leave the area, in the interest of keeping the peace, he has refused to leave.

  The Evangelical Alliance informed VOM that there were several additional attacks this past weekend. We are awaiting further details concerning these incidents. Pray for strength for Christians in Sri Lanka who face the consistent pressure to turn from the Lord. Pray that they will have the mind of Christ in all things and will continue to remain faithful to their calling to be a light to the Sri Lankan people.
   

• Raids by Buddhist Monks Over Alleged Proselytism

   Recent reports from the National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka demonstrate the continuing crusade of militant Buddhist monks against evangelical churches in Sri Lanka.

  On the evening of November 8, five Buddhist monks, one elderly man, and ten young men broke into the Emmanuel Church in Nawala, stealing telephone indexes, files and books and attempting to remove a computer. When the pastor was alerted and arrived at the church, he was prevented from calling the police. The church's security guard was threatened if he interfered. When the intruders left, they told the pastor to come to the Welikada Police station, where the monks accused the Christians of "unethical conversion by financial and material enticement." The stolen property was not returned to the pastor but a further meeting has been called to attempt a settlement.

  On November 13, the office of World Vision attacked by a group of Buddhist monks and other men, forcing the director and several World Vision officials to go to the government's Buddha Sasana Ministry. In the attack, one female worker at the office was slapped by a monk. The monks demanded that the ministry seal the office and investigate their work, accusing them of "unethical conversion."

  Sri Lankan monks

  
   
  In two other attacks on churches, the Four Square Gospel Church in Digana was set on fire. Though the pastor and others managed to extinguish the fire before any structural damage was done, the pulpit, mats and musical instruments were destroyed. On November 14, an independent church in Anaradhapura was set on fire when a petrol bomb was thrown at the church.

  In a November 21 edition of the London news magazine, The Observer, the attacks are blamed on controversial missionary activities by fundamentalist Christian sects, "flush with American funding" who have been targeting the poorer sections of Sri Lankan society. Even attacks by Buddhists against Roman Catholic churches are blamed by The Observer on these "fundamentalists," seeing it as a reaction by Buddhists inflamed by people being allegedly bribed into converting to Christianity.

  Said Glenn Penner, spokesman for The Voice of the Martyrs, "I am absolutely stunned to read such blatant misrepresentation of the persecution facing evangelical Christians in Sri Lanka. It is obvious that The Observer was duped into becoming the mouthpiece of the Buddhist persecutors with this article. I wonder if they actually spoke with any evangelical Christians when researching this story. Probably the only thing worse than no reporting of Christian persecution by the media is inaccurate reporting. I think that it is no coincidence that this story has been widely posted on Buddhist websites around the world. You can't pay for better propaganda."

  Pray that Christians will be free to continue ministering to the spiritual and physical needs of the Sri Lankan people without fear. Pray that the truth about these attacks will come out.
   

• Buddhist Militants Brutalize Evangelicals

  Buddhist Temple - Sri Lanka

  A November 9 news release from the National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka clearly demonstrates the continuing challenges that Sri Lankan churches face from Buddhist militants. We urge your prayers for these and other churches throughout Sri Lanka.
    
    
   On October 26, the Philadelphia Church Rajagiriya branch, celebrated their seventh anniversary. They rented a community hall to accommodate the guests for this special occasion and other 150 people attended. At 6:30 p.m., a large crowd arrived, including a few Buddhist monks, disrupting the service. The mob accused the pastor of showing disrespect for Buddha by putting a statue of Buddha on the floor, when, in actuality, the mob placed the statue on the floor and demanded that the pastor worship it. When he refused, he was beaten. Chairs were broken, banners destroyed, and musical instruments damaged. The pastor and another member were held hostage by the mob until the police arrived and took them to the station for their safety. Speaking to the police, some of the monks demanded that the church stop all Christian activity in the area.

  On October 30, five Buddhists, including two monks, attacked the Assembly of God church in Homagama. In the middle of the day, they entered the house where the church met, dragged out the pulpit and hymnals and burned them, as well as stealing musical instruments.

  
    
  Buddhist Temple - Sri Lanka  
  On the night of November 6, while members of the Calvary Worship Centre in Udugampola were praying, a hand grenade was thrown at the church by a man on a motorcycle. While a vehicle was damaged, as well as some damage to a wall of the building, there were no injuries.

  Pray for safety for Christians in Sri Lanka, as they strive to share the peace of Christ with others around them.
   

• Churches Face Ongoing Pressure

  On October 21, the Voice of the Martyrs received an update from the National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka, outlining some of the recent opposition facing evangelical churches in Sri Lanka.

  In the first week of October, a crowd of around seventy people, led by the Balapitiya Bauddha Balamandalaya members and Buddhist monks, threatened the Balapitiya branch of the Ambalangoda Assemblies of God (A.O.G.) Church, demanding that the church close within a month. When the police were informed, the officer in charge refused to record the complaint, saying he would consult is superiors and take necessary action.

  In another incident, the A.O.G. Church in Embilipitiya's worship service on October 12, was disrupted by a mob led by seven Buddhist monks. They demanded that the services stop and that the believers leave the area. One of the monks brought out a bottle of poison, challenging the pastor to drink it as proof that his God was real, citing the words of Jesus. The pastor responded that the Scriptures instruct Christians not to test God. The mob left after threatening the believers.

  The Athurugiriya branch of the New Covenant Life Centre has been facing repeated threats. As a result, they were not meeting in the reception hall they normally used on Sunday, October 19. The church held a very low-key worship service to avoid any altercation. This did not prevent a group of about fifty men, led by a Buddhist monk, from stopping the service and demanding that everyone leave the building and no longer meet in this village. Pastor Dushantha De Silva and the congregation left as requested and filed a complaint with the police. The officer in charge has called for an inquiry to be held on October 25 and informed all parties to be present.

  Two different A.O.G. churches have also faced threats and attacks from members of Roman Catholic churches. On October 5 and 12, the AOG Church in Vankalai was threatened by members of the Vankalai Roman Catholic Church. Members of the AOG Church were beaten and their lives threatened. The pastor and members were ordered to leave Vankalai or face death. On October 19, a group of around one thousand people marched on the AOG church in Batuwatte, led by the Catholic priest and four monks. They demanded that the services be discontinued, saying that Christians should worship in the Catholic Church and Buddhists in the Buddhist temple. The pastor was accused of unethical conversions and bribery.

  Pray for strength and wisdom for believers in Sri Lanka facing these repeated attacks. Pray that they will know the best way to respond to allegations and demands. Pray for protection and the ability to stand firm in their faith through the power of God's Spirit.

• Churches Burned

  Last week, the Persecution and Prayer Alert reported on the brutal assault on September 19 of three Christian women who had been working to build the fence around a church in Kotadeniyawa, Sri Lanka. The fence was also destroyed in the attack. VOM sources have since reported that, on the night of September 23, unidentified motorcyclists burned down the church building itself.

  The next night, at 2:00 a.m. the Assembly of God Church in Kesbewa was burned to the ground. The church building was doused with gasoline and set alight after tires were placed inside the building to ensure maximum fire damage. The building was completely destroyed.

  Over the past several months, the believers of the Kesbewa Church had frequently received death threats. The church building as repeatedly been doused with oil, stoned, and a bomb attack injured one person. It is believed that the local Buddhist temple is spearheading the harassment. Click here for pictures from this attack.

  Harassment of Christians throughout Sri Lanka is increasing in recent months. Pray that authorities will work to prosecute those responsible for this violence. Pray for peace of mind and heart for Christians facing these constant threats.