The Persecution & Prayer Alert The Voice of the Martyrs, Canada http://www.persecution.net

Thursday, December 26, 2002

A summary of news concerning the Persecuted Church and how you can respond.

*********************************** Contents: 1. Mob Attacks Midnight Mass (India) 2. Church Bombing Kills Three Girls (Pakistan)

*********************************** 1. Mob Attacks Midnight Mass (India)

In recent years, Christmas has consistently been a time for violence against Christians. Last week’s Persecution & Prayer Alert asked specific prayer for Christians over the Christmas season. We regret that this year has again become a season stained with the blood.

During a midnight mass in the village of Malipota near the India-Bangladesh border, a mob of 20-30 men armed with machetes, homemade guns, and crude bombs attacked a church with 1200 worshippers. The attackers set off several bombs, then grabbed valuables from the congregation and raided a church safe before fleeing. The value of what was stolen was over $3000 CDN. Thankfully no one is reported killed in the attack, but the priest was injured while resisting the attack and five others were wounded in the explosions. While the motive for the attack may have been robbery, attacks on Christians are common in many parts of India. Pray for emotional and physical healing for those who were in the church at the time. Pray also for those involved in the attack, that they might experience God’s love and grace.

*********************************** 2. Church Bombing Kills Three Girls (Pakistan)

A Christmas Day service specifically for women and children in Chianwala, about 40 miles northwest of Lahore, India ended suddenly when an explosive device was thrown into the church, killing three young girls ages 6, 9 and 12. At least 13 other people were injured, four critically. According to witnesses, two assailants covered in burqas tossed a ball-shaped explosive into the midst of the worshippers. It is unknown if the attackers were women or men dressed as women.

Four people have been detained following the attack. One is a cleric who told his congregation three days before the attack, “it is the duty of every good Muslim to kill Christians.” According to police, Afzar told people “you should attack Christians and not even have food until you have seen their dead bodies.” The cleric’s son, Attaullah, was also detained for questioning. Afzar and his son are reportedly associated with the outlawed Islamic militant group, Jaish-e-Mohammed. The founder of that group, Maulana Mohammad Masood Azhar, was ordered released by the Lahore High Court on December 14. The police, however, refused to release him and as of the last reports, he is still being detained. Maulana Azhar is suspected of masterminding an attack on St. Dominic Church in Bahawalpur in December 2001 that left seventeen Christians dead.

Pakistani authorities were taking extra security measures during the 2002 Christmas season. However, there was no security for the church in Chianwala at the time of the attack, though police had been there for an earlier service. Malik Iqbal, a deputy inspector general of Gujranwala police, said that the church had not informed police of the service. If they had, he said, security would have been tight. However, Associated Press reported that a policeman who was to guard the church failed to show up for work. The policeman, identified as Shah Nawaz, was being questioned, but it is unknown if he was negligent or party to the attack.

About 300 Christians gathered today in the central city of Multan to protest against the attack. They accused the government of failing to provide adequate security despite several attacks this year. “What is the fault of the innocent children who were just praying peacefully?” asked Bishop Andrew Francis at the protest. “Where should we go? Should Christians quit Pakistan?”

It appears that security measures may have prevented some violence this Christmas. Police found a shopping bag in the bushes near St. Thomas’ Protestant Church in Islamabad containing two handmade grenades and ammunition.

Pray for Christians in Pakistan who constantly face the possibility of violence for the sake of Christ. Pray that they will find their strength and hope in Jesus. Pray for the authorities as they work to find those responsible for the attack.

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