CHALLENGES ARISE FOR CHURCHES AS UZBEKISTAN CRISIS CONTINUES

CHRISTIANS HELD IN ERITREA FOR PRACTICING THEIR FAITH

PASTOR CONTINUES MINISTRY EVEN AFTER BEATINGS

RELIGIOUS HATRED BILL BEING PRESENTED TO UK GOVERNMENT

CATCHY ‘FROM GOD’ BILLBOARDS TO AGAIN LINE U.S. HIGHWAYS

CHURCH IN SOUTH AFRICA BOYCOTTS MEDIA

Today’s News Stories:

CHALLENGES ARISE FOR CHURCHES AS UZBEKISTAN CRISIS CONTINUES

As the authorities respond to the unrest in Andijan, there is evidence that churches are coming under increased scrutiny. According to Forum 18, pastors are being interviewed and authorities are questioning their right to hold services. “Local authority and secret police officials are visiting and inspecting churches, and checking up on documentation. In this tense situation they have to show they are taking measures,” said Protestants in the capital, Tashkent, who preferred not to be named. Because it is very difficult to obtain proper registration for a church, many are unregistered and subject to fines and possible criminal prosecution. While the crisis is ongoing, one protestant saw reason for hope, “It’s my personal view that the crackdown on Muslim extremists will be harsher, but perhaps we might even see an eventual liberalization towards others. After all, we weren’t involved in the unrest.” (WorldWide Religious News/Forum 18)

CHRISTIANS HELD IN ERITREA FOR PRACTICING THEIR FAITH

Sixteen pastors and nearly 900 believers are being held in “deplorable conditions” in Eritrea, a small country in Eastern Africa. The Christians, who were arrested for practicing their faith, have not been charged in court or brought to trial by government authorities. Although the constitutional law of Eritrea guarantees religious freedom, the government has refused to legalize religious groups that fall outside the Orthodox, Catholic, Lutheran and Muslim faiths. The Open Doors World Watch List ranks countries according the severity of persecution of Christians, and Eritrea is number 16 on the list. Carl Moeller of Open Doors links the persecution to the record growth of the church. The ongoing persecution is not intimidating evangelistic pursuit. “They are bold in their witness. They continue to place themselves right on the frontlines of faith where it costs the most.” A demonstration is planned for May 25 on behalf of the church, in front of the U.S. Eritrean Embassy in Washington DC. Open Doors is encouraging people to attend. (Mission Network News)

PASTOR CONTINUES MINISTRY EVEN AFTER BEATINGS

Despite threats on his life, Pastor Mangal of Gospel for Asia (GFA)

continued to minister in his village and surrounding areas. While ministering in Nepal, Mangal was caught in the crossfire between the government and insurgent Maoists. His decision to continue ministering got the attention of both the government and rebels. Several months ago, he was severely beaten by a Nepalese officer who believed he was carrying food to the rebels. After recovering from the abuse, he continued going village to village, sharing the gospel. Again his activities attracted attention. Upon recovering from a second beating by a Maoist commander, Mangal left the village to minister in a different area. Because of the threat on his life and ministry, Pastor Mangal cannot return to his home village, but he hopes that he can one day return to the village God gave him such a passion for. (Mission Network News)

RELIGIOUS HATRED BILL BEING PRESENTED TO UK GOVERNMENT

The government of the United Kingdom is trying, for the third time, to pass a bill banning incitement to religious hatred. Following lobbying from Barnabas Fund supporters and others, many members of the British government spoke against this bill in the last session of Parliament. Previously, the measure was dropped from the Serious Organized Crime and Police Bill (SCOP)

because time ran out before the May 5 general election. Mr. Charles Clarke, the Home Secretary, said the purpose of the bill was for “extending to all religions the legal penalties for incitement to hatred which exist for some.” He also said that if necessary, the government would use the Parliament Act to force the bill through. Mr. Clarke insisted that the issue of the bill’s effects on freedom of speech had been fully debated before the election. As the bill was included in the Labour Party’s election manifesto, the Salisbury Convention places an obligation on the House of Lords not to contest it. However, this is a traditional and not a legal obligation, and it is hoped that the Lords may still voice their concerns. (Barnabas Fund)

CATCHY ‘FROM GOD’ BILLBOARDS TO AGAIN LINE U.S. HIGHWAYS

Mysterious billboards that carry clever, quirky, thought-provoking messages signed “from God” are finding their way back onto highways across the U.S. Generating nationwide buzz in 1999, the first GodSpeaks campaign began with a handful of billboards containing disarming one-liners signed “by God” that quickly mushroomed to 10,000 billboards. With wisdom such as “The real Supreme Court meets up here — God,” motorists have something new to occupy their rush-hour thoughts. With the same anonymous sponsors behind it, the new GodSpeaks campaign was launched last month in partnership with the Outdoor Advertising Association of America. Billboard owners nationwide have already purchased more than 400 billboards and bus shelter posters in 21 cities and are donating the advertising space as part of a national public service campaign. (Assist News Service)

CHURCH IN SOUTH AFRICA BOYCOTTS MEDIA

South African Christians are being encouraged to take part in a “30 Days Media Fast,” throughout June to protest the widespread abuse of God’s name in the country’s entertainment media. Participants will boycott all secular entertainment including theaters, television and cultural festivals in the “Jesus’ Name Above All Names” project. Christians will also focus their prayers on the industry as a whole, including leaders, actors and scriptwriters. Organizer Rev. Jannie Pelser said he hopes to see “1 million believers united in vision, purpose and heart.” The event is based on the biblical commandment in Exodus 20:7 that warns against using God’s name in vain. “Knowing of an unlawful practice and not doing something about it is as unacceptable as doing it yourself,” Pelsser said. “If we really believe one name has been given whereby people can be saved, if we treasure His sacrifice on Calvary, we cannot accommodate this practice.” (Assist News Service)