RELIGION TODAY

[nChrist]

Religion Today Summaries - Apr. 10, 2009
Compiled & Edited by Crosswalk Editorial Staff

Daily briefs of the top news stories impacting Christians around the world.

In today's edition:

    * Hopes Fade of Finding More Quake Survivors
    * Extremist Violence in India Disrupts Well Project
    * British Cartoon Portrays Christians as 'Islamaphobic'
    * Faith Groups Question Worth of G20 Deal

Hopes Fade of Finding More Quake Survivors

CNN reports that the death toll from central Italy's earthquake and aftershocks rose to 278 on Thursday. Rescuers believe they have found all victims buried in the rubble, and do not believe anyone not found could have survived longer than Thursday. "We'll keep digging until we've found everyone -- dead or alive. We're going to do our job," rescue worker Luca Signorile told Agence France-Presse. Aftershocks continued yesterday, with a 4.5 magnitude quake scaring thousands of homeless, almost 20,000 of whom are staying in makeshift tent cities after losing their homes Monday. "The mood is a little bit afraid," Marco Volponi, of the Civil Protection agency, said. Inspectors are surveying tens of thousands of homes to assess their safety before residents can return.

Extremist Violence in India Disrupts Well Project

Mission News Network reports that anti-Christian violence continues in Jharkhand, India, where a Gospel for Asia team narrowly escaped being lynched. Extremists managed to grab missionary intern Vincey Roa and the chief of a well-digging crew, beating them severely for their perceived intent to convert people. KP Yohannan with Gospel For Asia (GFA) says the trouble started when "this group of people said, 'You guys are drilling this well because you want to use this to convert people to Christianity.'" Yohannan reports that the team had to abandon the project for now, but hope to resume soon. Jharkhand state maintains an anti-conversion law, which ostensibly protects citizens from forced conversions. Opponents of such laws argue that they restrict religious freedom.

British Cartoon Portrays Christians as 'Islamaphobic'

London-based ChristianToday reports that a local charity's cartoon has unleashed a torrent of criticism from Christians, who say the cartoon portrays them as "Islamaphobic." The cartoon, by the charity Who Cares?, shows a boy wearing a cross and telling his friend that a Muslim girl wearing a head scarf looks like a terrorist. The girl responds that it's part of her religion "like that cross you wear." Mike Judge, of the Christian Institute, said, "It is a clumsy caricature, symptomatic of a culture which says it is OK to bully Christians in the name of diversity." The chief executive of Who Cares?, Natasha Finlayson, said that the cross was "bling" rather than a symbol of the boy's faith.

Faith Groups Question Worth of G20 Deal

The Christian Post reports that aid organizations have lukewarm feelings about the G20 agreement to spend $1 trillion to help the poor. The Put People First Coalition of 160 organizations, including Christian Aid, Tearfund, Jubilee Debt Campaign and World Vision, voiced concern that the IMF loans came with too many strings attached and not enough assurance that the funds will be wisely used. The Archbishops of Canterbury and York noted that political and religious leaders had a duty "to look at the faces of the poor around the world and act with justice, to think with compassion and to look with hope to a sustainable vision of the future."

[nChrist]

Support for Sudan's President Leads to Attacks on Churches
Simba Tian


April 13, 2009

NAIROBI, Kenya (Compass Direct News) -- Support for Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir in the wake of an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant is fast turning into orchestrated attacks on Christians.

A thatched-grass building in the Nuba Mountains village of Chat, used by the Evangelical Presbyterian Church and the Sudanese Church of Christ, is one of the latest targets of such attacks.

The building was destroyed by fire on March 27 by a suspected government militia. Pro-Bashir mobs have attacked those they believe support the ICC's determination to prosecute Bashir for atrocities in the Darfur region.

As support for President Bashir escalates, especially in the North, the church faces one of the worst threats to its existence in the recent past. Today, it struggles simply to survive.

Drivers on the streets of Khartoum, even the road leading toward the airport, see huge pictures of Bashir staring down from billboards with pro-Bashir messages, such as "Mr. President, we are with you" and "You are not alone."

Kuwa Shamal, acting director of the Sudanese Church of Christ, says of the billboard campaign: "I wish the same government assuring support to the president could have the same encouraging message for the struggling church."

Chief Accused of Leading Attack

The Sudanese Church of Christ was forced to conclude a morning worship service prematurely on March 27 when a hostile group attacked. An eyewitness said this militia was led by the area chief, Kafi Tahir, who supports an Islamist agenda and is said to receive government support.

The eyewitness, a Muslim who requested anonymity, said the chief and his accomplices were armed. Helpless church members fled the structure, which had a capacity of about 500. The chief then ordered his accomplices to set the church ablaze and church members ran for their lives, the eyewitness said.

"The Sudanese Church of Christ is concerned of the government move to frustrate the activities of the churches in Nuba Mountains," said Barnabas Maitias, president of the Sudanese Church of Christ. "It is alleged that the Ministry of Defense has distributed a number of weapons to individuals who are out to support Islamic agenda and the government in Nuba Mountains, including Chief Kafi Tahir of Chat village, who recently led a group of unknown people to destroy our church."

Indeed, many Christians are worried as a new wave of intolerance sweeps the region. The intolerance could worsen as ICC prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo continues to press for a court trial of Bashir.

Matta Mubarak, general secretary of the Sudanese Church of Christ, told Compass that the villagers of Chat have previously opposed the chief, who then destroyed the church building in retaliation.

"The chief fled for his life to Kadugli and he is living a comfortable life. As a result, justice for the church in Nuba Mountains has been thrown out of the window," Mubarak said. "What kind of a world are we living in, where criminals are not charged? The church feels that the Sudanese government is not concerned about the rights of Christians in the North. The future of the church in the North is uncertain."

Worshiping Without Buildings or Land

For a month now, members of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church have worshiped outdoors and without the help of an evangelist who had led them.

Shamal said that evangelist Aburahaman Tai of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church was attacked in early March outside the church by the same group that later destroyed the building.

"He was beaten and sustained head injuries and was treated at a local dispensary before being discharged," Shamal said. "He is still recovering. Indeed, it is a big blow to the church, to have no place to worship and to lack a pastor. This is a big tragedy."

Mubarak said that in some parts of Sudan, Islam has conquered the church. "In Northern Sudan, at a place called Dongola, the church building has been converted into a mosque and the few Christians forced to convert to Islam," Mubarak said.

Church struggles extend even to land ownership. Maitias told Compass that after the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2005, the Sudan Inter-religious Council petitioned the government for a piece of land to be allocated to the church for worship. He said three churches were allowed to apply for land allocation for the purpose of building houses of worship: the Sudanese Church of Christ, the Episcopal Church of Sudan and the Catholic Church.

But to their surprise, the offer was given with some conditions: every year, the government must cross-check church operations and is free to repossess land at will.

"We as the church find our free operation not guaranteed," Maitias said.

Andrea Amet Ubiu, who works with the Sudan Council of Churches in Khartoum, bought a piece of land from Zinab Adut in 1994 and constructed a temporary house at Salma village, which is about two miles from Khartoum.

"In 2005 the government began demolishing temporary structures in the area with a view of carrying out reallocations. To my surprise, when this was done, I was left out and was informed that the land I bought was not legitimate since the lady who sold the land to me was not entitled to it because she had no husband or children," Ubiu said.

"But I knew it was a calculated move by the local authorities to deny me the land, because all along I had not supported the government before the signing of the peace agreement between the North and the South," Ubiu added. "Life for me in Salma has been harsh, so I decided to forget the issue of the land and moved to a new location called Hagyouf area, five kilometers [three miles] from the town center."

Maitias sees such discrimination as common for Christians in northern Sudan.

"Here in the North, the Church is discriminated [against] in almost everything, even including education," Maitias said. "Christian institutions are not recognized by the government. Christian religious education is not taught in government schools. Christian programs are only given less than three hours in the national media on Sundays and Christian workers given only two hours for Sunday worship. Christmas celebrations are restricted to a day for celebrations, like marching with police security."

Christians who wish to operate a restaurant during Ramadan must obtain a permit from authorities. "We always ask ourselves, why all this? Our identity as Christians is an anathema," Maitias said. "Instead, the government prefers calling us 'non-Muslims.'"

A dozen non-governmental organizations have been expelled from the country because of their vocal opposition to human rights abuses in Darfur.

[nChrist]

Religion Today Summaries - Apr. 13, 2009
Compiled & Edited by Crosswalk Editorial Staff

Daily briefs of the top news stories impacting Christians around the world.

In today's edition:

    * Rioters Attacks Christian Shops after Muslim Murdered
    * Falwell's Megachurch Merges with Global Charity
    * Ministry Helps Those Dealing with Binghamton Shooting Spree
    * Vandals Damage Ill. Church Where Pastor Was Slain

Rioters Attacks Christian Shops after Muslim Murdered

ASSIST News Service reports that hundreds of Muslims attacked Christian shops and a police station in the Egyptian city of Alexandria on Apr. 5, following rumors that a Muslim man was stabbed and killed by his Christian landlords. The trouble started when many Muslims gathered at a mosque for funeral prayers for the dead man, Abdel Razeq Gomaa. They then started to chant "They'll die, they'll die." Three Christian brothers were accused of murdering the Muslim man, as Gomaa had been previously injured in an earlier fight with the men. All three have been detained in connection with Gomaa's death. The situation is a mirror image of a 2006 incident, in which a Muslim killed a Christian, leading to three days of Christian-Muslim violence in Alexandria.

Falwell's Megachurch Merges with Global Charity

Christian Post reports that one charity and one megachurch are forming a unique partnership -- actually, a merger. Gleaning for the World, a little-known but highly effective supplier for humanitarian projects, will merge with the 22,000 member Thomas Road Baptist Church, founded by the late Jerry Falwell. Both groups are based in Lynchburg, Va. "We expect to double the organization and supplies we're placing in the field," said Davidson, who left his position as pastor of a 1,200-member church to start GFTW in 1998. "That's what this merger means to us. We're simply going to reach a lot more people." Both sides said they hope the move generates more awareness, enthusiasm and support of the charity. Last year, the group "gleaned" $42 million in medical and essential supplies to distribute worldwide.

Ministry Helps Those Dealing with Binghamton Shooting Spree

Baptist Press reports that in the aftermath of a shooting spree at an immigrant center in Binghamton, N.Y., one ministry has opened its doors to offer free counseling. "Basically we're just trying to be a listening ear for people," said Rick Martin, director of the Carroll Street Ministry Center in Binghamton. "I feel like the fellow that did the shooting was far too long alone in his thoughts and pain. Maybe people weren't reaching out to him, and certainly he wasn't reaching out to others." Jiverly Wong invaded the American Civic Association April 3 during citizenship classes and killed two employees and 11 immigrants taking an English class before killing himself. "The main thing I hear people say is, 'I did not think this kind of thing would happen here.' Also the question I hear regularly is 'Why?'" Martin says several people have been open to the Gospel as he talks with them.

Vandals Damage Ill. Church Where Pastor Was Slain

The Chicago Tribune reports that two churches in southwestern Illinois were vandalized this week, one of them being Maryville First Baptist Church. The church's pastor, Fred Winters, was shot and killed during a service just over a month ago. Maryville Police Chief Rich Schardan says someone broke three glass doors and a window at First Baptist Church with rocks, but the incident appears unrelated to the shooting. Prosecutors have charged 27-year-old Terry Sedlacek with first-degree murder in the March case. He's jailed without bond in Edwardsville. Winters "was on fire for the Lord. He only worried about people who were lost," Jeff Ross, a lay pastor as the church, said after Winters' death.

[nChrist]

Support for Sudan's President Leads to Attacks on Churches
Simba Tian


April 13, 2009

NAIROBI, Kenya (Compass Direct News) -- Support for Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir in the wake of an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant is fast turning into orchestrated attacks on Christians.

A thatched-grass building in the Nuba Mountains village of Chat, used by the Evangelical Presbyterian Church and the Sudanese Church of Christ, is one of the latest targets of such attacks.

The building was destroyed by fire on March 27 by a suspected government militia. Pro-Bashir mobs have attacked those they believe support the ICC's determination to prosecute Bashir for atrocities in the Darfur region.

As support for President Bashir escalates, especially in the North, the church faces one of the worst threats to its existence in the recent past. Today, it struggles simply to survive.

Drivers on the streets of Khartoum, even the road leading toward the airport, see huge pictures of Bashir staring down from billboards with pro-Bashir messages, such as "Mr. President, we are with you" and "You are not alone."

Kuwa Shamal, acting director of the Sudanese Church of Christ, says of the billboard campaign: "I wish the same government assuring support to the president could have the same encouraging message for the struggling church."

Chief Accused of Leading Attack

The Sudanese Church of Christ was forced to conclude a morning worship service prematurely on March 27 when a hostile group attacked. An eyewitness said this militia was led by the area chief, Kafi Tahir, who supports an Islamist agenda and is said to receive government support.

The eyewitness, a Muslim who requested anonymity, said the chief and his accomplices were armed. Helpless church members fled the structure, which had a capacity of about 500. The chief then ordered his accomplices to set the church ablaze and church members ran for their lives, the eyewitness said.

"The Sudanese Church of Christ is concerned of the government move to frustrate the activities of the churches in Nuba Mountains," said Barnabas Maitias, president of the Sudanese Church of Christ. "It is alleged that the Ministry of Defense has distributed a number of weapons to individuals who are out to support Islamic agenda and the government in Nuba Mountains, including Chief Kafi Tahir of Chat village, who recently led a group of unknown people to destroy our church."

Indeed, many Christians are worried as a new wave of intolerance sweeps the region. The intolerance could worsen as ICC prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo continues to press for a court trial of Bashir.

Matta Mubarak, general secretary of the Sudanese Church of Christ, told Compass that the villagers of Chat have previously opposed the chief, who then destroyed the church building in retaliation.

"The chief fled for his life to Kadugli and he is living a comfortable life. As a result, justice for the church in Nuba Mountains has been thrown out of the window," Mubarak said. "What kind of a world are we living in, where criminals are not charged? The church feels that the Sudanese government is not concerned about the rights of Christians in the North. The future of the church in the North is uncertain."

Worshiping Without Buildings or Land

For a month now, members of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church have worshiped outdoors and without the help of an evangelist who had led them.

Shamal said that evangelist Aburahaman Tai of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church was attacked in early March outside the church by the same group that later destroyed the building.

"He was beaten and sustained head injuries and was treated at a local dispensary before being discharged," Shamal said. "He is still recovering. Indeed, it is a big blow to the church, to have no place to worship and to lack a pastor. This is a big tragedy."

Mubarak said that in some parts of Sudan, Islam has conquered the church. "In Northern Sudan, at a place called Dongola, the church building has been converted into a mosque and the few Christians forced to convert to Islam," Mubarak said.

Church struggles extend even to land ownership. Maitias told Compass that after the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2005, the Sudan Inter-religious Council petitioned the government for a piece of land to be allocated to the church for worship. He said three churches were allowed to apply for land allocation for the purpose of building houses of worship: the Sudanese Church of Christ, the Episcopal Church of Sudan and the Catholic Church.

But to their surprise, the offer was given with some conditions: every year, the government must cross-check church operations and is free to repossess land at will.

"We as the church find our free operation not guaranteed," Maitias said.

Andrea Amet Ubiu, who works with the Sudan Council of Churches in Khartoum, bought a piece of land from Zinab Adut in 1994 and constructed a temporary house at Salma village, which is about two miles from Khartoum.

"In 2005 the government began demolishing temporary structures in the area with a view of carrying out reallocations. To my surprise, when this was done, I was left out and was informed that the land I bought was not legitimate since the lady who sold the land to me was not entitled to it because she had no husband or children," Ubiu said.

"But I knew it was a calculated move by the local authorities to deny me the land, because all along I had not supported the government before the signing of the peace agreement between the North and the South," Ubiu added. "Life for me in Salma has been harsh, so I decided to forget the issue of the land and moved to a new location called Hagyouf area, five kilometers [three miles] from the town center."

Maitias sees such discrimination as common for Christians in northern Sudan.

"Here in the North, the Church is discriminated [against] in almost everything, even including education," Maitias said. "Christian institutions are not recognized by the government. Christian religious education is not taught in government schools. Christian programs are only given less than three hours in the national media on Sundays and Christian workers given only two hours for Sunday worship. Christmas celebrations are restricted to a day for celebrations, like marching with police security."

Christians who wish to operate a restaurant during Ramadan must obtain a permit from authorities. "We always ask ourselves, why all this? Our identity as Christians is an anathema," Maitias said. "Instead, the government prefers calling us 'non-Muslims.'"

A dozen non-governmental organizations have been expelled from the country because of their vocal opposition to human rights abuses in Darfur.

[nChrist]

Iran: Screws Tighten on Christians in Government Crackdown
Robert Wayne


April 14, 2009

The threatening environment facing Christians in Iran continues to worsen. That's saying something, considering Christians there have faced incredibly hostile responses for a long time.

In 1994, Joseph Hovsepian was living with his family in Iran when his father, the Rev. Haik Hovsepian, was executed by the government for what was described as anti-government operations.

In reality, Haik Hovsepian was martyred for his Christian views in a country where Christianity continues to grow at a rate that alarms Islamic officials.

Joseph Hovsepian left Iran soon after his father's death, finally settling in California. But while he has not actually set foot in his native country in almost 15 years, he remains in close contact with members of the Assemblies of God church he once attended, and with house church worshipers from across Iran.

"There is worry and spiritual warfare for every Christian living in Iran," Joseph said. "It is part of the package and you can't ignore that. Once you become a follower of Jesus that is one of the first boxes you have to make sure you pick ... or you're going to be living a heathen Christian life."

The good news is that churches continue to unite against forces that apply a constant pressure not to share Christ outside the church/home walls.

"The churches are very much united, because division is the last thing you need at times of tension and pressure and torture," he said.

At the same time, the Iranian Parliament is considering a bill that would require the death penalty for apostates, those who leave the Islamic faith.

Paul Estabrooks, Minister-At-Large for Open Doors International, says the crackdown on Christians in Iran is happening because the church is growing so quickly. The ranks of Christians have swelled from about 100,000 a decade ago to 300,000 today.

"And that's just the official number. But we know there are more," said Estabrooks, who said the number is intentionally downsized to help insure the safety of those living in Iran.

"The government is aware that the house church movement has grown dramatically, especially among younger people. And this disturbs them," Estabrooks said. "I've been to Iran twice and have found many people frustrated and ready to give up on Islam because they've become disillusioned. But they don't know of a viable alternative, because of the mosque."

Daily prayers and sermons in Iranian mosques typically paint Western Christians as wild, characterizing Christianity in the United States as what is seen on TV.

"They say, 'You want to know what Christianity is? Watch American television. It's the real fruit of Christianity, full of immorality and excessive everything,' " Estabrooks said.

Open Doors tracks the hatred and distrust of Christianity internationally, assigning rankings to the most dangerous spots for Christians to practice their faith. For the past seven years Iran ranked third behind No. 2 Saudi Arabia and No. 1 North Korea. In January, Iran moved into a tie for second with Saudi Arabia.

" simply because of the crackdowns happening there," Estabrooks said.

First-hand information on the situation in Iran is difficult to come by, but Open Doors says the arrests of at least 50 Christians were documented in 2008.

"And they're treated very severely," Estabrooks said. "One couple who were in their 60s and who were leaders of a house church were treated so badly that they died from their injuries while being interrogated in prison.

Last month, three Iranian Christians were found guilty of cooperating with "anti-government movements" and were ordered to discontinue Christian activities and to stop propagating their faith, according to Compass Direct News. The trio received an eight-month suspended sentence, with a five-year probation, and were banned from having contact with one another.

In another situation, an Assyrian Pentecostal church in Tehran was ordered to close for offering a Farsi-language service attended by converts from Islam.

The majority of Iranian Christians are of Armenian descent and speak Armenian, which helps separate them from the Muslim masses. The government pays closer attention when these churches also offer services in Farsi.

"Close attention is being paid to these churches that have services in Farsi (the native language)," Estabrooks said. "Someone is always watching to see if new faces are there."

The government is reacting to the growth by expanding the powers of Parliament to effectively persecute Christians. Currently, anyone charged with apostasy goes before a court, where the judge rules on a case-by-case basis. The penalty might be hard labor or prison or simply a fine.

If the recent bill becomes law, however, it would create a new penal code by which conservative Muslim clerics would make the final decision on each case of apostasy. Any Iranian man found guilty would be put to death, while women would receive life imprisonment.

"The prisons are horrible," Estabrooks said, adding that they are notorious for torture and brutal interrogation techniques. "In our last phone call we know of one woman who is suffering an infection and has a high fever. She feels she is dying and needs urgent medical attention."

Such news does not shock Joseph Hovsepian, who saw conditions deteriorating in the days before he left Iran.

"Growing up, my parents had created this safe world for me around the church. After my dad was martyred, everything seemed on a much bigger scale and the persecution scale was higher," he said. "There were several situations where my family went through emotional and spiritual persecution."

Hovsepian was interrogated to determine whether he had "anti-government" ties with his father and then was sent to a remote area to serve in the military.

"It was a painful experience for me to live alone, separated from my family, and thinking of my father's death,'' he said, adding that his brother, Andre, was warned he would be sent "where we sent your dad."

The brothers have chronicled their experiences in an award-winning documentary, "A Cry From Iran," that centers on their father's death.

But there is hope amid the terror, Hovespian said.

"All the things I've shared may sound like too much to cope with," he said. "But from my personal experience once you're in that society and that situation the Lord is with you in a special way. He comforts and empowers you. So while we get shocking reactions from Westerners when we share our story or persecution there also is the truth that the Lord is faithful in these times. He shows his love and peace all the way."

[nChrist]

Religion Today Summaries - Apr. 13, 2009
Compiled & Edited by Crosswalk Editorial Staff

Daily briefs of the top news stories impacting Christians around the world.

In today's edition:

    * Rioters Attacks Christian Shops after Muslim Murdered
    * Falwell's Megachurch Merges with Global Charity
    * Ministry Helps Those Dealing with Binghamton Shooting Spree
    * Vandals Damage Ill. Church Where Pastor Was Slain


Rioters Attacks Christian Shops after Muslim Murdered

ASSIST News Service reports that hundreds of Muslims attacked Christian shops and a police station in the Egyptian city of Alexandria on Apr. 5, following rumors that a Muslim man was stabbed and killed by his Christian landlords. The trouble started when many Muslims gathered at a mosque for funeral prayers for the dead man, Abdel Razeq Gomaa. They then started to chant "They'll die, they'll die." Three Christian brothers were accused of murdering the Muslim man, as Gomaa had been previously injured in an earlier fight with the men. All three have been detained in connection with Gomaa's death. The situation is a mirror image of a 2006 incident, in which a Muslim killed a Christian, leading to three days of Christian-Muslim violence in Alexandria.

Falwell's Megachurch Merges with Global Charity

Christian Post reports that one charity and one megachurch are forming a unique partnership -- actually, a merger. Gleaning for the World, a little-known but highly effective supplier for humanitarian projects, will merge with the 22,000 member Thomas Road Baptist Church, founded by the late Jerry Falwell. Both groups are based in Lynchburg, Va. "We expect to double the organization and supplies we're placing in the field," said Davidson, who left his position as pastor of a 1,200-member church to start GFTW in 1998. "That's what this merger means to us. We're simply going to reach a lot more people." Both sides said they hope the move generates more awareness, enthusiasm and support of the charity. Last year, the group "gleaned" $42 million in medical and essential supplies to distribute worldwide.

Ministry Helps Those Dealing with Binghamton Shooting Spree

Baptist Press reports that in the aftermath of a shooting spree at an immigrant center in Binghamton, N.Y., one ministry has opened its doors to offer free counseling. "Basically we're just trying to be a listening ear for people," said Rick Martin, director of the Carroll Street Ministry Center in Binghamton. "I feel like the fellow that did the shooting was far too long alone in his thoughts and pain. Maybe people weren't reaching out to him, and certainly he wasn't reaching out to others." Jiverly Wong invaded the American Civic Association April 3 during citizenship classes and killed two employees and 11 immigrants taking an English class before killing himself. "The main thing I hear people say is, 'I did not think this kind of thing would happen here.' Also the question I hear regularly is 'Why?'" Martin says several people have been open to the Gospel as he talks with them.

Vandals Damage Ill. Church Where Pastor Was Slain

The Chicago Tribune reports that two churches in southwestern Illinois were vandalized this week, one of them being Maryville First Baptist Church. The church's pastor, Fred Winters, was shot and killed during a service just over a month ago. Maryville Police Chief Rich Schardan says someone broke three glass doors and a window at First Baptist Church with rocks, but the incident appears unrelated to the shooting. Prosecutors have charged 27-year-old Terry Sedlacek with first-degree murder in the March case. He's jailed without bond in Edwardsville. Winters "was on fire for the Lord. He only worried about people who were lost," Jeff Ross, a lay pastor as the church, said after Winters' death.

[nChrist]

Easter Mass Comforts Grieving Italy after Quake
Ginny McCabe


April 15, 2009

Only days after the Abruzzo region was struck by a deadly quake, relief efforts in Italy have been focused on the emergency stages of relief aid. On Easter Sunday, a series of masses were held in the tent camps where the survivors are staying in an effort to offer hope to those who are grieving.

For the traditionally Catholic country, the holiday mood was understandably more somber than usual. At a time that would normally be characterized by joyous celebrations, people are dealing with loss, and trying to cope with grief. On Good Friday, the funerals of 205 people, including children took place.

"The significance of death and rebirth is present and will hopefully give comfort to the people in the earthquake zone. Tomorrow there will be a series of Masses in the camps were people are now staying. The director of Caritas L'Aquila will be one of those celebrating Mass tomorrow," said Michelle Hough, a communications officer with Caritas Internationalis, on Saturday afternoon.

"People are obviously very shaken by what has happened. Some people have lost everything -- their homes and everything in them -- but they are managing to carry on. It will take a long time for their lives to get back to normal."

The earthquake caused the most damage to L'Aquila, a medieval mountain city northeast of Rome. It has a population of about 70,000 people. The latest reports indicate that 294 people were killed, over 1,500 were injured, and 40,000 are homeless. In the neighboring village of Onna, 38 of the 350 residents were killed.

David Darg, Director of International Disaster Relief for Operation Blessing, said the grief has been tremendous. "The difference that I see here, is it is different in a developed nation like Italy because the people seem to not be so used to dealing with crises like they are in the third world," Darg said.

"Here in Italy, trying to talk to some of the people yesterday (on Wednesday), the people are so broken up by this. It is not something they are used to; it took them by such surprise, and it was so unexpected in a way."

Many of the historic buildings in and around L'Aquila were damaged; some of have collapsed completely. The entire population of L'Aquila has been evacuated. Many people are living in camps; others are living in their cars near their homes so they can keep an eye on them to stop looters. The Caritas office in L'Aquila, as well as the house of Archbishop Giuseppe Molinari of L'Aquilia, were destroyed.

Caritas has been at the scene of the earthquake since it happened last week. The first few days were spent assessing the needs of the population. A coordination center was set up to manage the arrival and distribution of essential items such as food, clothes, hygiene items, sleeping bags and blankets. Caritas is now giving out emergency relief, providing psychological support by giving the traumatized population the chance to talk to experts and volunteers, and also coordinating the arrival of volunteers and emergency goods from all over Italy.

Other relief organizations, including the Italian Red Cross and Operation Blessing, have also been working since the quake to meet immediate physical needs and offer psychological support.

The Italian Red Cross is carrying out the relief efforts on the ground. Currently, they are running a total of four tent camps, with more than 4,000 beds, in Assergi, San Gregorio, Collemaggio and Centicolella. A fifth camp is housing Italian Red Cross disaster response workers.

As a result of the quake, the center of L'Aquila was completely devastated as well as nearby by Onna. Paganica was also severely affected. The people are still very vulnerable.

Caritas workers have seen firsthand the continuing effects of the first earthquake. "There have been an estimated 1,000 aftershocks since the main 6.3 magnitude tremor last Monday morning. Some of the aftershocks have been so strong that they've been felt in Rome (90 km away). The initial earthquake was also felt quite strongly in Rome -- strong enough to wake many people up and cause cracks in some buildings," Hough said.

Alex Mahoney, Manager of International Disaster Response for Europe, Asia, and the Middle East at the American Red Cross said relief aid efforts would continue in the months ahead, "The Italian Red Cross will remain in the region and in Italy. Relief efforts will probably be finished within a few months. The longer term recovery efforts will take years."

In comparing this to other disasters, Mahoney said, "In disasters like this, it takes time -- sometimes a few days -- to get a full sense of the need.  There are differences too.  Italy's earthquake is on a smaller scale than China's last year, and Italy has a lot of capacity within the country to respond to disasters.  That's why unlike China or Burma, international support in the form of relief teams or supplies has not been requested."

According to Darg, not much has been left standing in Onna. He arrived Tuesday, a day after the quake hit, and immediately began delivering food, water and emergency supplies to the survivors. As he walked through the camps, he sensed an incredible amount of grief.

"The quake took everyone by surprise. You have these families in the town of Onna that have not only lost their homes and their possessions, but they've also lost loved ones in the rubble. People died. Each person lost an average of three to four family members. One little girl I talked to was eight years old, and she lost her two younger sisters. Another woman lost three family members, and could hardly speak to us because she was in so much grief," Darg said.

"They are really hurting right now, the grief is unbelievable. They've lost family members, homes, all of their money, and their possessions, and they are sleeping in the cold. They were going hungry. It's everyone's worst nightmare bundled into one."

[nChrist]

In Khartoum, Converts from Islam Face Isolation, Threats
Simba Tian


April 16, 2009

KHARTOUM, Sudan (Compass Direct News) -- When Halima Bubkier of Sinar town converted from Islam to Christianity last year, initially her husband accepted it without qualms.

"After watching the 'Jesus Film,' I felt I needed a change in my hopeless and meaningless life," the 35-year-old mother of three told Compass. "I lived a life of alcoholism and lacked self control, hence tried Christianity and it worked well for me. I shared this experience with my husband, and he was quite positive about it and allowed me to attend church services."

News of her conversion spread quickly, she said, and last Sept. 14 she came face to face with Islamic hardliners who felt her conversion to Christianity was an act of betrayal. A few weeks later, during the daily fasts and nightly feasts of Ramadan in Sinar, near Khartoum, the Islamists blocked her husband from the communal meals because of her change in faith.

"My husband was totally rejected by his colleagues," she said. "They even refused to eat the food that I had cooked for him, saying that Muslims could not eat food cooked by infidels."

Bubkier said she never expected her change in faith would lead to the ordeal that followed.

"He was so angry that he threw an armchair at me and injured my back," she said. "As if this was not enough, he took out all his belongings from the house then set the house on fire. After I lost all my belongings, he then chased me away."

She decided to run for refuge to her older brother, Nur Bubkier -- who, having been informed of her conversion, responded by thoroughly beating her and trying to knife her.

Two Christians from the Sudanese Church of Christ, Maria Mohamud and a church deacon, managed to rescue her from the violence, but Halima Bubkier was jailed for three days at a police station, she said, on the false charge of "disrespecting Islam." During that time Mohamud took care of her 2-year-old baby.

After three days in jail, she was waiting to appear before a judge.

"Before my case was heard, a Coptic priest [identified only as Sheed] knew of my case and talked with a police officer, privately telling him that according to the law, no one is supposed to be jailed because of religion," Bubkier told Compass. "I was then freed."

Bubkier left her two children, ages 6 and 8, behind with her husband, who is said to have married another woman. She said that although her main concern is the safety of her children, at least she is in hiding and her husband does not know her whereabouts.

"I expected my husband to appreciate my positive change, but instead he responded negatively," Bubkier said. "Indeed there is something wrong with Islam where good is rewarded with evil. But I feel normal. Now I have a better life to live for. I was lost and in darkness. Let God forgive all those who have wronged me. I know I cannot go back."

Home Prison

In Sahafa, five kilometers (three miles) south of Khartoum, another woman who left Islam is under a kind of house arrest by her family members for converting to Christianity.

Senah Abdulfatah Altyab was formerly a student of laboratory science at Sudan University of Technology, but today she is out of touch with the outside world. Her education came to an end after a film about Christ led to her conversion.

A close friend of Altyab, Ebtehaj Alsanosi Altejani Mostafh, said Altyab's family closely monitors her.

"She cannot receive calls," Mostafh said. "Her brother forbids her from moving outside the homestead or even attending [St. Peter and Paul Catholic] church" in Amarat, Khartoum.

Last Christmas, Mostafh said, she met Altyab near a public market during an Islamic celebration day, prayed with her and advised her that she should present her case to a commission dedicated to guarding the rights of non-Muslims. The Commission for the Rights of Non-Muslims in the National Capital, created by the Comprehensive Peace Agreement of 2005 following Sudan's long civil war, was designed to advise courts on how to fairly apply sharia (Islamic law) to non-Muslims.

Made up of representatives from Muslim, Christian and traditional religious groups, the commission "made little headway in changing official government policy towards non-Muslims in Khartoum," according to the U.S. Department of State's 2008 International Religious Freedom Report, though it did obtain release or leniency for some non-Muslims accused of violating sharia.

Altyab said she feels the commission would do little for her case because most of its members are radical Muslims. Moreover, she said her uncle, Yusuf Alkoda, is a radical Muslim and will make her life more difficult.

"I find life very difficult," Altyab said. "I feel lonely and isolated. How long will I have to live in this state? Life without education is miserable."

Sudan's 2005 Interim National Constitution provides for freedom of religion throughout the entire country, but Altyab said that stipulation is brazenly flouted. The constitution enshrines sharia as a key source of legislation in northern Sudan.

The 29-year-old Mostafh, for her part, said she converted from Islam to Christianity in 2005 and as a result was immediately fired from her job. She later obtained another job. A member of All Saints Cathedral Church in Khartoum, she told Compass that since her conversion, she has suffered total isolation from her Muslim friends. During communal celebrations, she said, she is looked down upon and seen as a lady lost and destined for hell.

"Life is very difficult for me for the last four years, since joining Christianity," she said. "I have been living all alone in the rental house here at the Evangelical Presbyterian Church-Borri, which is something unusual for a Muslim lady who is unmarried. My former friends are saying that there must be something wrong with me."

Her immediate family lives in Saudi Arabia. Her only chance of seeing them, she said, is to go on the Islamic pilgrimage or ubgone86, and that option is now closed.

"My big challenge is how I can be accepted by my family members," she said. "For me to go to Saudi Arabia, pilgrimage is the only opportunity, but this is not relevant for me as a Christian."

The many instances of Christians suffering in northern Sudan go largely unreported. The president of the Sudanese Church of Christ, Barnabas Maitias, told Compass of one church member, a convert from Islam identified only as Ahmed, who received Christ in April 2007 -- and quickly had his wife and children taken away.

Hard-line Muslims also planned to kill the convert, Maitias said.

"The church had to take him to another location in the Nuba Mountains, Korarak area, where he is employed as driver," Maitias noted. "Most of the churches in Khartoum are housing Muslim converts who have no place to stay or get their daily basic needs."

[nChrist]

Dolan Takes Reins of New York Archdiocese
Chris Herlinger


April 17, 2009

NEW YORK (RNS) -- Heralded as an ebullient and down-to-earth shepherd for a city craving optimism in tough economic times, Timothy Dolan was installed as the 10th archbishop of New York on Wednesday (April 15) with all the pomp and ceremony that Manhattan could muster.

In a big-tent homily that bowed to the church's pastoral and activist traditions, Dolan quoted former New York Mayor Ed Koch, who once called the Catholic Church "the glue that keeps this city together."

Dolan succeeds Cardinal Edward Egan in taking the helm of St. Patrick's Cathedral and the 2.5-million-member archdiocese, which spans the Hudson River from the tip of Staten Island up to the peaks of the Catskill Mountains.

At a young and energetic 59, Dolan's appointment to what Pope John Paul II once called the "capital of the world" could be one of Pope Benedict XVI's lasting imprints on the U.S. church. The St. Patrick's pulpit usually carries with it a cardinal's red hat and a vote in the conclave to elect the next pope.

Dolan gave a nod to a wide range of famous Catholic New Yorkers, from prominent theological figures such as the late Richard John Neuhaus and Cardinal Avery Dulles to prominent lay Catholics like Gov. Al Smith and the radical anti-war activist and writer Dorothy Day.

"The church is a loving mother who has a zest for life and serves life everywhere, but she can become a protective mama bear when the life of her innocent, helpless cubs is threatened,'' said Dolan, who was transferred to Manhattan from Milwaukee.

"Everyone in this mega-community is a somebody with an extraordinary destiny. Everyone is a somebody in whom God has invested an infinite love. That is why the church reaches out to the unborn, the suffering, the poor, our elders, the physically and emotionally challenged, those caught in the web of addictions."

Acknowledging the archdiocese's large immigrant and Spanish-speaking membership, the Irish-American cleric spoke briefly in Spanish, and also noted the need to work with "respected neighbors and friends of other Christian families, our Jewish older brothers and sisters in the faith ... and with our Islamic and Eastern religious communities."

Dolan also referenced the church's damaging sex abuse scandal that Benedict himself addressed at St. Patrick's during his visit almost a year ago.

"We continue realistically to nurse the deep wounds inflicted by the horrible scandal, sin, and crime of sexual abuse of minors," he said, "never hesitant to beg forgiveness from God and from victim survivors and their families, committed to continue the reform, renewal, and outreach Pope Benedict encouraged us to last year."

In perhaps the most endearing moment, Dolan said he told his mother upon his appointment in February that, "`whatever God gives me in life, his greatest gift to me is that I am Bob and Shirley Dolan's son.' I mean that. And I'm so glad Mom is here this afternoon ... especially because there's a sale on at Macy's."

Such informal remarks, which have become a trademark for a man who prefers bear hugs over handshakes, are likely to endear Dolan to members of an archdiocese that, by many accounts, never warmed to Egan's sometimes aloof manner.

At a Wednesday morning news conference, Dolan acknowledged there would be a change of style from his predecessor. But Dolan also said there would be a continuity of a traditional Catholic message.

"I couldn't change things if I wanted," he said, "because they're not mine to change."

Still, Dolan acknowledged "that the pulpit of the archbishop of New York has a particular prominence, whether I like it or not" and said he is not likely to "shy away" from speaking out on such hot-button social issues as same-sex marriage.

That issue could become one of Dolan's first as New York Gov. David Paterson, who attended Dolan's installation, plans to introduce legislation this week permitting same-sex marriage in New York.

"I would be active and present" on that issue, Dolan promised.

[nChrist]

Suadi Arabia Releases Christian Blogger
Special to Compass Direct News


April 20, 2009

(Compass Direct News) -- In a surprise move, a Saudi Christian arrested in January for describing his conversion from Islam and criticizing the kingdom's judiciary on his blog site was released on March 28 with the stipulation that he not travel outside of Saudi Arabia or appear on media.

Hamoud Saleh Al-Amri (previously reported as Hamoud Bin Saleh), 28, reportedly attributed his release to advocacy efforts by the Arab Network for Human Rights Information (ANHRI). The Cairo-based organization had campaigned for his release along with other rights groups, reported Christian advocacy organization Middle East Concern (MEC).

Gamal Eid, director of ANHRI, told Compass by telephone that he believed his organization had nothing to do with Al-Amri's release. Rather, he said he believed officials were loath to keep a person of questionable mental stability in prison.

"He is mentally not stable, because he had the courage to say in his blog that he is a Christian," Eid said. "Anyone in his right mind in Saudi Arabia wouldn't do that."

The country's penalty for "apostasy," or leaving Islam, is death, although in recent years there have been no known cases of kingdom citizens formally convicted and sentenced with capital punishment for the offense.

This was not the first imprisonment for Al-Amri. He was detained in 2004 for nine months and in 2008 for one month before he was re-arrested on Jan. 13 of this year, and Eid said the young blogger was tortured during the first two incarcerations.

Al-Amri's treatment during this latest imprisonment is unknown. After his previous releases he had contacted Eid's office, but the ANHRI director said he has not done so since being released from Riyadh's Eleisha prison, known for its human rights abuses.

"He was mistreated the first two times he was imprisoned, but this time I don't know, because he hasn't contacted me," said Eid. "In the past he was mistreated with sleep deprivation, prolonged solitary confinement and a continuous barrage of physical torture and insults."

The advocate added that it is likely Al-Amri was mistreated during his recent imprisonment.

"I consider anyone who declares his religion to be anything than Islam to be extremely brave and courageous, but this extreme courage bordering on carelessness is madness, because he knows what could happen in Saudi," Eid said. "I'm not a doctor, but I find this extreme."

Al-Amri has become isolated from his family and lives alone, Eid said, but he said he was unable to comment on the convert's current situation.

Blog Blocked

Following Al-Amri's latest arrest, MEC reported, Saudi authorities blocked access to his blog inside Saudi Arabia. Google then locked it, claiming there was a technical violation of terms of service. On Feb. 5 it was reportedly restored due to public pressure -- after his March 28 release, Al-Amri had credited his release to ANHRI's efforts on his blog, http://www.christforsaudi.blogspot.com/ -- but yesterday Compass found the site did not work.

Eid said he was not surprised the blog was blocked.

"That's what I expected," he said. "But he will probably start another blog -- it's not difficult."

Saudi Arabia's ruling monarchy restricts media and other forms of public expression, though authorities have shown some tolerance for criticism and debate since King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud officially ascended to the throne in 2005, according to the U.S. Department of State.

"Arabic countries are the worst on the list of censoring the Internet and are at the top of the list of antagonizing the freedom of the Internet," said Eid. "But the Internet is still a good venue, because people are still able to express their views despite the government's effort to curtail their efforts."

In his blog prior to his arrest, Al-Amri had criticized the government for quashing individual rights.

"A nation which lives in this system cannot guarantee the safety of its individuals," he wrote. "Preserving their rights from violation will always be a matter of concern, as the rights of a citizen, his dignity and humanity will always be subject to abuse and violation by those few who have absolute immunity provided to them by the regime."

Eid of ANHRI described lack of civil law in Saudi Arabia as "extreme." Citizens can be tortured endlessly, he said, adding that Saudis who openly state Christian faith face severe danger.

Although there have been recent moves towards reform, Saudi Arabia restricts political expression and allows only a strict version of Sunni Islam to be publicly practiced, according to MEC.

Political critic Fouad Ahmad al-Farhan became the first Saudi to be arrested for Web site postings on Dec. 10, 2007; he was released in April 2008.

Eid said he believes the lenient action of the Saudi authorities is a welcome move in a country where "there is no such thing as religious freedom." In fact the move could encourage people of other faiths to speak up.

"This will open the door to whoever wants to express his belief, whether Christian, Hindu or other," he said.

Saudis who choose a faith other than Islam and express it may face extra-judicial killings. In August 2008, a 26-year-old woman was killed for disclosing her faith on a Web site. Fatima Al-Mutairi reportedly had revealed on Web postings that she had left Islam to become a Christian.

Gulfnews.com reported on Aug. 12, 2008 that her father, a member of the religious police or Commission for Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, cut out her tongue and burned her to death "following a heated debate on religion." Al-Mutairi had written about hostilities from family members after they discovered she was a Christian, including insults from her brother after he saw her Web postings about her faith. Some reports indicated that her brother was the one who killed her.

She had reportedly written an article about her faith on a blog of which she was a member under the nickname "Rania" a few days before her murder.

[nChrist]

Religion Today Summaries - Apr. 15, 2009
Compiled & Edited by Crosswalk Editorial Staff

Daily briefs of the top news stories impacting Christians around the world.

In today's edition:

    * U.S. Christian Bands Set Off for North Korea 'Friendship' Festival
    * Pakistani Suspects in Rape of Christian Girl Cleared
    * Canadian Believers in a God Down To 71 Percent
    * Egypt's Coptic Church Issues First Conversion Certificate

U.S. Christian Bands Set Off for North Korea 'Friendship' Festival

The Christian Post reports that the isolated nation of North Korea apparently has one soft spot for Christians -- if they can sing. Contemporary Christian band Casting Crowns and family ensemble The Annie Moses Band are currently in the country on an invitation to the annual Spring Friendship Arts Festival. The Festival reportedly "emphasizes artistic exchange and promotes peace and good will," the Christ Post reports. "Perhaps it is clichéd, but music is a powerful medium," said AMB lead vocalist and violinist Annie Wolaver. "The fact that we are going as family presents a picture, not just of what it means to be artistic, but what it means to be a family, an American, and a Christian." Both bands left the U.S. on Sunday, and will spend nine days, mostly incommunicado, at the Festival.

Pakistani Suspects in Rape of Christian Girl Cleared

Compass Direct News reports that police have declared three Pakistani men innocent of raping a 13-year-old Christian girl despite eye witness accounts and medical evidence indicating their guilt. At a hearing in Nankana Sahib district court on April 3, police from the Pakistani town of Sangla Hill, 64 miles from Lahore, cleared 40-year-old Mohammed Shahbaz, 30-year-old Waqas Sadiq and 25-year-old Yousaf Sadiq of accusations of raping and threatening Ambreen Masih. Shahbaz was the only suspect to attend the hearing, which was initially called to discuss terms of his pre-arrest bail. But Judge Ijaz Hussan Awan said he couldn't set terms for bail if police didn't want to arrest or detain him. "In Pakistan it has always been like this -- the wealthy person can approach the police and change the course of an investigation," said prosecuting attorney Akbar Durrani.

Canadian Believers in a God Down To 71 Percent

All Headline News reports that 13 percent fewer Canadians believe in God today than in 2000, according to a new survey by Ipsos Reid. Ipsos vice president John Wright, quoted by Canwest, said, "One wants to say that faith is constant... But I think it is transient for the majority of people." The study found that even fewer people believe in the existence of an afterlife; only 20 percent say they believe in some kind of life after death, and only 1 in 5 believed in heaven and hell. The study of 1,000 respondents also showed a sharp contrast between men and women on the questions. In 2000, 82 percent of women said they believed in God, compared to 79 percent today. By contrast, 86 percent of men believed in a God in 2000 - today, that percentage dropped to just 63 percent, plunging more than 20 percentage points.

Egypt's Coptic Church Issues First Conversion Certificate

Compass Direct News reports that in a bold move, Egypt's Coptic Church has issued its first-ever certificate of conversion to a former Muslim, supporting his petition to have his national identification card denote his Christian faith. Maher Ahmad El-Mo'otahssem Bellah El-Gohary's request to legally convert is only the second case in Egypt of a Muslim-born citizen trying to change his religious affiliation to Christianity on identification documents. Lawyers presented the Coptic Church's conversion certificate to a court clerk on Saturday (April 11). "We know that the judge has seen the certificate, but we have no indication whether it is acceptable or not," said Nabil Ghobreyal, one of three lawyers representing El-Gohary. Despite efforts to maintain the secrecy of El-Gohary's whereabouts, he has received written death threats on more than one occasion since appearing in court on April 4 to register an official statement.

[nChrist]

Religion Today Summaries - Apr. 16, 2009
Compiled & Edited by Crosswalk Editorial Staff

Daily briefs of the top news stories impacting Christians around the world.

In today's edition:

    * De-Baptism Gains a Following in Britain
    * N.Y. Archbishop Dolan Pledges Orthodoxy at Installation
    * Uzbekistan: Muslim Extremism Could Account for Religious Crackdown
    * China Debuts First Human Rights Action Plan

De-Baptism Gains a Following in Britain

Time magazine reports that "certificates of de-baptism" from the London-based National Secular Society (NSS) are gaining in popularity. Former church members who were baptized as infants have downloaded the mock certificate from the NSS Web site to "reject baptism's creeds and other such superstitions," and distance themselves from the churches they were born into. More than 100,000 people have downloaded the document since it went online five years ago, and traffic has picked up to about 1,000 downloads per week. "Churches have become so reactionary, so politically active that people actually want to make a protest against them now," Terry Sanderson, the society's president, said. "They're not just indifferent anymore. They're actively hostile." The group is now following up with certificates for purchase on parchment, to further help people emphasize their public break with the church.

N.Y. Archbishop Dolan Pledges Orthodoxy at Installation

Catholic News Service reports that New York Archbishop Timothy J. Dolan officially assumed his new role yesterday (April 15). The former archbishop of Milwaukee noted that his new position "may take some getting used to" because of its prominence, but he promised not to compromise his stances despite the limelight. "Bishops are not into politics; we're into principles," he said at Cathedral High School in the New York Catholic Center, pledging to stand for traditional marriage. "I've often said our goal is to change our lives to be in conformity with Jesus and his church, not to change the teachings of Jesus and the church to be in conformity with what we want," he told reporters. Dolan noted that his gregarious and personal style varies from his predecessor, Cardinal Edward Egan, but the "substance" won't change.

Uzbekistan: Muslim Extremism Could Account for Religious Crackdown

Mission News Network (MNN) reports that "practically anyone affiliated with any type of religious movement" may be targeted by the government in a recent crackdown in Uzbekistan. The country has recently seen a spike in militant Islam, and is using the threat as a pretense against all religious groups. "The government basically is concerned about extremism in any way, and they're concerned about Muslim extremism. To be able to justify a crackdown on that, then they have to crack down on everybody, whether they're extremist or not," said Joel Griffith with Slavic Gospel Association. "I think that probably is what the government's mindset is. They don't want Islamic radicalism to get out of hand, but in cracking down on that, they basically feel like they have to keep their thumb on everything." Christians have frequently been singled out in the country, and religious freedom is severely restricted.

China Debuts First Human Rights Action Plan; Rights Groups Skeptical

The Christian Post reports that human rights groups aren't hopeful that China's first ever human rights action plan will bring positive changes. The plan, released Monday, designates concrete goals for avoiding mistreatment of minorities and and abuse of detainees. But even the country's government acknowledged these goals are not top priority. "While respecting the universal principles of human rights, the Chinese government, in the light of the basic realities of China, gives priority to the protection of the people's rights to subsistence and development," reads the introduction to the document released by the official Xinhua News Agency. Amnesty International's Roseann Rife notes the plan deemphasizes "civil and political rights," leaving China the excuse of "anti-government" and "subversive" charges for detainees.

[nChrist]

Religion Today Summaries - Apr. 17, 2009
Compiled & Edited by Crosswalk Editorial Staff

Daily briefs of the top news stories impacting Christians around the world.

In today's edition:

    * Young Adults More Open, Consider Themselves 'Spiritual'
    * Episcopal Church Sues to Regain Control of Fort Worth Property
    * Turkey: Local Officials' Role Emerges in Malatya Murders
    * James Dobson: We Have Not Raised the White Flag

Young Adults More Open, Consider Themselves 'Spiritual'

Baptist Press reports that despite popular reports that young people aren't interested in spiritual matters, newly released survey data shows the opposite to be true. LifeWay Research and the Center for Missional Research found that 73 percent of unchurched 20- to 29-year-old Americans consider themselves "spiritual" because they want to know more about "God or a higher supreme being." That figure is 11 percent higher than among unchurched individuals who are age 30 and older. Sixty-one percent of 20somethings also said they would be willing to study the Bible if a friend asked them to -- that's about 20 percent more than older generations. "They are interested (in spiritual things), but they are looking for spirituality often in every place except the church," Ed Stetzer, director of LifeWay Research.

Episcopal Church Sues to Regain Control of Fort Worth Property

The Dallas Morning News reports that the Episcopal Church has filed a lawsuit to reclaim church property from a seceding diocese. "We're stewards of property that has been given for generations to the Episcopal Church. We can't just let people walk off with it," said Kathleen Wells, chancellor for the reorganized Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth. The Fort-Worth area diocese split from the Episcopal Church last November and has since joined the more conservative Anglican Province in North America, a newly formed province. Bishop Jack Iker of the breakaway diocese said the move was expected. The Episcopal Church's suit also demands the group stop using the trademark name and seal of the Diocese of Fort Worth.

Turkey: Local Officials' Role Emerges in Malatya Murders

Compass Direct News reports that two years after the murder of three Christians in this city in southeastern Turkey, lawyers at a hearing here on Monday (April 13) uncovered important information on the role that local security forces played in the slaughter. Two Turkish Christians, Necati Aydin and Ugur Yuksel, and a German Christian, Tilmann Geske, were tied up and stabbed to death at Zirve Publishing Co. offices on April 18, 2007. Plaintiff attorneys have moved the focus of the trial away from the five suspects -- Salih Gurler, Cuma Ozdemir, Hamit Ceker, Abuzer Yildirim, and alleged ringleader Emre Gunaydin -- to local officials believed to be liaisons or masterminds of the murders. Retired gendarmerie commander Mehmet Ulger and theology researcher Ruhi Abat have suspected links to the crime.

James Dobson: We Have Not Raised the White Flag

The Christian Post reports that Focus on Family's Dr. James Dobson took back leadership on Tuesday to correct misconceptions that the group has been defeated. Last week the London Telegraph picked sections of Dobson's farewell address given in February which said, "We are right now in the most discouraging period of that long conflict. Humanly speaking, we can say we have lost all those battles." They left out the following comment, in which Dobson said, "But God is in control and we are not going to give up now, right?" Dobson told Fox News' Sean Hannity that "We're not going anywhere... Pendulums swing and we'll come back. We're going to hang in there." Dobson resigned as chairman of the pro-family group in February, but continues to host his radio programs with the organization.

[nChrist]

Religion Today Summaries - Apr. 20, 2009
Compiled & Edited by Crosswalk Editorial Staff

Daily briefs of the top news stories impacting Christians around the world.

In today's edition:

    * Drug Violence Halts Church Trips to U.S.-Mexico Border
    * Buddhist Mobs Attack Sri Lankan Churches
    * Violence Hits India's Poll Stations
    * Most U.S. Christians Don't Believe Satan, Holy Spirit, Exists

Drug Violence Halts Church Trips to U.S.-Mexico Border

Christianity Today reports that short-term mission trips to a once-popular destination have begun to dry up. Trip coordinators for Juarez, Mexico -- just two miles south of El Paso, Texas -- have canceled planned trips due to the sharp spike in violence from a drug-cartel war. More than 1,800 people in the city of 1.6 million have been killed since January 2008, some in public shootouts, and thousands more have been threatened. "Ministry partners have experienced threats of extortion," said YouthWorks regional director Jason Atkinson in a memo. "Our own staff were victims of armed robbery and carjacking." Peggy Kulesz of First Baptist Church in Arlington, Texas, said her church has been sending members to the city for 30 years, but cancelled this year's trip. "When you feel a real sense of calling and then the door is shut, you... wonder what God has in store and how he is going to work in this time of crisis with Christians in the area."

Buddhist Mobs Attack Sri Lankan Churches

Compass Direct News reports that Buddhist mobs attacked several churches in Sri Lanka last week, threatening to kill a pastor in the southern province of Hambanthota. On April 8, four Buddhist extremists approached the home of pastor Pradeep Kumara in Weeraketiya, Hambanthota district, calling for him to come out and threatening to kill him. The men phoned Kumara with direct threats later that day, and appeared outside his house again that night. "My children were frightened," Kumara said. "I tried to reason with him to go away, but he continued to bang on the door and threaten us." Earlier, on Palm Sunday (April 5), another group of men broke into the 150-year-old Pepiliyana Methodist Church in Colombo after congregants concluded an Easter procession. Witnesses said they saw them load valuable goods into a white van parked. "They removed everything," said the Rev. Surangika Fernando.

Violence Hits India's Poll Stations

The Christian Post reports that India's monthlong elections have begun in violence. Maoist rebels attacked 14 polling stations, killing 17 civilians and security personnel. In spite of threats of violence, over half of people eligible to vote risked the polls, while 90 percent of the 3,000 Christians in a Kandhamal relief camp voted. Officials temporarily left recovery and rebuilding efforts in terrorized areas of Orissa state, the Christian Post said, to provide better polling station security. "I think they [anti-Christian politicians] are going to hear the voice of people that they're not in favor of this kind of abuse and hurting the minorities, especially the Christians. This election is going to bring some changes to the state of Orissa, and we're praying for that," said KP Yohannan, founder of Gospel For Asia.

Most U.S. Christians Don't Believe Satan, Holy Spirit, Exists

U.K.-based Christian Today reports that six out of 10 American Christians believe Satan is a "symbol of evil" rather than actual "living being," a new Barna study found. Only 35 percent said they believe that Satan is a living and real force of evil. Similar numbers said the Holy Spirit is a "symbol of God's power and presence" but not a "living entity." "Most Americans, even those who say they are Christian, have doubts about the intrusion of the supernatural into the natural world," said George Barna, founder of The Barna Group. "Hollywood has made evil accessible and tame, making Satan and demons less worrisome than the Bible suggests they really are," he said. "It's hard for achievement-driven, self-reliant, independent people to believe that their lives can be impacted by unseen forces."

[nChrist]

China: Detained Christian Taken to Hospital
Sarah Page


April 21, 2009

(Compass Direct News) -- Family members of detained Uyghur Christian Alimjan Yimit are increasingly concerned for his safety following reports that police and a prison doctor escorted him in handcuffs to a hospital in Kashgar two weeks ago.

Alimjan (Alimujiang Yimiti in Chinese) called out to onlookers, "I'm sick. Tell my lawyer to come quickly to see me," according to a China Aid Association (CAA) report.

Sources told Compass that Alimjan had been beaten in prison, although it was not clear who beat him or why.

The transfer from the Kashi Municipal Detention Center in Kashgar, Xinjiang province, came just one week after Alimjan's lawyer met with him to discuss a court trial anticipated in May. According to CAA, this was only the second time authorities have allowed anyone to visit Alimjan since his arrest in January 2008.

Court authorities last May returned Alimjan's case to state prosecutors, citing lack of evidence for charges of "leaking state secrets" and "inciting secession." Family, friends and work colleagues have insisted that Alimjan is a loyal citizen with no access to state secrets, and that his arrest was due largely to his Christian faith and association with foreign Christians.

Compass sources confirmed this week that Alimjan's family members are emotionally distraught over his continued detention and over lack of communication from prison authorities.

If convicted, Alimjan could face execution; Chinese authorities executed two alleged Uyghur separatists as recently as last Thursday (April 9).

Authorities first detained Alimjan on Jan. 12, 2008 on charges of endangering state security before formally re-arresting him on Feb. 20, 2008 for allegedly "inciting secession" and leaking state secrets to foreign organizations.

After court authorities returned Alimjan's case to state prosecutors and after their further investigation, his case was returned to court officials for consideration in mid-October.

Compass sources claim Kashgar authorities are wary of the case due to its sensitivity. Officials initially interrogated Alimjan during his employment for two foreign-owned companies and forbade him to discuss the questioning with anyone. In September 2007 they closed the business he then worked for and accused him of using it as a cover for "preaching Christianity" among the Uyghurs. Alimjan was arrested several months later on political charges.

A second Uyghur Christian, Osman Imin (Wusiman Yaming in Chinese), sentenced to two years in labor camp for "leaking state secrets" and "illegal proselytizing," is due for release this October. Authorities had originally called for a 10-15 year prison sentence for Osman but significantly reduced the term following international media attention.

Authorities permit Osman's wife and children to visit him once a month.

Human Rights Proposal

On Monday (April 13), as family members waited to hear news of Alimjan's condition, China's State Council released a new document outlining proposed human rights improvements. The document focused heavily on protecting the rights of prisoners and included a pledge to abolish torture and other forms of abuse within two years.

The "National Human Rights Action Plan" was one of several measures proposed by a Chinese government delegation at a United Nations review of China's human rights record held on Feb. 9.

The plan includes a ban on confessions extracted through torture and a new requirement for physical examinations before and after interrogations. It also affirms the right of prisoners to hire and meet with lawyers and to report abuses in writing to the appropriate authorities.

China's state-run English newspaper, the China Daily, reported on March 24 that bullying and torture were a significant problem in the nation's detention centers, and that at least five inmates had died under suspicious circumstances since Feb. 8, according to CAA.