Christians in the eastern Indian state of Orissa, which has been plagued with sectarian violence in recent weeks, are reportedly being coerced into converting to Hinduism in order to save their homes.
Hindu militants behind the deaths of dozens of believers as well as the torching of churches and Christian-owned homes and businesses are demanding Christians sign papers renouncing their faith and convert to Hinduism. If they refuse, the Christians are reportedly threatened with having their property destroyed or face social ostracism, according to Christian Solidarity Worldwide.
“[T]he onus is now very much on the state government to protect Christians who are still facing attacks and coercion to renounce their faith,” said CSW advocacy director Alexa Papadouris.
Papdouris called for those responsible for the violence in Orissa to be brought to justice and said if they were not there would not be genuine peace in the state with a long history of sectarian violence.
“We continue to urge world leaders to voice concern about the attacks and their aftermath,” the human rights advocate said.
Many political and religious leaders have already voiced their concerns about the persecution in Orissa over the past week.
Seven members of the U.S. House of Representatives sent a letter on Thursday to India’s ambassador in the United States expressing concern about the anti-Christian rampage and urging the Indian government to investigate and grant justice to victims.
Similarly, the Italian government, the Vatican, and human rights groups have also condemned the violence and called for its immediate end.
“The global community is alarmed at the breakdown of law and order in Orissa, and rightly so,” said Dr. Joseph D’souza, president of the All India Christian Council. “The widespread, continuing attacks on innocent Christians and violations of their human rights are unprecedented in India’s history.
“We welcome the concern of U.S. politicians and all global citizens who believe in freedom of religion,” he said. “As a proud Indian, I’m grieved that our democratic ideals are being hijacked by religious extremists.”
The violence in Orissa is in its 16th day despite emergency deployment of law enforcement troops to end the violence and help displaced Christians return home.
India’s central government has condemned the violence and ordered the Orissa state government to report what it has done to curb the attacks.
RSS
In Indonesia, what is happening in Orissa is the same with what happened in Poso Central Sulawesi, Ambon Moluccas, Aceh (place of the Tsunami) and West Sumatra.
and more recently the island of Bali
we have to pray,help.. Ok
and its also the time to Ask "why do you Strike Us?" (John 18:23)
The BJP ruling states are stretching their power to persecute the churches in Bangalore,karnataka.prayer is the need of the hour than anything else and also helping those who are in serious need.
"if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to prayer made in this place. For now I have chosen and sanctified this house, that My name may be there forever; and My eyes and My heart will be there perpetually." 2 Chron. 7:14-16
"Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution." 2 Timothy 3:12
"The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears,
And delivers them out of all their troubles. The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous,But the LORD delivers him out of them all. He guards all his bones;Not one of them is broken. Evil shall slay the wicked,And those who hate the righteous shall be condemned. The LORD redeems the soul of His servants, And none of those who trust in Him shall be condemned." Psalm 34:17-22
"Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake. And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come." Matthew 24:9-14
Prepare the way of the Lord... He's soon coming. STAND!! YOURE REDEMPTION DRAWS NIGH!!!
To Help "Christians that wish to leave, to settle elsewhere because of obvious physical persecution." isnot a matter.
The Indian Costitution Says "equal opportunity and freedom of religious worship in India"
But The Hidutva fundamentalists unlawfully enforces unequality and no freedom throgh their threats and violence Activities.
Indian Christians Demands the State and Central Govt to ensure What is Accepted in the constitution, equal opportunity To Live in thier Birth place and freedom of religious worship.
Yes if the Orissa Central Govt. and the State of India Politicians does not give equal opportunity and freedom of religious worship, then whoever is willing to give shelter and protection to these persecuted christians must be allowed to do whatever is possible in the name of The Lord to safeguard these christians even by gaving them shelter overseas. This is the only way these helpless victims of torture and persecution could be saved. God grant these victims relief in every way we pray.
And not a word from the public media..
A fund should be established to help Christians that wish to leave, to settle elsewhere because of obvious physical persecution.
All churches should contribute a percentage of their offerings to this fund.
People who escape from these areas should be given opportunities to work in various church ministries.