Islam

A controversial new book concludes that Muslims must change Islam or risk making it inseparable from violence and discrimination.

Islam Uncensored is written by Jeff King, who spent nine years as president of International Christian Concern, a persecution watchdog group. King argues that Americans shouldn't mince words when it comes to Islamic extremism. He maintains that radical Islamic persecution of other major faiths has placed it among the greatest threats to world peace.

In an interview with The Christian Post, King claims that only open dialogue about Islam's successes and failures will inspire the religion to change its dangerous elements. The problem with that approach, he posits, is that it will either get you labeled a bigot or blown up. more >>

Violent attacks against Christians by Muslim extremists in Syria have increased as the byproduct of the country’s volatile political situation, much like what has transpired in Egypt, said a persecution watchdog this week.

Open Doors International officials say that while much of the world’s attention is focused on the Egyptian elections and American troops withdrawing from Iraq, the situation inside Syria is getting worse, especially for Christians.

“Christians inside Syria are caught in the crossfire as they are in many other Middle Eastern countries,” said Open Doors president and CEO Dr. Carl Moeller. “Until the protests started against the regime of President Bashar al-Assad, the Christian community enjoyed some protection. Now they are afraid of the future. Will they have to flee their country like Iraqi Christians have done over the last several years?” more >>

With the newly-formed Muslim Brotherhood Freedom and Justice political party advocating confidence in today's parliamentary elections in Egypt, many are questioning the fate of the country's Coptic Christians.

After Egypt's Arab Spring Uprisings in February, it was clear that change was in the air. The question remains, however, in what direction will the change go?

"[A]fter the revolution, there is a chance for change. And this change it may be in favour of liberals, it may be in favour of Copts, it may be in favour of Islamists; but where this change will lead, I doubt anyone will predict," consultant for Cairo-based engineering firm Mourad Shenouda told Aljazeera news. more >>

A Christian woman fired for taking on alleged radical Muslim colleagues who mocked Jesus and bullied Christians at London’s Heathrow Airport is suing her former employers, saying her case raises issues of national security, religious harassment and workers’ rights.

Nohad Halawi, the woman who worked at World Duty Free in Terminal 3, was dismissed after five Muslims filed unsubstantiated complaints about her conduct as an apparent revenge for standing up for a colleague bullied and harassed by Islamic fundamentalists, says the Christian Legal Centre, a London-based conservative group that is supporting her in the case.

Halawi, a migrant from Lebanon, had persistently complained to management over personal religious abuse and harassment from Islamic staff who even mocked her about “shitty Jesus,” CLC adds. more >>

Egypt's ruling military council appointed Kamal el-Ganzouri on Friday as prime minister to form "a national salvation government" to replace the cabinet which resigned this week.

Kamal el-Ganzouri, 78, is a former prime minister under President Hosni Mubarak. His appointment comes as protests continue to intensify in Cairo with tens of thousands of people demanding that the generals step down.

The news comes as Egypt’s military rulers held a press conference Thursday in Cairo, telling thousands of attendees that parliamentary elections will definitely commence on Monday as planned. more >>

Correction Appended

Millions of Christians in thousands of churches around the world will be participating in the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church Sunday, said a spokesman for Open Doors International.

Paul Estabrooks, senior communications specialist for Open Doors International, told The Christian Post that the day is a time to focus on intercessory prayer on behalf of Christians worldwide who are experiencing an increasing amount of persecution. more >>