New Delhi, November 24, 2019: The Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFI) and the National Alliance and Central Network of Evangelicals in India called on the Christian community to observe the Nov 24 as the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP).
“An estimated 100 million Christians face persecution daily in the world today. In India according to the database kept by the Religious Liberty Commission of EFI, this year itself, over 250 instances of hate crimes and violence have taken place against Christians till the last October,” said Reverend Vijayesh Lal, EFI general secretary.
“Let us stand in solidarity and prayer with our persecuted family. Let us join our sisters and brothers worldwide in praying together,” he said.
India, rich in its diversity of religions, languages and cultures, faces several incidences of persecution.
Reverend David Fernandes from Commission Church Mumbai, said, “Pray that the Lord will comfort, protect and guide persecuted Christians and others and the Church would remain strong even amid all the persecution and opposition. That there will be a decrease in anti-Christian and anti-minority violence in India and we will respond in love towards our persecutors. Pray that the constitutional guarantees will remain.”
Other than India, according to EFI, the following nations where Christians are facing persecution like in Nigeria the Boko Haram, a terrorist group and Fulani herdsmen, are the main perpetrators of violence against Christians.
Afghanistan, that ranked No. 2 on the World Watch List, is extremely high levels of persecution against Christians in the country.
Christian persecution in Uganda is higher in areas that are densely populated with Muslims.
In Kenya, extremist elements are in pursuit of eliminating Christianity in the country.
Pakistani Christians undergo dangerous levels of persecution. Blasphemy laws, in particular, are used to harass and imprison many Christians.
In Indonesia, conservative Muslim political parties and extremist Islamic groups have created Sharia-inspired policies and public laws.
Saudi Arabia Christians undergo a significant level of Islamist oppression. Uzbekistan has high levels of persecution. Any religious activity not controlled or run by the government is banned in the country.
In recent years, Sri Lanka has witnessed a significant increase in attacks on Christians. On Easter Sunday, 2019, several churches were attacked resulting in over 250 deaths.
“We pray for God’s protection, strength, guidance and comfort over the converted as they face a high risk of persecution and for the isolated secret believers,” said Reverend Fernandes.