Indonesia: Government Reins in Laskar Jihad
In a shocking turn of events, the radical Laskar Jihad has been banned from the Moluccas and its combative leader placed under arrest.
Christian Persecution – Asia
Hmong Christians File Persecution Complaint with Vietnam Government
A group of Hmong Christians living in the highlands of Vietnam have filed a complaint about violent incidents that they say took place amongst this tribal group last year.
Indonesia: Terrorism Explodes; Ambon Christians Appeal to U.N.
Christians in the Maluku provincial capital of Ambon are appealing to U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan to send peacekeeping forces in the wake of recent terrorist attacks.
$300,000 payment in Philippines fails for kidnapped missionaries
A $300,000 ransom payment has failed to free American missionaries Martin and Gracia Burnham from a militant Muslim group in the Philippines linked to Osama bin Laden’s terrorist network.
Christians Secretly Forced to Re-Convert to Hinduism in India
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (World Hindu Organization, VHP) is secretly conducting large-scale conversion drives in India’s Marxist-ruled state of West Bengal. More than 16 tribal Christians were forced to re-convert to Hinduism on April 22 at a purification ceremony in Chopra village in the Malda district about 300 kilometers from Calcutta, NGO sources said. Ten other animist tribals were also converted to Hinduism in the village.
Call For Tighter Security For Christians in Pakistan After Attack On Pakistan Church By Youths With
A Presbyterian church close to the Kashmir border was attacked by a group of Islamic extremists on Sunday April 7.
Burmese Baptist Convention Banned on Orders of Junta
A three-day Baptist convention for 100,000 people, which was due to be held in Burma, has been cancelled on the orders of the junta.
Call For Tighter Security For Christians in Pakistan After Attack On Pakistan Church By Youths With
A Presbyterian church close to the Kashmir border was attacked by a group of Islamic extremists on Sunday April 7.
Burma: Two Baptist Ministers Detained in Insein Prison
Two well-known Baptist ministers from Dagon North Township were arrested by the military junta on 5th April. They are currently detained in Burma’s notorious Insein prison.
New Tribes Mission reiterates: ‘no ransom’ for kidnapped workers
New Tribes Mission has issued a news release denying “any participation in attempts to pay ransom or raise money for ransom” for the release of missionaries Martin and Gracia Burnham who were kidnapped in the Philippines on May 27 of last year.
International Church Attacked in Pakistan
Unidentified terrorists hurled grenades into a Protestant worship service in the diplomatic quarter of Pakistan’s capital city yesterday, killing five worshippers and wounding another 40 members of the congregation.
Vietnam: Christians Denied Right to Exist
Christians in Vietnam are virtually being denied the right to exist, according to a visit there by a representative of a Washington, DC, based ministry recently.
Laos: Persecuted Believers Persevere
Christians in Laos still suffer from strict oppression of religious activity, according to recent reports, while at least one brother’s Christian work is being tolerated.
Killing Fields Become Harvest Fields in Cambodia
A once-maligned Christian ministry native to Cambodia is experiencing open doors as it reports a rich harvest among Cambodians.
Indonesian Spice Islands Peace Plan In Danger Of Collapse Due To Violence Promoted By Islamist Extre
A series of violent attacks on both the Muslim and Christian communities is threatening to derail the peace process in Indonesia.
Church in India Facing Increasing Threats, Ministry Leader Says
Most Christians understand the threat posed by Islamic fundamentalism around the world, but few are aware of a virulent strain of Hindu radicalism targeting believers in India.
Laskar Jihad likely culprits in Indonesian bus bombing; Central Sulaweisi pastor martyred
Sources of the The Voice of the Martyrs in Indonesia say members of the militant Islamic group Laskar Jihad are likely responsible for a bus bomb blast near Poso on Wednesday. VOM has learned more details about the attack that killed at least four people and injured 17 others.
Indonesian Christians Face Tough Decision
Christian Aid’s contact in Indonesia said Sunday that Christians in some villages that have been taken over by Laskar Jihad militant Muslims are being offered the opportunity to leave their villages, but on one condition: They must relinquish all right to their homes, businesses and properties, and never return to their villages again.
Abductors Will Make Missionaries Human Shields
With the U.S. military assistance to the Philippine government to help rescue Christian missionary couple Martin and Gracia Burnham from their abductors the Abu Sayyaf Group, an Islamic rebel leader told ASSIST News Service that the abductors will use the Christian missionaries as their human shields when a U.S.-Philippine military joint rescue operation commences.
Detained US Missionary Couple Cries Out for Help
An American missionary couple held hostage in the southern Philippines for eight months by the Muslim rebel group Abu Sayyaf has cried out for help, at a time of emotional and physical pain.