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The 16th of November 2008 is the international day of prayer for the persecuted Church.

As we have mentioned previously, thousands of Christians are subjected to torture, abuse and suffering on a daily basis in areas around the world. One of the areas which has recently come to light is the violence against the Christian community in Orissa State, India, which started on 24 August, has continued almost unabated since then. At least 50 Christians have been murdered by Hindu extremists, some cut to pieces and others burnt alive. Many fear that the death toll is even higher, with one estimate suggesting that 120 Christians have been killed. About 18,000 people have been injured, many of them severely; numerous Christian women have been raped; some 4,400 homes have been destroyed; 300 villages have been cleansed of all Christians; and several orphanages and hundreds of churches and church buildings have been torched and razed. Relief camps, where Christians have fled for safety and shelter, have been attacked and drinking water has been poisoned.

Over 50,000 Christians are thought to be homeless, and around 30,000, more than half of them children, are hiding in the jungle, many without any food and water. Starvation is a very real danger for many of them, especially for the children, the elderly and the sick. Christians wanting to return to their homes have been told by the Hindu extremists: “Come back as Hindu or don’t come back at all.” Many who dare to return to their villages are forcibly converted to Hinduism. Sometimes the Hindu extremists pour petrol over the Christians and then ask them to convert; if they refuse they will be burnt.

And still the government shows itself reluctant to act. Although there has been talk of banning the Bajrang Dal, one of the Hindu nationalist groups responsible for the gruesome acts, and of imposing presidential rule over Orissa, no action has been taken. Additional police and a helicopter have been sent to the area, which has helped to improve conditions in at least some districts, but officials still advise journalists and members of NGOs (non-governmental organisations) not to go into the affected areas as they cannot provide protection.

Let us pray for the persecuted church,
for their oppressors,
for nations that foster persecution,
and for those who ignore it.
Let us read the Holy Scriptures,
finding there the stories and witness of hope
borne by those who lived through ordeals to the glory of God,
and hear the promises of the gospel
for all who are persecuted for righteousness' sake.

In our prayer for persecuted Christians,
let us not narrow our compassion for all who suffer,
whatever their profession or creed;
let no hatred or prejudice enter our hearts for anyone.

Called by the Holy Spirit to unity with the persecuted,
let us enter into their suffering,
repenting of our ignorance,
refusing to be silent,
ready to reach out to them in their isolation
We ask this through Christ our Lord,
Amen

Bro. Lewis Docherty GK 486