Fr Tom Uzhunallil Pleads With Pope, Indian Government For His Freedom

By Mark Woods
Christian Today

The Indian government has promised to do everything it takes to secure the freedom of kidnapped priest Fr Tom Uzhunnalil after the release of a video by his Islamic State captors.

Uzhunnalil, from Bangalore, was kidnapped by fighters who overran a home for elderly people in Aden, killing four nuns. In all, 16 people died in the attack. Unfounded rumours that he was to be crucified on Good Friday spread rapidly despite denials by the Church and the Indian government.

Now a video released by his captors shows Uzhunallil looking frail and pleading with the government and Pope Francis for his release. He says he is "very sad and depressed" and that not enough is being done because he is Indian and not European.

He says in the video: "If I were a European priest, I would have been taken more seriously. I am from India. I am perhaps not considered as of much value."

He adds: "Nothing has been done by Pope Francis or the Bishop of Abu Dhabi to get me released, in spite of contact being made by my captors... Dear Pope Francis, dear Holy Father, as a father please take care of my life. I am very much depressed. My health is deteriorating."

Christian Today continues 

Indonesia Will Try Christian Jakarta Governor For Blasphemy

Jakarta's Christian Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (Ahok) Outside the 

Courtroom at the North Jakarta District Court. Reuters

Reuters

Christian Today

An Indonesian court will proceed with a controversial blasphemy trial against Jakarta's Christian governor, who is accused of insulting the Qur'an, a judge said on Tuesday, a case seen as a test of religious freedom in the Muslim-majority nation.

A panel of judges rejected a call by lawyers defending Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama to strike down the case because it had violated the ethnic Chinese politician's human rights and breached procedures.

"The exception by the defendant will be considered and decided by the court after examination of all evidence. The defendant's exception is not accepted," said Judge Abdul Rosyad.

A tearful Purnama denied at his first hearing on December 13 that he had intended to insult the Qur'an while he was campaigning ahead of elections in February for the governorship of Jakarta, capital of the world's largest Muslim-majority nation.

Hundreds of white-clad Muslim protesters chanted "Allahu Akbar" (God is greatest) outside the court in north Jakarta on Tuesday and called for the jailing of the governor, known by his nickname Ahok.

A smaller group of his supporters were also present outside the courthouse, which was flanked by lines of police.

The presiding judge on the panel, Dwiyarso Budi Santiarto, said the defence could appeal to a higher court if they did not agree with the decision to proceed with the case.  Purnama, after consulting his lawyers, told the court he would consider doing so.

The governor was named a suspect after hundreds of thousands of people, led by Muslim hardliners, attended rallies in recent months calling for his arrest.

Blasphemy convictions in Indonesia can carry a jail term of up to five years and nearly always result in conviction.

Christian Today continues

Persecution Unveiled has been called by God to prick the consciences of this nation and all free people to speak up and act on behalf of those who have no voice.  Follow us on  Pinterest, and Google; like us on Facebook, and visit our website using this link.  

Multiculturalism: Islamic Style

by William Kilpatrick
Crisis Magazine

“Schoolchildren banned from singing Silent Night over fears it will offend other religions.” So reads a headline in the Express. Instead of singing the lyrics which might “offend other religions,” schoolchildren in Bresciano, Italy were told to hum the tune.

If you have trouble guessing what other religion might take offense, it probably means that you’ve spent the last eight years in the Galapagos Islands studying the evolution of finches. Either that, or you work for the State Department. Those who have been paying attention know that the religion in question is Islam. The new rule, to paraphrase Robert Spencer, is “When in Muslim countries, do as the Muslims do, and when in non-Muslim countries, do as the Muslims do.”

Thus, in one Italian town, “Silent Night” can’t be sung, and in another, a priest has cancelled a traditional Nativity scene at the local cemetery out of respect for Muslim graves. Meanwhile, in Sweden, the traditional St. Lucy’s Day celebration has been cancelled by several towns and cities so as not to offend other religions. In response, Sweden’s Muslim community has decided to cancel all festivities connected to the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, out of respect for Christians.

I made up that last sentence, of course; Muslims don’t seem to worry overmuch about offending other religions or, for that matter, about offending secular sentiments. As is increasingly apparent, multiculturalism is a one-way street. Christians are expected to make concessions and yield up cultural territory while secularists (on the one hand) and Islamists (on the other) use multiculturalism as an excuse to engage in cultural land grabs.

Continue reading this story by clicking here 

Crisis Magazine explores and articulates the subjects of politics, business, culture, faith, and family life from a Catholic perspective. Unlike other apostolates that specialize in one or the other, we cover all, since together, they make up a full human life. Catholicism is a worldview, not just a religion, and its individual elements cannot be understood in isolation from the larger whole. We present the faith in all its lived facets. For more information, or to make a donation to help them continue their work, please use this link. 

Persecution Unveiled has been called by God to prick the consciences of this nation and all free people to speak up and act on behalf of those who have no voice.  Follow us on  Pinterest, and Google; like us on Facebook, and visit our website using this link.  

Cuba Attacks Christians As Washington Liberalizes Economic Ties

By Doug Bandow
Forbes

The Obama administration has continued its effort to expand contact between the U.S. and Cuba by easing restrictions on travel, exports, and export financing. Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker spoke of “building a more open and mutually beneficial relationship.”

However, the administration expressed concern over Havana’s dismal human rights practices. Although Raul Castro’s government has continued economic reforms, it has maintained the Communist Party’s political stranglehold. Indeed, despite the warm reception given Pope Francis last fall, the regime has been on the attack against Cubans of faith.

In a new report the group Christian Solidarity Worldwide warned of “an unprecedented crackdown on churches across the denominational spectrum,” which has “fueled a spike in reported violations of freedom of religion or belief.” 

There were 220 specific violations of religious liberties in 2014, but 2300 last year, many of which “involved entire churches or, in the cases of arrests, dozens of victims.” In contrast, there were only 40 cases in 2011.

Even in the best of times the Castros have never been friends of faith in anything other than themselves. The State Department’s 2014 report on religious liberty reported that it was easier for Cubans to engage in some charitable and educational projects and import Bibles. However, “the government harassed outspoken religious leaders and their followers, including reports of beating, threats, detentions, and restrictions on travel. Religious leaders reported the government tightened controls on financial resources.”

Forbes report continues

Persecution Unveiled has been called by God to prick the consciences of this nation and all free people to speak up and act on behalf of those who have no voice.  Follow us on  Pinterest, and Google; like us on Facebook, and visit our website using this link.  

The Prophet Who Stole Christmas

by William Kilpatrick
Crisis Magazine

Behold! The angels said: O Mary! God giveth thee glad tidings of a Word from Him. His name will be Jesus Christ, the son of Mary, held in honor in this world and the Hereafter and in (the company of) those nearest to God.

“Before searching for this quote in the New Testament, you might first ask your Muslim co-worker, friend, or neighbor for a copy of the Qur’an … the quote is from verse 45 of chapter 3 of the Qur’an.” So writes Ibrahim Hooper, the communications director for the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). It’s the introduction to his holiday message and it’s offered as proof that “Muslims also love and revere Jesus.”

Every year around Christmastime, Hooper’s message is reprinted and with it his assurance to Christians that “We have more in common than you think.” But there’s a hitch to this message of hope. That’s because every year during Christmastime, other Muslims have a tradition of slaughtering Christians and burning down their churches—preferably on Christmas Day. If you’re a Christian living in Nigeria, Egypt, or Pakistan, Christmas Day brings both joy and trepidation. Other Christians in the Muslim world live in constant fear of abduction, rape, forced marriage to Muslims, confiscation of property, beatings, and blasphemy convictions. As Raymond Ibrahim has ably demonstrated in his monthly series on Muslim persecution of Christians, the Muslim world is permeated with a climate of hatred towards Christians.

Continue reading this article here 

        

Crisis Magazine explores and articulates the subjects of politics, business, culture, faith, and family life from a Catholic perspective. Unlike other apostolates that specialize in one or the other, we cover all, since together, they make up a full human life. Catholicism is a worldview, not just a religion, and its individual elements cannot be understood in isolation from the larger whole. We present the faith in all its lived facets. For more information, or to make a donation to help them continue their work, please use this link. 

Persecution Unveiled has been called by God to prick the consciences of this nation and all free people to speak up and act on behalf of those who have no voice.  Follow us on  Pinterest, and Google; like us on Facebook, and visit our website using this link.  

Nativity Scene Taken Down in Cemetery to Protect ‘Sensibilities of Muslims,’ Atheists

By Douglas Ernst
Washington Times

An Italian chaplain was so worried about the “sensitivities” of atheists and Muslims at the Municipal Cemetery of Cremona that he took down a visible nativity scene.

Father Sante Braggie ended a tradition that has been in place at his local cemetery in a preemptive attempt not to offend the town’s non-Christians. A display that is normally set up in a corner of the cemetery will move into a small chapel.

“There are many who come here to remember their loved ones,” the 77-year-old priest told the newspaper Corriere della Sera on Dec. 9. “A crib placed in plain sight could be seen as a lack of respect for the faithful of other religions, offend the sensitivities of Muslims, but also of the Indians and atheists. In short, it would be a mess.”

Father Don Oreste, who previously managed the property, was shocked at the decision.

“I cannot believe it! I do not want to hear things like that,” he told the newspaper. “We cannot give up our culture and our traditions. It would be an unforgivable weakness. We are, at least for now, in Italy, not Saudi Arabia.”

A local lawmaker, Cristina Cappellini, concurred.

Website: washingtontimes.com

Christian Statues Regularly Defaced in Germany Over Past 2 years; Citizens 'Shocked'

By Douglas Ernst
Washington Times

A defaced statue of Jesus in Germany’s Münster region adds to a list of dozens of Christian symbols that have been targeted in the country over the past two years.

German state broadcaster WDR, Bild, and other outlets have chronicled a spate of anti-Christian vandalism that has taken place since 2014. The website Lokalzeit Münsterland added to the list on Dec. 8 by covering investigations into the latest crime.

“Based on the intensity of the acts of the perpetrator, one can already conclude that this act has a religious background,” said Mirko Stein of the Münster police, conservative news site Heat Street translated Thursday.

Mr. Stein added that locals are “shocked and scared” of the newfound animosity.

The latest round of attacks on Christian symbols comes just months after Bild covered 40 other instances, ranging from a smashed angel statue in Dülmen-Weddern to similar destruction of a Virgin Mary statue at Agatha Church in Dülmen-Rorup.

“Six men who had obviously been assigned to the Islamic scene had been targeted by the investigators,” the newspaper reported Aug. 11. “The investigation was stopped at that time, since three of the suspects had gone to Syria, one died, and another with an unknown address.”

Website: washingtontimes.com

Christians Fined For Holding Prayer Meeting In Azerbaijan

People stand in front of a building under construction in Baku, Azerbaijan, earlier this year. 

Officially a secular country, the majority of the population is Muslim. Reuters

By Ruth Gledhill

Christian Today

Two Christian leaders in Azerbaijan have been fined fined 1,500 Azerbaijani Manats each, or $850, for holding an "illegal" prayer meeting, according to World Watch Monitor.

Police burst into the meeting last month in Aliabad in south Azerbaijan and arrested all 30 Christians present.

At first, nearly all of them were expecting to be fined. But in the end, just Gamid Shabanov and Mehman Agamemedov, the two leaders, were fined.

They were also ordered not to hold any more meetings without first securing official registration. Azerbaijan is officially a secular country but the majority of the population is Muslim.

A source told World Watch Monitor that police had told them: "Each of you may pray in your own house, but meetings are forbidden, otherwise you will be arrested again – with more serious consequences than a fine."

The arrests were reported on television in Azerbaijan. The two leaders were accused of "illegal religious activities" and "spreading illegal religious doctrines".

Christian Today article continues

Egypt Says Church Bomber Linked to Muslim Brotherhood

A Coptic Christian man chants slogans during a protest on
Monday, December 12, 2016 for victims of the bombing
during Sunday mass at a chapel adjoining St Mark's Cathedral. 

By Rabea Al Awwal
The National World

A suicide bomber who killed at least 25 people in Cairo’s main cathedral on Sunday was a Muslim Brotherhood supporter who joined a militant cell while on the run from police, the interior ministry said.

At least 49 people were wounded when the bomb went off in a chapel adjoining St Mark’s Cathedral, Cairo’s largest church and seat of the Coptic Christian papacy.

The interior ministry named the attacker on Monday as Mahmoud Shafik Mohammed Mostafa, a 22-year-old student. President Abdel Fattah El Sisi said four people had been detained and two were on the run.

Mostafa was arrested in March 2014 for carrying arms during a protest, and was freed on bail after two months. The interior ministry said he had joined a cell led by Mohab Mostafa Sayyed Qassem, a militant with links to ISIL fighters in Northern Sinai and exiled Brotherhood officials in Qatar, and was wanted in two other cases.

The Egyptian government on Tuesday released footage showing the suicide bombing, including images of the attacker. The CCTV video shows the street across from the chapel adjacent to St Mark’s Cathedral, seat of Egypt’s ancient Coptic Orthodox Church.

National World article continues

Jakarta’s Christian Governor Stands Trial for Blasphemy

By Rabea Al Awwal
The National World

Jakarta’s Christian governor choked back tears as he gave an impassioned defence against blasphemy charges on Tuesday, in a court case that has stoked fears of growing intolerance in the Muslim-majority nation.

Basuki Tjahaja Purnama – the first Christian to govern the capital in more than 50 years – is standing trial accused of insulting the Quran, an offence that carries a five-year jail term.

The governor has apologized for his controversial remarks, which angered Muslims across Indonesia and drew hundreds of thousands to the streets of Jakarta in protests larger than any seen in nearly two decades.

Facing court for the first time, the governor gave an emotionally charged defence against the charges, pausing several times to compose himself as he maintained his innocence.

"I know I have to respect the holy verses of the Quran. I do not understand how I can be said to have offended Islam," Mr Purnama said, occasionally dabbing his eyes with a handkerchief.

Mr Purnama, better known by his nickname Ahok, ignited a firestorm of criticism in September when he quoted the Islamic holy text while campaigning ahead of elections for the Jakarta governorship.

The governor accused his opponents of using a Quranic verse, which suggests Muslims should not choose non-Muslims as leaders, in order to trick people into voting against him.

Prosecutor Ali Mukartono said the governor had "spoken a lie" and insulted Muslims, adding Indonesia’s top clerical council had declared his remarks blasphemous.

National World article continues

Terrorist Bombing Kills 25 Christians at Egyptian Church, 49 Wounded

by SooperMexican

The Right Scoop

The “religion of peace” is showing their tolerance towards Christians again, this time in Cairo, Egypt.

Watch below or view on Youtube using this link.  

More from Reuters here 

Persecution Unveiled has been called by God to prick the consciences of this nation and all free people to speak up and act on behalf of those who have no voice.  Follow us on  Pinterest, and Google; like us on Facebook, and visit our website using this link.  

satan Invades Elementary School in Tacoma, Washington

satanic temple of Seattle to Start ‘After School satan club’ at Public Elementary School

By Matthew Hrozencik
CNS News

(CNSNews.com) – The satanic temple of Seattle (TST) announced on Tuesday that it plans to start an “After School satan club” (ASSC) at Point Defiance Elementary School in Washington State’s Tacoma Public Schools District.

The satanic group withdrew its previous request to start the club at Centennial Elementary School in the Mount Vernon School District after learning the club would not be able to meet until several hours after school let out due to other after-school activities sponsored by the district.

Continue reading this article using this link 

 

Parents are deeply worried about a satan club that targets 6-year-old children, and is scheduled to open at the Point Defiance Elementary School in Tacoma WA on Wednesday, December 14.

“No one wants this club; we don’t want a group that identifies itself with satan to have access to our children,” said Point Defiance parent, Jennifer Droubay. (11/11/16, The News Tribune).

A prayerful protest against the satan club in front of the Point Defiance Elementary School is scheduled for December 14th. If you live in or around this area, please plan to join them for this peaceful, prayerful protest.  

Victory: Atheist Attacks Against National Motto Dismissed in Federal Court

By Laura Hernandez, ACLJ

Black Robe Regiment

An Ohio federal district court yesterday dismissed Michael Newdow’s lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the National Motto. As we previously noted, atheists, represented by Michael Newdow, argued that the mere presence of the National Motto on currency violates their Free Speech and Free Exercise Clause Rights. 

Plaintiffs asserted that carrying currency equated to governmental compulsion to speak in support of the National Motto and to bear a “religiously offensive” message, in violation of the Free Exercise Clause and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

With your support, we filed a critical amicus brief on behalf of 50 Members of Congress, and the Committee to Protect the National Motto, which consisted of over 120,000 ACLJ members, urging the court to dismiss the Plaintiffs’ lawsuit. We argued that “while the First Amendment affords atheists complete freedom to disbelieve, it does not compel the federal judiciary to redact the national motto from the Nation’s currency.”

We also explained to the court that “Plaintiffs’ quarrel is essentially with a foundational principle of America,” and “the national motto simply echoes the principle found in the Declaration of Independence that our freedoms come from God and not the state.” 

Our brief argues further that neither the free speech rights nor the free exercise rights of atheists are impaired by seeing the National Motto on the currency. Placing the National Motto on currency does not force atheists to do anything. The National Motto is the government’s message and no one would attribute that message to atheists or to any other person who happens to carry money. 

National Black Robe Regiment article continues 



Persecution Unveiled has been called by God to prick the consciences of this nation and all free people to speak up and act on behalf of those who have no voice.  Follow us on  Pinterest, and Google; like us on Facebook, and visit our website using this link.  

The Last Gasp of the Cradle Christians?

“My faith is stronger. We only have God now. Tell [Americans] I live every day with a smile and as if it is my last.”

This past December, IGE's Chris Seiple greets Sarah,

 a 95-year-old refugee at a shelter in Erbil

By Chris Seiple
Christianity Today

Tell them that we Christians exist. We are the bridge between East and West,” said Felomain Nassar-Batshone, program manager, at International Orthodox Christian Charities, Amman, Jordan.

The story never changes. Whenever ISIS terrorists approach an Iraqi or Syrian village, Christians are given a fateful choice: They can stay and pay a tax to ISIS. They can convert to Islam. They can be martyred as Christians. Or, they flee.

We Americans would do well to remind ourselves that these Christians are the original church. They are in the cradle of Christianity. They are from the part of the world where the Good News was born and raised from the dead. These Christians also know that ISIS is but the latest attempt since the 1915 Armenian Genocide to rid the land of its resilient Christian community.

Last summer, they fled with nothing but the clothes on their back. A year later, that’s still all they have. Basim Alqassab, a Nineveh Plain Christian now in Amman, told me, “We live without salaries or hope of return to our homes. Our hearts feel fatigued and distressed with sadness and injustice.”

The only thing certain is their faith. In the last seven months, I have visited the region four times, traveling through northern Iraq, Lebanon, and Jordan. I have met hundreds of Christians living amidst terrible conditions. In each and every case—where it would be so easy to feel the absence of God—they declare themselves closer to God.

Christianity Today's story continues

Persecution Of Christians At An All-Time High In India: Has The World Stopped Caring?

A Christian holds a candle during a vigil to show solidarity with the nun who was
raped during an armed assault on a convent school, in New Delhi March 16, 2015.

By Sarah Stone
Christian Today

Samari Kasabi, a 55-year-old Christian, was recently stripped naked, beaten to death and then burnt by her neighbours in her village in the Chhattisgarh region of India. It is feared she was murdered for being a Christian.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has made speeches underlining that his government gives 'equal respect to all religions', has this week won the Reader's Poll for TIME person of the year – being seen by 18 per cent of voters as the person who has had the largest global impact over the last 12 months (beating all other nominees by more than 10 per cent). Yet, under his government, Christians in India are facing increased violence, attacks and restrictions.

India ranks at number 17 on Christian charity Open Door's World Watch List this year – the highest it has ever been. The Rev Dr Richard Howell of the Evangelical Fellowship of India says that, "Political Hinduism has arrived and majoritarian persecution has begun... Every week there are three to four incidents of mobs attacking Christians."

Indian church planters supported by UK charity BMS World Mission have reported being imprisoned, forced to flee their homes and attacked because of their faith and their work sharing the gospel. Some have even had family members murdered. New converts have been subject to acid attacks, violence and exclusion from their communities.

Anti-conversion laws are now in place in five states in India. These laws target only conversion away from Hinduism, becoming a Hindu is seen rather as a 'home-coming'. According to Open Doors, even in some states where there is currently no anti-conversion law, such as Maharashtra and Jharkhand, there are still structures in place to monitor and restrict Christians. 

Christian Today story continues

CHRISTMAS GREETINGS :FROM FRIENDS OF LIBERTY BLOG GROUP 2016

Christmas Countdown :

How Many Days Till Christmas

For more use link below 
Merry Christmas From Friends Of Liberty Group Blogger's

"Fixer Upper" Hosts not Only Ones Being Bullied

from the Independence Law Center

You’ve probably heard about the controversy with the HGTV show "Fixer Upper" and a news article bullying the show's hosts, Chip and Joanna Gaines, because of their church's view on marriage. But do you know about some of the bullying happening in various parts of Pennsylvania?

• Selinsgrove – without school board approval and without informing the parents and students, the district changed their policy to allow boys to use the girls locker rooms and shower facilities, and vice versa. The board just fired the school solicitor for its bad advice, but has not yet stopped the practice of permitting people to use restrooms of the opposite sex. Students and parents alike are facing significant bullying simply for desiring common-sense privacy for all students.

• Carlisle – On December 8th, Borough Council is considering passage of an ordinance similar to the laws that have been used to both fine and shut down businesses because of the owners' views on marriage. Businesses and schools would also be forced to open their bathrooms to members of the opposite biological sex. 

• Statewide – The Freedom From Religion Foundation has begun a campaign sending letters attempting to intimidate football players and coaches at various Pennsylvania Public Schools and demanding investigations into pre-game rituals across the state.

• Oil City – A public park bench (pictured, right), donated by the VFW in 2003, is being removed after a complaint because it had the inscription, “Men Who Aren’t Governed by God, Will Be Governed By Tyrants.”

• Franklin – A letter was sent to city officials saying there is "an illegal display of a Christian Nativity scene" on public property and asking for its removal.

• Harrisburg – Out-of-state billionaires are hiring top lobbyists to push troubling legislation that would impact your personal privacy and religious freedom.

Are you tired of seeing your neighbors bullied for their faith? Pennsylvania should be a welcoming place for a diversity of beliefs and viewpoints while still providing for the freedom of expression and the protection of fundamental freedoms like personal privacy. We are working hard to provide critical legal advice and representation to Pennsylvanians facing bullying for their faith.

Be proactive: There are steps you can take to defend against those who choose to bully others for their faith.

First, if you or someone you know is being bullied for your faith or forced into accepting policies that threaten your personal privacy, know that there is a legal organization in Pennsylvania in place to serve you. The Independence Law Center is available to offer insights and legal assistance, free of charge, in cases involving religious freedom and personal privacy. Click here to contact the Independence Law Center online or call 717-657-4990. 

Second, here are a few resources related to specific areas of bullying through school or government policy:

1. School Board of Directors: What you can present to any school board member as it relates to the "Dear Colleague" letter sent by the Obama administration and Title IX funding:

• The U.S. Supreme Court Took the Case!: Schools can continue to maintain biologically distinct locker rooms, bathrooms and showers while waiting for the Supreme Court to rule on the issue next year.

• Letter, Independence Law Center: Your school has no obligation to abandon biologically distinct bathrooms, showers and locker rooms.

2. City Council Members

• Our team has various resources available if your community is considering an ordinance that threatens personal privacy and religious freedom. Contact our team directly for help: 717-657-4990.

3. State Government

January 23, 2017 - that's the first day of the two-year State Legislative Session. As we approach that date, be sure to understand what the troubling legislation that threatens personal privacy and religious freedom is all about:

• The Real Impact on People of Faith (HB1510/SB974 was the legislation this session.) 

• Defend My Privacy - Understanding the proposed legislation.

The Independence Law Center uses skilled litigation, policy development and education to defend your rights to exercise religious and other First Amendment freedoms. Victories range from allowing the gospel to continue to be shared through Joy El Ministries to representing Conestoga Wood Specialties in their religious freedom victory at the U.S. Supreme Court with Hobby Lobby.

If you, your pastor or someone in your community is in need of help defending their religious freedom or personal privacy, get in touch with the Independence Law Center:


Phone: 717-657-4990
Online Form: Click here
Website: independencelaw.org

Persecution Unveiled has been called by God to prick the consciences of this nation and all free people to speak up and act on behalf of those who have no voice.  Follow us on  Pinterest, and Google; like us on Facebook, and visit our website using this link.  

Mexico 'In Denial' Over Thousands Of Evangelicals Forced Out Of Homes

At least 30 families from the Tuxpan de Bolaños area of Mexico were forced to
leave in January 2016 because their evangelical faith was seen as a threat,
according to World Watch Monitor Open Doors International

By Harry Farley
Christianity Today

Mexico has been accused of a "policy of denial" over the thousands of evangelicals forced out of homes for their beliefs.

According to the Mexican Commission for the Defence and Promotion of Human Rights, more than 287,000 cases of forced internal displacement took place in the last five years. But the UN-accredited National Human Rights Commission puts the figure at around 35,000.

However, Pedro Faro Navarro, director of the Fray Bartolomé de Las Casas Human Rights Center, disputes both numbers and accused the government of "making up the figures", according to World Watch Monitor. And he says the government is in denial about the number of people forced to move because they left the traditional Catholic Church for branches of evangelical Protestantism.

"There are some who speak of more than a million people," he said. "For the time being, what we know for definite is that the lowest number is always the official one." Many families have to leave their homes and nobody comes to count them, he added.

The problems between evangelical Christians and traditional communities are not uniform, said Faro. Some involve religious differences but others also involve political power struggles. "Each case is different and has to be well analysed," he said, according to the persecution watchdog.

Faro said the government is ignoring the situation because to admit a problem would mean having to confront it. He said the Mexican government would not intervene because it was trying to encourage foreign investment in territories "where there are indigenous villages that are practically for sale".

Christianity Today story continues 

Britain BANS Heroic Bishops: Persecuted Christian Leaders from War Zones Refused Entry

The Archbishop of Mosul Nicodemus Daoud Sharaf, left, was denied entry in the UK

By Caroline Wheeler
The Express

Three archbishops from war-torn Iraq and Syria have been refused permission to enter the UK despite being invited to London to meet Prince Charles.

The Christians, including the Archbishop of Mosul, were told there was “no room at the inn” by the Home Office when they applied for visas to attend the consecration of the UK’s first Syriac Orthodox Cathedral.  Last night the decision was described as “unbelievable” by critics who pointed out that extreme Islamic leaders had been allowed visas.

The Prince of Wales addressed the congregation at St Thomas Cathedral in London last week, while both the Queen and the Prime Minister sent personal messages of congratulations.

Prince Charles, who has previously described the persecution of the Christians in the Middle East as a “tragedy”, used his address to highlight the suffering of Syrian Christians.

But the welcome did not extend to Nicodemus Daoud Sharaf, the Archbishop of Mosul, nor to Timothius Mousa Shamani, the Archbishop of St Matthew’s, which covers the Nineveh valley in northern Iraq, who were refused UK visas to attend the event on November 24.

The UK also refused to grant a visa to Archbishop Selwanos Boutros Alnemeh, the Archbishop of Homs and Hama in Syria.  In his case the British embassy told him that it would not waiver from its policy of not granting visas to anyone in Syria.

The men were also told they were denied entry because they did not have enough money to support themselves and they might not leave the UK.

Last night the leader of the UK’s Syriac Orthodox Christians Archbishop Athanasius Toma Dawod condemned the decision. 

He said: “These are men who have pressing pastoral responsibilities as Christian areas held by IS are liberated. “That is why we cannot understand why Britain is treating Christians in this way?”

Dr Martin Parsons, head of research at the Barnabas Fund, an aid agency which has helped more than 8,000 Christians escape persecution at the hands of IS, said: 

“It’s unbelievable that these persecuted Christians who come from the cradle of Christianity are being told there is no room at the inn, when the UK is offering a welcome to Islamists who persecute Christians.”

Story of Heroic Bishops continues

'Gays' Target Kim Davis Again After 'Victory for Religious Freedom'

World Net Daily

A same-sex couple is seeking to reinstate its case against the Kentucky clerk who was jailed for refusing to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples.

The case against Kim Davis, Ermold vs. Davis, was one of three dismissed earlier this year, including one that put Davis in jail for six days. Together, the dismissals were hailed as “a decisive victory in her fight for religious freedom” by her defender, the non-profit Liberty Counsel.

The legal group said Friday the plaintiffs in Ermold were seeking to force a “winner take all” decision between same-sex “marriage” and religious liberty.

The Ermold v. Davis plaintiffs appealed the trial court’s dismissal of their case, which never sought a marriage license and only sought to recover money damages from Davis.

In a brief, Liberty Counsel is asking the appellate court to affirm the dismissal.

“The Ermold plaintiffs only ever wanted money and attention from their suit against Kim Davis, and their attempt to reopen the appeal is nothing more than a desperate attempt to harass Davis and needlessly reopen a settled controversy,” said Mat Staver, founder and chairman of Liberty Counsel.

This is a ‘Hail Mary’ pass that doesn’t have a prayer. Kim Davis won a great victory for religious liberty, and the appellate court should refuse to reopen the case it previously dismissed,” said Staver.

World Net Daily's article continues

BuzzFeed Attacks Chip and Joanna Gaines for Being Christians

Kira Nelson
CitizenGO team


Recently, BuzzFeed published a hit piece on stars of the reality TV show “Fixer Upper” Chip and Joanna Gaines. What is the Gaines’ great crime? They attend a Bible-believing church that teaches that sex is intended for marriage and that marriage is between a man and a woman.

The headline essentially reads: Christian couple attends church that teaches Christian doctrine. Shocker!

The entire purpose of the BuzzFeed article is to shame and tear down this wonderful couple just for being Christians. Let’s tell BuzzFeed we will not accept this kind of hateful, unprofessional writing. Being Christian in America is not a crime!                                              

The liberal media and particular pop news sites like BuzzFeed have become increasingly hateful towards Christians in the last few years. This attack on the Gaines’ for their personal religious convictions constitutes harassment and should be unambiguously denounced by all decent Americans.

In the BuzzFeed article published Tuesday, author Kate Aurthur states, “Their pastor considers homosexuality to be a ‘sin’ caused by abuse — whether the Fixer Upper couple agrees is unclear.” The purpose of this article is to attack Christians for attending a Christian church and to force the Gaines’ to publically state their position on marriage—which will likely result in the left spewing more hate at this couple simply for not aligning with the new sexual orthodoxy.

In an age that claims to love diversity, our nation is quickly labeling as ‘heresy’ any traditional notions of Christian morality. A celebration of diversity, except when someone disagrees with you, is no diversity at all. It’s tyranny. Our pluralistic society that once lauded different religions and viewpoints is quickly attempting to ban the Christian faith from the public sphere.

Liberal sexual ethics are becoming the new religious orthodoxy in our country. Worshipers of the god of sex will sacrifice anything or anyone who opposes (or whose pastor opposes) sex without restrictions. As Christians, we must hold firm to the truth that the Bible teaches about sex in marriage, and we must support one another when attacked. Please take a moment to sign this petition to BuzzFeed stating that we are disappointed by their hateful, unprofessional writing.

                        

 

Persecution Unveiled has been called by God to prick the consciences of this nation and all free people to speak up and act on behalf of those who have no voice. Follow us on Pinterest, and Google; like us on Facebook, and visit our website using this link.

The Providence College Mob Comes for Anthony Esolen

by Emmett McGorarty & Jane Robbins
Crisis Magazine

Those who doubt that orthodox Christians risk persecution should consider the case of Anthony Esolen. A prominent scholar of Renaissance literature, Esolen authored a widely used translation of Dante’s Divine Comedy. He writes books and essays incessantly, contributing to Magnificat, Crisis magazine, and other publications and online outlets that take seriously Christianity and human excellence. Perhaps the best description of his writing is “luminous.” In other words, he is exactly the type of person the totalitarian Left wants to silence.

Esolen is under fire for being Catholic and not having the sense to keep quiet about it. The particular objects of the current Jacobin outrage are two articles Esolen wrote for Crisis—one discussing campus movements for “diversity” and how they unfold at a Catholic college, and the other challenging faithful Catholics and other Christians to consider how they’ll respond when (as the headline-writer put it) persecution comes. For Esolen, that time is now.

Continue reading article here 

Persecution Unveiled has been called by God to prick the consciences of this nation and all free people to speak up and act on behalf of those who have no voice.  Follow us on  Pinterest, and Google; like us on Facebook, and visit our website using this link.  

Egyptian Muslim Radicals Destroy Coptic Christian Properties

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi greets Egyptian Coptic

 Pope Tawadros II, head of the Egyptian Coptic Orthodox Church. 

By Mark Woods
Christian Today

Muslim radicals have attacked properties and homes belonging to Coptic Christians in Egypt after rumours circulated about a church being constructed.
According to International Christian Concern, the attacks took place in Manshiet El-Naghamish village located in the Sohag Governorate in Upper Egypt.

More than 2,000 Coptic Christians live in the village, with the nearest church being over three miles away. When Christian villagers in El-Naghamish built a four-storey building to be used as a community centre, preschool and retirement home, Muslims in the vicinity assumed that the building would become a church. 

While the Christians in the village have applied for a permit to build a church, they are still awaiting approval from the government. Leaflets called on local Muslims to attack the community were distributed after the local bishop was asked to preside over a prayer meeting.

Samir Nashed, a Christian resident of El-Naghamish, told ICC: 

"On Friday [at] noon, November 25, following the Muslim prayers, a great deal of fanatic Muslim young men, some of them were carrying gas canisters and rocks while others came armed with automatic rifles, clubs, machetes and knives, they attacked Copts and Coptic-owned houses."

Christian Today continues 

Persecution Unveiled has been called by God to prick the consciences of this nation and all free people to speak up and act on behalf of those who have no voice.  Follow us on  Pinterest, and Google; like us on Facebook, and visit our website using this link.