Persecution Unveiled Cause

Persecution Unveiled Cause
Click on the Picture to visit our Facebook site

Click on the Picture to visit our Facebook site

Persecution Unveiled has established this cause to educate people about the persecution of Christians and religious minorities in the US & worldwide. Mission Raising awareness to the growing tide of bigotry and hatred toward Christians around the world has become a burden on those trying to wake up those who cherish religious freedom as a God given right. 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. Email
persecutionunveiled@gmail.com

Saturday, May 27, 2017

'We Trust Jesus to Walk with You': Persecuted Christians Around the World Pray for Manchester

By Ruth Gledhill
Christian Today

Normally, it is Christians in the West who are accustomed to being asked to pray for their persecuted brothers and sisters around the world.

But now, persecuted Christians are themselves joining in prayer – for the victims of the Manchester terror attack.

According to the Christian persecution charity Open Doors, believers in some of the countries where it is most dangerous to be a Christian have shared their messages of support.
'It is precisely because they live under the constant threat of terrorism and violence that they are able to empathise with all of those caught up in this terrible attack,' said Open Doors.
One nun in Pakistan, who has helped many victims of terror in her own country, said: 
'I was a student in Manchester for three years. There, God called me to serve his Church. There I met people who prayed for the persecuted Church. I was moved by how believers really did pray for those who are suffering.
'Today, my team and I remember our praying friends and family in the UK. Today, we assure you that in your pain and grief and shock, in the trauma and tragedy of it all, we are standing by you and trusting Jesus, Emmanuel, to walk with you and comfort you and wipe your tears. We journey together.'
A pastor from Bangladesh said:
'I am shocked to hear this news as the UK is a highly protected country. I'm praying for the affected people and their families; may God pour His love and blessing over them. May God change the minds of the people who are behind the brutal attack, that they may also be caught by the fear of God. At the same time, we praying for our country, that God will save us all from these kinds of attacks.'
A church worker in Malaysia said: 
'I pray for those who have lost loved ones that God will comfort them in their sorrows. I also pray that this tragedy will help open our eyes to see the great need to share the truth of Jesus to all; for only His love can help them lay down their bombs.'
A young Christian, also from Malaysia, said: 
The first thought that came to my mind after I heard the bombing was "Why did he do it?" I cannot understand the reason why that man blew himself up and took the lives of others as well. But I can understand how you, our brothers and sisters in UK, feel. My heart goes out to you and I pray for God to comfort you in your grief.'
Photo of secret church leaders in Vietnam praying for
Manchester, blurred to protect identities. (Open Doors)

Christian Today Continues With prayers for Manchester Victims

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.  

Wednesday, May 24, 2017

Exclusive: Senior Jewish Leaders Intervene in Holocaust Denial Row at University


By James Macintyre
Christian Today


A heavyweight group of national Jewish leaders is demanding that Manchester University removes books by the Holocaust denier David Irving from 'open access' in its main library.

A letter appealing to Manchester's vice chancellor Dame Nancy Rothwell will been sent this week, jointly signed by the Jewish Leadership Council, the Board of Deputies of British Jews, the Holocaust Education Trust, the Union of Jewish Students and the Community Security Trust.

The intervention marks a major boost for the ongoing campaign to persuade the university to change its position, led by Rowan Williams, the former Archbishop of Canterbury, Irene Lancaster, an eminent Jewish academic, and Guy Wilkinson, Dr Williams' former interfaith adviser.

It follows a letter sent last month by Dr Williams alongside repeated requests from Dr Lancaster as well as the local Labour MP, Graham Stringer, and coincides with a separate letter this week from local councilor John Merry on behalf of the City Mayor of Salford, who writes: 'As a local councillor who represents thousands of Jewish residents I feel personally very upset about this unfortunate situation.'

Dr. Williams wrote that the issue needs 'urgent attention' and warned that the current arrangement of Irving's work 'could be experienced as threatening by Jewish members of the University'. In response, the university said it was considering re-cataloguing the books but refused to move them from open display in the John Rylands library.

In their new letter, addressed to Dame Nancy, the Jewish leaders write: 'We understand that you have already received multiple complaints regarding these books and are yet to take appropriate measures. 


David Irving was labelled by a High Court Judge as an antisemitic, racist Holocaust denier in 2000 when he lost his libel case against historian Deborah Lipstadt. Irving was subsequently sentenced to three years in an Austrian prison following speeches in which he referred to the "gas chambers fairy tale" and called the Holocaust a "myth". 

More recently he spoke at a far-right event in London where, according to press reports, Auschwitz was compared to Disneyland and the death of Jo Cox was referred to as "cheery news". The fact that his writings can be found on the same shelves as books by legitimate historians is not just an insult to the victims of the Holocaust and their descendants, but also risks these books being endorsed as accurate historical fact.'

The Jewish leaders then call on the university to follow the example of Churchill College, Cambridge who in February removed Irving material followed a complaint by Lancaster, and other institutions such as neighbouring Manchester Metropolitan University who do not show Irving books on open display.

They appeal for the university immediately to remove all Irving literature from open-access shelving; appropriately label these books as being authored by a convicted Holocaust denier; re-catalogue the books; and permit access to such material on application for the purposes of genuine academic research.

'We firmly believe that these steps are wholly appropriate to ensure that these books are not seen as legitimate historical resources but are still available for academic purposes,' the Jewish groups write. 'The University of Manchester has attracted Jewish students from across the UK for many years and we feel that it is therefore of great importance that you are seen to take this matter seriously.



Catholic Priest and Parishioners Held Hostage by Islamist Terrorists in the Philippines

Filipino Priest, Fr. Chito Suganbob, has been kidnapped,
alongside others, by Islamist terrorists
By Joseph Hartrop
Christian Today

A Filipino Catholic priest and some parishioners have been kidnapped and taken hostage by radical Islamic terrorists.

Today the president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) appealed for prayers for the victims of the attack in Marawi City in the Philippines, according to ABS-CBN News.
'Fr. Chito Suganob and others were in the Cathedral of St Mary's when members of the Maute fighting group forced their way into the Cathedral, taking with them Fr. Chito and others as hostages,' CBCP president Archbishop Socrates Villegas said in a statement. He added: 'They have threatened to kill the hostages if the government forces unleashed against them are not recalled.'
The Maute group – radical Islamist militants – reportedly broke into Suganbob's house in the compound, kidnapping the priest, his secretary, two students and at least ten parishioners.
'At the time of his capture, Fr Chito was in the performance of his ministry as a priest. He was not a combatant. He was not bearing arms. He was a threat to none. His capture and that of his companions violates every norm of civilized conflict,' Bishop Edwin dela Peña, Prelature of Marawi Diocese told radio DZMM.
The hashtag #PrayforMarawi has been used, and archbishop Villegas implored fervent prayer for Fr. Chito and rest of the hostages. He also asked the government to 'make the safety of the hostages a primordial consideration', while Marawi officials continue to assess the abduction and their response.


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.  

Saturday, May 20, 2017

School to Teacher: Don't Pray for your Colleagues

This is the state of modern America's hostility
to religion, and it doesn't look good. 


By Tony Perkins
Family Research Council


For those questioning the claim that the public expression of faith is under attack, actions by public school administrators in Augusta, Maine should school them well on the issue. School officials have assumed the authority to decide that teachers are not allowed to let their colleagues know they are praying for them -- even in private conversations. It makes you wonder if they are still allowed to pray for them at all. Perhaps the school's next steps will be to investigate their thoughts!

Teacher Tony Richardson informed a colleague who was facing some difficulty (and who also attended the same church as her) she would be praying for him. 


Yet months later after a falling out between her and the colleague, a complaint was lodged against her, and the school gave her a "coaching memorandum" which told her that "[s]tating 'I will pray for you,' and 'you were in my prayers' is not acceptable—even if that other person attends the same church as you." 

In making such statements, according to the school, she "may have imposed some strong religious/spiritual belief system" on the prayed-for coworker.

This is the state of modern America's hostility to religion, and it doesn't look good. From our military to government bureaucrats, public schools to the mass media, the indifference, ignorance, and outright opposition to a robust and serious faith in God is pervasive -- and ever increasing. 

FRC 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.  

Wednesday, May 17, 2017

Ravi Zacharias: Christians Must Reject 'Tepid' Christianity as 'Scorching Paganism' Rises in West


By Brandon Showalter
Christian Post


A renowned apologist is urging the Western Church to spurn comfortable Christianity and instead emulate the prophet Daniel, who made several key decisions to avoid becoming corrupted in a deeply evil society.

Ravi Zacharias noted on Friday at the World Summit in Defense of Persecuted Christians that his calling is to hostile audiences, often like those one finds on secular university campuses. Addressing victims of persecution and their advocates was a bit unusual for him, he said, even saying he felt it was "audacious."

But his calling and this particular subject and speech Friday presented an irony.

"Who would have ever thought that of all the nations in the world now I have to go with security on the campuses of the United States?" the apologist asked.
Zacharias said he received threatening letters from "strongly atheistic groups," noting that he recently spoke at an Ivy League school with body guards present. He even heard from a Christian friend in Jakarta, Indonesia, who wrote him that morning saying that he and fellow Christians would be praying for him.
"Things have changed," he noted, highlighting the challenges of the day which come "in many garbs because of the resistance to the absolute claims of the living God."
"They will mock you, they will ridicule you, they will try to throw division in the ranks, and when all else fails they will use force."
Such was the case for the prophet Nehemiah when he tried to build the wall, he said.

Yet the resistance to the claims of God is not new and cunning leaders have strategized to erase them. But over time those whom God has marked for His purposes have prevailed.

Christian Firefighter, Axed for Sharing His Faith, Now Heading to WA High Court


By Mark Martin
CBN News

A Christian firefighter will go before the Washington Supreme Court later this year, fighting for his religious rights.

The Pacific Justice Institute (PJI) has filed a legal brief on Capt. Jonathan Sprague's behalf, arguing that the Spokane Valley Fire Department fired him because he had expressed religious views.
"His offense was failing to self-censor his religious expression, which the SVFD called insubordination and unbecoming conduct," PJI said in a press release.
Sprague is encouraged that the state's high court wants to review his case after a lower court ruled against him.
"It's considered to be good news if you got a decision against you at a lower level," Sprague's attorney, Matt Albrecht, told The Spokesman-Review. "That tells you there is some reason they want to review it."
Sprague wants his job back after being fired in 2012. The conflict centered around e-mails and the use of an electronic bulletin board.

The Fire Department sent out newsletters from an employee assistance program covering topics such as family conflict, suicide, compulsive gambling, and eating disorders. The electronic bulletin board included posts by employees selling concert tickets and seeking babysitters.
"But when Sprague made announcements or sent e-mails with Scripture references—some on the very same social topics introduce by the fire department—he was disciplined and ultimately fired," PJI says.
Sprague filed a lawsuit to get his job back, arguing the fire department violated his First Amendment rights by placing restrictions on his emails and not other non-work-related messages. His case was tossed from lower courts.

Even so, Sprague said he was optimistic because of a strong dissent filed in the Court of Appeals case, according to The Spokesman-Review. Judge George Fearing argued that Sprague's emails were not different from health and wellness emails sent around by the fire department.
"The Spokane Valley Fire Department had no compelling, let alone important, interest in restricting Jonathan Sprague's speech," Fearing wrote.
CBN News article continues


Tuesday, May 16, 2017

Catholic Teacher Faces Dismissal at Catholic School for Quoting St. John Bosco on Islam




John Ritchie
TFP Student Action, Director



Can political correctness get worse than this?

Fact #1: Mark Smythe is a well-liked Catholic teacher at Blessed Trinity Catholic School in Ocala, Florida. He recently used Saint John Bosco's writing on Islam in his 6th grade social studies class.

Fact #2: The leftist Huffington Post found out that Saint John Bosco's writings were critical of Islam and immediately went public, attacking the teacher for sharing it.

Fact #3: The Office of the Superintendent of Catholic Schools -- with the support of the Human Resources Department of the Diocese of Orlando -- has reportedly not only reprimanded Mr. Smythe for using Saint John Bosco in class, but also threatened to dismiss him from his job. (The Catholic World Report)

You and I cannot allow true Catholic teaching to be CENSORED at Catholic schools.

Please Click Here to Politely Urge the Catholic Superintendent NOT to fire Mark

For the record, Mark Smythe is known for his loyalty to the Catholic Church.

"I have know Mark for many years," posted Debbie Hoffman Sosnicki. "He does not have a mean bone in his body..." she said. "It is my hope and prayer that Mark will come through this witch hunt and be allowed to continue teaching at Blessed Trinity, and support his wife and family."

In short:

Mark used a catechetical text by Saint John Bosco, a famous educator. The lesson was simple, true, yet politically incorrect: 'Mohammad was an immoral man who used violence to spread his religion.'

Mark got reported. The leftist media want his scalp.

But Dr. Jacquelyn Flanigan, Associate Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Orlando -- instead of standing by Mark – reportedly sided with the leftist media, and reprimanded him for "disrespect" to Islam. Even more mindboggling: Dr. Flanigan reportedly issued a statement, claiming that Mark's action was “not consistent with the teachings of the Catholic Church.” (Huffington Post)

Finally, diocesan officials urged Mark to sign a reprimand notice. He was told to acknowledge his "wrongdoing" or face the consequences: Dismissal. And since Mr. Smythe, in conscience, cannot say he was wrong without reneging his Faith, he refuses to sign the reprimand.

I think you're probably as perplexed as I am:  A Catholic instructor at a Catholic school can't quote a Catholic Saint without facing dismissal? What's going on? This is not only troublesome. It is profoundly unjust.

I believe Mark is suffering persecution. But "blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matt. 5:10).  Thank you for fighting the good fight.





Bloggers Note:  We have watched in horror the stories and pictures of Christians in the Middle East being persecuted and murdered by islamic infidels (yes, they are the true infidels) the last few years.  Now we are seeing 'soft' persecution come to our own backyard; and to have it done by fellow Christians is alarming. 

If we do not stand up for our faith here in the USA, our county will soon face the same type of persecution as our brothers and sisters in the Middle East.   I urge everyone to share this article with all your contacts and please, sign the petition using the link in this article.  

How much longer can we expect Our Lord to hold back his anger? Please take action before it's too late!!! 
 
TFP Student Action is a project of the American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family and Property. Founded in 1973, the American TFP was formed to resist, in the realm of ideas, the liberal, socialist and communist trends of the times and proudly affirm the positive values of tradition, family and private property. The American TFP was inspired by the work of the Brazilian intellectual and man of action Prof. Plinio Corrêa de Oliveira. For more information on this organization, please click on this link.  


Monday, May 15, 2017

Over 8 in 10 Americans reported to be concerned about nation's moral decline


By Andy Walton
Christian Today


More than eight out of 10 Americans are concerned about the direction of moral behaviour, according to LifeWay Research.

LifeWay found that 81 per cent of people who responded to its survey agreed with the statement.  I am concerned about declining moral behavior in our nation.

There is some variation in how strongly held this belief is, though. Nearly half (46 per cent) of respondents said they 'strongly agree', while 35 per cent said they 'agree'.

LifeWay is part of the conservative Southern Baptist Convention and regularly polls Americans about their views on social, political and economic issues.

There are several other findings in the research which point to differences among different groups of Americans on the topic. For example, the research says that on the issue of declining moral standards, 

  • Christians (85 per cent) are more likely to agree than Other Religions (70 per cent) and Nonreligious (72 per cent)
  • It also points out that, 'Protestant Christians (89 per cent) are more likely to agree than Catholics (82 per cent)
  • Meanwhile, those with Evangelical beliefs (91 per cent) are more likely to agree than those without evangelical beliefs (79 per cent)
Lifeway spokesperson Scott McConnell told the Christian Post: 'We are shifting very fast... We are not all on the same page when it comes to morality. And we haven't reckoned with what that means.

Friday, May 12, 2017

Professor Caught Instructing Students to Deface and Erase Pro-Life Group’s Sidewalk Messages


By Steven Ertelt
Life News


Alliance Defending Freedom attorneys representing a pro-life student organization filed suit in federal court Thursday against a Fresno State University professor who instructed students from his class to join him in defacing and erasing the group’s sidewalk chalk messages that affirmed life.
“No university professor has the authority to roam the campus, silencing any student speech he happens to find objectionable and recruiting students to participate in this censorship,” said ADF Legal Counsel Travis Barham. 
“Like all government officials, professors have an obligation to respect students’ free speech rights. And they should encourage all students to participate in the marketplace of ideas, rather than silencing those with whom they happen to differ. The professor’s actions here represent a flagrant violation of the First Amendment.”
In April, the Fresno State Students for Life received permission to chalk positive, life-affirming messages on the sidewalks leading to the university’s library. As its members finished chalking these messages on the morning of May 2, Gregory Thatcher, a public health professor, confronted them and falsely alleged they could not chalk messages near the library, and could only express themselves in the so-called “free speech area.” (The university eliminated this speech zone in June 2015.)

After club president Bernadette Tasy explained she had university permission to chalk messages in that spot, Thatcher announced that he would return to erase the messages shortly. He then recruited at least seven students from his 8:00 a.m. class to erase and deface the pro-life chalk messages. 

When Ms. Tasy reminded him that the club was acting with full permission, Thatcher walked over to one of the pro-life messages and began erasing it himself, claiming that he was exercising his free speech rights. And he erroneously proclaimed, “College campuses are not free speech areas.” The enclosed video documents Thatcher’s hostile statements and actions.


Thursday, May 11, 2017

Erdogan Urges Muslims to Swarm Temple Mount to Save Jerusalem from ‘Judaization’


By Deborah Danan
Breitbart


TEL AVIV — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday urged Muslims to visit the Temple Mount to act as a counter to the “insult” of “occupied Jerusalem,” and called Israel a “racist and discriminatory” state that is reminiscent of apartheid.


Erdogan also met with Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah to work on “unifying efforts to protect Jerusalem against attempts of Judaization,” the independent Palestinian Maan news agency reported.



“We, as Muslims, should be visiting Al-Quds more often,” he said, referring to Jerusalem by its Arabic name.

“As a Muslim community, we need to visit the Al-Aqsa Mosque often, each day that Jerusalem is under occupation is an insult to us,” he stated at the opening ceremony of the International Forum on al-Quds Waqf in Istanbul.

Breitbart article continues

Blogger's comment: As one who has toured Israel, it's troubling to hear the rhetoric from a world leader against the State of Israel and Jerusalem in particular. The Temple Mount has been sacred to Jews for centuries before Muslims have claimed it as a holy site.  

During the 1967 Six-Day War, the Israeli Defense Forces conquered Jerusalem and liberated the Temple Mount, reclaiming Jewish control over the area for the first time since the destruction of the Second Temple. Source: Jewish Virtual Library/Temple Mount.



Franklin Graham Laments Global 'Christian Genocide', Claims 100,000 are Killed Annually for Their Faith


Franklin Graham Speaking at the
World Summit in Defense of Christians
By Joseph Hartropp
Christian Today


Franklin Graham has called Christians to stand against the global 'Christian genocide', saying that 100,000 believers are killed every year for their faith.

Graham, president of Samaritan's Purse and an outspoken conservative evangelical commentator, was speaking as he opened a four-day conference in Washington to draw attention to the suffering of the persecuted Church, according to Religion News Service.

'It is safe to say over than 100,000 a year are killed because of their faith in Christ. In the last 10 years that would be close to a million people. It's the equivalent of a Christian genocide,' he said.
'I am sure the number of Christians who are in prison or martyred each year would stagger our mind if we really knew what the total number really was. And it would send us to our knees in sorrow and in prayer.'
It isn't clear what Graham's figures – which the conference called a conservative estimate –are based on.

Open Doors, which also advocates for the persecuted Church, estimates that about 4,000 are annually killed for their faith.


'In the name of tolerance, Christians are often treated with intolerance because they stand for moral purity and they stand for God's truth. In the name of patriotism, Christians are often treated as unpatriotic because they follow a higher authority, almighty God,' Graham told his audience at the World Summit in Defense of Christians.
Graham highlighted the spectre of global persecution as well as the 'threat' of militant Islam to the Church.

Around 600 people from 136 countries have gathered for the conference, which draws delegates from regions of persecution such as Egypt, Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, South Sudan and the Central African Republic. On Thursday the assembly will host US Vice President Mike Pence.


Christian Today 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.  

Tuesday, May 9, 2017

Martyred for their Faith Throughout the Ages, Coptic Christians Continue to Die for Christ Today

Coptic Pope Tawadros II attends a Vespers Service during his visit to the UK

By Ruth Gledhill
Christian Today


Most people in Egypt oppose the persecution of Christians, the leader of the Coptic Orthodox church said during his visit to the UK.

Pope Tawadros II was speaking at the Coptic Cathedral of St George in Hertfordshire after a shocking rise in attacks on Christians in Egypt in which dozens have died, including church bombings on Good Friday where he himself was a target.

But Pope Tawadros said it is not just Christians, but Muslims and others who are also being attacked – anyone in fact who presents a life of cohesion and community to the world.
'We are being persecuted by some who do not want us to remain in the Middle East, but it is by no means the majority of Egypt. We have seen police officers, soldiers and simple men and women, not only Christians but Muslims, also dying. This targeting is of a cohesive way of life,' he said.
In his address, delivered at a service of Vespers, Pope Tawadros linked Egypt's rich history to the way in which many Coptic Christians remain steadfast in their Faith today.
'In the same way Coptic Christians have given their lives in martyrdom throughout the ages, they continue to be killed for their faith today. Both teachings and martyrdom have contributed to the preservation of the Christian faith.'
He also voiced concern about how terrorists use technology.
'This dynamic has contributed to the increased violence and terrorism we experience in our world today. Together we must work to present the love of Christ for everyone, in any place, at any time.
 Therefore, we in Egypt depend on the words which Saint Paul, who instructs us that "Love never fails" (1 Corinthians 13:8). Our relations, whether inside or outside Egypt, must depend on the notion that "love never fails" and we must present love in action.'

Saturday, May 6, 2017

ISIS Warns of New Attacks on Egypt's Christians, Tells Muslims to Stay Away

Relatives mourn victims of the Palm Sunday bombings
during a funeral at the Monastery of Saint Mina in Egypt

By Anugrah Kumar
Christian Post

Terror group Islamic State's local leader in Egypt has issued a warning to Muslims, asking them to stay away from Christian gatherings and suggesting that it would launch new attacks on "legitimate targets."

"We are warning you to stay away from Christian gatherings, as well as the gatherings of the army and the police, and the areas that have political government facilities," the anonymous leader said in an interview with Al Naba, a weekly newspaper published on Telegram by Islamic State, according to Reuters.

The warning comes weeks after the Palm Sunday bombings at churches in Alexandria and Tanta, which killed 45 Christians, and days after the visit of Pope Francis to the country.

Islamic State, known as IS, ISIS, ISIL or Daesh, claimed responsibility for the Palm Sunday attacks.

IS also signaled while claiming responsibility that more attacks were coming: "The Crusaders and their tails from the apostates must be aware that the bill between us and them is very large and they will be paying it like a river of blood from their sons, if God willing."

Sinai Province, the name of the local affiliate of IS in Egypt, is seeking to impose a hardline interpretation of Islam in the country, according to the newswire. The group is said to have established its own military force in North Sinai, cracking down on things it sees as vices, such as smoking, men shaving their beards, or women exposing their faces.



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.  

Pakistan Hospital Forces Christian Staff to Attend Quran Readings

Mian Mir Hospital in Lahore, where Christians
were allegedly forced to attend readings of the Quran

By Mark Woods
Christian Today

Staff at a hospital in Lahore, Pakistan, have gone on strike after a Christian member of staff was slapped for refusing to attend a morning reading of the Quran.

The superintendent of Mian Mir Hospital, Dr Muhammad Safraz, allegedly slapped a Christian paramedic. Staff went on strike in solidarity and shut down all the medical facilities at the hospital.

A doctor at the hospital said: 'Such behaviour is embarrassing for all hospital staff, the discrimination is not only limited to this incident; we are witnessing discrimination against Christians staff members daily.'

According to Pakistan's Express Tribune, non-Muslim staff are forced to recite verses of the Quran at morning meetings and those who refuse are marked absent and lose pay.

Fahad Ahmed, a Muslim paramedic, told the Tribune: 'I don't know why the administration is forcing our Christian brothers to do this. This is totally unacceptable.'

A senior law enforcement official who asked to remain anonymous said extremism among doctors and other paramedical staff was nothing new and urged the health department to frame a code of conduct to avoid any such incident in future. 'The issue of Mian Mir hospital is just a small manifestation and also serves as an alarm bell,' he concluded.

At only 1.6 per cent of the population, Christians are a tiny minority in Pakistan and frequently face discrimination and intimidation. The country's repressive blasphemy laws, widely condemned by human rights activists, are used to punish Christians and other minorities for any perceived slight on Islam and are frequently used to settle scores against minorities.


Christian Today 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.  

Blog Archive