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.

Website: Christiantoday.com

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.  

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.  

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 Post article continues

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

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.

Click here to read another article from LifeSite News on this story

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.  

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.

Website: Christian Today

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.

Life News report continues

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.  

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.'

Christian Today continues

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.

Christian Post 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.  

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.  

Assistant Principal Who Bullied Pro-Life Students Placed on Leave

By Trey Elmore
Church Militant

An assistant principal at Downington STEM Academy in Pennsylvania was caught on video harassing and threatening young pro-life students. A video published April 26 shows 16-year-old Conner Haines and his 19-year-old sister Lauren holding up pro-life signs on a public sidewalk near the high school. Assistant Principal Zach Ruff is shown yelling and cursing at them, cursing Jesus Christ, and admitting he is "gay as the day is long."

The high school has placed Ruff on administrative leave following the incident, issuing the following statement:

We have begun a thorough investigation into this unfortunate situation and have placed the staff member on administrative leave. We do not condone or support the conduct expressed in the video and are deeply disappointed that this incident occurred. His conduct does not represent the values of the school district or the respect we expect our employees to show for the civil rights of others.

This has now become a personnel matter, and we must follow the policies and procedures that we have in place concerning staff issues. We truly apologize to all for the actions of this employee.

Church Militant reached out to the high school for comment and contact information for Ruff. The email given to Church Militant ended up being non-functioning.

Throughout the confrontation, Conner spoke to the passing vehicles about abortion. Ruff walked up close to the student, stuck his finger in the teenager's face and snapped, 

"Don't talk to my students! I will call the police if you don't shut up."

A moment after Ruff began standing in front of the two activists, Conner remarked that the unborn victims of abortion are imagebearers of God. Ruff shouted, "You can go to Hell, where they are, too!"

When Conner told Ruff that children were being murdered, Ruff spun around and barked "They're not children; they're cells."

Ruff repeatedly threatened to call the police on the teenagers, accusing them of harassment. The first time Conner spoke the name of Our Lord, Ruff got in his face and said,

"Listen here, son, I'm as gay as the day is long, and twice as sunny. I don't give a f*** what you think Jesus tells me and what I should and should not be doing."

Conner didn't back down: "Jesus can set you free from your sins. It's the truth; it's the Gospel. He died on the Cross.

Church Militant article continues

Comments for the school? Call 610-269-8460 (ask for public relations) and Drexel Univ at 215-895-1965.  Mr. Ruff is a PhD student at Drexel.

Blogger's Note: God bless Conner and Lauren who did not back down from this person in authority. In attempting to intimidate them, he made a fool of himself. They stood their ground with grace and holy boldness; sharing the truth about Jesus and these babies being 'imagebearers' of God.  

Pray for this man's soul that their powerful message of salvation would pierce his heart. May he be saved and set free from the darkness and lies of the enemy.

TV Anchor Astonished by Egyptian Christian's Forgiveness for Husband's Killers

By Andy Walton
Christian Today

The forgiveness shown by a Coptic Christian woman to her husband's killers has rendered an Egyptian TV host speechless. [Blogger's note: please view video below of the powerful testimony of this wife's forgiveness and the stunning response from the TV anchor.]

Samira Fahmi's husband Naseem was one of the victims of the Palm Sunday bombings which targeted St Mark's Cathedral in Alexandria.

Appearing on Egypt's ONTV she said during an interview: 'I ask the Lord to forgive them and let them try to think...May God forgive you and we also forgive you. Believe me, I forgive you.'

The response left the news anchor Amr Adeeb temporarily stunned. When he regained his composure, he said, 'Egyptian Christians are made of steel... Egyptian Christians for hundreds of years are bearing many atrocities and disasters. The Egyptian Christian deeply loves his country ... how great is this amount of forgiveness you have?'

The attack on St Mark's Cathedral killed 17 people and responsibility was claimed by ISIS. It is the latest in a long line of vicious attacks on the ancient Coptic Christian community, which makes up around 10 per cent of the population of Egypt. Pope Tawadros, the spiritual leader of the Copts, was in the cathedral at the time, marking Palm Sunday. It is thought Naseem Fahmi may have been one of his security officers.
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Copts are one of the most ancient Christian communities in the world, tracing their history back to St Mark, believed to have founded the cathedral at Alexandria 20 years after the resurrection of Jesus.

Website: christiantoday.com

You can watch the video here:

Pastor Arrested Over 'Extremist' Josh McDowell Book 'More Than A Carpenter'

By Mark Woods

Christian Today

A pastor in Tajikistan has been arrested on charges of 'extremism' for having a book by a well-known US Christian author. 

Bakhrom Kholmatov is a pastor in the Sunmin Sunbogym (Good News of Grace) Protestant Church, whose congregations have been raided by secret police. He was arrested at his Khujand church in April.

The church is an officially registered congregation. However, according to the Forum 18 news service, authorities put pressure on the congregation in an attempt to close it. 

'Officers insulted the believers by shouting and swearing at them. They demanded that they renounce their faith and leave the Church,' members of the congregation said. They claimed some were beaten and others forced out of their jobs.

According to Forum 18, officers of the secret police told members that the words of hymns and Christian books, including More Than A Carpenter by American author Josh McDowell, were 'extremist'.

Among the 'extremist' hymns were ones with lyrics saying, 'Praise God, oh the godless country,' 'God's army is marching' and 'Our fight is not against flesh and blood'. Church members pointed out that the words of these songs are references to texts in the Bible.

Christian Today article continues

Blogger's note: 'More Than a Carpenter' has been used by God to bring countless souls to faith in Christ. Link to Josh McDowell's bio. 

Please pray for Pastor Bakhrom Kholmatov and his congregation as they face persecution for their faith in Christ.

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.  

Most Persecuted Christians: Evangelicals, Pentecostals

More than 90,000 Christians were murdered last year, with 30 percent of them being slaughtered by Islamic terrorists in the name of jihad.

By Michael Haverluck
One News Now

A newly released study reveals that evangelicals and Pentecostals are persecuted more than any other Christians on the face of the planet – a fact that is mainly credited to their passion to evangelize … even in regions that are hostile to Christianity.

According to research published by Notre Dame University’s Under Caesar's Sword project, the two groups of Christians are targeted most for violence, affliction, oppression and even death because of their zeal to share and live out their faith.

“Protestant evangelical and Pentecostal Christians are more likely to be persecuted than mainline Protestants, Catholics, Orthodox Christians or other Christians associated with ancient churches,” Notre Dame’s report titled “In Response to Persecution” report disclosed. 

 “In response to persecution, evangelical and Pentecostal Christians are more likely to engage in strategies of survival or – on rare occasion – confrontation.”

Other religious groups rooted in the Christian faith and tradition are less likely to draw attention to their beliefs – that are in conflict with other religions where they live – meaning that they are more prone to blend in with the prevailing religious culture and traditions in a way that does not offend others.

“Mainline Protestant, Catholic and Orthodox Christians, on the other hand, are more likely to respond through strategies of association,” the report continued.

Read more compelling facts disclosed in this and other reports

The Mutation of Anti-Semitism and Boycott, Divestment & Sanctions Campaign

By Rabbi Jonathan Sacks

Rabbi Jonathan Sacks served as Britain’s chief rabbi from 1991 to 2013. He was recently named as the 2016 Templeton Prize Laureate. His latest book is Not in God’s Name: Confronting Religious Violence

Mutation of Anti-Semitism

Yom HaShoah – the day in the Jewish calendar set aside for Holocaust remembrance – takes place on 27th Nisan which this year corresponds to the evening of Sunday 23rd and Monday 24th April 2017. But how has antisemitism mutated over time? And why does its return today present a danger not just for Jews, but for all who care about our common humanity?

In recent months and years we have seen the return and rise of antisemitism across Europe and around the world.

But how has antisemitism mutated over time? And why does its return today present a danger not just for Jews, but for all who care about our common humanity? Please watch and share my new whiteboard animation and this important message.

Watch You Tube: the Mutation of Anti-Semitism

Boycott, Divestment & Sanctions (BDS) Campaign

The Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) campaign against Israel is dangerously wrong because beneath the surface it's an attempt to delegtimize Israel as a prelude to its elimination. No Jew and no humanitarian can stand by and see that happen. Let me explain why.

Watch You Tube: Boycott, Divestment & Sanctions Campaign

Supporters of BDS are waging a political, economic, cultural, and ideological campaign to delegitimize the State of Israel.

Dr. James Dobson Urges Christians to Flee Public Schools

Dr. James Dobson, Pro-Family Advocate

By Michael F. Haverluck

One News Now

Renowned pro-family advocate Dr. James Dobson is imploring Christian parents across the United States to pull their children from public schools and protect them from the progressive anti-Christian teaching by homeschooling them and putting in church-run schools.

The founder and president of Family Talk says he is “shocked” by the declining values held by the generation of young American adult voters (18 to 34-year-olds) – Millennials who have been promoting the immoral agenda they have learned over years and decades past … one that works to erode the Christian faith of today’s youth, according to a WND report.

When recently speaking with Exodus Mandate Director E. Ray Moore, Dobson discussed the topic of homeschooling, which was just a trace movement in the tens of thousands back in the 1970s when he founded Focus on the Family. But now, the homeschool movement has grown to more than 2 million children – with some estimates, such as one given by the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI) indicating that the number could be as high as 4 million.

Answering God’s calling

The evangelical Christian leader told Moore – whose organization’s mission is to motivate Christian parents to homeschool their children or enroll them in church-run Christian schools – that he realized the biblical call for parents to teach from home after he began his Christian ministry as a teacher and psychologist a few decades ago.

“When he was introduced to the idea – that the biblical mandate for parents to ‘train up a child in the way he should go’ was no more or less than a call for Christian parents to instruct their own children – or have them in church schools that would teach morality – it immediately struck a chord,” WND’s Bob Unruh reported.

Dobson stressed that this bit of wisdom for parents from Proverbs 22:6 lit a new flame in him for homeschooling.

“It was like putting a match to gasoline [for me],” the conservative activist told Moore in a recent series of Family Talk broadcasts. “I got it. I saw it.”

In their conversation, Moore indicated that Dobson was partially responsible for the uptick in homeschooling that began in the 1980s.

Millennial Mayhem

Since then, Dobson says schools have gotten much worse in indoctrinating children in a godless, anti-Christian agenda disguised in progressive curricula found in public education.

Those children who have been subjected to Leftist propaganda in schools in decades past are today’s Millennials – the group of voters that Moore says would have put 2016 Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton in the White House … if it were not for older generations tipping the ballot scales for her Republican rival, Donald Trump.

One News Now article continues

US Pastor Charged for 'Illegal' Bible Study in Russia Appeals to European Court of Human Rights

Pastor Don and Ruth Ossewaarde

By Joseph Hartropp

Christian Today

A US Baptist pastor found guilty of 'conducting illegal missionary activities' in Russia has taken his case to the European Court of Human Rights.

Donald Ossewaarde held weekly Bible meetings at his home in Oryol, Russia for years before 'anti-terrorism' laws were used to charge him with conducting illegal activity. He was found guilty and given a fine of 40,000 rubles (over $600).

He has made several appeals, including one to the Russian Supreme Court, all of which have been unsuccessful. Today he filed his appeal, citing the violation of religious liberty, to the European Court of Human Rights, with the support of ADF International, a legal organisation that advocates for religious freedom.

'Freedom of religion is one of the most fundamental rights. Nobody should be persecuted because of their faith. Despite the Russian Constitution guaranteeing freedom of conscience and religion for all, Donald Ossewaarde has been charged with a criminal offence for holding a peaceful Church service in his own home,' said Laurence Wilkinson, Legal Counsel for ADF International and leading lawyer on Ossewaarde's case.

She added: 'His conviction is a hugely concerning development for religious freedom across Russia in general, and for Christian missionaries in particular.'

Ossewaarde, an American citizen, is the first US missionary to be charged under the so-called 'Yarovaya' counter-terrorism legislation introduced in July 2016. Policemen came to his home on August 14, 2016, to interrupt the 'illegal' Bible study he and his wife were hosting, then took him to the local police station to be charged.

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.  

Christians Homes Set on Fire in Muslim Mob Attacks on Believers in Egypt

A relative of one of the victims reacts after a church explosion killed at least 21 in Tanta, Egypt, April 9, 2017. 

By Samuel Smith

Christian Post

Three homes were burned down and eight Christians were injured when a Muslim mob attacked a Christian community in the town of Kom el-Loufy in Upper Egypt while on their way home from a prayer gathering, a leading persecution watchdog has reported.

According to International Christian Concern, eyewitnesses have said that a large group of radical Muslims attacked the Christian community last Thursday — one day before Good Friday — soon after Christians held a prayer service at a local Christian man's home.

The witnesses recalled that the attack occurred around 10 a.m. as the worship service was letting out.

"Then, a mob of Muslims gathered and began to attack us and our homes," an unnamed witness detailed. "They hurled stones at our homes and set fire on three houses owned by Christians named Issa Saroufim, Marris Botros and his father, Faris Faris."

The witnesses added that a Christian woman broke her arm, while another woman suffered a broken leg and six Christian men suffered various other injuries.

"We asked local security authorities to grant us a permit [to] hold prayers and they agreed," the source added. "They granted us a permit to hold these prayers and the security forces came to secure the mass."

Another witness told ICC, that last Thursday's attack occurred in front of security forces.

"All these attacks occurred despite the presence of police in the village. There are eight big cars from the central security and more than 15 police cars," the witnesses claimed. "I don't know why the police haven't arrested anyone who attacked us until now."

The attack on the Christian community in Kom el-Loufy, which consists of over 1,800 Christians and doesn't have a local church, comes just four days after two churches in northern Egypt were victimized by twin suicide bombings claimed by the Islamic State that killed 45 and injured 126 on Palm Sunday.

Christian Post report continues