Sources: Forum 18, Release International
On January 9th, Greater Grace Protestant Church in Azerbaijan's capital of Baku lost its final appeal against closure. This means that any further religious activity carried out by the church is now considered illegal according to the recent Supreme Court ruling. Unfortunately, those representing the congregation no longer have any more options available to further challenge this ruling through the court system.
During the brief hearing, the appointed judge disregarded the church's appeal against an earlier court order that mandated its closure for violating the 2009 Religion Law. This harsh law requires that all religious communities re-register, including those previously registered through the Justice Ministry. Without state permission, such operations are considered illegal and, therefore, fined accordingly. (Fines for violations against the Religion Law have increased dramatically since 2010.) The outcome of this case now sets a worrying legal precedent for other Christian churches in Azerbaijan. For previous reports, go to the Azerbaijan Country Report.
Pray for the members of Greater Grace Church as they now consider their future. In the process, may they experience a strong sense of God's presence, in addition to His wisdom and guidance in this situation. Also pray that Azerbaijan's state officials will put an end to the abuses against religious rights, including those officially upheld in the country's constitution.
INDIA: Tribal Christians Brutally Beaten
Sources: Release International, Morning Star News, Times of India
As a result of two recent attacks by Hindu extremists, more than 100 Christian villagers have been forced to flee from Tamsai (in Thane District of Maharashtra State) for "rejecting their tribal identity." Apparently, the Hindu nationalists involved in the attacks were angered that these converts to Christianity no longer practised their traditional tribal religions. Equally alarming is the fact that about 20 police officers failed to intervene, but rather passively stood by, prompting concern of anti-Christian bias being represented by the police force.
The first brutal assault took place on December 30th when the believers did not participate in a festival celebrating a tribal deity. Many of these victims fled from their homes after being beaten with wooden clubs. More recently, a large mob of extremists physically assaulted a group of Christians who met to worship in a private home. Prior to these attacks, local Christians were receiving unfair treatment from their neighbours by being denied access to water, firewood and their monthly supply of grains at the local ration shop. To learn more about the challenges experienced by fellow believers in India, check the India Country Report.
Pray that God's perfect love will drive out all fear from the hearts of these suffering tribal Christians. Ask Him to bring healing and comfort to them, especially after experiencing brutal attacks of persecution. May those in authority uphold and properly defend the religious rights of all citizens in this area, serving as a catalyst of peace between the different faith groups.
RUSSIA (Chechnya): Completion of Bible Translation Provokes Extremists
Source: Religious Liberty News Bulletin
While Chechnya (Chechen Republic) presently consists of about 1.4 million people, less than two percent of the population reflects its former predominant Russian leadership and citizenship. Since President Ramzan Kadyrov came into power in 2007, Sunni Islam has become the main religion. This includes the practice of Sharia law, women wearing traditional Muslim clothing, polygamy and honour killings.
As Christianity is now considered the religion of the Russian people, Chechens who have become followers of Jesus are considered traitors, and thus experience tremendous persecution for their faith (even from their own family members). Many remain secret believers because of the threat it poses to their lives. (A more detailed historical overview and past reports are available at the Russia Country Report.)
Despite this, a remarkable and significant event took place in October of 2012. The first complete translation of the Bible into the Chechen language was presented to the participants of the Second Peacemaking Conference in Grozny (the result of 15 years' translation work). Unfortunately, these advances have also become a source of provocation for radicalized Islamic extremists.
Ask that God will reveal His sovereign deity to the people of Chechnya through this newly translated Bible, while also using it to further strengthen existing believers. May His peace reign, bringing much needed comfort and healing after years of conflict and war. Also pray that He will raise up a new generation of children and young people who will willingly work together to build a new foundation for all to live in peace and harmony.
