Muslim attackers kill 17 Nigerian Christians

(Source: VOM) Kurume Dodo, a Christian settlement in Bogoro Local Government Area of Bauchi state witnessed a horrific attack by Fulani Muslims on May 5. Villagers were ambushed by their attackers who came in large numbers with various weapons, unleashing their attack on both the young and old. Seventeen Christians were killed. As a result, many Christians in Kurume Dodo have deserted their homes and taken refuge in neighbouring villages.

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Hundreds have died in clashes in Nigeria following national elections last month in which Goodluck Jonathan, a Christian, won the presidential poll against a Muslim, Muhammadu Buhari. There are fears that the same Muslim groups that have been attacking Christian villages in and around Jos may have moved into the southern part of Bauchi state where 90 percent of Christians in the state reside. A representative from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) who spoke with VOM sources confirmed that many villages are under serious threat. Please pray for Christians in Kurume Dodo and all of northern Nigeria who are suffering severely because of their faith. Pray for the families of those who have lost loved ones. Pray the Lord will provide comfort and the grace to overcome violence and hatred with love and forgiveness. You can post a prayer for Nigerian Christians on our Persecuted Church Prayer Wall. Read more about the persecuted Church in Nigeria at the Nigeria Country Report.

Syrian Christians increasingly vulnerable amid power struggle

(Source: Australian Evangelical Alliance Religious Liberty Commission) Fears for the safety of Syria's Christian population have been on the rise amid the "Arab Spring" -- the pro-democracy uprisings sweeping the Middle East and North Africa since March. The Syrian regime is allied to Shia Iran and Hezbollah; however, the nation's population is 90 percent Sunni Arab, adding to fears that intense sectarian conflict similar to that in Iraq could arise in the country. (The two predominant sects of Islam are Sunni and Shia. A majority of Muslims is Sunni with the smaller percentage of Shia Muslims living in Iran and Iraq.) If such a struggle ensues, Syria's 1.4 million Christians (6.3 percent of the population) could be in the same vulnerable, threatened position as Iraq's now almost annihilated Christian community, especially if the current regime under President Bashar al-Assad loses control. (In fact, Syria hosts hundreds of thousands of Assyrian and Chaldean Christian refugees from Iraq.) Consequently, Syrian Christians are maintaining a very low-key approach both politically and religiously. They kept their observance of Easter very quiet this year, cancelling traditional public processions and celebrations. The on-going riots have not been sectarian yet, being rooted in grievances that are social (repression and inequality) and economic (unemployment plus massive fuel and food price hikes). Ask God to embolden, comfort and encourage all Syria's Christians with His presence. Pray followers of Christ in Syria will be a strong witness to their family, friends, neighbours and their oppressors, seeing the current unrest as an opportunity to evangelize. To learn more about the trials facing Christians in Syria, visit the Syria Country Report.

Pakistani Christians oppose Muslim appointment to replace slain Christian Minorities Minister

(Source: International Christian Concern) Pakistani Christian leaders are opposing the appointment of Riaaz Hussain Pirzada, a Muslim, to the position of Federal Minister for Minorities Affairs (FMMA). Pakistan's Christian leaders are concerned that the appointment of a Muslim will be a further blow to the rights of religious minorities, as the FMMA's job is to represent religious minorities and their interests to the federal government. Islamists assassinated the former FMMA, Shahbaz Bhatti, on March 2, for opposing the country's blasphemy laws. In a press statement, Naveed Walter, President of Human Rights Focus Pakistan, said, "In a scenario when minorities are facing persecution, the appointment of a Muslim minority minister has revealed the true face of Pakistan's government. It has also sent a message that it is prepared to placate fundamentalists by giving the post to a Muslim." Please pray for believers in Pakistan, that they will keep their eyes on Jesus, persevere in their faith, and not grow weary or lose heart (Hebrews 10:32-39). Pray the Lord will raise up Christian leaders who are ready to speak up for the Christian minority in a way that acts as a witness for the gospel. Pray for Riaaz Hussain Pirzada and all who are in authority in Pakistan. To learn more about the trials befalling Pakistani Christians, visit the Pakistan Country Report.

Islamic extremists attack churches in Cairo

(Source: Compass Direct) At least 12 people were killed and more than 200 wounded when members of a conservative Muslim movement attacked two churches and surrounding Christian-owned homes and businesses in Cairo on May 7. Salifis, a hard-line Islamic movement with extremist tendencies, set fire to one of the two church buildings, leaving most of it gutted. The attack in the neighbourhood of Imbaba was one of many recent assaults on Coptic Christians by members of the Salafist movement. The attack on St. Mina Church came after a rumour spread that a Coptic woman who allegedly converted to Islam was being held in the church against her will. The mob also entered the Virgin Mary Church, setting it ablaze. A few men were in the building when it was attacked. All escaped except for one, Salah Aziz, the church attendant, who died in the fire. Pray the Lord will bring comfort to those mourning the loss of loved ones and healing to those who were injured. Pray for religious and political stability in this nation. Pray the Lord uses this incident of violence to bring about great change for the Christians in Egypt. To find out more about the suffering of believers in Egypt visit the Egypt Country Report.

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