Crucifixes can be displayed in EU schools
Crucifixes can be displayed in school classrooms across the European Union, the Court of Human Rights has ruled. The decision overturned a previous ruling that the crucifix could breach the rights of non-Catholic pupils. The case was initially brought in Italy by Soile Lautsi, a Finnish-born mother whose two children attended a state school and objected to crucifixes being present in every classroom. In November 2009, the court in Strasbourg sided with Mrs Lautsi, ruling that the presence of religious symbols violated the children's right to secular education and to ‘freedom of thought, conscience and religion’. In Friday's final ruling, the court decided that ‘while the crucifix was above all a religious symbol, there was no evidence before the court that the display of such a symbol on classroom walls might have an influence on pupils’. The ruling will be binding on all 47 countries that are members of the Council of Europe, the continent's human rights watchdog. (See Prayer Alert 4509) Praise: God for this ruling and answer to prayer. (Pr.25:11) More: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/8391092/Crucifixes-can-be-displayed-in-EU-schools.html
Pakistan: Christians killed in church attack
Two Christian men were shot dead in an attack on a Pakistan church by Muslim youths on Monday 21st March. Father of four Yunis Ilyas (47), whose family is supported by a Barnabas Fund feeding programme, and newly-wed Jameel Masih (21) were killed on the spot during the incident at a church in Hoor Camp, Hyderabad. Two others were injured; one of them, Sadiq Masih, was transferred to a hospital in Karachi, where he is in a critical condition. The incident started when Muslim youths shouted vulgar abuse at Christians arriving for a prayer service at the church. The pastor and a number of other Christians remonstrated with the boys, but they continued insulting the Christian girls. The Muslim aggressors left the scene but returned shortly afterwards with pistols and fired at Christians as they were coming out of the church. Pray: for more of God's protection over believers in Pakistan, asking Him to comfort the many who are grieving and fearful after surviving attacks. (Is.63:9) More: http://www.barnabasfund.org/two-christians-shot-dead-in-pakistan-church-attack.html
Saudi Arabia: Christian persecution
Saudi Arabia, a strict Islamic nation, has a long history of cracking down on Christians. On March 22nd two Indian Christian men working in Saudi Arabia were sentenced to 45 days imprisonment for allegedly trying to convert Muslims to Christianity. Vasantha Sekhar and Nese Yohan were detained ten days earlier in Riyadh on charges of proselytizing. Advocacy group International Christian Concern (ICC) said the workers were arrested to keep them from practicing Christianity privately in their home. ‘These two Christians have faced false charges and with false evidence, the Saudi government continues to engage in an array of severe violations of human rights as part of its repression of freedom of religion.’ ICC director told BosNewsLife in a statement. While in prison awaiting trial, their apartment was ransacked by Saudi security forces, and the men face uncertainty regarding their future. Pray: that in spite of discrimination the truth of the Gospel will spread and be understood; and Saudi negative references to Christians will end. (Is.56:7,8) More: http://www.bosnewslife.com/16173-saudi-arabia-detains-indian-christians-for-proselytizing
Israel: Attacked by 54 rockets
Palestinian militants fired 54 rockets into Israel on Saturday. Meanwhile Hamas police beat up and confiscated equipment from reporters. On Monday, an IAF fighter jet struck a Gaza tunnel running along the border with Israel, as well as Hamas militants in the northern Gaza strip. IDF office released a statement saying that the Gaza tunnel was used to smuggle terrorists into Israeli territory with the intent to execute attacks against Israeli citizens see: The violence comes amid increasing calls for reconciliation between Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and his bitter rivals, the Islamic militant group Hamas. Abbas is seeking U.N. recognition for a Palestinian state by autumn and is lobbying for votes worldwide. Hamas also used force to disperse a reconciliation rally in Gaza. Israeli residents were advised to stay at home or in bomb shelters. Pray: for the strengthening of all civilians living under the continual threat of border attacks. (Ps.16:1) More: http://www.aolnews.com/2011/03/19/hamas-fires-missiles-into-israel/
