ORISSA VIOLENCE Update as of September 2, 2008

According to the National United Christian Forum (NUCF), consisting of Catholic, Mainline Protestant, and Evangelical Churches, “Over 50,000 people have been displaced, over 4000 homes destroyed and 20 [probably more] Christians killed .” The NUCF also noted that the police were indifferent to the violence and allowed Christian villages to be the target of pillage and arson.

About 13,000 Christians have sought refuge nine relief camps. Systematic violence has affected about 200 villages, many churches of all denominations, as well as orphanages, schools, hospitals, etc., have either been damaged, completely destroyed, or burnt down. As the violence continues unabated, the NUCF has called for September 7 as a Day of Fasting and Prayer.

According to the Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFI) update (September 2), the Catholic Archbishop of Cuttack (Orissa) has appealed to the Supreme Court for a CBI investigation into the violence against Christians and has also requested that the matter be pursued by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). The matter is in progress.

Meanwhile, there seems to be a general press embargo in the affected areas. The news that comes through is primarily from Christian correspondents. The EFI correspondent informed that “on September 1, 2008 in Mandasara, Kandhamal a church and 82 houses were torched. Two Christians suffocated and charred to death in the burning church.” Further, a local newspaper from Orissa reported the latest information that a total of six more churches were burnt down.

The city of Dehradun, like many others in India, organized a Peace March attended by several thousand Christians from the city and nearby areas. As Christians all across India stand united in prayer, we pray that Christian all over the world will unite with us. Will you join us in prayer?

This update provided by WRF member Dr. Matthew Ebenezer