Key Scriptures
Current Events
Links about Persecution
Excerpts From The Prophecy Puzzle

Key Scriptures

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Persecution
Matthew 24:9	Further Study
Mark 13:9,11-13	Further Study
Luke 21:12-19	Further Study

In the Blue Letter Bible Click on for Treasury of Scripture,
or click on underlined reference for a list of commentaries.

Current Events and Links

Dozen arrested in alleged terrorist plot against Christian targets

Dec. 13,1999 - Approximately a dozen suspects were arrested in an undisclosed Middle East country for plotting to attack Christian targets in Jerusalem and possibly in Rome during the Christmas and New Year's holidays. Those arrested are said to have ties to Osama Bin Laden's terrorist organization.

Source: CNN

Megiddo warns of millennial violence

Dec. 10, 1999 - Critics fear government may cause, not prevent, mayhem - By David M. Bresnahan

In an October report sent to police chiefs across the nation, warnings have been issued that militia organizations, fundamentalist Christians and racial separatist groups may cause violence at the beginning of the new millennium.

The danger here is that future problems may be blamed on these groups whether or not they are responsible.

"Religious motivation and the NWO (New World Order) conspiracy theory are the two driving forces behind the potential for millennial violence," the report says. "As the end of the millennium draws near, biblical prophecy and political philosophy may merge into acts of violence by the more extreme members of domestic terrorist groups that are motivated, in part, by religion."

Source:WorldNetDaily

The Christian haters

Dec. 3, 1999 - by David Kupelian

The executive editor of WorldNetDaily explains that the idea of "hate crimes" legislation is based "in the long-term plans of activist homosexual organizations to coerce the rest of the world into accepting and embracing the homosexual lifestyle."

He identifies the real target of this movement as the "crime" of making people feel bad by expressing one's own view of the truth. From this point of view, even preaching inside the church that homosexuality is contrary to God's Word can be considered a hate crime.

If Christians can be forced to be silent about sin and salvation they will no longer be true to their beliefs.

Kupelian says:

But the core message, and this is the part those who want to silence Christians really hate -- and I do mean hate -- is not their imperfections. It's the truth of the message that they're at war with.

Is Christianity A Hate Crime?

Nov. 3, 1999 - by Frank York

When the Southern Baptists announced plans to send 100,000 Christians to Chicago next summer to do good deeds and evangelize the city, Chicago's liberal Council of Religious Leaders asked them to reconsider, suggesting that "the outreach might spark violence and hate crimes against minority religious groups in the city."

The council's response " is sounding alarm bells among Christians who fear that merely speaking openly about their core religious beliefs will soon be considered a crime. "

Source: WorldNetDaily

Requiem for Timor 'martyrs'

Nov. 27, 1999 - Three priests, whose bodies were found in a mass grave, were remembered as martyrs. The priests had been accused of political involvement by sheltering people during a violent rampage after East Timor voted for independence on Aug. 30th. Source: BBC News

Boy Sues Upstate School For Expelling Jesus

Nov. 7, 1999 - Seven year-old Antonio Peck of Syracuse drew a poster of Jesus for a classroom assignment. The first version was rejected by his teacher because of its religious content, and a second attempt was displayed with part of it folded over to leave Jesus out of the picture.

The Pecks' lawyer, Mathew Staver, is arguing that a 1995 federal Education Department directive says students may express their beliefs about religion in the form of homework, art, and other written and oral assignments.

The teacher and principal say it is not a question of rights, but that they felt the content of Antonio's poster was not relevant to the assigned subject.

Source:NewYorkPost

Anti-pope sentiment grows as pontiff readies for India visit

Nov. 5, 1999 - Hindus and Christians exchange accusations as militant Hindu leaders conduct a march to protest the upcoming visit of Pope John Paul II to India. Catholics comprise roughly 2.5% of the population of India. Christianity has been growing more rapidly, and the political climate in India has turned against Christian evangelism.

"What we are worried about is that certain parts of India are getting predominantly Christian, with unnatural growth over the last 25 years," said Gen. Vishwas Joglekar, of the Cultural Pride Forum.

Prime Minister Source: BBC News

Nov. 14
International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church

Nov. 1, 1999 - Did you know that there have been more people martyred for their faith in Jesus Christ in the 20th Century than in all the previous nineteen combined?

Source: By Their Blood, by James and Marti Hefley.

This site will give you all the information you need to participate in this special Sunday of prayer.

Religion causing office problems

Oct. 30, 1999 - A Christian employee has been warned not to wish co-workers a "blessed day." If she continues to do so, she has been threatened with severe punishment, including dismissal. Source:Akron Beacon Journal

The Hate Crimes Masquerade

Oct., 1999 - Traditional Values Coalition shows that this type of legislation is anti-Christian and anti-family.

India under fire over Christian rights

Sept. 30, 1999 - By Religious Affairs correspondent Jane Little

In a 37-page report, the Human Rights Watch has accused the Indian Government of failing to prevent violence against Christians. The report catalogues over 100 cases of anti-Christian violence, include the killing of priests, the raping of nuns, and the destruction of churches, schools and cemeteries since January 1998.

The organisation says that attacks against Christians have increased "significantly" since the Hindu Nationalist BPJ party came to power in 1998.

It accuses right-wing Hindu extremist groups close to the BJP of being responsible for most of the attacks.

Source: BBC News

"A Time Such as This"

Sept. 24, 1999 - This Sunday, Sept.26, The CBS series Touched By an Angel will portray the suffering of Christians and others at the hands of the Islamic Khartoum government in Sudan. It begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time. Source: Religion News Today / Freedom House

Bush, thousands mourn victims of Fort Worth massacre

Sept. 19, 1999 - A memorial ceremony for all the victims of last week's shootings at Wedgwood Baptist Church was held at Texas Christian University. The article contains information about each one. Source: CNN

`Shot after shot': Videos captured portions of church massacre

Sept. 18, 1999 - A videotape, presumably made by one of the victims, shows the cold deliberate action of Larry Gene Ashbrook, the gunman who killed seven people in Ft. Worth's Wedgwood Baptist Church before shooting himself. Source: ABC News (Story no longer on line)

8 Dead In Texas Church Shootings

Sept. 16, 1999 - A gunman dressed in black walked into a church service for teens last night (Wednesday), hit the door to make his presence known, and then started shooting both youth and adults, then shot himself. Seven others have died. Source: AP (Story no longer on line)

Militias rampage against Christians in East Timor

Sept. 10, 1999 - Bloody violence has followed the vote by citizens of East Timor to be independent from Indonesia. Christians are especially targeted.

...Armed groups have attacked churches, monasteries, and church-run schools and hospitals to drive out refugees sheltered there, news reports say.

..."Usually churches are safe, but not now," World Vision’s John McCoy told Religion Today. "There is no sanctuary. There are no safe places." The relief-and-development ministry evacuated most its personnel after militia burned its office in Ailieu, and some local workers have gone into hiding.

Source: Religion News Today

Christians face 'harsh prison terms'

Sept. 10, 1999 - Some of the thirty-one underground Chinese Christians detained in Henan province last month will be tried soon. Church leaders expect harsh sentences, up to 10 years for their ministry in the wake of the government crack-down on the non-Christian Falun Gong sect.

A government official said that most of those arrested were released after 're-education."

"The people remaining in custody have not yet been tried and are still under investigation for activities in relation to evil religions," he said, but refused to give the number still detained.

Source: South China Morning Post

India: Catholic priest killing condemned

Sept. 3, 1999 - Politicians join Indian Christians in condemning the killing of a Catholic priest near the area in Orissa where an Australian missionary and his two sons were murdered last January. Source: BBC News

Beware: Don't Spread The
Janet Reno and the "Cultist" Interview

Aug. 9, 1999 - I recently received Email with a new date for a supposed interview with Janet Reno in which she allegedly labels Bible-believing Christians as cultists. As always, I did further research before posting this inflammatory information, and found that it evidently never happened.

If the information was reliable it would indeed be terrifying. Persecution of true Christians is growing, but we must be careful not to lose our credibility by spreading false information. Thanks anyway to the well-meaning people who sent the message, but let's not believe everything we hear. - R.G.

Christian Persecution Report: Breaking News

Latest information from all over the world on this growing problem.

Book by Mom of Columbine 'Martyr' to be TV movie

July 19, 1999 - (In our Revival section)

House Shields Religious Practices

July 16, 1999 - The Religious Liberty Protection Act was passed by the House with a strong 306-118. The Senate will now consider the measure.

The purpose of the bill is to correct recent Supreme Court decisions and lower court rulings which held that that religious practices did not have special rights in the enforcement of laws and regulations.

The Clinton administration is behind the bill as are religious and civil rights groups ranging from the conservative Campus Crusade for Christ to the liberal People for the American Way.

Source: ABC News

Evangelicals suffer as Christian values fade in France

July 8, 1999 - (In our Apostasy section)

The Religious Liberty Protection Act (RLPA-H.R.1691)

May 14, 1999 - Supreme Court decisions have curtailed religious rights to the point that we now need legislation to allow the freedom of Religion we once enjoyed in The United States.

Do you believe in God?

Commentary by Joseph Farah

Littleton Gunman Shot Girl for Professing Christian Faith

April 22, 1999 - A student interviewed on the Larry King program described a scene in the Columbine High School Massacre where a girl was killed for her belief in Christ. According to the fellow student, the girl "completely, completely stood up for God when the killers asked her if there was anyone who had faith in Christ. She spoke up and they shot her for it." Source: Free Daily

Israel:Anti-Religious Freedom Bill Dies For Now

April 14, 1999 - MK Rabbi Pinchasi, who introduced the anti-religious freedom bill, is retiring from the Kenesset, resulting in his bill being withdrawn from consideration. Source: News Report From Jerusalem

Believers becoming targets of hate

April 2, 1999 - Following the attempted mail bombing of pastor John Hagee, new attention is being focused on the persecution of true believers. Michael Horowitz, an Orthodox Jew has written:

The mounting persecution of Christians eerily parallels the persecution of Jews, my people, during much of Europe's history. Today, minority Christian communities have become chosen scapegoats in radical Islamic and remnant Communist regimes, where they have been demonized and caricatured through populist campaigns of hate and terror,

Horowitz wrote in Paul Marshall's book, "Their Blood Cries Out," from Word Publishing.

Source: Kaye Corbett - WorldNetDaily

Charity frees Sudanese slaves

Feb. 22, 1999 - For approximately $50 per person, Christian women and children taken captive in Sudan's civil war may be purchased in Sudan. The Swiss-based organisation, Christian Solidarity Worldwide has just bought freedom for 300 more of these slaves. Source: BBC

Sudan's Church Grows Despite War and Famine

Feb. 22, 1999 - "Persecution, war, and famine make Sudan the country facing the greatest calamity in the world today," according to the international evangelization group AD 2000 and Beyond. In spite of this, 75% of the population in the south is Christian. This is an increase of 10% since 1955. Source: Religion News Today

Persecution causes amazing growth in Ethiopian Church

Feb. 17, 1999 - The population of Evangelical Christians has grown from less than 1% in 1980 to 14% today, even though the church has suffered persecution during much of this time.

...Persecution became a "prime contributor to an amazing spiritual breakthrough," an AD 2000 report says. Churches were shut and Christians were arrested, tortured, and sentenced to years in prison during the 16-year rule of Marxist dictator Mengistu Haile Mariam. The church grew stronger and millions reportedly turned to Christ by the time he was ousted in 1990.

Source: Religion News Today

Persecution List

Feb. 1999 - List from Open Doors International of the status of Christian persecution world-wide. Saudi Arabia is still the worst, followed by Sudan, Somolia, Yemen, North Korea,Laos, Viet Nam, China, etc.

Sixth Anniversary Of Missionary Kidnapping Still Sees Hope

January 31, 1999 - Exactly six years ago Dave Mankins, Mark Rich and Rick Tenenoff were kidnapped in Panama and taken to Columbia. After initial attempts to be paid for their relief, the kidnappers quit communicating, and it is not known today whether they are dead or alive. Source: CBN News

Latest Updates on the Hostage Situation

Murdered missionary's widow to stay in India

Jan. 28, 1999 - Gladys Staines, the widow of an Australian missionary burnt to death by Hindu militants along with the couple's two sons, vowed yesterday to continue her husband's work among lepers in the eastern Indian state of Orissa..

Slain Missionaries Buried In India

Jan. 26, 1999 - Funeral services were held Monday for 58-year-old Australian missionary Graham Stuart Staines and his two sons, Philip and Timothy. They were murdered by a right wing Hindu mob in the Eastern Indian state of Orissa.

It was an atmosphere of gloom and shock as the bodies of , were laid to rest. The funeral procession was led by hundreds of lepers that Staines had cared for over the years.
Staines' widow Gladys and her young daughter Esther sang a hymn as they led mourners in a prayer service.

Source: CBN

Indonesia: 520 churches destroyed in two years

Mon Jan 18 , 1999 -- The Communion of Churches, Indonesia's largest Protestant organization, reports that 520 churches have been destroyed in Indonesia during the past two years because the military and government have not ensured religious freedom for the country's Christians. Source: Weekend News Today

Israel: Christian Groups Attacked

January 18, 1999 - Police are investigating various reports of attacks and threats against Christian groups in Israel. This activity has increased since the deportation of members of the "Concerned Christians" cult and negative TV reporting which grouped all Christians together as extremists. Several Christian groups have denounced date-setting of events relating to the turn of the millennium to try to distance themselves from cults. Source: Jerusalem Post

Mob Sets Fire to 2 Indian Churches

Jan. 2, 1999 - Two more churches were burned by a mob of 50 people in the current wave of anti-Christian sentiment in India's western state of Gujarat. More than 120 people have been arrested for attacks on Christians and churches since Christmas day. Source: Yahoo

Christian-Hindu clashes dampen New Year mood in India

Dec. 31, 1998 - After numerous attacks by radical Hindus on Christian churches in India's Gujarat state, Christian New Year's Eve prayer services were cancelled to avoid further trouble.

Since Friday, 75 people have been arrested and 18 churches, prayer halls or Christian schools have been attacked by mobs wielding axes, iron bars, hammers and stones.

Source: CNN

India Christians: Things Are Worse

Dec. 23, 1998 - In Rajkot, India, a mob of over 300 men stormed a Christian school, collected over 400 Bibles which had recently ben left by visiting Christians, and burned them. This is a continuation of a pattern of violence against Christians by Hindu extremists, fostered by an atmosphere of intolerance that has accompanied the Bharatiya Janata Party's political rise. Source: Washington Post

Christian suffering in India is the worst in 50 years

Nov. 30, 1998 - Explanation of the political climate of India which has led to many attacks on Christians this year.

...The government's goal of making India a Hindu state is the cause of increased persecution, many believe. Attacks on Christians rose after the radical Hindu Bharatiya Janata Party came to national power eight months ago. The BJP, whose slogan is "one nation, one people, one culture," has called Christianity a foreign religion and a holdover from the colonial era. The BJP came to power with promises to make India a world power by uniting its people under Hinduism and developing nuclear arms. Prime Minister Shri Bajpayee is a member, as are several top ministers in the ruling government.

Source: Religion News Today

Enraged Mob Attacks Jews For Jesus Meeting

Nov. 29, 1998 - About 40 people from the Messianic group, "Jews For Jesus" were trapped inside their meeting place yesterday by several hundred ultra-Orthodox Jews who were enraged by rumors that missionaries were baptizing Jewish children.

The article also mentions an attack a few days ago in Kiryat Malachi, where youths from a Chabad high school accosted an American couple whom they suspected were missionaries, and an earlier incident from about two weeks ago when three Swiss Christian women's apartment was ransacked by an ultra-Orthodox group because they suspected they were conducting missionary activities.

All of the victims deny that they are missionaries. The Jews for Jesus group have met in the same place for 17 years and are Jewish just like the people who oppose them. (Source: Ha'aretz)

Indian Christians plan protest day

Nov. 25, 1998 - A nation-wide protest against recent persecution of Christians and Christian institutions in India is is planned for December 4. The events of the day will include a rally at the National Parliament.

Source:BBC and South China Morning Post

More than 70 Chinese church leaders are in jail

Nov. 25, 1998 - The organizaztion Human Rights In China reports increased arrests and torture of Christians in Hunan province. One example:

Cheng Meiying, a Christian leader in northeastern China, suffered "relentless beatings" with a wet rope and police batons before losing consciousness for three days. Authorities have released her, but she has suffered complete memory loss, the group said. "She has no control over her mental state and exhibits the appearance of insanity."

Source: South China Morning Post

Anti-Christian Violence Spreads In India

Nov. 22, 1998 - Hindu fundamentalists attacked the St. Thomas Evangelical Church of India in Mangalore, Karnataka, severely beating the pastor, and molesting women and children, desecrating the church, destroying all church records, and shouting anti-Christian slogans.

In July, members of the Bajrang Dal, a front organization of the RSS, demanded that all Christian-run schools in Karnataka "Hinduize" the institutions.

News of the latest attack came as the United Christian Forum for Human Rights released an "open white paper" in New Delhi on November 24th detailing more than 113 attacks against Christians in India. The chairman of the Forum, Archbishop Alan de Lastic, said violence against the Christian community in recent years had escalated more than ever before.

(Source: Maranatha Christian Journal)

Christian rally against atrocities hits City life

Nov. 12, 1998 - News and picture from a rally of Christians in Bangalore, India, which I saw myself while visiting the city with my friend, Moses Jesudass, Director of Logos Communications, International. Source: Deccan Herald

Ministry Protects Families Of The Persecuted

Oct. 28, 1998 - This is another feature story from Religion Today about persecuted Christians - this time from China. House church leaders are imprisoned and the homes of those who host worship services are sold by the government, leaving them in poverty.

Note: The following article is disputed. See note at bottom of article.
Egyptian police 'crucify' and rape Christians

Oct.. 25, 1998 - Egyptian police reportedly rounded up Coptic Christians under the guise of a murder investigation and have committed attrocities against them.

"However, over the past month, police have reportedly detained about 1,200 Christians in Al-Kosheh, near Luxor in Upper Egypt. Seized in groups of 50 at a time, many were nailed to crosses or manacled to doors with their legs tied together, then beaten and tortured with electric shocks to their genitals, while police denounced them as 'infidels'. An 11-year-old boy, Romani Boctor, was hung upside down from an electric ceiling fan and tortured as the fan rotated. Young girls were raped and mothers were forced to lay their babies on the floor of police stations and watch police beat them with sticks."

Source: Electronic Telegraph

See also earlier storyReligious Persecution Continues In Egypt - Aug. 23, 1998 - Maranatha Christian Journal story about the kidnapping of more than 300 Coptic girls and other attrocities by Muslim fundamentalists.

Note: Only time will tell, but some of this information is strongly disputed by official Egyptian sources:

Arabic News: Egypt incensed at allegations by British Sunday Telegraph of persecution of Coptics

300 Million are persecuted for christ

Oct. 23, 1998 - As Christians prepare to observe a World Day of Prayer for The Persecuted Church on Nov. 15th, we are reminded that there may be as many as 300 million persecuted Christians worldwide. (Source: Religion News Today)

Congress Approves A Law To Fight Religious Persecution

Oct. 12, 1998 - Details from Religion Today

Congress Votes On Christian Persecution

Oct. 2, 1998 - The Religious Freedom Act comes to the Senate today for a vote. If passed, the law will require that economic sanctions be imposed against nations persecuting Christians, Jews, Muslims and others because of their religious beliefs. This CBN article explains that the business community has lobbied against it.

Persecution Continues In Sudan

July 26, 1998 - June raids by the armed forces of Sudan's National Islamic Front (NIF) resulted in the murder and enslavement of more Christians as the African nation as it persues ruthless "Islamization." Relief medicine and food supplies were destroyed, and 600 Bibles recently delivered by the Voice of The Martyrs were burned.

The Islamic government is waging a "jihad" (holy war) against Christians. Of Southern Sudan's original eight million population, more than 1.5 million people have died and more than five million others have been displaced.

(Source: Maranatha Journal)

Vote Expected Today On School Prayer Ammendment

June 5, 1998 - The House of Representatives is scheduled to vote today on the Religious Freedom Ammendment which would restore the right of prayer in schools.

Text of the Bill -
`To secure the people's right to acknowledge God according to the dictates of conscience: Nothing in this Constitution shall prohibit acknowledgments of the religious heritage, beliefs, or traditions of the people, or prohibit student-sponsored prayer in public schools. Neither the United States nor any State shall compose any official prayer or compel joining in prayer, or discriminate against religious expression or belief.'.
H.J.RES.127

Related Articles From CBN News:

America's Public Schools: Religious Freedom or Intolerance of Christians?

Jay Sekulow on Religious Freedom in Public Schools

Guest Interview: William Murray On Religious Freedom in Schools

The son of Madalyn Murray O'Hair, America's most famous atheist, is a born-again Christian and chairman of The Religious Freedom Coalition.

The Istook Ammendment: Protecting Freedom or Dictating Religion?

Later note: The vote was taken in the House. The 224-203 vote had the majority support but failed to capture the two-thirds needed.

Church Bombed In Illinois

May 25, 1998- A bomb was responsible for the blast which injured 33 people at an Assembly of God Church in Danville, Illinois yesterday. Police have leads, but no names were given to the press. (Source: CNN)

Update from ABC News.

Religious Persecution Act Passes House Vote

May 14, 1998 -The U.S. House of Representatives passed the act by an overwhelming 375-41 vote. It had been opposed by the Clinton Administration and by the World Council of Churches.

A Senate version of the bill is under consideration.

Anti Abortionists Treated Like Mobsters

Apr. 25, 1998 - Religion Today's article about a Chicago ruling that accuses Anti-Abortionists of racketeering. (Story no nonger on line)

Religious Persecution Act of 1997

Legislators and the nation debate the pros and cons of this pending legislation.

Read the Text of this pending legislation. It seems good, but there are some who warn that it can be turned against the right to speak out against false beliefs.

What do you think? What have you heard? Email us.

Israeli government considers bill to curb religious freedom

March 20, 1997 - According to Religion News Today, The Kenesset has received a bill which would severely limit Christian evangelism in Israel. It would prohibit "the possession, production, reproduction, importation, and distribution of literature or information which may serve to persuade another to change his religious views or affiliations."

Did you know, today 425 Christians will die as martyrs?

This was from a 1997 article from International Christian Concern. It is no longer available on line. Visit their website to learn how prevalent persecution of Christians is today. Read press releases about actual persecution.

ORGANIZATIONS

American Anti-Slavery Group

Amnesty International

Bible League

Christian Freedom International

Christian Solidarity Worldwide

Christians In Crisis

Freedom House - Center For Religious Freedom

Human Rights Watch

World Report 1999

International Christian Concern

International Day of Prayer For The Persecuted Church 2003

Jubilee Campaign

The Keston Institute - Monitors freedom of religion in communist and post-communist nations

Open Doors International - Brother Andrew

Organization To Stop Religious Persecution Worldwide

Voice Of The Martyrs

World Evangelical Alliance

COUNTRIES

Sudan

Persecution Project

Africa Christian Faith in Action

South Sudan Friends

Excerpts from The Prophecy Puzzle

Persecution

The media constantly characterizes evangelical Christians as the "Radical Right". They attempt to group Christians with the militia movement and other fringe groups.

Publication moguls, such as Time/Life, constantly publish articles derogatory to Christianity. It is rare to find an article that is complementary to evangelical Christians. Even when they cover a truly newsworthy movement such as Promise Keepers or the Christian Coalition, there is usually a negative undertone and the implication that such things may be dangerous.

The government is also guilty of producing a climate of anti-Christian thought by abolishing prayer in schools, disallowing the Ten Commandments on the walls of some public places, allowing abortion, homosexuality, and other practices which have always been considered non-Biblical in our nation until our generation.

There are also serious questions about the handling of the Branch Davidian affair. Was this a test with a group that does not have outside support to see how far public opinion will allow them to persecute "odd" groups?

When Christians do cross the legal lines, as in the case of the Operation Rescue group, punishment for their offense is much more severe than it has ever been for other groups when they resort to "civil disobedience."

The situation is serious enough that there are now several organizations which specialize in protecting Christians against discrimination. The Rutherford Institute, for instance is working to protect people whose children have been taken away without due process or good reason, simply because of their faith. Jay Seculow, and the American Center for Law and Justice handle numerous court cases for Christians whose First Amendment rights of freedom of religion have been violated in the public schools and workplaces of our nation.