Persecution Watch May 31, 2014
Church Properties Damaged in Karnataka
On 18 May in Kundupur, properties of two churches were allegedly damaged by unidentified miscreants.
Our correspondent Rev. Noel Kotian reported that an ornamental pot at the entrance of the Holy Rosary church was found broken and a signpost leading to St. Antony Church in Koteshwar also was found uprooted.
The town police have registered cases in connection with both incidents.
Chapels Damaged in Kerala
On 29 April, suspected Hindu extremists damaged three chapels in Irinjalakuda diocese allegedly as a fallout of the police action when they cleared the way for the “way of Cross’ procession of the Saint Anthony’s Catholic Church resulting in about 25 in custody.
Our correspondent, Rev Noel Kotian reported that on 11 April, the extremists blocked the procession of St Antony’s Catholic Church and recited Hindu hymns. The police intervened and cleared the passage for the procession.
Church authorities said they had taken permission from the temple authorities to let the procession pass through the temple premises and that it was the practice for several years.
However, the extremists claimed that they had objected to the procession as they had the temple authorities’ order for the same. However, the police said that they allowed the procession to pass through the temple premises on the strength of the order of the temple authorities.
Christians ostrasized in Odhisa
In Kalchipudadihi, Deggarh district, alleged Hindu extremists mob excommunicated three tribal Christian families on 28 April.
According to our correspondent Advocate Ramakant Parichha, the extremists excommunicated and deprived three Christian families from enjoying common facilities of the village road, water and forest land because of their faith in Christ.
The extremists spoiled the water well of the Christians by putting dust and garbage. They further have forbidden the Christians to mix or talk to anybody, to take part in any social functions or walk on the main road.
The extremists also threatened to snatched away the Govt. land allotted to the Christians, to cancelled their BPL Cards and demolished their houses if they do not renounce Christ.
Kindly pray for the suffering Christians.
Issued By:
Rev. Dr. Richard Howell,
General Secretary
Evangelical Fellowship of India
New Delhi, India