persecuted church 2

[totallylovedbygod]

INDONESIA​ Believers worship faithfully amidst much opposition. Photo: VOMC ​ ​ Indonesia has the largest Muslim population in the world. While freedom of religion is guaranteed in the constitution, Muslims generally receive preferential treatment from the government. In order to establish and operate places of worship, permits are officially required; yet, in practise, only non-Muslims must comply. These permits are very difficult for churches to obtain. To be granted an official permit, each congregation must be comprised of a minimum of 90 members and needs authorization from at least 60 non-Christian residents in the area. Conflicts about worship services dominate many of the reports coming from Indonesia. Because of the restrictive nature of the permit process, churches will frequently gather without a permit, which can bring about conflict with opposing neighbours. Even for small groups of believers gathering in a home – something that is officially permitted by the government – there may be demands placed upon them to obtain a permit. In an incident that took place this February, a local village official violently demanded that a church service stop, claiming that the congregation did not have a permit. Due to the nature of the attack, the official was charged and convicted for his assault, and the church was issued a temporary permit while working through the arduous process of obtaining permanent governmental approval. For the Yasmin Church in Bogor, the permit process was a long time coming. Initially approved in 2006, the church encountered numerous delays due to opposition from some of the Muslim residents. Although the permit took more than 15 years to obtain, along with a forced relocation, the church finally opened on Easter Sunday with several politicians in attendance. Various levels of government have tried to change the image of the country. In 2022, when the country's Muslim president attended a Christmas Day service, he called for peace between religions. Additionally, the mayor of Bogor took part in the inauguration of the Yasmin Church, despite years of opposition from locals officials. While these political leaders' actions can be viewed as examples of religious tolerance, the ongoing opposition of others at the local level continues to impede any progress towards religious freedom. For more details on these reports, and others relating to Indonesia, go to our country report. Prayerfully remember Indonesian Christians who continue to gather together for worship, despite the opposition they encounter from disagreeing local officials. Pray that these believers will receive the Lord's wisdom, direction and favour as they determine how to best navigate through the confusing and obstructive regulations in order to obtain permanent permits. In the midst of the political challenges, and opposition from community members, may Christians throughout this Southeast Asian country serve as examples of God's love and saving grace to their neighbours, so many more names may be added to the Lamb's "Book of Life."

INDIA​ A worship service in India Photo: VOMC ​ ​ This year started and ended with reports about Christians who were detained in the state of Uttar Pradesh due to its anti-conversion legislation. This is one of the 12 Indian states that has laws regulating religious conversions, with increasing political pressure being placed on the country's government to enact the legislation nationally. While regulations protecting people from religious conversions by force or deception may be beneficial, the regulations are often misused by individuals and officials as a way of stopping any religious activity they personally oppose. On January 2nd, accusations of coercion led to a violent confrontation at a Catholic church in Chahattisgarh. Significant damage was made to the church building, and several police officers were injured while attempting to intervene. Christians have also been accused when conducting small gatherings in their homes. In early June, a group of militants disrupted a family gathering, resulting in the arrests of five Christians. Thankfully, those who had been arrested were eventually released on bail. In a positive development, following elections that took place in the state of Karnataka this past May, action has begun to repeal the state's anti-conversion laws. This move has been strongly opposed by the BJP – a political party with strong Hindu-nationalist leanings. Even so, a recently made court ruling in the state of Uttar Pradesh may help to further mitigate the effects of the state's future laws. The judge ruled that "accusations of alluring people to convert" can only be filed by the person being allegedly targeted or by a family member of that person. He also provided some legal guidelines on what constitutes "allurement." For more details about this court ruling, go to this page. Known as the most populous nation in the world, India is officially a secular country guided by a constitution that guarantees religious freedom. However, the process of ensuring that this freedom is respected has proven to be a difficult task in a country where there is strong pressure to establish India officially as a Hindu nation. For more reports on India, and/or to view podcasts addressing Christian persecution in this country, go to our country report. Prayerfully uphold the many Christians in India who are facing serious threats to their freedoms, securities and safeties because of their faith in Christ. May believers throughout this nation receive the spiritual strength required to stand firm in the midst of extreme opposition and brightly shine His light in the darkness. Please also remember the ongoing ministry work of those who are boldly reaching out to others with the "Good News" of Jesus. May any further threats from their opponents not stop the proclamation of the Gospel, but rather serve as the catalyst for leading many more to faith in the "Prince of Peace."