Turbulent year ahead for Christians, warns Release International



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Nigeria

2014 and 2015 are election years in Nigeria. Release contacts expect an upsurge in violence by extremists trying to destabilise the country.

Throughout 2013, Islamist terror group Boko Haram has been resurgent in the centre and the north. Since its armed insurgency began in 2009, the group has killed thousands of civilians in its bid to establish an Islamic state. Targets often include Christians, as well as state institutions.

Many Christians have been driven from the largely Muslim north, and churches and Christians have been targeted by extremists in central Plateau state. Militants consider Plateau to be the front-line with the predominantly Christian south.

Afghanistan

In 2014, US and NATO troops are due to leave Afghanistan. Under the Taliban, anyone who converted to Christianity faced execution by the state or being murdered by their relatives. Today, the authorities turn a blind eye to persecution.

'We are uncertain what will happen after the major withdrawal of foreign forces,' says a Release partner. 'If the Taliban begins to take more control of the country it is likely there will be more persecution of Christians. That will also happen if a fundamentalist government is elected in April 2014.'

Pakistan

2014 also looks set to be a difficult year for Christians in Pakistan. 'Persecution of Christians in Pakistan is increasing,' says a Release partner.

In September 2013 suicide bombers attacked All Saints' Church, Peshawar, leaving more than 120 dead and 200 injured.

Release is concerned that moves by the Federal Sharia Court to impose the death penalty for blasphemy could increase intolerance and lead to further attacks against Christians.

Middle East

In the Middle East, the continuing exodus of Christians from Egypt, Syria and Iraq looks set to continue into 2014. In Iraq, many Christians displaced by violence have gone to the north, and Christians continue to be driven out of Syria.

Between 100,000 and 200,000 Christians have fled Egypt since the revolution. Militants attacked churches and Christians following the overthrow of Muslim Brotherhood President Morsi. Uncertainty looks set to continue ahead of parliamentary and presidential elections.

But in Iran, despite continuing discrimination and arrests, the church is growing.

And despite the persecution in 2013 and the forecasts for 2014, the church continues to stand firm. Release partner Canon Andrew White, known by many as the 'vicar of Baghdad', says: 'Though the bullets fly and the bombs explode, God is with us and by His grace He will help us to keep moving forward.' CR

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.