Israeli Leaders Enact ‘Zero Tolerance’ Religious Discrimination Policy After Christian Church Vandalized

-
0
Israeli Leaders Enact ‘Zero Tolerance’ Religious Discrimination Policy After Christian Church Vandalized

Christian Post Report – Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu touches the stones of the Western Wall, Judaism’s holiest prayer site, in Jerusalem’s Old City, March 18, 2015. Netanyahu won a come-from-behind victory in Israel’s election after tacking hard to the right in the final days of campaigning, including abandoning a commitment to negotiate a Palestinian state.

Israeli leaders have promised to implement a “zero tolerance” policy toward religious discrimination after Jewish extremists vandalized a Christian church in Jerusalem on Sunday.

Both Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister of Internal Security Gilad Erdan condemned the attack on Jerusalem’s Dormition Abbey, warning that those who carried out the hateful act will face the full brunt of the law.

“We will not allow anyone to upend the dual-existence between the religions in the State of Israel,” Erdan said in a statement on Sunday, according to Israel National News.

“We will act with zero tolerance toward anyone who attacks the democratic foundations of the State of Israel and its freedom of religion and will act to apprehend those who committed this deplorable act,” Erdan added.

The Dormition Abbey, located in Jerusalem’s Old City on Mount Zion, was vandalized with over 10 anti-Christian slogans scrawled sometime between Saturday and Sunday and written in felt-tipped pen.

Some of the offensive phrases included “Death to the heathen Christians the enemies of Israel” and “The revenge of the people of Israel is yet to come.”

While police are continuing to search for the perpetrators, they believe the act was carried out by Jewish extremist groups.

The phrases were written in Hebrew in several different types of handwriting, leading police to believe multiple people carried out the hateful crime.

This is the second time the Old City church has been attacked in the past year, and church leaders have called on police to do more to catch the perpetrators.

“The inscriptions are not only against Jesus the Messiah, but also call to slaughter the Christians and send them to Hell! How long will these acts of vandalism continue?” the church told YNet News in an interview.

The American Jewish Committee also condemned the attack, with Rabbi David Rosen, the AJC’s director of International Interreligious Affairs, saying in a statement that “Once again, we are compelled to condemn vandalism of Christian holy sites in Israel, mindful that such acts of hatred not only threaten Christians, but also are a reprehensible affront to our Jewish heritage and contravene Israel’s enduring commitment to respect for other religious faiths.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement on Sunday that “this act (of vandalism) is worthy of all condemnation.”

“There is no room for such acts. Israel is a place where there is freedom of religion, and the only place in the Middle East where the Christian population has grown. The police department is acting to find those responsible for the act,” he added, i24 News reported.

The Abbey of the Dormition has been attacked multiple times in the past, including an arson attempt in May 2014 and damage to the church’s crucifixes and statues in December 2014.

Source : Christian Post

Pakistani Boy Cuts Off His Own Hand After Muslim Cleric Accuses Him of Blasphemy

-
0
Pakistani Boy Cuts Off His Own Hand After Muslim Cleric Accuses Him of Blasphemy
Christian Post Report – The daughters of Asia Bibi posed with an image of their mother outside their residence in Sheikhupura, located in Pakistan’s Punjab Province.

A 15-year-old boy in Pakistan cut off his own hand after the cleric of a mosque accused him of blasphemy. The boy’s family and villagers praised him for the act of “proving” his faith.

The incident took place after the boy, identified as Mohammad Anwar, from Pakistan’s Okara district, attended a gathering at a mosque in Hujra Shah Muqeem area last week, according to Pakistan’s Dawn newspaper.

The cleric, identified as Shabbir Ahmed, asked the gathering if there was anyone who had stopped praying and believing in the Islamic prophet Muhammad. The boy couldn’t understand the question, and raised his hand by mistake.

The imam and others in the gathering accused him of committing blasphemy. The boy, who felt guilty, ran to his home, chopped off the hand that he had raised, placed the severed hand on a plate and presented it to the cleric.

“As soon as he raised his hand, the cleric termed him a blasphemer. The boy felt guilty and went to his house and cut off his hand to prove his faith,” a witness was quoted as saying.

The boy’s parents were reportedly proud of his act and didn’t want to take any action against the cleric. However, police have arrested the cleric, and chared him under Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act and 324 of the Pakistan Penal Code.

“Such illiterate imams of mosques should not be allowed to deliver speeches. His arrest is under the National Action Plan that hate speeches inciting violence are no longer allowed in this country,” Nosher Ali, the head of the local police station, told Reuters.

Pakistan has draconian anti-blasphemy laws, and many Christians have been falsely accused of the “crime.”

The U.K.-based group Pakistan’s Centre for Legal Aid, Assistance and Settlement has said in its report that
allegations of blasphemy often “stem from the Muslim accuser’s desire to take revenge” and to “settle petty, personal disputes.”

The blasphemy laws are embedded in Sections 295 and 298 of the Pakistan Penal Code, and carry the death penalty. There is no provision to punish a false accuser or a false witness of blasphemy.

Last October, the Lahore High Court upheld the death penalty of Asia Bibi, a Christian mother who was convicted of blasphemy.

She was sentenced in 2010, a year after she was accused. She was harvesting berries with a group of Muslim women, who accused her of drinking from the same water bowl as them. Following an argument, the women told a local cleric that Bibi had blasphemed against Islam.

Source : Christian Post

Turkey Bombs Christian Iraqi Village ‘Under Pretext’ of War With Kurds

-
0
Turkey Bombs Christian Iraqi Village ‘Under Pretext’ of War With Kurds

Turkish army (Photo: Reuters/Murad Sezer)

Christian Post Report – Turkish army tanks take up position on the Turkish-Syrian border near the southeastern town of Suruc in Sanliurfa province September 29, 2014.

The Turkish army has bombed the Iraqi border village of Sharanish, home to many Christians, Chaldeans and Assyrians, under the supposed pretext of its ongoing war with the Kurdish PKK.

Fides News Agency reported Monday that the bombings took place over the weekend, creating panic and forcing many to flee to the city of Zakho in bitter cold conditions. Reports have not yet revealed the number of victims, but the Patriarchate of Babylon of the Chaldeans condemned the attack as “totally unjustified.”

“The attack was carried out under the pretext of the fight against the positions of the Kurdish PKK (Kurdistan Workers’ Party),” Patriarchate Louis Sako said.

He added that the Turkish government must “respect the lives and property of the population.”

AINA News also confirmed the attack on the Upper Sharanish village, noting that nearly 25 Assyrian families had to flee in panic. At the same time, it pointed out that the Muslim village of Lower Sharanish was not targeted.

Turkish ground forces and warplanes have been invading Iraq since September as part of a “short-term” operation to hunt down Kurdish rebels that Turkey accuses of carrying out bomb attacks in its territory.

Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said at the time that the campaign is aimed at clearing out rebel stronghold.

“Those mountains will be cleared of these terrorists. Whatever it takes, they will be cleared,” Davutoglu said.

The PKK rebels have been fighting Turkey, an American NATO ally, since the 1970s, in an effort to establish and independent Kurdish state.

A two-year ceasefire was broken back in July following an Islamic State suicide bombing attack near the Syrian border, which led to mutual recriminations between Kurdish fighters and Turkey.

The clashes between the two sides have led to over 40,000 deaths since 1984.

Fides pointed out that Christians have been directly caught in the crossfire on a number of occasions, and in the 1980s the same village of Sharanish was completely devastated due to a military campaign carried out by the Iraqi army against the Kurds.

The fall of Saddam Hussein’s regime allowed for a part of the original Christian population to return to the village, which was also a means to escape much of the anti-Christian violence that had gripped major cities such as Baghdad and Mosul.

Sharanish was also home to dozens of Christian families who fled the Nineveh plains in 2014 due to advancement of the Islamic State.

Back in November, Turkey’s military shot down a Russian Su-24 jet that it claimed was violating Turkish airspace, which casued a signficant political row with Russia. U.S. Ambassador to NATO Douglas Lute claimed at the time, however, that intelligence information backed Turkey’s explanation of the events.

Source : Christian Post

Kong Hee’s Troubles Continue: Prosecution Seeks to Increase Pastor’s 8-Year Prison Sentence

-
0
Kong Hee’s Troubles Continue: Prosecution Seeks to Increase Pastor’s 8-Year Prison Sentence

Kong Hee (Photo: Reuters/Edgar Su)

Christian Post Report – City Harvest Church founder Kong Hee (R) and his wife Sun Ho, also known as Ho Yeow Sun, arrive at the State Courts in Singapore, October 21, 2015, where a verdict is expected to be delivered for their trial of misappropriating S million (.5 million) of church funds and falsifying the church’s accounts.

City Harvest Church lead Pastor Kong Hee and the five other members sentenced to prison for misusing millions of church funds have been dealt a new blow with news the prosecution has officially appealed that they be given harsher sentences.

Singapore’s Business Times reported on Monday that the prosecution has filed the Petition of Appeal, arguing that the sentences imposed on the six CHC accused members are “manifestly inadequate, in all the circumstances of the case.”

All six members were found guilty in playing a part in the misuse of close to $35-million in church donations, which went to the music career of singer and fellow CHC Pastor Sun Ho, who also happens to be Kong’s wife.

Despite maintaining their innocence throughout the trial, all of the accused received various prison sentences. Kong was handed an eight-year sentence punishment, the harshest of the six, while the others received sentences of between 21 months and six years in prison.

The case looks set to continue, however, as all six accused persons also filed their notices of appeal against both the convictions and sentences back in December.

Kong and Ho founded CHC in 1989, and led it over a period of growth in which it became one of the largest megachurches in Singapore.

The prosecution argued throughout the trial, which began in 2013, that the accused CHC members intentionally funneled the money into a shell company called Xtron, which in turn used the money to fund Ho’s music career.

The CHC lead pastor has argued, however, that the only way the church supported Ho was through the Crossover project, aimed at bringing her music to others around the world as a means to share the Gospel message.

Back in December, Kong said that he respects the court’s decision, but found points that are “erroneous and warrant appeal.”

“I will therefore be preparing to file an appeal against both my conviction and sentence. Earlier today, I was informed that the prosecution has also filed an appeal against the sentence imposed by the court,” the pastor said in a statement.

“My lawyers will also address the prosecution’s appeal at the appropriate time. I sincerely need your prayers during this process for a favorable outcome. The road ahead is long and arduous, but God’s grace is sufficient for me,” he added.

Source : Christian Post

Celebrities Pray for Celine Dion as She Mourns Death of Husband and Brother

-
0
Celebrities Pray for Celine Dion as She Mourns Death of Husband and Brother

Celine Dion (Photo: Reuters/Mathieu Belanger)

Christian Post Report – Canadian singer Celine Dion and her husband Rene Angelil pose after receiving the Order of Canada from Canada’s Governor General David Johnston at the Citadelle in Quebec City, July 26, 2013.

Celine Dion, arguably one of the best recording artists of our time, is receiving a flood of support  from her supporters and celebrity colleagues after the deaths of both her husband and brother.

“René Angélil, 73, passed away this morning at his home in Las Vegas after a long and courageous battle against cancer,” a representative of Dion’s family said. “The family requests that their privacy be respected at the moment.”

Dion’s husband died on Jan. 14 after battling throat cancer and just days later, on Jan. 16, Dion’s website announced that her brother, Daniel, 59, also died after losing his battle to brain, tongue and throat cancer.

Celine DionReuters/FileCanadian singer Celine Dion

Even though the “My Heart Will Go On” singer has not spoken publicly, her peers in mainstream entertainment have sent Dion messages on Twitter vowing to pray for her and her family.

“My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to Celine and her family on the passing of René. He fought a long hard battle,” Country star Reba McEntire tweeted.

LeAnn Rimes, another southern belle, wrote, “My heart and so many prayers go out to the sweet @celinedion She has the biggest heart that I’m sure is broken. R.I.P. Rene.”

Music stars were not the only one’s who reached out to Dion, health expert Dr. Oz also wrote to her, saying, “I’m so sorry for your loss, @celinedion! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.”

Gospel singer and former Destiny’s Child member Michelle Williams expressed her love for the Nevada resident and likewise offered prayers for her family.

Pop star Ariana Grande also tweeted, “my heart is just breaking for @celinedion. Sending all the love and prayers imaginable.”

As well as being her spouse, Angelil was also Dion’s manager for decades, molding her from a timid French-speaking Canadian songstress into one of the most popular singers in the pop world. The couple had three children, two of them being a set of twins.

For further updates on Dion visit www.celinedion.com.

Source : Christian Post

American Missionary Killed by Al Qaeda in Burkina Faso Terror Attack

-
0
American Missionary Killed by Al Qaeda in Burkina Faso Terror Attack

Christian Post Report – 1

2

3

4

5

  • Mike Riddering(Facebook: Amy Boyle-Riddering)
Michael Riddering.
  • Burkina Faso(Photo: Reuters/Joe Penney)
    • Soldiers secure the area in front of Splendid Hotel in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, January Christian Post Report – 17, 20Christian Post Report – 16.
  • Burkina Faso(Photo: Reuters/Joe Penney)
    • A French police officer photographs burned vehicles outside the Splendid Hotel in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, January Christian Post Report – 17, 20Christian Post Report – 16.
  • Burkina Faso(Photo: Reuters/Joe Penney)
    • The front of Cappuccino restaurant is seen from a burned-out car after an attack on the restaurant and the Splendid Hotel, in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, January Christian Post Report – 18, 20Christian Post Report – 16.
  • Burkina Faso(Photo: Reuters/Joe Penney)
    • Soldiers stand guard in front of the Splendid Hotel after an attack on the hotel and a restaurant in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, January Christian Post Report – 18, 20Christian Post Report – 16.

    An American missionary was among the dozens of civilians killed during an al Qaeda attack in the African nation of Burkina Faso over the weekend.

    Michael Riddering, who was one of the 28 people killed by al Qaeda-linked militants in the Burkina Faso capital of Ouagadougou Friday night, was a father of four and director of an orphanage and women’s crisis center in the town of Yako, his mother-in-law, Carol Boyle, told The Associated Press.

    Riddering, who traveled to the African nation in 20Christian Post Report – 1Christian Post Report – 1 along with his wife, Amy Boyle-Riddering, was in the capital city on Friday night to meet a group of people who were planning to volunteer at the orphanage and crisis center that he and his wife run.

    Boyle explained that Riddering arrived early to the cafe where he was supposed to meet the group. When the attack began, Riddering was in the cafe with a local pastor. As shots were fired, Riddering and the pastor dispersed in different directions.

    The pastor, who got ahold of Riddering’s phone, called Boyle-Riddering to tell her what had happened and where they were. Although the pastor survived, Riddering was not as fortunate. It wasn’t until another Christian missionary named Phillip Matheny found Riddering at the morgue the next morning that the family was told he had been killed.

    Before selling their property and possessions so they could move to Burkina Faso to run the Les Ailes de Refuge orphanage in Yako in 20Christian Post Report – 1Christian Post Report – 1, Riddering worked as a manager for a yacht outfitting company in Florida, while his wife worked as a graphic designer.

    “He was extremely well-loved and respected,” Boyle said. “He wasn’t a hypocrite, he wasn’t a two-face. He had his guiding light, and he followed it.”

    The orphanage the Ridderings ran, which cared for 400 orphaned children, consisted of classrooms, a clinic, and a home for abused women. The orphanage was sponsored by the Christian missions organization Sheltering Wings, which sponsors a number of missions in West Africa.

    “They were looking forward to continuing to work in Burkina Faso and raising their children together,” a statement from Sheltering Wings said. “Tragically and unexpectedly, Mike’s life was cut short. We grieve with Amy and her family, and all who knew Mike.”

    John Anderson, a Sheltering Wings board member, told AP that Riddering was the kind of guy who would do the heavy lifting and dirty work that others shied away from.

    “During the Ebola crisis, when it was hard to find people to do the digging, Mike would go out and join them so they could continue doing the work,” Anderson said. “And that’s backbreaking work. He never stopped moving and never stopped helping.”

    According to CNN, the Ridderings adopted two of their children from Burkina Faso.

    Sheltering Wings has set up an online donation fund that will support Boyle-Riddering and her children during this upsetting time in their lives. 

    “Heaven has gained a warrior! I know God has a purpose in all things but sometimes it is a complete mystery to me,” Boyle-Riddering posted on her FacebookSaturday. “My best friend, partner in crime and love of my life. The best husband ever. An amazing father to his children and a papa to everyone. My heart is so heavy and I am having trouble believing he is gone. Mike was an example in the way he lived and loved. God be glorified! Mike Riddering I will love you always! You left quite a legacy here. I can only imagine the adventures you are having now.”

    Source : Christian Post