Indian MPs Protest Forced Conversions of Religious Faithfuls

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Indian MPs Protest Forced Conversions of Religious Faithfuls

Members of the Indian parliament have protested against forced conversions of Muslims and Christians to Hinduism.

Opposition MPs accused the prime minister, Narendra Modi, of failing to stop the conversions. The parliament’s upper house had to adjourn because of the protests.

Conversions are legal in India but must be done without force, fraud or inducement.

The BBC reports that Hindu groups close to Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party had organised several ceremonies in recent weeks. Weeks ago in Agra, more than 50 Muslim families became Hindus. And in Gujarat last weekend, about 100 Christians were reported to have become Hindus.

The groups responsible insist the conversions have been voluntary and argue the converts are merely returning to the faith of their forefathers that their families abandoned centuries before. The conversion ceremonies are called “ghar vapasi”, which means “returning home”.

According to Reuters, the conversions protests are a setback for Modi’s reform agenda. Reuters reported that comments by the head of the right-wing Hindu group, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, that India was a “Hindu nation” provoked a storm of criticism, ending any chance of opposition support for government business in the upper house of parliament, where Modi lacks a majority.

About one fifth of India’s 1.2 billion people are members of a non-Hindu faith.

Source and Original Content by CT

Pope Sends Message of Support to Middle East Christians

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Pope Sends Message of Support to Middle East Christians

Pope Francis has told beleaguered Christians in the Middle East that they have the support of the entire Church this Christmas.

In a letter, the Pope said Middle East Christians “play a significant role in the Church and in the countries where you live”.

“The entire Church is close to you and supports you, with immense respect and affection for your communities and your mission. We will continue to assist you with our prayers and with every other means at our disposal,” he wrote.

The letter continued: “You are a small flock, but one with a great responsibility in the land where Christianity was born and first spread. You are like leaven in the dough. Even more than the many contributions which the Church makes in the areas of education, healthcare and social services, which are esteemed by all, the greatest source of enrichment in the region is the presence of Christians themselves, your presence. Thank you for your perseverance!”

Referring to the persecution of Christians and other minorities in Iraq, the Pope wrote: “The tragic situation faced by our Christian brothers and sisters in Iraq, as well as by the Yazidi and members of other religious and ethnic communities, demands that all religious leaders clearly speak out to condemn these crimes unanimously and unambiguously, and to denounce the practice of invoking religion in order to justify them.”

The Pope praised Middle East Christians “efforts to cooperate with people of other religions” and said they can assist Muslims by “presenting an authentic image of Islam”.

He wrote: “The more difficult the situation, the more interreligious dialogue becomes necessary. There is no other way. Dialogue, grounded in an attitude of openness, in truth and love, is also the best antidote to the temptation to religious fundamentalism, which is a threat for followers of every religion. At the same time, dialogue is a service to justice and a necessary condition for the peace which all so ardently desire.

“The majority of you live in environments which are predominantly Muslim. You can help your Muslim fellow citizens to present with discernment a more authentic image of Islam, as so many of them desire, reiterating that Islam is a religion of peace, one which is compatible with respect for human rights and favours peaceful coexistence on the part of all. This will prove beneficial for them and for all society.”

In the letter, Pope Francis also urged the international community to address the needs of Middle East Christians and those of other suffering minorities “by promoting peace through negotiation and diplomacy, for the sake of stemming and stopping as soon as possible the violence which has already caused so much harm.”

He added: “I once more condemn in the strongest possible terms the traffic of arms. Instead, what are needed are plans and initiatives for peace, so as to further a global solution to the region’s problems. How much longer must the Middle East suffer from the lack of peace? We must not resign ourselves to conflicts as if change were not possible! In the spirit of my pilgrimage to the Holy Land and the subsequent prayer meeting in the Vatican with the Israeli and Palestinian presidents, I encourage you to continue to pray for peace in the Middle East…Read More

Source and Original Content by Catholic Herald

Churches in Egypt on their Guard Against Terrorist Attacks

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Churches in Egypt on their Guard Against Terrorist Attacks

With the holiday celebrations just a few days away, Egyptian Christian churches are on high alert against possible attacks from Islamic extremist groups.

Authorities said that terrorists were possibly plotting an attack on places of worship during the Christmas and New Year’s Eve services, which usually see churches packed.

Open Doors reports that police forces have raised their alert status to the highest level, particularly in areas near churches during the Christmas celebrations.

However, no cancellation of scheduled services has been requested by authorities.

In January 2010, at least six Coptic Christians and a security official were killed in a drive-by shooting outside a church in Naj Hammadi. The incident happened after a midnight mass on Coptic Christmas Eve.

In January the following year, at least 21 people were killed and 70 were hurt after a bomb exploded outside the al-Qiddissin (Saints) Church in the Sidi Bechr district of Alexandria. The bombing happened during a New Year’s Eve service that was attended by approximately 1,000 people.

A Christian leader in Egypt said, “Egyptian Christians are asking for prayers for God’s protection to paralyse the hands of the evil one so no terrorist attack, no shooting, no fear may spoil the joy and cause the loss of any lives or any injuries during the Christmas and the New Year’s Eve celebrations.”

While Catholics will celebrate Christmas on December 25, the Orthodox and Evangelical Christians will celebrate the event on January 7, according to the eastern Orthodox calendar.

Source and Original Content by CT

Archbishop Reveals Painful Christmas Memories

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Archbishop Reveals Painful Christmas Memories

The Archbishop of Canterbury’s urged people not to let the perceived pressure of having the ‘perfect Christmas’ to ruin the day.

Most Revd Justin Welby’s made the comments as he discussed spending a childhood Christmas with his father, who was an alcoholic.

In an interview with ITV, Archbishop Justin also reflects some of the big issues that have defined 2014, while also revealing some painful Christmas memories.

“Don’t let the pressure of having a perfect Christmas ruin your day”, is the advice of the Archbishop of Canterbury as the countdown continues.

“My father was an alcoholic and I remember, particularly I suppose one of the most memorable ones was when he didn’t get out of bed all day, no one else was around and I spent the day scrounging around for some food in the fridge and sitting looking out the window on their Christmas day walks.

Source and Original Content by Premier Christian Radio

1st-Century Synagogue Discovered in Mary Magdalene’s Hometown

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1st-Century Synagogue Discovered in Mary Magdalene’s Hometown

Catholic group the Legions of Christ have reportedly uncovered a 1st-century synagogue in the ancient town of Magdala in Israel, where they say Jesus Christ is likely to have preached to the people.

“Eighty percent of Jesus’ public life was here,” Father Eamon Kelly said about northern Israel, according to Haaretz.com.

Kelly revealed that his organization uncovered the synagogue after starting archaeological excavations at a site in the town of Magdala, believed to be the home of Mary Magdalene, known as one of Jesus’ female disciples. The plots of land are supposed to be used to build a pilgrims’ hotel, inter-faith chapel, a restaurant and a women’s shelter.

“This is the first synagogue ever excavated where Jesus walked and preached,” Kelly said, adding that it is “hugely important” for both Jews and Christians.

Experts have reportedly agreed that it is highly probable that Jesus would have preached at the Magdala synagogue, which is believed to have been built in year 1 A.D., before being upgraded in 40 A.D., and destroyed by the Romans sometime in 67 or 68. The town was located along an ancient trade route running from the Mediterranean to Egypt and Syria.

“He was a clever rabbi. He knew where to set up shop,” Kelly said. “If you walk from Nazareth to Bethsaida to Capernaum, you’re going to come out here.”

He added that in ancient times, townsfolk would gather at synagogues for meetings.

“So if a strange rabbi came to town, a new rabbi, a new preacher, a new teacher, the logical place was to meet here.”

The other discoveries at the site included a Magdala Stone, a menorah, fishing pools and Jewish ritual baths.

“Actually what the archaeologists are saying now is we’re digging up an entire 1st century city,” Kelly noted.

The Legions of Christ says that its mission and purpose is to share the Gospel with the world.

“We eagerly desire that Jesus Christ may come to reign in hearts, families and society through the transformation of all people according to the ‘new creation in Christ’ that we are all called to become (2 Cor 5:17),” the group says on its website. “We seek to make the transforming message of the Gospel reach every corner of society and culture. For this reason, we work to build the civilization of justice and love that Christ preached in the Gospel.”

Previous claims made about discoveries relating to Jesus have stirred much debate and controversy, such as the 2010 finding of a supposed tomb in Jerusalem where Jesus and his family are buried.

The tomb is marked with a Christian symbol and a cross, and was presented in a documentary by archaeologist James Tabor and filmmaker Simcha Jacobovici – though experts largely discredited the legitimacy of the discovery.

Source and Original Content by CP

Teachers Unite to Help Christian Children In Iraq

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Teachers Unite to Help Christian Children In Iraq

They’ve already collected more than 20,000 coats, loads of hygiene products, clothing and cash donations to help Iraqi Christians who have been displaced from their homes and communities by Islamic State.

Now, a group of mostly Chaldean educators in metro Detroit is turning its attention to needs even closer to the members’ hearts and professions: collecting supplies and raising money to boost literacy efforts for the children.

“Most have been without schooling for months,” said teacher Melody Arabo of West Bloomfield, Mich., an instructional coach for Walled Lake Consolidated Schools and the current Michigan Teacher of the Year.

Arabo is one of the founding members of Teachers Educating and Creating Hope (TEACH), created in September through the Chaldean Catholic Diocese. It’s part of heightened efforts in recent months by the diocese to provide aid to Iraqi Christians. Arabo has highlighted the work of the TEACH group at recent meetings of the Michigan Board of Education, where she gets to provide input on education issues and deliver a monthly report as teacher of the year. Arabo was named the state’s top teacher in May.

Now, the group is partnering with the Michigan Reading Association, which has selected the TEACH effort as its international project for the school year. Together, they want to collect paper, pencils, pens, crayons, markers, coloring books, puzzles, non-battery-operated toys and books — preferably books in Arabic.

Metro Detroit is home to a sizable Chaldean population — about 121,000, according to the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce. Many involved in the TEACH group have ties to Iraq, either through distant family relations or immediate family. And they’ve watched with grave concern as events unfold in Iraq. ISIL, a militant Islamic group, has been advancing across Iraq, forcing minorities in the country to flee.

“There’s such a loyalty in our community and everyone is so interconnected,” Arabo said. “Everyone is really deeply impacted by what’s going on there. It’s a horrifying situation…Read More

Source and Original Content by BCNN1

Mary, Mother of Christ, Feature Film to Debut this Easter

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Mary, Mother of Christ, Feature Film to Debut this Easter

A new feature film called ‘Mary, Mother of Christ’ is due to reach British cinemas in Easter 2015.

The film chronicles Mary’s life at the ages of 8, 15, 19 and 27. It includes Jesus up until the age 12, and also her husband Joseph.

The movie cost £20m to produce, and is set as a prequel to Mel Gibson’s ‘The Passion of the Christ’.

Mary will be played by Odeya Rush, a 16-year-old Israeli actress, while Ben Kingsley will play King Herod.

The film’s directed by Australian director Alister Grierson, and the script’s coming from Benedict Fitzgerald, who co-wrote The Passion with Mel Gibson.

US megachurch pastor and author Joel Osteen is the executive producer of the film.

‘Mary, Mother of Christ’ will be the third Bible-based epic to come within a year.

Last spring, Russell Crowe starred in the film ‘Noah’, and more recently Christian Bale starred as Moses in ‘Exodus’.

Source and Original Content by Premier Christian Radio

Service to Hold for Victims of Glasgow Bin Crash

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Service to Hold for Victims of Glasgow Bin Crash

Hundreds of people will gather at a Glasgow City Centre church later to pray for the six people who died in yesterday’s bin lorry crash.

Eight others were injured when the vehicle veered out of control and mounted the pavement in an area full of Christmas shoppers.

A service is being held St George’s Tron which is just a short walk away from the crash site.

Revd Alastair Duncan will lead the prayers.

Police are now investigating the accident in George Square which was packed with families enjoying the annual winter carnival.

Chief Inspector Mark Sutherland from Police Scotland said last night: “We are currently working with our other agencies to establish exactly what happened.

“It’s important that we do a thorough investigation to establish the full circumstances.

“It’s important that we take all the necessary steps to do it as quickly as we can so that we get the answers for the families and get their loved ones back to them as quick as we can.”

Dozens of floral tributes have been placed at the scene.

National Director for the Evangelical Alliance in Scotland, Fred Drummond, told Premier city churches were pulling together.

He said: “Chaplains, the support workers, everybody who’s involved in getting alongside people when tragedy actually hits.

“And just standing shoulder to shoulder with people and weeping with those who are weeping which I think is just part of the Christian ministry.”

Bishop of Glasgow and Galloway, the Rt Revd Dr Gregor Duncan, said those involved will need time to come to terms with what’s happened: “They need space to reflect, to think, to make this part of their own story and the city’s story.

“So, time and care and quiet I think and if need be professional help of course.”

Source and Original Content by Premier Christian Radio

Boko Haram Releases Video of Christian Killings in Nigeria

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Boko Haram Releases Video of Christian Killings in Nigeria

The Muslim extremist group Boko Haram’s released a video of them killing around 100 non-Muslims with machine guns.

The massacre reportedly happened in a town called Bama, 40 miles from Gwoza – an area known to be Christian.

Boko Haram previously released a video showing the murder of dozens of civilians in a mass grave in Gwoza.

It remains unclear how many of those killed in the attack in Bama are Christians.

In the video, the people were on the floor before militants came in with AK-47 machine guns, firing indiscriminately. They then targeted anyone who reacted to the gunfire.

The speaker in the film said: “We have made sure the floor of this hall is turned red with blood, and this is how it is going to be in all future attacks and arrests of infidels (or non-Muslims).”

“From now, killing, slaughtering, destruction and bombing will be our religious duty anywhere we invade.”

Open Doors’ World Watch List ranked Nigeria the most dangerous country in the world for Christians to reside in 2013.

Boko Haram has killed an estimated 1,800 Christians this year alone, according to International Christian Concern (ICC).

ICC’s Regional Manager for Africa, Cameron Thomas, said: “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the victims of this inexcusable atrocity.

“Militants, armed with AK-47s and a perverted theology of violence and bloodshed, have decimated community after community on their rampage across Nigeria’s northeast.

“Boko Haram has laid waste to the Nigerian church, slaughtering believers for their refusal to convert to Islam, abducting and enslaving schoolgirls for their Christian faith, and murdering pastors for preaching the Good News of Jesus Christ.

The insurgency can and must be eliminated before its caliphate spreads, claiming innocent lives with each and every advance.”

Source and Original Content by Premier Christian Radio

Just For Laughs: Minions Carol

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Just For Laughs: Minions Carol

No one says “Merry Christmas” quite like the Minions do – and they are bringing festivity and smiles to all with their antics singing these Christmas carols. What a fun and silly way to say Merry Christmas – thank you Minions for making us all smile once again!

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