BJP protests ex-SC judge Joseph for National Human Rights Comm

New Delhi, May 17, 2013: In what could give rise to a fresh controversy, the government Thursday pushed the candidature of former Supreme Court judge Cyriac Joseph for the post of Member, National Human Rights Commission, ignoring the BJP’s concerns over his “integrity and competence”.

The post is reserved for a former SC judge and is vacant since Justice G P Mathur completed his term in January.

It is learnt that at Thursday’s meeting of the selection committee, chaired by PM Manmohan Singh, Leaders of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, respectively, Sushma Swaraj and Arun Jaitley gave written reasons for opposing Joseph’s name and walked out of the meeting. But the government is likely to use its majority on the panel, which also has Speaker Meira Kumar, Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde and Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman P J Kurien, to clear his name.

Last month also, the government had ignored the BJP leaders’ opposition to the candidature of then NIA chief, S C Sinha, and appointed him Member, NHRC.

The Indian Express had first reported on April 8 that the government planned to use its majority in the selection panel to appoint Justice Joseph to the post despite an adverse report from the Intelligence Bureau. The report had scuttled his chance of being made chairperson of the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal.

In his dissent note, Jaitley said of the three ex-judges proposed for the post — Joseph, B Sudershan Reddy and V S Sirpurkar — Joseph was “completely unsuitable”.

“He has been, even during his tenure as a judge, perceived to be close to certain political and religious organisations. His close proximity to religious organisations is evident from the fact that media reports have indicated that when certain nuns were sexually assaulted, as a sitting judge of SC he visited the institutions where narco analysis of the accused was being carried out in Karnataka… He was quoted in the media as having stated that for him his religious affinity was more important that his commitment as a judge,” Jaitley’s note said.

Jaitley also cited Joseph’s poor track-record as a judge. “He was known for not writing judgments. As against a few hundred judgments authored by every judge of the SC, during his tenure Justice Cyric Joseph is believed to have written only six judgments,” the note said.

Since there were other “eminent retired judges” eligible for the post, including Justices Reddy and Sirpurkar, Jaitley said he was “unable to persuade myself to concur to the appointment” of Joseph.

In her note, Swaraj wrote, “Integrity and competence are essential for a public office. The proposed name lacks both. Therefore, I disagree.”

- indian express

 

Two Families Persecuted for accepting Jesus in Orissa

Orissa, May 11, 2013: Mohan Soren of Dengabahali village, PO. Birosalo, Police station Kongkodahado, Dist – Dhenkanal, Odisha and Rabi Narayan Marandi, Bhalu Tanggaro village, PO Birosalo, Police station Kongkodahado, Dist – Dhenkanal, Odisha, along with their families came to faith in Jesus Christ in February 2013. Both the families felt that they need not participate in their village puja ceremonies and stopped giving their contribution to the temple. Aggrieved by this the villagers planned a strategy to attack the families. One day the angry mob entered Monah Soren house, forcefully took his belongings, costly vessels, rice etc. Later they beat Rabi Narayan Marandi badly and ordered both the families to leave the village immediately. So, with much fear of the mob they fled from their village. Now they are staying in a nearby village.

On 1st of March they informed the Kongkodahado police station regarding the incident but the police did not take any action and on the contrary asked Mohan Soren and Rabi Narayan Marandi to give puja contribution. It is understood that they have informed the SP & Sub-collector, but they too have not taken any steps. These families are in fear of further attacks. Please pray for them so that in this situation they may be strong in the Lord. Pray for the local pastor and other believers near by so they may give them Christian fellowship at this time.

- persecution.in

Savage attack on missionaries in Lasjan, Srinagar

Srinagar, May 06, 2013: Lasjan police arrested two christian missionaries distributing Bible and other christian study material among muslim youths, people came out as mob and attack them, while the concerned police force came to the spot and arrested them, the mob beat them ruthlessly. Lasjan is about 10 Kms away from Srinagar.The missionaries sustained grave injuries and undergoing treated in Jammu.

- srinagar news agency

Priest beaten up in Pune

The priest was left with a swollen eye after a man punched him on the face several times.

Pune, May 08, 2013: A mob of some 25 people beat up a priest and others gathered for prayers, asking them to move away from a village near Pune.

The mob attacked Fr. Wilson Patole, 48, on May 5 evening, demanding that he close down the newly built church in Pimpri village in Maharashtra state, Indian Express reported.

They “barged into the church premises and smashed the banners put up inside. At that time, prayers were going on. The mob then stood outside the church premises,” said the priest.

The mob later offered to discuss the issues at the gate of the church. “As soon as we reached there, they started beating us up. They were not carrying sticks or arms,” the priests said.

The priest was left with a swollen eye after a man punched him on the face “several times”. He also suffered bruises on his shoulders.

The mob also attacked some of the 50 people who had gathered for evening prayers.

The mob reportedly left after the priest called up the police.

The priest lodged a police complaint late in the evening with police chowky.

Father Patole said when the church was being built there were no problems. “If they do not want us here, they should have told us. We would have moved out,” he said.

Father Patole alleged that though there were 20-25 people who attacked them, the Pimpri police lodged complaint against only two. “First they refused to lodge a complaint. Then they lodged a complaint against only two persons,” he said.

Father Patole said: “We are seeking action in the matter so that such attacks do not occur in future. We do not want revenge. We are peace-loving people. The police should not arrest the persons involved, but only take deterrent action.”

When contacted, DCP Shahaji Umap said: “A non-cognisable offence against two persons has been registered with the Pimpri police. We have not arrested them, but have taken preventive action.”

As for providing security, Umap said: “If the priest approaches us, we will take appropriate step in the matter. There is nothing political in this…the local people were objecting to the church coming up in their area.”

- indian express

‘Saudis arrested’ over Tanzania church terror bombing

Four Saudi Arabian nationals have been arrested in connection with a bomb attack on a Tanzanian church that the country’s president has called “an act of terror”.

Tanzania, May 07, 2013: Vatican’s ambassador to Tanzania was at the Roman Catholic church in Arusha, which had just been built and was holding its first mass, when the bomb went off.

He was unharmed, but two people died and 30 were injured in the first significant such raid on Tanzania’s Christian community at worship.

Magesa Mulongo, the Arusha regional commissioner, said on Monday that six people had been arrested, two Tanzanians and four Saudis.

“Investigations are ongoing,” Mr Mulongo told the French news agency AFP in Arusha town, a popular tourist destination for visitors heading to the Serengeti or Ngorongoro wildife areas, or planning to climb Mt Kilimanjaro.

There have been a series of violent incidents between Tanzania’s Christians and Muslims, who make up roughly equal proportions of the population of 48 million people.

- the telegraph

Two killed in Tanzania church attack. Over 50 injured: Saudis held for ‘act of terror’

Eight people – including four Saudi nationals – have been arrested over an explosion that killed two people at a church in the northern Tanzanian city of Arusha on Sunday, police say.

President Jakaya Kikwete condemned the blast as an “act of terrorism”.

No group has said it was behind the explosion, which left at least 50 people wounded.

Militant attacks are relatively rare in Tanzania, unlike neighbouring Kenya and Somalia.

Al-Qaeda-linked suicide bombers killed more than 200 people in simultaneous attacks in Tanzania and Kenya in 1998.

Tanzania has seen a rise in sectarian violence between Christians and Muslims in the past year.

There are no official records of religious affiliation in Tanzania so it is not clear whether Muslims or Christians form the majority.

Eight people – including four Saudi nationals – have been arrested over an explosion that killed two people at a church in the northern Tanzanian city of Arusha on Sunday, police say.

President Jakaya Kikwete condemned the blast as an “act of terrorism”.

No group has said it was behind the explosion, which left at least 50 people wounded.

Militant attacks are relatively rare in Tanzania, unlike neighbouring Kenya and Somalia.

Al-Qaeda-linked suicide bombers killed more than 200 people in simultaneous attacks in Tanzania and Kenya in 1998.

Tanzania has seen a rise in sectarian violence between Christians and Muslims in the past year.

There are no official records of religious affiliation in Tanzania so it is not clear whether Muslims or Christians form the majority.

Arusha regional police commissioner Liberatus Sabas told the BBC that eight people – four Saudis and four Tanzanians – had been arrested, as investigations continue into the blast.

The explosion occurred at the official opening of the new Roman Catholic church in the suburb of Olasiti in Arusha, which is mainly Christian.

The Vatican’s ambassador to Tanzania and the archbishop of Arusha were attending, but were not hurt.

Eyewitnesses said a bomb had been thrown from a motorcycle, AP news agency reports.

The attack happened despite heavy security presence in the area.

Mr Kikwete said he was “shocked and deeply saddened” by the blast.

“We are ready to deal with all criminals, including terrorists and their agents, who are based in the country or externally,” he added.

Last month, police in southern Tanzania used teargas to disperse about 200 Christian rioters attempting to set fire to a mosque following a dispute over animal slaughtering.

In February, a Catholic priest was shot in the head on the largely Muslim island of Zanzibar.

Last year Muslim cleric Sheikh Ponda Issa Ponda was arrested over attacks on churches, following rumours that a Christian boy had urinated on a copy of the Koran.

- bbc

Buddhist Fundamentalists Target Sri Lankan Christians

Washington D.C., May 05, 2013: Even as Sri Lanka is engaged in a difficult process of post-civil-war reconciliation, disturbing reports are emerging of Christians being targeted for persecution by Buddhist fundamentalists.

On March 18, a large mob attacked a pastor’s home while the family was away and began damaging the property, demanding an end to the church services in the home. When his wife Aruna and their two children returned, they called the police. While four officers arrived, they were unable to control the mob, which refused to leave until Aruna promised an end to the worship meetings at their home. It wasn’t the first time they were attacked. Over the course of four years, the family was forced to move six times and one of their homes was fire-bombed, according to Release International.

Pastor Pradeep Kumara was away in Colombo, appearing in court for a case he filed over an attack against his church in late 2012, which may have fueled the fresh attack.

In the previous incident, a group of Buddhists accosted and threatened him, and told him to close down the church. The next morning, they returned and attacked the building during a worship service. They damaged equipment, furniture and vehicles, and warned Pastor Kumara, who was injured during the attack, saying: “Leave this place or be killed,” according to Barnabas Aid.

Rise in Persecution

In March 2013, more than 10 churches faced persecution in the form of threats, disturbances, harassment or attacks, mostly from Buddhist monks but sometimes even with the assistance or support of the police or a mob. The sudden spike in incidents of persecution against churches in such a short period of time signals the possibility of an organized campaign against Christians that is being carried out by Buddhist fundamentalists.

Christian persecution by Buddhist monks is not uncommon, as evidenced by the severe attack on a senior pastor and his wife by a mob of 40 men, accompanied by five Buddhist monks and a local government official. The pastor was beaten and threatened with death if he did not stop spreading Christianity.

In June 2012, 14-year-old Amila Tharanga Thilakaratne, the only Christian schoolboy in his class, was severely beaten by a Buddhist monk who left him bleeding from the ear when he professed his faith in the classroom, according to Barnabas Aid.

But such incidents, though severe, were sporadic in Sri Lanka. What is troubling today is the increase in the severity and frequency of the attacks, raising concerns over the motivations behind them and the safety of Christians.

Although, Buddhism is the national religion, the government has expressed its desire to provide religious freedom to all. This is a claim that is severely undermined by the apathy of the police, the courts and the judicial system when it comes to cases filed by Christians against their persecutors.

Fundamentalism or Politics?

Buddhist fundamentalism is a bit of an oxymoron because a genuine Buddhist will be hard-pressed to seek endorsement of violence from the Buddha, the essence of whose teaching is said to be compassion. Therefore, the only real motivation for the use of violence by Sri Lankan Buddhists is rooted in politics and ethnic identity.

Buddhist fundamentalists have a strong conviction that Sri Lanka is the historic Buddhist land that should not be shared with anyone else. They want Sri Lanka to be the land of the majority Sinhala ethnic group, with Buddhism as the supreme religion and Sinhala as the official language. As far as they are concerned, Sinhala and Buddhism are inseparable. Christianity is viewed as a product of Western colonialism that threatens their identity, and the practice of Christian evangelism is seen as a threat to their Sinhalese vision for the nation.

On March 24, 2013, Galaboda Aththe Gnanasarathera, of the hardline Buddhist group Bodu Bala Sena, said that the country should be ready to rally against what he described as Christian and Muslim extremist groups operating in the country. These comments were related to an announcement made by the Religious Affairs Ministry in Sri Lanka, which intends to introduce legislation enabling the authorities to take action against religious groups that are deemed cults.

The legislation is particularly troubling to evangelical churches, which are not recognized by the Religious Affairs Ministry, making them vulnerable to abuses of the legislation by Buddhists with extreme nationalist agendas.

The sudden increase in persecution only complicates the process of Sri Lanka’s slow recovery from a long and bitter civil war. In 1983, violence broke out between the Sinhalese majority and Tamil separatists, taking the lives of tens of thousands. After two decades of fighting, a ceasefire was formalized in February 2002. More violence erupted in 2006, and a military campaign defeated the remnants of Tamil separatists in 2009, which involved possible war crimes but ended the civil war and put the country on course for the long journey of reconciliation and recovery.

Even as the government navigates its way through a difficult healing process, it is tasked with the responsibility of protecting Christians from the increasing hostility of Buddhist fundamentalists. Without an urgent initiative to protect its religious minorities, Sri Lanka runs the risk of empowering an unhealthy nationalistic sentiment that will only subvert its earnest efforts to birth a better nation out of the ashes of war.

- international christian concern

Aleppo bishop: Christians pained and worried by the fate of kidnapped prelates

The fate of Mgrs Yohanna Ibrahim and Boulos Yaziji remains unknown since they were abducted on 22 April, and still presumed to be in the hands of their kidnappers. People are praying so that “they will come back to their communities in the next few days to celebrate Orthodox Easter,” said Archbishop Jeanbart.

Syria, May 03, 2013: “All of Aleppo’s Christian community is pained and concerned” about the fate of Mgrs Yohanna Ibrahim and Boulos Yaziji, the two Orthodox bishops kidnapped on 22 April in the province of Aleppo on the border with Turkey,” Greek Melkite bishop Mgr Jeanbart Jean Clement told AsiaNews.

“We have been encouraging our people, giving them hope,” the prelate said, especially “since they are confused by conflicting reports about the fate of the two prelates.” In fact, for Mgr Jeanbart, it is hard to fathom why they were abducted, especially after early reports about their release turned out to be false. More recently, fresh stories about their imminent liberation have left the prelate unsure whom to believe.

“Our hope is that they will come back to their communities in the next few days to celebrate Orthodox Easter,” he said. “In all of our churches, Catholic and Orthodox, people are praying every day for their return and their deliverance. “

Like Pope Francis, Christian and Muslim religious leaders have reiterated their demand that the prelates be released.

Lebanon’s Maronite patriarch Beshara Rai has urged the international community to work for the two bishops’ release. Currently on a visit to Brazil, the Maronite religious leader said that crimes against humanity are being committed in Syria, and that “the two bishops have nothing to do with the Syrian crisis” and therefore “must be freed in the name of humanity.”

On 27 April, even the Organisation for Islamic Cooperation (OIC) issued a statement condemning the abduction of the two bishops.

Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, head of the Pan-Islamic body, called for their “immediate and unconditional release because such act contradicts the principles of true Islam, and the (high) status held for Christian clergymen in Islam.”

On 10 May, the Greek Catholic community will hold a Byzantine Mass in Santa Maria Cosmedin Church in Rome, and pray for the release of Mgrs Ibrahim and Yaziji, as well as all the victims of kidnapping and for peace in Syria and the Middle East.

Archimandrite Mtanios Hadad BS Patriarchal Apocrisarius Gregory III Laham will lead the liturgical service.

- asianews

Syrian Orthodox Bishop Yohanna Ibrahim of Syria kidnapped

Bishop Yohanna Ibrahim of the Syrian Orthodox Archdiocese of Aleppo, Syria kidnapped

An Urgent Appeal for Prayer and Intervention

Dear Friends in the world

I am sorry to inform you that Bishop Yohanna Ibrahim of the Syrian Orthodox Archdiocese of Aleppo was kidnapped on April 22, this afternoon on his way back to Aleppo from the Turkish borders. He went there to bring back with him Bishop Boulos Yazaji of the Greek Orthodox of Aleppo. The news which we have received is that an armed group from (Chichan) stopped the car and kidnapped the two bishops while the driver was killed. We are working and doing our best for the release of the two Bishops and return safely. So far we are unable to connect with them or with their kidnappers.

Please circulate this message as wider as you can. We need pressures of all churches in the world and embassies around the world for their release. The Bishop was doing a humanitarian mission to release two priests who were kidnapped months ago.

Please do your best in this critical issue and also we need the prayers of all faithful around the world for their safety.

Yours in Christ

Razek Siriani
Ecumenical Relations & Relief Officer
Syrian Orthodox Archdiocese of Aleppo

fwd by – richard howell

Tamil Nadu Bishop withdraws remarks on “Hindu terrorists”

He clarified that it was a slip of tongue.

Tamil Nadu, April 17, 2013: Bishop M. Prakash ran into trouble by saying that Hindu terrorists were objecting to the construction of churches.

However, he withdrew his remarks, clarifying that it was a slip of tongue.

Bishop Prakash, who is also the chairman of Tamil Nadu minorities commission, was speaking at a press conference in Udhagamandalam.

He retracted his words after some electronic media persons played his recorded voice and said that his statement would have serious repercussions if it was published or telecast.

Realising that, he defended himself, saying that he referred to Hindu fanatics and not terrorists.

Talking about issues related to construction of places of worship by minorities, he said persons belonging to ‘Hindu terrorist party’ and ‘Hindu terrorists’ were always objecting to the construction of religious places by minorities, while minorities do not make any such objections when temples come up.

Clarifying his statement, he said, “I am a Christian but most of my relatives are Hindus. I respect all religions. During my visit to various districts, Christians complained that Hindu fanatics are objecting and blocking the construction of churches.”

The bishop said that Christians also complained that Vinayakar temples are being constructed everywhere, but it is difficult to get permission to construct churches and mosques.

“It is the voice of the Christians and not mine. Hence I ask Collectors and superintendents of police to permit the construction of churches in Tamil Nadu,” he said.

While the bishop fumbled, the mediapersons asked him whether his remarks about “Hindu terrorists” could be recorded as such while some others asked him whether he wanted to touch upon religious fanaticism.

The bishop said he was withdrawing his remarks on “Hindu terrorists” and that it was a slip of the tongue. He added that he did not intend to hurt the feelings of Hindus as many in his own family members were still Hindus though he converted to Christianity.

- indian express / deccan chronicle

 

Tamil Nadu Bishop withdraws remarks on “Hindu terrorists”

He clarified that it was a slip of tongue.

Tamil Nadu, April 17, 2013: Bishop M. Prakash ran into trouble by saying that Hindu terrorists were objecting to the construction of churches.

However, he withdrew his remarks, clarifying that it was a slip of tongue.

Bishop Prakash, who is also the chairman of Tamil Nadu minorities commission, was speaking at a press conference in Udhagamandalam.

He retracted his words after some electronic media persons played his recorded voice and said that his statement would have serious repercussions if it was published or telecast.

Realising that, he defended himself, saying that he referred to Hindu fanatics and not terrorists.

Talking about issues related to construction of places of worship by minorities, he said persons belonging to ‘Hindu terrorist party’ and ‘Hindu terrorists’ were always objecting to the construction of religious places by minorities, while minorities do not make any such objections when temples come up.

Clarifying his statement, he said, “I am a Christian but most of my relatives are Hindus. I respect all religions. During my visit to various districts, Christians complained that Hindu fanatics are objecting and blocking the construction of churches.”

The bishop said that Christians also complained that Vinayakar temples are being constructed everywhere, but it is difficult to get permission to construct churches and mosques.

“It is the voice of the Christians and not mine. Hence I ask Collectors and superintendents of police to permit the construction of churches in Tamil Nadu,” he said.

While the bishop fumbled, the mediapersons asked him whether his remarks about “Hindu terrorists” could be recorded as such while some others asked him whether he wanted to touch upon religious fanaticism.

The bishop said he was withdrawing his remarks on “Hindu terrorists” and that it was a slip of the tongue. He added that he did not intend to hurt the feelings of Hindus as many in his own family members were still Hindus though he converted to Christianity.

- indian express / deccan chronicle

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