5/27/11 Egypt (NewAmerican) Muslim Mob Besieges Egyptian Church - Thousands of Muslims protested against the reopening of the St. Mary and St. Abraham church in Egypt. The church was forced to close in 2008 because of severe protests occurring against Christians and church goers. When the church attempted to reopen on May 19, the priests were met with the same protests and violence. Muslims are protesting church’s dome and cross, which reportedly violate the Muslim custom of “dhimmitude” – the custom considers displays of faith by religious minorities to be intolerable. Eight Coptic Christians have since been arrested and charged with rioting and violence, three of whom have been sentenced to five years in prison for firearms/weapons possession. Although these three maintain that the evidence was planted, their criminal charges remain. Conversely, all Muslims arrested during the riots have been released. Full Story Pray for justice to prevail in the legal proceedings for the three arrested Christians. Pray that that the church of St. Mary and St. Abraham will be able to reopen without violence. Pray that customs like “dhimmitude” are expelled to allow for religious freedom and expression.

5/27/11 Algeria (ICC) Algerian Christian Given Five Year Prison Sentence for Blasphemy - Siagh Krimo was charged with proselytizing and blaspheming the Prophet Mohammad after reportedly sharing his Christian faith with his neighbor. Although the prosecution was unable to present the neighbor who alleged that Krimo made these defamatory statements, Krimo was sentenced to five years in prison. Krimo, who has a wife and 9-month old child, and his lawyer have 10 days to appeal the decision; however, his lawyer is not optimistic, as it seems the strict sentence was a directive from a highly powerful judge who wanted the decision in the case to “strike hard.” Full Story Pray for the blasphmeny laws which make practicing faith a punishable offence. Pray for the success of Siagh Krimo’s appeal and his ultimate release. Pray for the comfort and provision of Siagh Krimo’s wife and child.

5/28/11 Colombia (BosNewsLife) Colombian Rebels Kill Own Men for Being Christians - The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) have been conducting “internal purges,” killing their own men who they accuse of being traitors to the communist cause. Many of those killed were Christians practicing in secret; however, the number killed remains unknown. FARC has been involved in inciting intense violence across South America, and Christians all across the continent are fearful of targeted violence against religious minorities. Full Story Pray for Columbian citizens who are subjected to the ongoing violence. Pray for the safety of the Christian members of FARC.

5/30/11 United Kingdom (ChristianPost) Politician Warns UK Christians Are Being Persecuted - In a debate in the House of Commons, British Christian M.P. David Simpson raised concerns about the persecution of Christians both in the U.K. and around the world. Simpson cited a recent case of a van driver who was told to remove a cross from the window of his van when a peer was allowed to display a quote from the Koran in her van. Simpson spoke of a pervasive attitude in the U.K. that accepts the criticism and blaspheming of Christianity as long as Islam is not insulted. He also called for G8 nations to better address the persecution of Christians in countries where aid is provided (e.g., Pakistan). Full Story Pray that the plight of persecuted Christians across the world continues to be discussed in political arenas. Pray that governments intervene more readily to assist persecuted religious minorities.

5/31/11 Nigeria (ChristianPost) Nigeria Bomb Kills 15 After Christian President Installed- A bomb set off in opposition to President Goodluck Jonathan’s inauguration killed 15 people and injured 35. The bomb went off in Bauchi, which is a stronghold of the radical Muslim group Boko Haram. Boko Haram has targeted Christians since April when it was announced that Jonathan would be the next Nigerian President, and they continue to act to challenge Jonathan’s authority. Full Story Pray that the violence related to President Jonathan’s election and inauguration ceases. Pray for the families of those killed by the bomb. Pray for the healing of those injured by the bomb.

6/1/11 Iran (ICC) Congress Prepares to End Program That Assists Persecuted Iranian Christians- Congress is calling for the review of the Lautenberg Amendment, which has created avenues for persecuted minorities in Iran to seek U.S. refugee status. As there is no U.S. embassy in Tehran, the amendment allows the Austrian embassy to interview and issue special visas to persecuted religious minorities. The amendment does not provide special admittance to the U.S. but, rather, provides Iranians (particularly, persecuted religious minorities) with the opportunity to obtain refugee status in the U.S. If the amendment is eradicated, it will leave hundreds of Iranians stranded in Iran and facing arrest for their religious beliefs and activities. Full Story Pray that Congress votes to continue the operation of the Lautenberg Amendment. Pray that Iranian religious minorities would remain safe while waiting for refugee status.

6/2/11 Bangladesh (TimesofAmmas) Bangladesh Government to File Suit Against Minority Persecutions- For the first time, the Bangladesh government plans to file legal suit against the persecution of religious minorities. In 2001, Islamic militants who came into power began to terrorize religious minorities across Bangladesh. Although the legitimacy of the election was in question, the acts of these groups did not cease until 2008, when a new group came into power. Following this change in power, a human rights organization challenged the violence perpetrated by the Islamic militants for the seven years they were in power – the Bangladesh government has finally responded with a groundbreaking decision to set up a judiciary investigation commission. Full Story Pray that the Bangladesh government continues this trend of prosecuting religious persecution. Pray for those who were subjected to terrorization by the Islamic militants for their seven years of power.

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