Subj: Sri Lanka: Advocacy – for freedom.

Readers who have been following the religious liberty situation in Sri Lanka over the past few years – or even months – will be aware of how rapidly and seriously the situation is deteriorating. Due to the marked escalation of Buddhist nationalism, evangelical Christians suffer violence and destruction at the hands of militant Buddhist monks who wreak havoc with impunity. On top of that, oppressive, but politically popular, anti-conversion legislation is soon to be considered by the parliament.

Those who require background can refer to the WEA RLC’s recent postings on Sri Lanka: The Call for Anti-Conversion Legislation (13 March 2003) http://www.evangelicalalliance.org.au/rlc/weadetail.asp?id=49 The Church’s Darkest Hour (15 August 2003) http://www.evangelicalalliance.org.au/rlc/weadetail.asp?id=104

This posting (below) contains advocacy material provided by the Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka. Please join them in their struggle.

- Elizabeth Kendal

—————————————————————–

the National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka (NCEASL)

Dear friends,

Further to the reports sent to you, may we urge you to write to the Sri Lankan President, Prime Minister and Minister of Buddhist Affairs Mr. Lokubandara, voicing your protest and concern. A sample letter and their addresses are given below. You may also write to your embassy in Sri Lanka and/or the Sri Lankan embassy in your country.

Please encourage your church / organization / friends / readers and even your government to write in.

Please keep in mind that correct form of address and politeness are important in our culture, so may I gently remind you to use proper titles, correct spelling of names of officials and use polite language.

Thank you and blessings,

Godfrey Yogarajah General Secretary NCEASL

Roshini Wickremesinhe Religious Liberty Coordinator NCEASL

————————————– SAMPLE LETTER ————————————–

Your Excellency,

I write to appeal to the government of Sri Lanka to address the issue of Anti-Conversion Law. I understand that the Parliament is to be presented with a Bill prohibiting religious conversions.

‘Unethical’ or ‘forced’ conversions are, at best, materialistic enterprises and not genuine conversions. Such acts are a matter of concern to people of all religions. However, I believe that legislative control is not the answer since such legislation can be easily abused and used to persecute minorities or settle petty disputes creating a climate of religious disharmony.

I am also deeply concerned about the organized attacks on Christians and Christian churches in Sri Lanka. I understand that none of the attackers have been convicted of their crimes. I appeal to you to extend the State’s arm of protection over the Christian citizens of Sri Lanka.

In the interest of religious harmony and protection of the rights of all Sri Lankans, I urge you to ensure this Anti-Conversion Bill is not enacted. I also look forward to hearing that Christians in Sri Lanka are soon able to worship and attend church without fear.

Yours sincerely and respectfully,

(Name)

——————————————————————– Post / Fax your letters to (or call):

Her Excellency Chandrika Banadanaike Kumaratunga President of Sri Lanka Presidential Secretariat, Secretariat Building, Colombo 1 Sri Lanka

Telephone ­ 94-1-436371 Fax ­ 94-1-333703 or 94-1-433346 —————————————- Hon. Ranil Wickremesinghe Prime Minister of Sri Lanka The Prime Minister’s Office, Flower Road, Colombo 7 Sri Lanka

Telephone – 94-1-542870 Fax – 94-1-542918 —————————————– Hon. W.J.M. Lokubandara Minister of Buddha Sasana 135, Anagarika Dharmapala Mawatha, Colombo 7 Sri Lanka

Telephone – 94-1-437996 Fax – 94-1-424447 —————————————– END **WEA Religious-Liberty e-mail Conference** <>

This information is provided to Religious Liberty Conference users. “World Evangelical Alliance – Religious Liberty e-mail Conference.”

To subscribe to the Religious Liberty e-mail Conference, please send your request to the conference moderator, Elizabeth Kendal <>. Please include your name and country or state of residence.

The Religious Liberty Conference is a moderated conference sharing information on the state of religious liberty and persecution around the world with those with a special interest in the field. Most members are involved in church-based religious liberty advocacy, academic research, missions leadership, creative-access missions, religious media, or have prayer networks supporting these groups, although anyone is welcome to join. Postings average one or two per week. Information shared does not necessarily reflect the opinion of World Evangelical Alliance, or of the WEA Religious Liberty Commission.

For more information on the World Evangelical Alliance, please take a look at our site on the web at <http://www.WorldEvangelical.org>. For more stories on religious liberty/persecution issues, click on “Persecuted Church News.”

For more about the Religious Liberty Commission of the World Evangelical Alliance (RLC), see http://www.WorldEvangelical.org/rlc.html

Advocates International serves as the legal and judicial advisor to the RLC. Advocates International links many Christian lawyers and judges around the world and has been involved in religious liberty issues for many years. Their website is located at <http://www.advocatesinternational.org>.

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