Today’s Headlines:

INDIAN MAN COERCED TO ADMIT NEIGHBOR PRESSURED HIM

BAPTISTS CONTINUE TO RESIST CHURCH REGISTRATION IN KAZAKHSTAN

DRAFT LAW COULD THREATEN RELIGIOUS FREEDOM IN ROMANIA

2 BHUTAN CHRISTIANS RECEIVE JAIL SENTENCES FOR WITNESSING

Today’s Top Stories:

INDIAN MAN COERCED TO ADMIT NEIGHBOR PRESSURED HIM

Police in central India’s Madhya Pradesh state coerced a statement from the neighbor of a Christian woman saying she had pressured him into converting to Christianity. Police raided the home in Jabalpur Tuesday, June 6, arresting homeowner Meera Bai and also detaining her son and houseguests for questioning. Bai’s 19-year-old neighbor, Sukhdev, had filed a complaint against Bai earlier that day but returned and reported that members of the Hindu extremist group Dharma Sena and police officers had forced him to file the complaint of “forced conversion.” The coerced statement also claimed that Bai had offered to pay Sukhdev 2,000 rupees (US$44) every month if he became a Christian. In response, more than 20 police officers raided Bai’s home at around 10 p.m., seizing Bibles and pictures of Jesus and taking Bai and the others to the police station. Upon arrival, large numbers of Dharma Sena members were already there chanting anti-Christian slogans and laughing and cooperating with the police. Bai reported that police told her, “Don’t panic, at least he has not burned you.” (Compass Direct)

* Radio programs in 12 languages (English, Urdu, Hindi, Nepali, Chattisgarhi, Bangla, Bhojpuri, Telegu, Marwari, Marathi, Santhali and Kuruk) air to India from HCJB World Radio-Australia’s shortwave station in Kununurra. The programs are produced at the ministry’s studios in New Delhi, India.

BAPTISTS CONTINUE TO RESIST CHURCH REGISTRATION IN KAZAKHSTAN

Following a fine on one of their pastors of more than three times the average monthly salary for leading unregistered religious activities, the Baptist Council of Churches explained their objections to registering their churches in the Central Asian country of Kazakhstan. The Baptists regard such registration as “sinful” because it would require them to divulge extensive information about leaders and congregations. Information such as ethnicity, education, family status, political affiliation and “the most acute problems worrying parishioners” create a “web almost impossible to break free of,” according to the Baptists. Many council members still recall the trial and imprisonment of many Baptists under Soviet rule for refusing to register. “Many were sentenced to lengthy terms of imprisonment and some even ended their days in prison, but remained faithful to God and free of sinful registration.” (Forum 18 News Service)

The response of thousands of Christians who have joined a 40-day prayer campaign for Iran has left Iranian Christians feeling thankful and encouraged. In a press release issued by Pray for Iran Friday, June 9, the Christians expressed their gratitude and then added, “We believe the Lord will hear the cries of His people, so we urge everyone to carry on praying and spreading the word about this prayer effort. Let’s see millions pray for Iran and let us witness together how God can transform a nation.” In an interesting development, the nuclear issue was the prayer topic on Tuesday, May 30. The next day Iran responded positively to the U.S. offer of open diplomatic talks with Iran. This is the first time in more than 25 years that Iran has responded in a positive manner to similar offers. The press release stated, “Whether or not this is a direct answer to prayer or not, time will tell. However, it does provide added motivation to continue asking the Lord to intervene.” For more information visit http://www.prayforiran.com. (Pray for Iran)

DRAFT LAW COULD THREATEN RELIGIOUS FREEDOM IN ROMANIA

Members of the Helsinki Commission in the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) remain concerned about a draft law regarding religious freedom in Romania. Despite numerous discussions, the draft law appears to be a step backward. Commission Chairman Sen. Sam Brownback of Kansas stated, “I am particularly alarmed by reports of amendments that would limit religious-based speech for believers in Romania.” A recent amendment approved by Romania’s lower house of parliament criminalizes and vaguely defines “aggressive proselytizing” and limits religious speech. In addition, the law would create the most burdensome system of religious registration of any country in the 55-country OSCE region. If passed the law would require a waiting period of 12 years and proof that membership exceeds 0.1 percent of the Romanian population, or 23,000 people. Only about a quarter of the religious groups currently registered would meet the new requirements. (Assist News Service)

* HCJB World Radio broadcasts the gospel locally in eight Romanian cities via partner ministry Radio Voice of the Gospel. The network is a cooperative effort with the Evangelical Alliance of Romania and the Romanian Missionary Society.

2 BHUTAN CHRISTIANS RECEIVE JAIL SENTENCES FOR WITNESSING

Two local Christians arrested in the Himalayan nation of Bhutan earlier this year have been sentenced to lengthy jail terms because of their Christian witness. Benjamin Dhunigana and John Dai were both arrested in western Bhutan on Jan. 8. They were held for six months without a trial, but have now been handed jail sentences of three-and-a-half and three years respectively. Dhunigana actively shared the gospel across the Buddhist kingdom of Bhutan and witnessed to Buddhist monks. The day before their arrest, the two offered a ride to a woman walking along the road. She and her family insisted they eat dinner where they later showed the “Jesus” film to a growing group. Neighbors are believed to have reported the two Christians to authorities. Both men are married with children. (Voice of the Martyrs)

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