The grainy image pictured on the cover of our latest report is a still taken from footage filmed in secret in 2005 of Chinese 'Underground' Bishop John Han Dingxian of Yongian (Hebei province) in police custody. Bishop Han died in September 2007 after two years in isolation and a total of 35 years in prison.
Largely unknown to the outside world, Christians today suffer physical and verbal abuse, imprisonment and even murder. In the last few years, acts of persecution have suddenly escalated. More Christians are persecuted than any other religious group.
Focusing on nearly 30 countries including China, Iraq, Sudan and Zimbabwe, Persecuted and Forgotten? shows the reality of life for people denied the freedoms many of us take for granted.
Drawing on the very latest research and first-hand accounts, the book bears testimony to the heroic struggle of so many people determined to remain true to their Christian faith.
Religious liberty as a fundamental human right is being neglected by world public opinion, above all by politicians and the media. And yet religious liberty is one of the most vital preconditions for democracy. You will find no better summary about your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who are persecuted for their faith. Please pray for them.Please click on the front cover of the book to read the report.
To obtain a free copy of the report* please ring the Australian office on (02) 9679-1929 OR send your request by e-mail to: info@aidtochurch.org OR write to Aid to the Church in Need PO Box 6245 Blacktown DC NSW 2148.
*Australian residents only. Overseas visitors please download the report
1 comment:
The word of the Lord came to me:
Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel,
in these words prophesy to them to the shepherds:
Thus says the Lord GOD: Woe to the shepherds of Israel
who have been pasturing themselves!
Should not shepherds, rather, pasture sheep?
You have fed off their milk, worn their wool,
and slaughtered the fatlings,
but the sheep you have not pastured.
You did not strengthen the weak nor heal the sick
nor bind up the injured.
You did not bring back the strayed nor seek the lost,
but you lorded it over them harshly and brutally.
So they were scattered for the lack of a shepherd,
and became food for all the wild beasts.
My sheep were scattered
and wandered over all the mountains and high hills;
my sheep were scattered over the whole earth,
with no one to look after them or to search for them.
Therefore, shepherds, hear the word of the LORD:
As I live, says the Lord GOD,
because my sheep have been given over to pillage,
and because my sheep have become food for every wild beast,
for lack of a shepherd;
because my shepherds did not look after my sheep,
but pastured themselves and did not pasture my sheep;
because of this, shepherds, hear the word of the LORD:
Thus says the Lord GOD:
I swear I am coming against these shepherds.
I will claim my sheep from them
and put a stop to their shepherding my sheep
so that they may no longer pasture themselves.
I will save my sheep,
that they may no longer be food for their mouths.
For thus says the Lord GOD:
I myself will look after and tend my sheep. (Ezekiel 34:1-11)
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