Plea to “Break the cycle of violence” as Gunmen Massacre at Least 50 in Pentecost Service, South-Western Nigeria
On June 5th, unknown gunmen opened fire at the St. Francis Catholic Church in the town of Owo, south-western Nigeria, as members gathered to celebrate Pentecost on Sunday. They killed an estimated 50 people and abducted the presiding priest and an unknown number of attendees.
The shooting has drawn added concern as it took place in the largely Christian southwestern state of Ondo. Armed attacks and abductions are commonplace in the mostly Muslim north-eastern part of the country, where militant groups like Boko Haram, ISWAP and radicalized Fulani herdsmen regularly attack. Read more here.
Children Targeted for their Faith
More than 450 million children, one out of six in the world, were living in a conflict zone last year. They are not merely bystanders, but targets”, the report highlights the strategic intention “to prevent the next generation from building up the Church.” (Read More)
Religious Freedom in Afghanistan Continues to Deteriorate
The overall human rights situation in Afghanistan had deteriorated significantly after the Taliban’s return to power. The situation regressed so much that the country should be added again to the list of “Countries of Particular Concern.” (Read More)
The Fear of Forced Marriage
While men are targeted as financial providers and leaders, women are targeted as honor-bearers of the family and as wives and mothers. This type of persecution takes advantage of gender norms in an attempt to weaken the Christian community. (Read More)
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About Open Doors Canada
Open Doors Open Doors Canada is affiliated with Open Doors International, a global ministry that has supported and strengthened persecuted Christians in over 60 countries for over 60 years. ODI raised approximately US $70 million last year to provide practical support to persecuted Christians such as food, medicines, trauma care, legal assistance, safe houses, and schools, as well as spiritual support through Christian literature, training, and resources. For more information visit opendoorscanada.org.