In Chains: Christian Persecution - 2019, Issue 1

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Because of their human rights abuses, they were pushed out of DRC and into Uganda and Rwanda by the UN and the DRC military. This group is a problem to this day, but they aren’t the only ones. Over the past 20 years, a Uganda-born rebel movement has taken hold in the DRC and has gained the support of jihadist organizations. According to the UN, this Islamist rebel movement has been responsible for “widespread violations of human rights and international humanitarian law.” In addition, the current government had not been holding elections. The delay in holding elections caused more violence and strife as the people viewed it as corruption. The election was Yinally held December 30, 2018, years after it should have been held. PEOPLE The people of the DRC are poor. Despite the country having a wealth of fertile soil, hydroelectric power potential, and mineral resources, the socioeconomic problems are high. Resources are mismanaged, the people are malnourished, water is not clean, and sanitation is poor. Almost 30% of the children under 5 are malnourished. Education, health, sanitation and potable water are very limited. Life expectancy is around 58 years old. CHRISTIANS According to the CIA, 50% of DRC citizens are Roman Catholic with another 20% being Protestant. With Christians being such a big majority in the country, it is hard to see how they can be persecuted against. However, it isn’t as easy as looking at the numbers. The DRC is a prime example of how difYicult it is to determine actual persecution and/or martyrdom in today’s age. It is possible that Christians are targeted because of what they stand for, not necessarily because they were witnessing or attending a church. The Catholic Church in the DRC often works as a peace broker between the government and rebel groups. They try to help mediate elections and are very vocal about the atrocities happening in their country. Because of that, they are often targets. Are they being targeted because they are Christians who stand for justice, or because they stand for justice and happen to be Christian? And that is the crux of the issue. Whichever answer it is, Christians are targeted. However, it is often unclear if it is political or religious. These Christians are being targeted not because of their faith, but because of the way they live out their faith. This makes it hard to ascertain exact numbers in regards to persecution. That difYiculty is not just for researchers and theologians, but it is also hard for the media. When reporting incidents, the religious afYiliation of the victims/perpetrators are often not reported. There is so much violence in the DRC, that motives are often neglected to be reported. There are so many different rebel groups that it is often hard to keep up with all the violence, much less why it is being perpetrated. However, some groups are not so hard to Yigure out. Allied Democratic Forces, now Muslim Defense International, is an Islamist group that targets Christians because of their beliefs. In 2017, agencies and missionaries were reporting that there was concern this group was trying to establish an Islamic caliphate in DRC. This group is highly active in the eastern and northern areas of DRC, targeting Christians.
2018 KNOWN ATTACKS ON CHRISTIANS JANUARY A catholic priest is kidnapped and later released. FEBRUARY An Islamist attack kills 5, injures several, and leaves many missing. APRIL A priest is murdered in his home. APRIL At least 5 lives are lost in North Kivu. Islamists are the culprits. MAY At least ten people are killed and nuns are kidnapped in North Kivu. SEPTEMEBER A town is stormed by Islamists, killing many and bringing down buildings. Others are massacred on the sides of roads. Many are missing. NOVEMBER Seven are killed, including 2 pastors. Also, 13 people were kidnapped. DECEMBER Attacks on over 130 churches and chapels were attacked over the holidays. Soldiers and police are accused of Yiring live ammunition as the faithful left mass. The city of Beni has been targeted the most. It is predominately Christian, h o w e v e r, t h e M u s l i m population there has risen from 1% to 10%. And this is precisely what is hard to get numbers on. The North Kivu region has had more than 2,500 people killed in a three year period. The perpetrators are armed groups, some of which are Islamists who are there to kill Christians in particular. With the area being predominantly Christian, the media does not report the victims being Christian. The media just reports the violence. The killings that are actual cases of persecution are mixed up with the ones that aren’t. This is the case in many war-torn societies. But it isn’t just Islamic groups targeting Christians. The military and police are charged with attacking people in churches and even massacring them as they leave church services. Last year, NGOs in the region called upon President Kabila and the international community to do something. “Why are the Congolese Government and the international community reluctant to describe the targeted killings of the people of North Kivu as a crime of genocide?” they asked. That is the reason the DRC is being highlighted this month. It is almost impossible to ascertain how many Christians are being killed because they are Christian. There is just too much violence going on by too many actors to be able to sift it out. But know this, they are being targeted and it is for their faith. We may not be able to see it directly because of all the violence surrounding it, but it is there. And the Congolese need our prayers and support. The new President of the DRC needs prayer to stand up for justice and the rule of law. And those perpetrating violence need our prayers, for life changing faith in Jesus Christ.
Page 1 and 2: JANUARY 1-31, 2019 I N C H A I N S
Page 3 and 4: N O T E F R O M L A U R A Dear Read
Page 5: DRC: Extremism, Violence, Politics,
Page 9 and 10: Authorities Shut Down Church Again
Page 11 and 12: Pastor Tun Abducted Laura Murray On
Page 13 and 14: New Year, Not a New Leaf Laura Murr
Page 15 and 16: INCIDENTS Although the incident hap
Page 17 and 18: India
Page 19 and 20: attackers or the leaders who provok
Page 21 and 22: West Godavari District, had returne
Page 23 and 24: Governor Ahok Released! Reprinted w
Page 25 and 26: Iran
Page 27 and 28: life, was arrested in Shiraz on 25
Page 29 and 30: Beaten & Arrested Reprinted with pe
Page 31 and 32: Pakistan
Page 33 and 34: grudge against him, his brother sai
Page 35 and 36: Asia Bibi Finally Free to Leave Pak
Page 37 and 38: Other Highlights Two women, aged 20
Page 39 and 40: Kidnapped and Tortured but Won’t
Page 41 and 42: After few minutes they returned, ca
Page 43 and 44: Kidnapped and Tortured but Won’t
Page 45 and 46: Uzbekistan
Page 47 and 48: aided a home in Urgench [Urganch] i
Page 49 and 50: OfYicers arrested all eight Protest
Page 51 and 52: Fined For Giving Away New Testament
Page 53 and 54: language of public worship is banne
Page 55 and 56: CAMEROON Boko Haram Attacks Two vil
Page 57:
PHILIPPINES Church Bombing On Janua
Page 60 and 61:
R e s o u r c e s International Chr
Page 62:
© LAURA MURRAY. 2019
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In Chains: Christian Persecution - 2019, Issue 1

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