The African Christian Democratic Parts (ACDP) calls on Church leaders and Christian organisations to speak out against the killing of Christians and burning down of churches throughout the world, says ACDP President, Dr Kenneth Meshoe, in a statement released today.
“Almost every week we hear about Christians who are being murdered and massacred every Sunday in or near Churches in Nigeria, in Eastern Congo, in Uganda and in Kenya,” he says.
The statement continues: “What is even more worrying is the deafening silence from Christian leaders and a lack of voices of protest, disapproval and condemnation from the body of Christ in general.
“During the past two months we have witnessed the terrible outbreaks of violence against Christians (possibly the worst cases in many centuries) in Egypt. Many ancient Churches, like the Amir Todres Church in Minya, in Southern Egypt, have been burned to the ground.
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“It now appears that Christianity is becoming an endangered religion in most Islamic/Muslim majority countries, and is in danger of disappearing altogether. On Sunday 22 September 2013, at least 75 Christians were massacred and hundreds were severely injured as they exited the historic All Saints church in Kohati Gate, a bustling area of Peshawar in Pakistan.
“Amazingly, the population of Jesus’ birthplace of Bethlehem comprises only about 10% Christians; down from about 90% a century ago. Unless there is an urgent intervention and the senseless killing of innocent Christians is stopped, their dwindling presence might soon be gone from Bethlehem. The only country in the Middle East with a growing Christian population is Israel.
“As far back as 2001, the Middle East Forum’s Daniel Pipes reported, “Christians are fleeing from all over the Middle East.” Not just leaving, but “fleeing.” Many of these fleeing Christians are finding refuge in Israel where freedom of religion is practised and encouraged.
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“On behalf of the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) and all other concerned Christians, I wish to call on Church leaders and Christian organisations to start speaking out and condemning the killing of innocent Christians and the burning down of churches throughout the world, but particularly on the African continent.
“We want to hear the voice of the World Council of Churches condemning suicide bombers who are targeting Christians. We want to hear them defending the right of Christians to worship God freely in all countries, including Islamic countries.
“The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Junior once said, “We will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.”
“The time has now come for Christians to start speaking out on behalf of the suffering and persecuted Christians, and condemning the atrocities taking place on the African continent in the name of religion. Prayer only is not enough, our voices of support for the persecuted must also be heard.
“For the sake of our brothers and sisters, let us resolve to be friends who will be silent no more.
“The recent terrorist attacks and massacre of innocent people at the Westgate Mall in Nairobi, Kenya must be condemned by all peace-loving people of the world.
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“On behalf of the ACDP, I wish to convey our condolences to the families who lost their loved ones during the massacre, and wish a speedy recovery to all those who were injured.”
Thanks for the information.
Starts a few questions in my mind as to why all the persecution?
We know that it’s not the time of the separation of the sheep and the goats.Maybe back to basics? Maybe less focus on the physical and more on Him? I’d love to know the answer. I’m glad Kenneth has the said something, where the media has failed.I’m glad that we still have the freedom in this country to tell the truth of the Good news, The Gospel of Jesus the Christ.
We must insist that Islam respects other religions and that it prescribes to religious freedom and freedom of conscience, that is the ability for anyone to choose whatever religion one wants to follow and the right to change between religions. Non acceptance of these rights is against basic human rights and should be acted upon in the appropriate courts.
I find it ironic that ACDP calls out for Christian leaders to speak out against the killing of Christians and they refer to the 10% Christians in the Occupied Palestinian Territories town of Bethlehem. This statement of Dr. Kenneth Meshoe while he is a strong supporter of Israel at all costs. The Israel government, defense force and Jewish Settlers are responsible for the daily oppression of Palestinian Christians and Muslims alike. On the Prager University site a video was released whereby Dr. Meshoe said Israel is not an Apartheid State. This is a stark contrast of what I (as a follower of Jesus Christ) witnessed during my 3 month stay in the West Bank. The 50 million Evangelical Christians worldwide who support the Zionist movement and the so called fulfillment of the prophecies of Bible, also support the unjust, ungodly oppression of the Palestinians for more than 40 year.
We, as Christians, further support the stereotyping of fundamentalist Muslims and make them out as terrorists. Brother Andrew, founder of Open Doors International, said that if we hug a terrorist with a gun he would be able to commit the crime of terror. I just wonder if the existence of suicide bombers should not also be traced back to the hate speech and behavior we as Christians support.
We, as Christians, will have to account for these self-righteousness acts of injustice we support. We do no obey God’s command to love our neighbor as we love ourselves.
Correction: Brother Andrew said when we hug a terrorist he will NOT be able or be very difficult to commit a crime of terror
Hi Andre, thanks for a pleasant news page. I am sure you know the ACDP only features when it is voting time.they do this for all the years! They should stop and do what the Bible tells them to do. they are never to be found when horrific things happen. Why not as it is an open door for ministry. I am sick and tired for their “lamsakigheid” . talk a lot and do nothing.