Christians have fled to refugee camps, hoping to find safety Photo from AsiaNews

For the sixth week, VOMC continues to receive reports of violence against Christians in Orissa, India (see links at India's Country Report for more information). On the evening of September 29, Christians in three relief camps in Kandhamal district were the targets of bomb attacks. The explosions began at approximately 7:00 p.m. and went off in the villages of Nuagoan and Mahasinghi and the town of Baliguda. Hindu militants continue to use violence and intimidation against Christians in the camps in an attempt to forcibly convert them. Several Christian families in the camps succumbed to pressure from militants and "reconverted" to Hinduism in exchange for being allowed to return to their homes in Ladapadar village. Fresh violence is also persisting outside the Kandhamal camps, including burnings and bombings of homes and church buildings.

Pray for safety and protection for believers in the relief camps. Pray that Christians in India will stand firm in their faith despite severe pressure to deny Christ.

More information on the persecution of Christians in India is available here.