The charred shell of the parish priest's car UCAN Photo

Approximately 200 suspected Buddhists armed with weapons stormed the Our Lady Rosa Mystica Church building in Croos Watta, Sri Lanka on December 6. The assailants destroyed construction materials and the interior of the building. They also attempted to attack the priest. He was able to escape the scene unharmed, but his vehicle was torched in the violence. As word spread of the attack, approximately 500 local believers blocked the nearby main road in protest, demanding that police arrest the culprits. At last report, one arrest had been made. Local Christians believe the attack was due to the growing number of believers in the area and the recent resumption of a construction project to expand the church. Last year, the Supreme Court overturned a police decision to ban the construction. The church has been attacked twice in recent years by suspected Buddhist militants -- once in 2006 and again in 2007. (Source: Union of Catholic Asian News)

Thank the Lord that no one was injured in the attack. Pray that these church members will exemplify the love of God through consistent love and prayer for those who persecute them (Matthew 5:43-48).

For more information about the suffering of God's children in Sri Lanka, go to the Sri Lanka Country Report.