Somali Christians in Kenya: persecution and secret worship
The BBC reports that in Kenya, in the largely Somali enclave pictured called "little Mogadishu", refugee Somali Christians are still forced to meet in secret for worship for fear of persecution by Muslim neighbours. They keep their Muslim names as camouflage, but meet in a secluded house just outside Nairobi. " of men and women meet at least once a week like early Christians, to worship in secret "Their prayer session is simple and conducted in Somali. Elders take turns to pray or read verses from the Somali bible before a sermon is delivered." There are stories of their being attacked, even killed, by Muslim compatriots. This is not new: the Chicago Christian Post reported it fully, with others, two years ago and there was criticism of UNHCR for not doing anything to support these refugees who have suffered once in Somalia, and now again live in fear.
So what else is new? The situation for Christians is even worse in India. There is a state of virtual civil war in Orissa, as the local Hindus go on the rampage against the Christians. Persecution has always been a social hazard for us, anywhere in the world. It is the mark of the true religion.
Posted by: Geoffrey Smith | 2 Sep 2008 10:59:02
Why do we always view such matters in terms of supporting the victims? What we should do is challenge the barbarity and aggression of the perpetrators, for human rights abuse. I am so sick of Muslim intolerance and barbarity. The way women are often treated in Africa by Muslims is an absolute atrocity.
Posted by: Joe | 2 Sep 2008 11:30:13
Geoffrey writes: "Persecution has always been a social hazard for us, anywhere in the world. It is the mark of the true religion."
Then Judaism must be the true religion ;-). And quite a lot of their persecution was by your lot, though the Lutherans were even worse.
Posted by: Coel | 2 Sep 2008 16:13:40
Muslims around the world believe they have a god given right to oppress Christians and they will try to do the same in the UK if the government does not waken up and put a stop to it.
Posted by: Darrell Monteith | 2 Sep 2008 17:25:54
And we consider spiritual warfare going to church in the rain.
My TeamKids group will be praying for these people.
Posted by: Swink | 3 Sep 2008 06:02:40
Dear Coel
"Then Judaism must be the true religion ;-). And quite a lot of their persecution was by your lot, though the Lutherans were even worse"
Come on! Be sensible, two wrongs don't make a right!!!??? Where does this leave you?
Posted by: Dirk | 5 Sep 2008 21:39:29