Release International

AFGHANISTAN – Growing threat to Christians

Concern is rising for Afghanistan's small Christian community, following the recent murder of ten aid workers in the country.

The latest attack on workers for the International Assistance Mission highlights a growing danger not only to Christian relief workers but also to Afghans who have embraced the Christian faith.

The medical workers shot dead in Badakhshan province were reportedly accused by the Taliban of trying to spread Christianity – a potential threat now facing the whole Afghan church.

Believers are also said to be living in fear of a government crackdown on Christian activity, with the forced closure of two church-based organisations recently and government searches of offices connected with Christian activity. Conversion from Islam is still widely considered as apostasy in Afghanistan.

The Afghan Government recognises only one church, the Community Christian Church of Kabul. Other gatherings of Christian believers exist but most meet in homes.

Release CEO Andy Dipper worked in Afghanistan from 1996 to 2005, during the rise of the Taliban. Calling for prayer for Christians in Afghanistan, he says: 'The Christian community have a vital part to play in the building of the nation, inspired by God to serve, driven with passion to love, and selflessly focused on those more needy than themselves.'

(Sources: BBC, International Christian Concern, Release International)

• Pray God's protection and peace over Christians living and working in Afghanistan.
• Ask God to multiply His church in Afghanistan and pray that His people will be allowed to play their part in building and shaping this nation.

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