Release International

Please pray for Christians in Afghanistan as a matter of urgency. Local believers are living in fear after two converts from Islam appeared to recant their new-found faith. The baptismal service of one of them had been shown on television previously. Both are now in prison. Offices connected to Christian activity are also being searched by the Government. Two non-government organisations have been 'closed' because they had the word 'church' in their title, while foreign workers are finding it increasingly difficult to obtain visas.
 
As well as calling for prayer Release, Christian Solidarity Worldwide and Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali have raised their concerns with the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
 
'In response to recent Christian voices of concern raised from inside Afghanistan, we met with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Afghanistan Unit to raise concerns and call for action,' they said. 'A positive and helpful meeting was held between FCO officials and Release International, Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali and Christian Solidarity Worldwide. A wide range of issues were covered and the FCO requested an ongoing dialogue specifically on the issue of religious freedom, which we welcomed.'
 

• Pray for Afghan Christians, especially those from a Muslim background, who are coming under increasing pressure from their Government.

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