Release International

A church in Plateau State is in a tense stand-off with local Muslims who are resisting its attempts to fence off its property.

The Gangare branch of the Evangelical Church of West Africa (ECWA) in Jos has been trying to protect its land for years. But tensions reached a critical pitch last month when local Muslims 'forcibly resisted' ECWA's efforts to erect a fence. The church called for police help -- but none came, according to Christian Solidarity Worldwide.

The ECWA congregation were forced to leave their homes during the inter-religious violence which consumed Jos in 2001. They returned to the area only to attend church. During their absence, local Muslims began to construct property on church-owned land -- and have continued to do so, hence the church's current efforts to ring-fence its land.

Tensions between Christians and Muslims in Plateau State still run high. Federal government imposed emergency rule on the state in 2004, after a spate of bloody riots. The violence has since subsided, but the hope of reconciliation is still far off.

Meanwhile, Anglican Archbishop Peter Akinola, Nigeria's Primate, has called political leaders to account for the country's rising political and religious unrest. Addressing his diocesan synod at All Saints' Cathedral, he accused politicians of failing to provide 'a clear vision' for Nigeria's development. He called on the church to work towards bringing 'true democracy' to birth in the country.

• Pray for the congregation of the ECWA church in Jos, who are fending off illegal attempts to absorb their land. Pray that God will post His Angels at the limits of their land.
• Thank God for the strong voice of the Rt Rev Peter Akinola. Pray that his words will stir up a response in those he leads.

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