http://atlantachristianweekly.com/news.htm

On Nov. 10th churches around the world will unite in prayer for Christians who are being persecuted for following their faith. Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko has signed a new law that is going to affect Christians in this part of Europe. Due to the copyright laws I am unable to post the complete article so you will need to follow the link to read it. Below is just a few parts of what is in the article:

The United States is condeming Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko for his signing in a law that human rights workers are call "Europe's most restrictive" religion law,

BANS RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY
The new law will ban unregistered religious activity, and will require compulsory prior censorship for all religious literature. It will also forbid foreign citizens from leading religious organizations.

BIBLE READING WILL BE PUNISHED
Punishment of a fine will be given to anyone attempting to read the Bible with anyone.

THE ORTHODOX CHURCH BACKS LAW
The Russian Orthodox Church's main leadership has backed this new law.

The Belarusian Full Gospel Church Defies Law
Christians have pledged to preach the gospel despite possible persecution.

Human rights groups are calling this new law "Europe's most repressive religion law" because it "violates the law of God,"

They believe that the authorities in this case have exceeded the powers given by God.

They are saying that this new law forces them to violate the basic Law on which their faith is based: the Law of God. They also say that as believers, they have the full right not to obey laws and decrees that go against our faith and conscience.

It says that in a statement the office of President Lukashenko has defended this new legislation as a "balanced legal basis to ensure that the freedom of every person individually, should be in harmony with the interests of society."

Praise God for the freedom of worship we have in the United States...for now. You can read the complete article at this site:

http://atlantachristianweekly.com/news.htm



[ November 09, 2002, 10:06 AM: Message edited by: Avalee ]

Avalee,
Thank you for bring this up on the forum. I am late in reading it - Nov. 9 has come and gone by many weeks. Actually, the IDOP for the Persecuted Church was from Nov. 10-17, around the world. I find it interesting that "we" celebrate Easter - no Biblical injuction; "we" make a big to-do in our churches at Christmas time, again, no Biblical injunction, but IDOP/PC (Int'l Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church) is practically ignored across our denomination, and yet, Jesus said, "Pray for them that despitefully use you, and persecute you." As Religious Liberty leader in our church, we observed IDOP/PC Nov. 16. I'd be interested to know if any other of our churches observed the day?
Grace, peace, patience...
Murian

Murin that is a very interesting thought that you would bring up about how our churches will participate in one way or another the holidays you have mentioned, yet do or say nothing about this International Day of Prayer. I do not think our church even knew it was going on. I might be mistaken but I am sure it was not even mentioned and I must admit I forgot about it. Does this tell us where our our thoughts are? Thank you for brining this to my attention.