(SRN NEWS)-( ) Persecution of Christians in Chad is on the rise. While believers make up 40 percent of the population, the Muslim majority controls the government and there are several Islamic terrorist groups on the loose in the country. Open Doors U.S. reports that “Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province remain active around […]
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(SRN NEWS)-( ) Persecution of Christians in Chad is on the rise. While believers make up 40 percent of the population, the Muslim majority controls the government and there are several Islamic terrorist groups on the loose in the country. Open Doors U.S. reports that “Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province remain active around the Lake Chad Basin. These groups continue to attack Christian villages, burn churches and abduct believers, particularly in rural zones with limited state protection.” Meanwhile, Muslims who convert to Christianity face threats, beatings and exile. Private worship can trigger punishment.
( ) Jews around the world are celebrating Yom Kippur today (Monday). It is known as the Day of Atonement and is the holiest day on the Jewish calendar. Under the Mosaic Law, Yom Kippur is the day that the high priest of Israel would enter the holy of holies with the blood of an unblemished lamb and make atonement for the whole nation. Jews are marking the holiday in a variety of ways, including by fasting, wearing white clothing, avoiding work and spending much of the day at the synagogue offering prayers. Yom Kippur ends at sundown tonight with a blast on the ram’s horn and a festive meal.
( ) With the midterm elections looming, the White House is reminding Americans of the Trump administration’s efforts to protect religious freedom and promote Christian values. The press office has released a list of accomplishments including the establishment of the White House Faith Office — the first White House office focused exclusively on faith. The press office also points to the Task Force to Eradicate Anti-Christian Bias, which has been charged with investigating and dismantling the “systematic discrimination against Christians that occurred under the previous administration.” The president is urging Christians to vote in November.
( ) President Trump is staffing up the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom. He has appointed Andrew Brunson, Robert Barron and Joe Grogran as commissioners. The White House says “President Trump’s announcement is a vital step in advancing the human right of freedom of religion or belief abroad. Filling these roles demonstrates the ongoing commitment of the United States to international religious freedom as a priority in foreign policy.” Mr. Trump has also nominated Jane Lynch to be the next U.S. Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom.