Mass Beheadings in DR Congo as Islamic Militants Target Christians
Violence against Christians in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) has reached new levels of brutality, as 70 believers were found beheaded in a Protestant church in Kasanga. The attack, carried out by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an ISIS-affiliated terrorist group, has sent shockwaves through the international Christian community.
On the night of February 12, ADF militants raided the village of Mayba, abducting 20 Christian men and women. As villagers gathered the next day to discuss rescue efforts, the militants returned, capturing an additional 50 people. The hostages were taken to a nearby church, where all 70 were executed. Their remains were discovered the following day.
Families of the victims were unable to bury their loved ones until February 18 due to ongoing security threats. The attack has led to widespread displacement, with churches, schools, and medical centers in the region shutting down. One grieving church elder lamented, “We don’t know what to do or how to pray; we’ve had enough massacres.”
The rising persecution of Christians in DR Congo underscores the urgent need for international intervention. Greg Musselman of Voice of the Martyrs Canada recently interviewed Dr. David Kasali, founder of the Congo Initiative, regarding the dire situation. His insights are available at VOMCanada.com/video/drc-kasali.
Sri Lanka: Church Faces Intimidation and Violence from Buddhist Monks
Christians in Sri Lanka are also facing increasing pressure. The Way to the Comfort Ministry Church in Seethwaka has been ordered to cease Christian activities following threats from Buddhist monks.
On January 26, local monks confronted the church’s leadership, demanding an end to worship services, claiming Christianity was not permitted in the village. The following evening, an unknown assailant hurled stones at the church, damaging the roof and narrowly missing the pastor’s wife.
Despite police intervention and mediation efforts, tensions remain high. One of the Buddhist leaders later threatened legal action against the church. This incident highlights the broader trend of religious intolerance in Sri Lanka, where Christian communities often face opposition from local leaders and religious extremists.
Pakistan: High Court Orders Inquiry into Blasphemy Cases Targeting Christians
In Pakistan, the Islamabad High Court has ordered an investigation into the widespread abuse of the country’s blasphemy laws. The decision follows reports that organized vigilante groups have been deliberately deceiving Christians into sharing content deemed blasphemous, leading to wrongful arrests and mob violence.
The court has called on the government to form an investigative commission, including legal, religious, and technology experts, to examine alleged collusion between the Federal Investigation Agency and radical clerics.
Pakistan’s blasphemy laws have long been criticized for their vague wording, which makes it easy to fabricate accusations. Floyd Brobbel, CEO of Voice of the Martyrs Canada, explained, “The way [the legislation is] written… anything can be turned into a blasphemy case.” Many victims are illiterate Christians who are manipulated into making statements that are later used against them.
If implemented, this investigation could be a crucial step toward justice for falsely accused Christians in Pakistan. However, activists warn that without significant legal reforms, the abuse of blasphemy laws will continue.
Call to Prayer and Action
Christians worldwide are urged to pray for the victims and survivors of persecution in DR Congo, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. In DR Congo, prayers are needed for the families of those killed, for displaced believers, and for authorities working to curb extremist violence. In Sri Lanka, the Christian community seeks strength and wisdom in facing legal threats and opposition. And in Pakistan, advocates call for legal protection and justice for those falsely accused under blasphemy laws.
Persecution is a painful reality for many believers today. As Billy Graham once said, “Faithfulness and persecution often go hand in hand.” Despite these hardships, the global Christian community continues to stand firm in faith, seeking peace, justice, and the strength to endure.
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