Release calls for Christians to stand together in prayer for peace

Release International

Christians around the world are bracing themselves for the regular upsurge in bomb attacks against churches and violence that has become a feature of Christmas in many countries.

Concern is greatest where attacks against churches at Christmas are becoming commonplace. Release International, which serves the persecuted church around the world, is calling for prayer for Christians in Nigeria and Iraq this Christmas.

'In recent years, Release has seen an emerging pattern of extremists using violence to disrupt Christmas celebrations,' says Release Chief Executive, Paul Robinson. 'As Christians celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace, militants bomb churches and attack congregations.

'Release is calling on Christians worldwide to stand together as a family this Christmas. Please pray especially for Christians in Nigeria and Iraq, who are particularly vulnerable, that they would remain safe as they celebrate the birth of their Saviour, Jesus Christ. There has also been a marked rise in violence against Christians in India. Please pray for them, too.'

Nigeria's Christians are frequent targets of Boko Haram militants, who have declared a Caliphate in northern Nigeria and aim to radicalise the nation's northern states.

Plateau state, on the frontline between the mainly Muslim north and Christian south, is often the target of attacks. Terrorists singled out churches over Christmas in 2011 and 2012. And with Nigeria's general election on the horizon in February 2015, it's feared Boko Haram may strike again this Christmas to create chaos and instability ahead of those elections.

The dwindling Christian minority in the northern states is also extremely vulnerable. Boko Haram set up its base in Maiduguri, Borno state, and has targeted Christians there over previous Christmas seasons.

In Iraq last year militants exploded a car bomb as worshippers were leaving Christmas Mass at St John's church. The blast, in south Baghdad, killed upwards of 20 people and injured many others. Police confirmed that Christian worshippers were the target. Extremists detonated two other bombs at a market the same day in the mainly Christian Dora district.

In India, Christian carol singers were attacked earlier this month in Hyderabad, and militants attacked churches in the capital, New Delhi. A suspected arson attack on St Sebastian Church prompted many to take to the streets in protest. The Indian media say outbreaks against Christians are escalating, as Hindu nationalism gathers momentum.

In Indonesia, a Protestant congregation, which has been driven out of its church by Muslim militants, is requesting police protection as it holds Christmas services outside on the pavement. Their leader has called on the authorities to keep at bay extremist groups who have tried to disrupt meetings in the past.