Category: News affecting the Church

INTERNATIONAL: Rise in Anti-Christian Hate Crimes in Turkey Raises Concerns

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TEXAS GOSPEL STAFF

Reports show a significant rise in hate crimes targeting Christians in Turkey. Data from the Freedom of Belief Initiative (FOBI) highlights that such incidents have more than doubled over the past two years. In 2021, ten incidents were recorded, while in 2023, the number rose to 22.

Christians remain the primary victims of religious hate crimes in Turkey, with a total of 52 cases documented since 2020. These crimes range from harassment and property damage to acts of violence. The true scale of the issue may be higher, as many victims reportedly do not come forward due to fear of social exclusion.

The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) has also noted several hate crime incidents against Christians in Turkey. These include not only physical violence but also broader patterns of intimidation. In addition, the Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) reported in 2023 that Turkish authorities have increasingly targeted Christian pastors, missionaries, and their families with deportation orders and permanent re-entry bans.

Turkey’s treatment of its Christian minority is part of a broader historical and modern trend. Christians, who made up about 25% of the region’s population before 1914, now represent less than 0.5%. This dramatic decline follows decades of persecution, including the Armenian genocide from 1915 to 1916. During this period, approximately 1 million Armenian Christians were killed through mass executions, starvation, and other atrocities orchestrated by Ottoman authorities.

January 2024, Two gunmen burst into Church of St. Mary Draperis in Istanbul. ISIS claimed responsibility.

Turkey is ranked 50th on Open Doors’ World Watch List, which assesses global persecution of Christians. Factors like Islamic oppression and authoritarian governance contribute to the challenges faced by Christians in the country today.

The rise in anti-Christian hate crimes in Turkey occurs amidst a broader increase in such incidents globally. For example, the Observatory on Intolerance and Discrimination against Christians in Europe (OIDAC Europe) recently reported a 226% jump in hate crimes against Christians in Europe within a single year.

While the challenges faced by Christians in Turkey are not new, the growing frequency of targeted crimes underscores the ongoing risks for this minority group in a nation with a long history of religious conflict.

INTERNATIONAL: UK Congregation targeted by vandals for second time in a month

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TEXAS GOSPEL STAFF

St Margaret’s Church in Bowers Gifford, United Kingdom, was vandalized for the second time in one month. The incident occurred on Sunday, 24 November, shortly after the morning service.

The damage to the historic church includes a broken stained glass window, smashed vases, and a broken lectern. The church’s organ suffered extensive harm, with pipes removed and stonework thrown at it. The missing pipes have not yet been found. The estimated cost to repair the destruction is £15,000.

Two boys, aged 15 and 16, were arrested on suspicion of burglary and criminal damage. According to Essex Police, stolen items were recovered during the investigation. The suspects were later released on bail while inquiries continue.

The congregation shared an update on its Facebook page, stating, “Our worst fears have happened again. This time the culprits were caught and arrested. We thank the community for their support and help tidying up this mess.” The post also announced that the church would remain closed for the foreseeable future. Services will instead be held at St Margaret’s Academy Community Room.

Police investigations are ongoing.

Hal Lindsey, Influential Christian Author, Passes Away at 95 according to website

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(Photo above is a screenshot of hallindsey.com)

TEXAS GOSPEL STAFF

Hal Lindsey, a prominent writer and television host known for his apocalyptic Christian literature, died on Tuesday according to his website. His death was announced just two days after he celebrated his 95th birthday.

Lindsey gained widespread recognition for his book “The Late Great Planet Earth,” published in 1970 by Zondervan. The publication quickly became a bestseller, arriving shortly after the Six-Day War and significantly contributing to discussions about dispensationalist theology and support for ethnic Jews.

A graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary with a Master of Theology degree, Lindsey specialized in New Testament and early Greek literature. He pursued ministry work with Campus Crusade for Christ until 1969 and later supported a Southern California mission until 1976. During this period, he also served as a speaker and Sunday School teacher at Melodyland Christian Center in Anaheim, California.

Lindsey’s media career included hosting the “International Intelligence Briefing” on the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN). In 2005, the network temporarily removed his program, with Lindsey suggesting the decision related to his pro-Israel messaging. TBN’s owner, Paul Crouch, countered that the show was simply pre-empted for Christmas programming.

After resigning from TBN in January 2006, Lindsey launched “The Hal Lindsey Report,” a program focusing on biblical prophecy and current events. By January 2007, he had returned to the TBN network, financing the program independently.

In 1994, Lindsey earned a Doctorate of Theology from the California Graduate School of Theology. He continued writing throughout his career, with many of his subsequent works building upon themes introduced in his first book.

The specific cause of Lindsey’s death was not disclosed in the initial announcement.

INTERNATIONAL: Criminal attack on Bangladeshi Catholic school

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AMY TURNER

On November 24, vandals attacked and looted the well-known Catholic institution, St. Gregory’s School and College in Old Dhaka.

A mob of 30 to 35 students executed the attack amidst ongoing street violence involving students from multiple colleges. The assault persisted for several hours, causing significant damage estimated at $100,000.

In response to the violence, school authorities have indefinitely suspended classes.

During the attack, the vandals severely damaged the school premises and office rooms. They assaulted two security guards and looted property. The attackers also set off crude bombs, causing panic among those present.

The violence is believed to have been triggered by clashes following the death of Abhijit Halder, a college student, on November 18. His death has been attributed to alleged negligence at Dhaka National Medical College and Hospital.

The interim government, led by the Yunus administration, has condemned the attacks, labelling them as politically motivated. Authorities have pledged to identify and arrest those responsible for the incident.

INTERNATIONAL: U.S. Church nearing end of restoration following arson

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AMY TURNER

A historic San Francisco, CA church, heavily damaged by a fire in March, is now just weeks away from reopening. However, recent heavy rains have presented new challenges, complicating the final stages of restoration.

St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church caught fire earlier this year, with flames engulfing the building by the time firefighters arrived. The fire crews focused on battling the blaze from outside to safely control the flames and protect a neighbouring business. The church, a crucial community space, has been undergoing significant repairs ever since.

The fire, which is believed to be an act of arson, left the congregation without a worship space for over two months. During this time, services have taken place outdoors, despite unpredictable and often poor weather conditions.

In addition to its role as a place of worship, St. John the Evangelist serves as a daytime refuge for people experiencing homelessness. The fire temporarily disrupted this vital service, forcing those who rely on the church’s shelter to seek alternatives while repairs were underway.

Despite these setbacks, the church’s leaders remain optimistic. They are determined to finalize the restoration in the coming weeks, aiming to reopen just in time for Christmas.