India (MNN) ― Parts of Orissa state are under an indefinite curfew today following deadly riots by Hindu mobs. Police and paramilitary groups marched in force in the three towns under the curfew. As a precautionary measure, the state government closed all schools and colleges.
The Evangelical and Catholic Church heads also called Christian schools, colleges and institutions around the nation to close down on August 29 to show their solidarity with the Christians suffering in the Orissa.
Orissa does not have a state commission that would investigate discrimination and violence against the non-Hindu religious.
This has not gone unnoticed. India's National Commission for Minorities issued a report after visiting Orissa on January 6-8, 2008, and again on April 21-24, 2008.
Their findings showed that caste-based discrimination played a role, as did an anti-conversion campaign conducted by Hindu extremists. The Commission then faulted state government officials for not preventing the violence.
Because tensions are so high, aside from the outcry, Christian communities are planning a peaceful protest rally. It will take place in front of Orissa Bhavan on August 29, at 10 AM. The event will begin at Cathedral gate, New Delhi .
Mawii Pudaite with Bibles For The World says, "Our hearts cry out to God for mercy. The Word of God that keeps coming to mind is Psalms 76:10 -- 'Surely the wrath of man shall praise Thee.' We have seen this happen on many occasions when God turns the wrath of man to His praise, even in the state of Orissa."
Pudaite urges prayer for pastors and other church workers. Outreach teams are still active. "Bibles For The World recently printed and distributed 100,000 copies of the Gospel of John in Oriya for the people of Orissa. We must do more to spread the Good News of peace."
