India (MNN) ― A rally demanding an end to violence against Christians in India will greet that country's Prime Minister when he visits Washington.
At the same time, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) wants President George W. Bush to raise concerns about religious freedom in India during Ambassador Ronen Sen's visit.
A recent fact-finding report estimates that over 50,000 people have been rendered homeless due to the violence. Around 13,000 people are in the relief camps at Chakapada, Tikabali, G. Udaygiri, Raikia, Baliguda, K.Nuagoan and Phiringia. Many others continue to hide in the forest and elsewhere.
Four Non Government Organizations (NGOs) were also attacked. Projects from World Vision in Kalahandi District, the Discipleship Center in Bhadrak District, Action Ministries' office in Bhubaneswar and the Compassion East India offices all suffered damage from militant extremists.
Although it was hoped that weeks later, the violence would have settled, clashes have been ongoing and deadly, prompting the European Union to call it a "humanitarian emergency."
Lindsay Vessey, advocacy coordinator with Open Doors, says they're adding their voice, too. "We're focusing on an advocacy campaign, trying to bring this issue of the violence to the federal government's attention. We're asking our supporters to e-mail the Indian ambassador to the U.S. We're asking him basically to look into protecting the Christian minority in Orissa."
Open Doors is asking Ambassador Sen to provide adequate protection for Christians in Orissa and to ensure justice and compensation to the victims of the violent attacks.
Some ministry is still taking place, but Vessey says, "It probably has made it very difficult for people to engage in evangelism. Many thousands of people are hiding in refugee camps right now. They're displaced, their homes have been either burned down, or there are fanatics in the villages waiting to kill any Christians who return."
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