Afghanistan (MNN) ― Violence surrounding Afghanistan's elections is causing many to pause as they consider the risk to their safety in voting. There are concerns that security could degenerate further as the post-election results are made known.
It's a pivotal time for the nation, testing its fledgling democracy. There are 40 challengers are going up against President Hamid Karzai. Insurgent leaders are warning voters to boycott the election in the south, and there are growing threats of violence.
Carl Moeller with Open Doors says a lot is at stake for the Christian community in Afghanistan. "Pray that the violence that has been seen thus far, in the lead up to this election today, is moderated so that the Christians can vote."
Other than who they can choose at the polls, believers have virtually no voice in government. Christians make up only 1/100 of one percent of the population. Although some human rights watchdogs have noticed improvements in the country, the situation for Christians remains largely the same as in the past.
Under their constitution, authorities cannot discriminate against religious minorities; however, they often ignore the persecution that does occur. "Remember that there are secret believers today in Afghanistan even though the numbers on the census scale register zero for Christian belief. It's a very vulnerable and invisible minority within the country."
Moeller urges Christians to stand with the underground church In Afghanistan. "They need to be supported in prayer. It is extremely difficult for them to get the material resources that they need to grow in their faith. Even to be in fellowship with other believers, it's quite precarious."
