India (MNN) — A depiction of Christ with a cigarette and beer has led to even more violence against Christians in India, according to Compass Direct News.
Recently, the picture was included on a poster for the upcoming Hindu festival, Ram Naumi. However, the poster also included depictions of other religious deities as they normally appear, Compass discovered from the Evangelical Fellowship of India.
Outraged, Christians in Batala, Punjab protested, which was when Hindus reacted.
Individuals from the Hindu extremist sects Bajrang Dal and Shiv Sena beat the pastor of the Church of North India and a Salvation Army officer. Then, they also burned and looted two churches.
Again, Christians opposed these acts against them, and Compass reported, "With church leaders' pressure, police registered the case against Hindu extremists Pratap Singh and Raj Kumar, who were said to have put up the picture of Jesus, for a ‘malicious act intended to outrage religious feelings of others' and ‘punishment of criminal conspiracy.'"
The case represents a small victory for Christians who remained firm in their stance. However, it also reveals persecution has not let up.
Pray for Christians to continue to remain strong and courageous, defending their faith despite dangers to their physical well-being.
For updates on this story and more, visit the Compass Direct News Web site.
