Church Attacks Escalate in Sri Lanka

Christian persecution has increased in recent days, in Sri Lanka, as a new law that would ban "forcible" conversions is being considered by the Parliament in Sri Lanka.

This time the persecution is not coming from Islamic militants, but instead Buddhist demostrators.  The Buddhist aggression against Christians has escalated and on Sunday, April 23rd, a Methodist church in Piliyandala, Sri Lanka was interrupted.  Buddhist demonstrators rallied a local mob of 100 by yelling anti-Christian slogans from the loudspeakers mounted on their vehicle, disrupting the church service.  The perpetrators  also incited the crowd’s anger by calling the 20 Christians inside “Anti Buddhist.”

Two monks and another demonstrator slipped by three stationed police officers into the building and ordered the service to stop immediately. The police intervened but urged the pastors to conclude the service early, which they did.

One of the church leaders was struck in the leg with a flagpole bearing the Buddhist flag, and another was hit in the face. A female evangelist was also physically attacked.

When believers returned to their vehicles outside the church, they discovered the mob had flattened tires, siphoned gas and smashed windshields. Protesters also toppled motorcycles and removed their helmets.

One evangelist present was summoned to appear in court on April 25th, regarding the incident. The Christians have not retaliated after this event but have remained at peace.

Please remember these persecuted Christians in your prayers, and also the Buddist persecutors.  Ask the Lord to open the eyes of those who are not following Him so that they may come to salvation in Christ.