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."
