India (MNN) — India told Pakistan to stop persecuting religious minorities, but “I find it ironic that India is trying to call Pakistan to task for the persecution of minorities,” John Pudaite of Bibles For The World says.
“There’s just as much [persecution] happening against Muslims in India as there might be against Hindus in Pakistan.”
On January 17, Pakistani parliamentarians voted to strengthen the national blasphemy laws. Radicals often use these laws to “validate” mob violence against religious minority groups like Hindus and Christians.
It’s beautiful to see the face of someone receiving a Bible for the first time and coming to know Jesus.
(Photo, caption courtesy of Bibles For The World)
These changes may have triggered the recent directive, but this isn’t the first time India ordered its neighbor to protect religious minorities. Indian diplomats made similar statements in October 2022.
Regardless, this week’s United Nations council comments have little to do with protecting Christians. India remains one of the world’s most dangerous places to follow Christ.
According to Open Doors’ 2023 World Watch List, Hindu extremists will violently attack pastors and their families to intimidate believers. “Almost every day, I get a message [saying] ‘14 pastors arrested in such-and-such cities, such-and-such state’,” Pudaite says.
“We see aggression increasing against the Christian community.”
Ask the Lord to protect and strengthen His followers in India. Partner with BFTW here to help Indian Christians. “We continue to support them in every way we can, especially in providing Scripture for their evangelism and outreach,” Pudaite says.
“You would think they would be pulling back, but instead, they’re standing up bold for the Gospel.”
Header and story images courtesy of Bibles For The World.
