ORISSA, INDIA :– New details about the severe persecution that Christians faced over the Christmas holiday in Orissa, India, continue to pour in from Gospel for Asia field correspondents. Many of the victims, which include GFA native missionaries and other believers, are still enduring opposition from anti-Christian extremists. The latest incident occurred on January 5 when a group of radicals smashed a plaque that hung on a Jesus Well in their village.

BANGALORE, KARNATAKA, INDIA : — Leaders of the Janata Dal (S) (the ruling political party of Karnataka state), including the Chief Minister and the Home Minister, should be held more responsible for the growing atrocities against Christians, said H.T.

BANGALORE, KARANTAKA, INDIA :– According to the report carried on by the Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC), St. Gregorius Church in Saraswathipuram near Tumkur District, 70 kms from Bangalore, was attacked and burgled early on September 20, 2007.

“The anti-social elements also damaged two windows of the church to gain entry and carried away the audio system and vestments covering the altar,” said the story.

The pastor, Rev. Roy Philip, feels that the “inadequate security” provided to the Church which has emboldened the thieves.

Hyderabad: A storm may be brewing what with Christian groups having decided to challenge the Andhra Pradesh Government’s order 747 that bans propagation of any religion other than Hinduism in Tirupati and other specified temple areas.

A case is expected to be filed in the AP High Court shortly on the grounds that provisions of GO 747 are being “misused” and that it is “unconstitutional.” The Christian groups would move the court that the GO notified in June this year be struck down as it “supports and promotes Hindutva forces.”

Interestingly, the GO was issued by the Government led by YS

Dr Raju Abraham, Chief surgeon of Kachhwa Mission Hospital and Pastor Joy have been brutally beaten up by activists belonging to Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and Bajrang Dal in Uttar Pradesh.

The Hindu fanatics attacked them during a programme organised for Dalit children along with their parents at Kachhwa on 17 August 2007. There was a gathering of around 400 people when the incident took place.

The extremists had already threatened the organisers with dire consequences if they went ahead with programme. RSS and Bajrang Dal had even filed a police complaint in the local police station.

A pastor and his family were attacked by 150 Hindu activists as they were traveling to their church in Bhadwadi village, according to the news portal ( www.christianpost.com).

After accusing Pastor Virendra Singh, 50, of converting people to Christianity and severely injuring him, the attackers – believed to be affiliated with the Vishva Hindu Parishad (World Hindu Council) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (National Volunteers’ Organization) – burnt down their church, which had more than 500 believers inside.

“The 500-600, who were present in the church, ran out panicked, crying with