Daily briefs of the top news stories impacting Christians around the world.
In today's edition:
- Mohler, Land Part of New Online Religious Dialogue
- Muslim Extremist Admits to Beheadings in Indonesia
- Thousands Protest Pope's Turkey Visit
- Anglican Priest Killed in Uganda
Mohler, Land Part of New Online Religious Dialogue
Evangelicals must insist on the absolute truth of Scripture but at the same time listen respectfully to people with radically divergent beliefs, R. Albert Mohler Jr. writes in an online dialogue about faith sponsored by The Washington Post and Newsweek magazine, Baptist Press reports. Mohler, president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky., is one of more than 60 panelists who will post responses to religious questions posed at least once a week. The forum, known as "On Faith," is hosted by Newsweek managing editor Jon Meacham and Washington Post writer Sally Quinn. Along with Mohler, On Faith features Southern Baptists Richard Land, president of the SBC’s Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, and Rick Warren, pastor of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, Calif. The panel also includes personalities from a wide spectrum of religious viewpoints. Readers can post comments and questions in response to all panel comments.
Muslim Extremist Admits to Beheadings in Indonesia
One of three Muslim extremists on trial for beheading three Christian teenagers in Poso, Indonesia, in October 2005 has admitted his role in the attacks, according to Compass Direct News. A group of machete-wielding men ambushed Theresia Morangke, 15, Alfita Poliwo, 17, Yarni Sambue, 15 and Noviana Malewa, 15, on the morning of October 29 as they walked to their Christian school. The first three girls died instantly; Malewa received serious injuries to her face and neck but survived the attack. Known by his single name of Hasanuddin, the defendant has admitted planning the murders as a “gift” to celebrate Idul Fitri, a festival marking the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan. On Monday (November 20), the parents of the slain girls met with the defendants, and one mother said she was ready to pardon them. The families embraced the terrorists and shook hands as a sign of peace.
Thousands Protest Pope's Turkey Visit
The Christian Post reports that thousands of demonstrators gathered Sunday to protest Pope Benedict XVI's upcoming visit to Turkey - a predominantly Muslim country. The demonstration was the largest anti-pope protest so far ahead of Benedict's arrival in Turkey on Tuesday. The protest was organized by a pro-Islamic political party called Felicity whose leaders have said they were offended by Benedict's comments in September linking violence and Islam. Protesters shouted "God is great" in Arabic and carried posters asking the pope not to come to Turkey. Benedict has few fans in Turkey, which is hoping to become the first predominantly Muslim member of the European Union. The pope has previously spoken out against Turkey's EU bid. On Sunday, Benedict expressed his "feelings of esteem and of sincere friendship" for Turks and their leaders.
Anglican Priest Killed in Uganda
According to an ASSIST News Service report, an Anglican Priest named Rev. Godfrey Tabura was killed at Kyenda in Mubende District on Saturday evening, the 25th of November. He was shot dead by unidentified gunmen while riding home on a motorcycle. A story from SMV News Service said, “The gunmen's motive was to kill the priest. Whoever did it, reportedly fled without stealing anything. It leads to the suspicion that it is definitely a Christian persecution. The Rev. Godfrey Tabura was trailed from Musozi.” The priest was shot in the chest and died instantly. No arrests had been made by Sunday evening, but the investigation of the police was launched quickly.
