Churches in many parts of the Radstock network face persecution at different levels. Many of us will remember the horrific attacks last year on Christians in Orissa, eastern India by militant Hindus. These attacks went largely unreported in Western news media. Although churches in Orissa are not at this time part of the Radstock network, we feel this issue to be of growing significance to our churches, both in the cause of the Gospel, and in the cause of social justice. (Christians in Orissa are mainly low-caste Dalit). We are therefore bringing this to your attention. We have also asked Alok Srivastava, our network leader in nearby Uttar Pradesh, to comment further. We hope to hear from him shortly.

For now, here is the latest news on the situation from the Desiring God Blog.

The Christians in India's east coast region of Orissa, largely the Dalit, are still struggling to recover from the devastating anti-Christian violence that occurred in 2008. During the sudden attacks from August through October, about 54,000 Christians were displaced from their homes. Only a few thousand have been able to return. Most of violence was in the Kandhamal District where about 3,000 people are still in government relief camps.

Some victims have moved out of the state to start new lives, but the majority still live in tents only a short distance from their former homes. As the local government continues to downplay the seriousness of the attacks and provides minimal support, organizations like All India Christian Counsel (AICC) are stepping in to help with the many needs of Christians in the area. AICC is involved in rebuilding homes and churches, helping with aide in the camps, and helping support the widows and orphans of pastors who were killed. They are also helping to pursue justice and peace for those who were victimized. The number of those affected by the violence is staggering, and it is evident that our brothers and sisters in Orissa are still in much need of prayer and support. Please remember to pray with us for the peace and reconciliation of these Christians. You can help the cause of AICC by donating through Dalit Freedom Network under Orissa Relief Fund.