Release International

• Pray specifically for Christians in Syria. Some fear an upsurge in Islamist extremism as a result of the current political uncertainty. And ask God to give Christians facing extremist violence in countries such as Nigeria and Pakistan a fresh revelation of His grace and His love. Pray that the Lord of peace will give them 'peace at all times and in every way' (2 Thessalonians 3:16).


NEWS UPDATE:
A judge in India has handed down the first murder conviction in trials relating to anti-Christian violence in Orissa (now Odisha) in 2008. Kartik Paramanika was given a life sentence on March 24 for the murder of Ramesh Digal. Paramanika led a mob to Petapanga village, Kandhamal, where he killed Ramesh Digal and burnt down his house. Ramesh had worked as a cook in a school where Paramanika was headmaster. Religious rights charities have welcomed the conviction but say that other trials are ending unsuccessfully due to widespread failures by the police and the judicial system and many instances of witness intimidation.

(Sources: CSW, Middle East Concern, Zenit)