by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent
(Worthy News) - Seventeen Christians were murdered in the Democratic Republic of Congo in a spate of recent targeted attacks by Islamic terrorists, Christian Today reports. Although Christians make up 95% of the population in DRC, the rebel Islamic State-affiliated Alliance for Democratic Forces (ADF) carries out brutal attacks on believers.
On July 24, two Anglican ministers were murdered by suspected ADF fighters in the Bogo area of eastern DRC, Christian Today reports. Fifteen churchgoers in the same area were subsequently murdered in two attacks on churches on July 25 and August 1.
According to the Open Doors advocacy group, attacks on Christians and their churches and communities are now "incessant,” with Christians being abducted or killed even for wearing Christian symbols.
In a statement to Christian Today, Rev Besisa Birahure of the Mugwanga Anglican Church that was attacked on August 1st, said the situation was worsening as terrorists are targeting church leaders. "We are overwhelmed; what can we do? As things become harder, may God sustain us to stand firm."
Calling for prayer for the persecuted church in DRC, Open Doors requested in a statement: "Pray for strength for the church leaders ministering under such difficult circumstances. Pray for comfort for the bereaved, healing for the injured, release for the abducted, and peace of heart for the entire church as they process their losses. Pray for wisdom for the authorities to take relevant measures to bring an end to this cycle of violence."
DRC now ranks 40th on the US Open Doors Watch List 2022 of the top 50 countries where Christians are persecuted.