by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent
(Worthy News) - The Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFI) has reported that thirteen acts of Hindu nationalist persecution against Christians took place in a single day across northern India on Sunday, October 3, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports.
According to EFI’s Religious Freedom Commission, the instances of persecution on October 3 including physical beatings, illegal detention, and disruption of worship services, ICC reports.
In one instance, hundreds of radical Hindu nationalists invaded a Christian home, where 15 Christians had congregated for a worship service, ICC said. The Hindu mob proceeded to assault the believers, including women and children, severely injuring five Christians.
ICC notes that persecution against Christians in northern India has intensified since June, as radical Hindus make use of new laws against religious conversions to harass and attack believers.
Asking for prayer, ICC said in its report: “Please pray for our suffering brothers and sisters in India. Pray that the Lord will strengthen the church as it continues to face an increased amount of violence and threats. Please also pray for those who persecute the church, that they will be transformed by the love of Jesus and be granted true repentance.”
Persecution of Christians has intensified since the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party took power in 2014; India now ranks 10 on the US Open Doors Watch List of top countries where believers are persecuted.