Faith
Christian Prisoners in Pakistan Face Grave Injustices
Faith Facts
- A study by Pakistan’s National Commission for Justice and Peace reveals discrimination against Christian and Hindu prisoners.
- Christian inmates report being assigned degrading tasks and denied essentials, unlike Muslim prisoners who receive better treatment and opportunities to shorten sentences.
- Official figures on minority prisoners greatly differ from inmate accounts, with serious obstacles to transparency revealed in the report.
The “Hope Behind Bars” report sheds light on the difficulties faced by Christian prisoners in Pakistan, including neglect and unjust treatment. While some inmates found fair conditions, many describe being viewed as “untouchables” and receiving inferior provisions.
Zakria John, a former prisoner, described, “Only six plates were provided for one hundred inmates. We took turns eating from these limited utensils … Initially, we were confined to a room previously used for tuberculosis patients, with used syringes scattered throughout.”
He added, “A worker occasionally provided us with soap fragments, although he faced questioning when discovered. After using the toilet, we often had to clean our hands by rubbing them against the wall …”
Muslim prisoners may earn early release by memorizing the Quran or observing Ramadan, options not afforded to non-Muslims. Nearly 2,000 Muslim prisoners have benefited from these schemes, while not a single Christian or Hindu prisoner has.
Thomas Mueller of Open Doors warned, “The study raises grave questions concerning what is hidden from public view. The researchers describe a three-year struggle to access basic information, including legal and procedural limitations and lack of cooperation from authorities. This in itself is extremely worrying.”
The struggle for basic dignity continues for many believers, shining a light on the ongoing need for advocacy rooted in faith and Biblical justice. Pray for Christian prisoners facing persecution and for an end to injustice in all places of confinement.
Faith Facts
- The Lausanne Movement’s LIGHT research division is exploring how artificial intelligence affects the work of fulfilling the Great Commission.
- The LIGHT Briefing calls the Church to ensure AI is used with discernment, prioritizing Christ-centered mission and authentic human relationships.
- Researchers emphasize biblical values by offering an ethical framework that keeps technology aligned with justice, truth, mercy, and love.
Christian leaders are seeking wisdom as artificial intelligence transforms communication, outreach, and discipleship. The Lausanne Movement urges the Church to govern new technologies by faith and grounding in Scripture.
The church is encouraged to reject both fear and misplaced optimism, choosing instead to prayerfully consider how AI can support—never replace—God’s call to spread the Gospel.
“AI is neither savior nor threat in itself. Rather, its value depends on how it is discerned, governed, and deployed by God’s people.”
Believers are challenged to model transparency, fairness, and accountability while recognizing that digital tools can never replace Spirit-led, personal gospel witness.
“The gospel remains unchanged. Biblical commands transcend technological innovation and demand faithful proclamation, regardless of medium.”
It remains vital that evangelism expresses Christ’s love through genuine presence, as only human ambassadors can fulfill the Great Commission’s relational call.
“While AI may augment, it must always serve, not supplant, the spirit-filled human herald in proclaiming the good news and fulfilling the Great Commission.”
The church must move forward with courage and prayer, trusting God’s mission will not falter in the digital age.
Faith Facts
- The World Council of Churches (WCC) expressed deep concern about violence and unrest following Tanzania’s recent election.
- Key opposition leaders faced arrest and exclusion from the election, raising questions about fairness and transparency.
- The WCC called for an investigation into the violence and urged protection of human rights and accountability.
Christian leaders emphasized the sanctity of human life, highlighting that every life is a gift from God and must be honored, even amid political turmoil. They denounced the use of lethal force against citizens standing for peaceful assembly and free expression.
Dr Jerry Pillay, WCC General Secretary, declared,
“Reports of widespread protests, excessive use of force by security agencies, and numerous civilian casualties are deeply distressing and call for urgent moral reflection and accountability.”
He further stated,
“The sanctity of human life — a gift from God — must be protected at all times, and no political process should ever justify the shedding of innocent blood.”
The WCC stands in solidarity with the people of Tanzania, supporting faith-driven calls for peace, dialogue, and justice, and affirming the vital contributions of Christian organizations in seeking reconciliation.
Faithful believers are called to uphold Christian values by praying for Tanzania and advocating for truth, accountability, and protection of freedoms guaranteed by God.
Faith Facts
- The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to hear Kim Davis’s petition, leaving the 2015 ruling on same-sex marriage in place.
- Kim Davis was previously jailed for refusing to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, citing her Christian convictions.
- Liberty Counsel continues to support Davis, emphasizing the need to protect religious liberty for public officials.
The Supreme Court’s refusal to reconsider Obergefell v. Hodges keeps the national legalization of same-sex marriage unchanged. The decision also leaves in place a ruling requiring Kim Davis to pay substantial legal fees related to her stand for biblical marriage.
“This cannot be right because government officials do not shed their constitutional rights upon election,” stated Mat Staver, Liberty Counsel Chairman.
Believers must remain vigilant, standing for religious freedom and biblical principles in the public square. Our faith calls us to uphold God’s design for marriage while advocating for the rights of Christians to live out their convictions.
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