Attack on the World Trade Center (WTC) in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.

International Christian Concern 2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Box 941 Washington, D.C.  20006-1846 Tel: (301) 989-1708 Fax: (301) 989-1709

E-Mail: icc@persecution.org Web: www.persecution.org

Subject:  FROM ICC IN WASHINGTON, DC

Date:  Tuesday, September 11, 2001

From:  President of International Christian Concern

"The LORD is my light and my salvation-- whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life-- of whom shall I be afraid? When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident." Psalms 27:1-3

Dear friends of International Christian Concern:

America is reeling with grief from today's attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. The United States has been plunged into a state of war, a war against a stealth terrorist-force that will be difficult to fight. The enemy is not necessarily a government, an individual, or a single nation. There is speculation that the attack was carried out by Muslim terrorists. If this proves to be correct, America is witnessing what Christians in other parts of the world have been enduring for some time. We are at war with an unseen enemy that has demonstrated its resolve to launch a "jihad" (holy war) on Americans, Christians, and Jews - and will show no mercy for innocent lives. We have turned a new page not only in American history but in the history of the world.

ICC has been responding to an increasing number of cries for help worldwide where Christians have been targeted for "jihad" by an extremist-brand of Islam that justifies its violence and treachery on the teachings of the Koran. The war is as much a spiritual war (religious some would say) as it is a war of contrasting ideologies and cultures. The lives of Christians worldwide are in greater danger today than they were 5 years ago - even more so than just 24 hours ago.

Christians in Indonesia are fleeing for their lives as Muslim jihad warriors continue their latest plans to bring all Indonesia under Islamic "sharia" law. In Ambon, the terrorist group Laskar Jihad Ahluss Sunnah Wal Jamaah is now ready to pursue a Jihad mission in Poso, central Sulawesi. A banner on the web site of the Laskar Jihad (www.LaskarJihad.or.id) promotes violence and incites Muslims to join the ranks of the jihad to fight against the Christians in Poso, throughout Indonesia and beyond.

As once declared in Senayan, Jakarta on May the 6th 2000 and evidenced by its current presence in Ambon, "Laskar Jihad will never compromise its commitment to defending oppressed Muslims wherever they may be." Another Islamist statement of the Laskar Jihad reveals their intentions: "Anyone who prepares the necessities of a Ghazi (a warrior of jihad) striving for sabilillah (in Allah's cause) is (rewarded equal to that of) a Ghazi, and anyone who looks after dependents of a Ghazi striving in Allah's cause is (rewarded equal to that of) a Ghazi" (Recorded by Bukhari, a Muslim).

Islamic extremists try to justify their actions on the Koran: "Fight and slay the Pagans wherever ye find them, and seize them, beleaguer them, and lie in wait for them in every stratagem (of war); but if they repent, and establish regular prayers and practice regular charity, then open the way for them: for God is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful" (Sura 9:5).

Intolerance toward Christians has again been demonstrated in Saudi Arabia where 14 Christians have been detained in recent weeks and Afghanistan where more than 50 Christians (including Muslim accomplices) have been detained - for no other reason than they are Christians whose faith cannot be tolerated.

As Christians, we are not at war against people of the Islamic faith. But we are at war against the evil spirit that spurs radical Muslims, or that of any other radical force, whose agenda is to hate and kill. Muslims who follow the Islamic faith have rights, as do people of all faiths and cultures; to practice their beliefs and freely speak their opinions. However, when those opinions turn to violence and forced conversions (as we see happening in Indonesia and elsewhere) and when citizens (as we have seen today in the United States) are held hostage to their brand of abusive power, then we need to recognize that this is no longer an issue of religion or politics, but is a matter of serious threat to human life, freedom, and justice. The perpetrators of such evil must be dealt with.

The role of government, both foreign and domestic, clearly is to protect and defend those who are oppressed and those whose lives are threatened. Everything at our disposal should be and must be used to combat this threat that has been perpetrated on America and all freedom-loving people. No more appeasement! A rational plan is needed. Our president and all international leaders must come to grips with what has happened and deal with this threat. If any country, be it Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Libya, has in any way helped finance or endorsed treachery of this magnitude must be dealt with ever so firmly.

The staff and partners worldwide of International Christian Concern extend our heart-felt sympathy with every individual and family who has suffered injury or the loss of a loved one. We call on every Christian to consecrate this day as a time to pray for America, for the victims, and the families of all who have suffered a loss today at the hands of those responsible for this diabolical attack. The reality of the threats we now face in this day and age have most certainly hit home.

President 
International Christian Concern