ICC Condemns Church Attacks in Malaysia
Washington, D.C. (January 8, 2010)–International Christian Concern (ICC) condemns the firebomb attacks on churches this morning following the decision by the Malaysian high court which ruled that Christians are allowed to use the word Allah in reference to God.
Metro Tabernacle Church , Church of Assumption , and Life Chapel Church are among the churches firebombed by suspected Islamists who are outraged by the decision of the high court.
The controversy over the use of the word Allah by Christians started in 2007 after Malaysian authorities pressured a Roman Catholic newspaper, the Herald, to stop referring to God by the name Allah in its Malayan language publication.
Christian groups argue that Allah is an Arabic name for God which predates Islam. However, Malaysian Muslims contend that the word should only be used by Muslims.
Malaysia is a predominately Muslim country with 60 % of its population adhering to the Islamic religion. Christians make up only 9 % of the population. Buddhists and Hindus also comprise a significant minority.
ICC’s Jonathan Racho, said, “We strongly condemn the firebomb attacks on the churches in Malaysia . We are concerned about the widespread threats and incitements against Christians in Malaysia . The attacks, if not contained, could lead to more violence against Christians. We therefore call upon officials of Malaysia to protect Christians and their institutions from further attacks and to bring the perpetrators of today’s attack to justice.”
Please pray for Christians in Malaysia at this difficult time. Please call Malaysian embassies in your countries and politely ask the officials to protect Christians from attacks and to bring the perpetrators of attacks to justice.
Malaysian Embassies:
USA 202-572-9700 [Phone] 202-572-9882 [Fax] malwashdc@kln.gov.my [Email]
Canada 613-241- 5182 [Phone] 613-241-5214 [Fax] malottawa@kln.gov.my [Email
UK 4420 7235 8033 [Phone] 4420 7235 5161[Fax] mwlon@btconnect.com [Email]
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You are free to disseminate this news story. We request that you reference ICC (International Christian Concern) and include our web address, www.www.persecution.org. ICC is a Washington-DC based human rights organization that exists to help persecuted Christians worldwide. ICC provides Awareness, Advocacy, and Assistance to the worldwide persecuted Church. For additional information or for an interview, contact ICC at 800-422-5441.
