A former terrorist who was associated with the Fatah political party and the Palestinian Liberation Organization before converting to Christianity in the 1990s believes the Israel-Hamas war is preparing many Muslims in Gaza to become Christians.
Peace studies students witness locals spitting on a Christian holy site in Jerusalem prompting this response from a respected Christian leader whose family has lived in the city for millennia.
The collective gasp in the sanctuary on Sunday was audible. Amidst the celebrations of Palm Sunday, my pastor told us about the email that around 25 members of our community had received just days before. I have since read that email for myself. I am stunned and devastated.
The risk tolerance of Christians appears to have shifted from a generation ago. We are now far more reluctant to take risks and instead seek to mitigate against suffering or discomfort. A Lebanese leader questions the implications for God's mission.
While some parts of the world experience horrific terrorism and abuse of Christians, churches have the opportunity to make the biggest difference for religious freedom in the world today. In this second part of a series on religious freedom, our attention turns to North Africa and the Middle East.
