TAMIL NADU: On August 3, a violent anti-Chris tian mob stormed into a church and viciously beat the pastor and all of the believers—including the small children present.

ANDHRA PRADESH: A house dedication and prayer meeting in Madanapally in Andhra Pradesh state was disrupted and attacked by Hindu radicals on Sunday, September 7. As the closing prayer was going on, a group of 20 members led by a State leader of a Hindu radical group Vishwa Hindu Parishad VHP barged into the house shouting at the gathering and interrupting the prayer service. The radicals attacked five believers and a believer was severely injured and his two teeth were broken during the attack.

ORISSA : Anti-Christian extremists continue their violent rampage against Christians in the state of Orissa. On Septemb er 8, they totally destroyed a church and three missionaries barely escaped from being burned to death. At least 18 people are confirmed dead in 92 incidents of violence against Christians. Dozens of pastors and their families have been attacked by roving mobs, and many have fled with their congregations into the surrounding forests. Some children and their parents have been in hiding, without food or water, since the rioting began on Sunday. (*Kindly pray for the protection of PCI pastors working in Srikakulam district among the ‘Savara’ tribals as this place is bordering the state of Orissa where the persecution is still widespread)

KARNATAKA : While violence continues in Orissa, on India’s east coast, anti-Christian extremists have unleashed another wave of attacks on Christians in Karnataka, a state on India’s west coast. On Sunday, Sep. 14th, Hindu mobs rushed into churches and prayer centers of many different denominations in Karnataka, attacking Christians during their times of worship. The extremists then destroyed the church buildings and their properties. At least 11 churches were destroyed.

From PCI Newsletter received on September 17th, 2008