Mideast Christians fear
Islamic backlash
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SPECIAL TO WORLD TRIBUNE.COM
Tuesday, October 30, 2001
WASHINGTON Ñ Middle East Christian activists are concerned that
their communities could come under Islamic attack on orders from Saudi
fugitive Osama Bin Laden.
The activists have relayed their concern to U.S. Christian groups that
Sunday's attack on Christian worshippers in Pakistan could spark a wave of
attacks on Christians throughout the Middle East. They said the attack could
increase anti-Christian violence in Egypt, where tension has risen between
Christians and Muslims.
The Washington-based Middle East Christian Committee, an umbrella
organization of 17 Christian groups that deal with Middle East communities,
said other warnings of attacks on Christians have come from Lebanon and
African and Asian states.
On Sunday, worshippers in a Pakistani church were massacred during
service. Christian activists said the attack was ordered by Bin Laden. At
least 15 people were reported killed.
A statement by the Washington group said the massacre of Christians was
the bloodiest in a series of recent attacks on Christians in the region.
They
include an attack earlier this month on a Lebanese church.
"The killing of Christians in northern Nigeria, the burning of churches
in Lebanon, and the threats issued against Christians under the veil of
crusaders were clear warnings," the group said. "Osama Bin Ladin and his
Jihad cohorts have ignited a backlash against millions of Christians and
other non-Muslims around the world."
U.S. officials said they have been in contact with several Middle East
governments to ensure the protection of Christians. They said they have
received from U.S. allies pledges to protect the Christian communities and
allow them the right of worship.
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