Karnataka: Pastors beaten and humiliated for worshipping

GCIC today alleged that two Pastors along with about 15 believers were beaten in Karnataka, for worshipping and holding Church services.

Pastor John (22) and Jomon (25) were worshipping in Christ Vision Church associated with the Indian Pentecostal Mission when a group of 20 Hindu fundamentalists abused and threatened the pastors and church members.

The radicals advanced to burn the Bibles and even undressed the pastors and a believer in the church, dragging them to the village juncture, which is about half a kilometer away. GCIC alleged, "They were beaten, kicked, punched by the gang."

"Pastor John, Jomon and believer Anil were then tied to a pole in the village junction and were beaten by the radicals and public for worshipping Christ." The ordeal went on till afternoon, when a group of about 7 local policemen reached the spot and apprehended the pastors and believers.

Surprisingly, as it appears in many Christian persecutions, the format looked the same. The policemen were on the side of the radicals, arresting and charging the Christians of forced conversion. Even the medical aid was refused to the pastors till GCIC got in touch with the police station.

GCIC requested prayers for the pastors who are still in the custodianship of the police.