Thatched church razed down in Andhra Pradesh

It was a thatched church that lacked a decent roof, but still it was razed to the ground by some unknown anti-social elements in Andhra Pradesh.

According to a Bangalore-based persecution watchdog, "Unidentified persons burnt and completely destroyed a thatched church that was not yet inaugurated in Mahasamudram village in Chittoor district."

The Best Friends Church was built by Pastor A. John who had been conducting worship services at his residence from the past 7 years.

After taking necessary permissions from the local administration, Pastor John had built the church and yearned to inaugurate it on 30 August 2009.

But, says the Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC), last Friday, August 21, unknown miscreants at 10:30 p.m., vehemently gutted down the church.

GCIC said an FIR has been filed at the Bangarupalem Police Station. Police have begun investigating the case.

The Christian group has requested prayers for Pastor John and his family.