Christians in Lucknow have pledged to fast and pray on Friday in the wake of the Mumbai terrorist attacks and widespread violence committed against Christians in Orissa state.

The prayer effort is being led by a 150-year-old Central Methodist Church in Lucknow and will focus on the nation’s security.

Its pastor, the Rev Dr Herbert Able told IANS, “The Methodists here will fast December 26 and offer special prayers to get India free from terror.

Newton Paul, a local Methodist, said, “We will pray to the Almighty to generate good conscience in the minds of those who think terror is the only way to meet their objective."

For the first time in its history, the church will keep its gates closed, as a mark of respect to those killed in the terror attack.

“It will be for the first time in history that the gates of the church would be closed to pay homage to those who lost their lives in the November 26 Mumbai terror assault,” said Able.

Terrorists killed 179 people when they launched coordinated attacks on 10 locations across the city, including two luxury hotels, the main railway station, a Jewish centre and a restaurant popular with tourists.

In Orissa, 4,000 extra policemen and security personnel have been deployed to preserve the peace after a recent wave of attacks on the minority Christian community there.

Last Christmas, dozens of Christians in Orissa were killed and their homes and businesses destroyed by Hindu radicals.

This year, Christians in Orissa and other trouble hotspots are being advised to tone down their Christmas celebrations.