Church website hacked by Islamic State

Church website hacked by Islamic State Facebook

Islamic State terrorists have hacked the website of a Catholic church, posting a beheading video and a message warning that the jihad will not cease until Rome is conquered.

The jihadists are believed to have picked on Our Lady of Mercy Syriac Catholic Church in Sydney, Australia because many of its members are refugees who have fled the conflicts in Syria and Iraq. The church had recently launched an appeal for help for the refugees. The video, now taken down, showed beheadings and terrorised bodies.

The written text, tagged #thefailedcrusade, said: "Now our fighting has come! We don't negotiate except with cannon, we don't have dialogues except with guns, we will not talk except strength. And we will not stop the fighting until we make Athan and pray in Rome by Allah's will in a conquest."

Many of the worshippers in the church have lost everything. 

The parish wrote on Facebook that the terrorists were seemingly not satisfied with killing and displacing Christians, but now wanted to deprive them of the help and assistance they were receiving in their new homes. 

The hackers also inserted a link to a website which described the Paris attacks as a "blessed onslaught".

"Please pray for the church and to the success of this organisation and pray for all our displaced people," the parish wrote. The church has been in contact with Australian Security Intelligence.

related articles
160 mosques could close as France targets hate speech
160 mosques could close as France targets hate speech

160 mosques could close as France targets hate speech

Tony Blair: Support for ISIS runs \'deep into parts of Muslim societies\'
Tony Blair: Support for ISIS runs 'deep into parts of Muslim societies'

Tony Blair: Support for ISIS runs 'deep into parts of Muslim societies'

As bad as ISIS? Why we let Saudi Arabia get away with murder
As bad as ISIS? Why we let Saudi Arabia get away with murder

As bad as ISIS? Why we let Saudi Arabia get away with murder

News
Shine, Jesus, Shine remix launched for Christmas evangelism campaign
Shine, Jesus, Shine remix launched for Christmas evangelism campaign

The project was divinely inspired, says the organiser

Sudanese human rights activist assaulted in Newcastle
Sudanese human rights activist assaulted in Newcastle

The assault happened outside Newcastle City Hall, said Christian Solidarity Worldwide.

Gaza's Christians praying for a peaceful Christmas
Gaza's Christians praying for a peaceful Christmas

Conditions remain tough for Gaza's Christians despite the ceasefire.

Churches across the UK are getting into the Christmas spirit
Churches across the UK are getting into the Christmas spirit

Cathedrals and churches across the UK are embracing Advent with a flurry of festive markets, carol services and community events.