A Bible is all that survived horror arson attack on Christians

A Bible was all that was left after a Christian convert in Bangladesh lost his home in a fire which he believes was started by fellow villagers.

Since then, Rafiqul, aged 60, and his family of nine have since been sleeping under the open skies with just a small plastic roof for cover.

Rafiqul's local pastor said: "The neighbouring Muslims have been persecuting the family for the last couple of months.

"A group have previously attacked the family and even filed a false report stating that Rafiqul harassed them.

"They have been trying to grab their land and property for a long time."

Rafiqul believes that his Muslim neighbours want him out of the village and that they are likely to be behind what he strongly suspects is an arson attack.

He thinks they are trying to push him to leave the village because he converted to Christianity.

Open Doors sources say that no one in the neighbourhood was willing to help the family because of their conversion away from Islam.

The family had been out working on August 25 when the blaze was started and have been left with nothing but the clothes on their backs.

Open Doors is a global NGO network which has supported and strengthened persecuted Christians for over 60 years and works in over 60 countries. Open Doors provides practical support to persecuted Christians such as food, medicines, trauma care, legal assistance, safe houses and schools, as well as spiritual support through Christian literature, training and resources.

News
When Eastern Europe appeared to be going Protestant
When Eastern Europe appeared to be going Protestant

The crucial question is: why did so much of the early Protestant advance subsequently disappear?

Methodists submit environmental complaint against HSBC
Methodists submit environmental complaint against HSBC

HSBC has said it is committed to achieving climate related targets.

Leaked SNP abortion motion 'deeply troubling'
Leaked SNP abortion motion 'deeply troubling'

Abortion is now the leading cause of death in Scotland.

Around 300 Christians killed and over 200 abducted in Nigeria in July alone amid wave of attacks - report
Around 300 Christians killed and over 200 abducted in Nigeria in July alone amid wave of attacks - report

At least 299 Christians were killed and more than 200 abducted across parts of Nigeria in July, according to a new report documenting a wave of attacks on predominantly Christian communities.