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
SPUC seeks legal advice after SNP cancels conference fringe event
SPUC seeks legal advice after SNP cancels conference fringe event

SPUC recently welcomed the SNP decision to drop an abortion motion from its conference.

UN Special Rapporteur calls for end to 'coerced' abortion
UN Special Rapporteur calls for end to 'coerced' abortion

Motherhood is not just a "private choice" but a "public good", said the UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women and Girls, Reem Alsalem.

What’s so fascinating about Church of England vicars?
What’s so fascinating about Church of England vicars?

Church of England priest Pippa White has more than 32,000 followers on TikTok, her online posts have been seen by millions, and she has just published a book explaining clerical life for a non-church audience.

The London church that helped shape a nation: 300 years of St Martin-in-the-Fields
The London church that helped shape a nation: 300 years of St Martin-in-the-Fields

Few parish churches are as famous as St Martin-in-the-Fields in central London. This year, it marks its 300th anniversary. This is the story …