Christians brutally slain in suspected terrorist attack

Three Christians had their throats slit and a fourth was beheaded in a horrific attack in Indonesia on Friday.

A Salvation Army post and the homes of Christians were also burned down in the attack in Central Sulawesi, International Christian Concern reports.

National police spokesman Awi Setiyono said the attack was carried out by around 10 people belonging to a "terrorist" group, according to Reuters.

Gina Goh, ICC's Regional Manager for Southeast Asia, called on the Indonesian government to hold the perpetrators to account. 

"Such senseless act cannot be tolerated in the country that boasts 'Pancasila,' the state ideology which promotes religious harmony and tolerance," she said. 

Human Rights Watch researcher Andreas Harsono told Reuters, "This attack is another serious escalation against the Christian minority in Indonesia."

The attack comes two years after 15 people were killed and another 57 injured in suicide bombing attacks on three churches in Surabaya, East Java. 

The perpetrators of that attack were suspected to be affiliated with the Islamic State. 

 

News
Active faith linked to happier marriages and lower divorce rates, study finds
Active faith linked to happier marriages and lower divorce rates, study finds

People who regularly attend church are more likely to report happy marriages, according to a new report examining the relationship between faith and family life.

Indian churches fearing anti-conversion laws tell non-Christians: enter at your own risk
Indian churches fearing anti-conversion laws tell non-Christians: enter at your own risk

Churches in Dhamtari, a town in the central Indian state of Chhattisgarh, have put up notices warning non-Christians that they enter at their own risk, weeks after a law against religious conversion came into force in the state.

£1k bursaries to help churches develop youth and community mentoring programmes
£1k bursaries to help churches develop youth and community mentoring programmes

Churches across the UK are being offered bursaries to help them establish mentoring programmes aimed at supporting young people and others in their communities.

World Evangelical Alliance celebrates 180th anniversary
World Evangelical Alliance celebrates 180th anniversary

The World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) has held an online celebration to mark its 180th anniversary. Hundreds of people from more than 22 countries attended, and the event was rebroadcast to accommodate different time zones.