VOM Demands Justice for U.S. Missionaries Attacked by Hindu Mob
by Allie Martin
June 15, 2005
(AgapePress) - A ministry that works to raise awareness about persecuted Christians worldwide is calling for swift action against a Hindu mob that attacked U.S. missionaries this past weekend in Bombay, India.Law enforcement officials in India report that angry Hindu youths attacked three American missionaries and tried to kidnap one of them last Saturday night as the Christian missionaries led Bible studies in Bombay. Police say 30 or 40 men attacked the three Americans, believing they were trying to convert Hindus.
Todd Nettleton is with Voice of the Martyrs, an international ministry to the persecuted Church. He says the situation is dangerous for missionaries in India and notes, "Christian workers there are on the lookout, on the watch."
Nettleton says there is concern among the radical Hindu groups that many Hindus are becoming followers Christ. Some of these groups, he points out, "are accusing the Christians of bribing or inducing the conversions with some kind of financial inducements." And, of course, he adds, "Christian missionaries are simply saying, 'Listen, we're not paying off these people; we're simply telling them about the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.'"
The VOM spokesman says at least one of the youths responsible for the attack on the U.S. missionaries has been in custody, albeit briefly. "One of them was arrested and appeared," he explains, "and was granted bail at the hearing before the court, and has been allowed to go free on bail for the time being."
Nettleton hopes there will be a thorough investigation; and he says, "Hopefully those who brought about this violent action against the missionaries will be brought to justice. But it's hard to say at this point exactly what will happen to them."
Police said the three missionaries were treated for bruises and cuts at a hospital but were not seriously injured. Authorities in India have ruled that the American Christians must be deported.
Allie Martin, a regular contributor to AgapePress, is a reporter for American Family Radio News, which can be heard online.
