Date: Friday 16 June 2006
Subj: Bhutan: Present trial bridges past to future.
To: World Evangelical Alliance Religious Liberty News & Analysis
From: WEA RLC Principal Researcher and Writer, Elizabeth Kendal.
---------------------------------------------
BHUTAN: PRESENT TRIAL BRIDGES PAST TO FUTURE
---------------------------------------------
In Bhutan, two imprisoned Christians, Benjamin Dhunigana and John Dai, will soon face court on charges of proselytising. They have been in prison ever since their arrest on 8 January 2006. They had responded to an invitation to show the Jesus video in a non-believer's home. A boy attending the meeting informed the police, and Benjamin and John, who are both married with children, were arrested the next day. Benjamin was recently sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison and John to three years. They were granted ten days to appeal to the court for bail and then they will appeal the charges against them. (For more details, see Link 1)
This trial will take place at a critical juncture as Bhutan transitions from a closed and repressive past to an open and free future. The country's leadership is delicately but boldly preparing Bhutan to embrace modernisation and liberty. The difficulty is that Bhutan's two million population is largely illiterate and very nervous about change. There are only around 3000 Christians in predominantly Buddhist Bhutan and the Church has struggled with severe restrictions and systematic persecution. Now however, there is great hope.
The debate around the proselytism case could define the future of religious liberty in Bhutan. As such, it is a highly significant trial, deserving our fervent prayers and positive support.
If Bhutan can make this transition from religious kingdom to constitutional, parliamentary democracy with full religious freedom, and be blessed by it, it will impact not only Bhutan but the world – because in this globalised age, the world is watching. The same can be said of the changes taking place in Nepal.
It will be in the political and religious interests of religious nationalists, both local and foreign, that these nations fail and even collapse into chaos so they can be rescued or redeemed by political-religious forces. The people of God must pray: for the "Cyruses" of this world (Isaiah 45: men or women God uses to effect his sovereign will and blessing); for God to "frustrate the ways of the wicked" (Psalm 146:9); and for God to bless his Church with his gracious favour (2 Corinthians 12:9).
-------------------------------------------
Bhutan is undergoing a difficult but marvelous transition: from Buddhist Kingdom to constitutional, parliamentary democracy. His Royal Majesty King Jigme Singye Wangchuk has been devolving his monarchical role from that of supreme ruler to "Head of State" in a parliamentary democracy. He plans to abdicate the throne in 2008 and hand his role to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.
The second draft Constitution (published on 18 August 2005) was the result of years of work that involved the detailed study of constitutions from all around the world. The result is an extraordinary document that enshrines equality, religious liberty, a high standard of human rights, and personal responsibility.
Draft Constitution:
http://www.constitution.bt/draft_constitution_2nd_en.pdf
While Article 3 of the draft Constitution recognises Bhutan's "spiritual heritage" as Buddhist, the king (the Druk Gyalpo) will be the "protector of all religions". Also, Article 3.3 states: "It shall be the responsibility of religious institutions and personalities [i.e. not the State] to promote the spiritual heritage of the country while also ensuring that religion stays separate from politics."
Concerning culture, Article 4.1 states: "The State shall endeavour to preserve, protect and promote the cultural heritage of the country. . ." And in Article 4.2: "The State shall recognize culture as an evolving dynamic force. . ." This clause resists the temptation to lock the people into a static cultural stereotype, and gives the nation and the people freedom to evolve, in the words of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, "with the changing times". (Link 3)
Article 7 deals with "Fundamental Rights".
Here are some highlights:
Article 7.1 A Bhutanese citizen shall have the right to life, liberty and security of person and shall not be deprived of such rights except in accordance with the due process of law.
Article 7.2 A Bhutanese citizen shall have the right to freedom of speech, opinion and expression.
Article 7.3 A Bhutanese citizen shall have the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. No person shall be compelled to belong to another faith by means of coercion or inducement.
Article 7.4 There shall be freedom of the press, radio and television and other forms of dissemination of information, including electronic.
Article 7.5 A Bhutanese citizen shall have the right to information.
Article 7.7 A Bhutanese citizen shall have the right to freedom of movement and residence within Bhutan.
Article 7.12 A Bhutanese citizen shall have the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom of association, other than membership of associations that are harmful to the peace and unity of the country, and shall have the right not to be compelled to belong to any association.
Article 7.15 All persons are equal before the law and are entitled to equal and effective protection of the law and shall not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, sex, language, religion, politics or other status.
Article 8 defines the "Fundamental Duties" of Bhutanis. Article 8.3 states: "A Bhutanese citizen shall foster tolerance, mutual respect and spirit of brotherhood amongst all the people of Bhutan transcending religious, linguistic, regional or sectional diversities."
But not everything is to be tolerated! Article 8.5 states: "A person shall not tolerate or participate in acts of injury, torture or killing of another person, terrorism, abuse of women, children or any other person and shall take necessary steps to prevent such acts."
PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS
After the second draft Constitution was published it was distributed nationwide with the instruction that people read it and openly discuss its contents. Then, His Royal Majesty the King and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince traversed the country holding public consultations in every dzongkhag (district). Throughout the consultations they assured the people that Bhutan was not following a trend but consolidating the rapid and profound achievements of the past. They answered questions and discussed issues with gatherings of hundreds and even thousands. The first public consultation took place in the capital, Thimphu, on 26 October 2005, and the final closing public consultation took place in Trongsa on 27 May 2006.
The questions asked and the anxieties expressed by the people in these public consultations were consistent across the nation. There was a general feeling of sadness, loss and trepidation that their beloved king was devolving his powers to a parliament.
Religious freedom was a key issue for many at the consultations, with concerns being raised that religious freedom would lead to the spread of other religions and this would ultimately undermine and threaten Buddhism and Bhutan's cultural heritage. To these concerns, the Chief Justice, Lyonpo Sonam Tobgye, His Royal Majesty and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince intelligently, persistently, firmly and graciously endorsed equality of all Bhutanis, religious liberty as a fundamental human right, and the responsibility of all Bhutanis to fulfill their duty to the nation by practising peace and tolerance.
Here are some excerpts from http://www.kuenselonline.com from reports covering the public consultations.
FREEDOM OF RELIGION A FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT
From the consultation in the Punakha valley (late November 2005): "One student said that the 'freedom of religion' might encourage the spread of other religions and dilute the Buddhist tradition which was Bhutan's spiritual heritage.
"The Chief Justice explained that the Druk Gyalpo [king] was the protector of all religions and that, in a democracy there should be no discrimination against any religion. Freedom of religion was a fundamental right of the people." (Link 2)
THE TRUE CAUSE OF PROBLEMS IS ABSENCE OF TOLERANCE, NOT PRESENCE OF FREEDOM.
At the public consultations in Dagana (5 February 2006): "The draft was read out to the people in Lhotsham-kha [local language] and discussed article by article as His Royal Highness clarified the queries and doubts raised by about 3,000 public representatives."
"On Article 7, Fundamental Rights, the people voiced their apprehension that, with freedom of religion, Buddhism may be undermined. The Chief Justice said that, although Bhutan was a developing country, the fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution were among the most comprehensive in the world.
"He said that, while Bhutan was a Buddhist nation, it was also one with respect for people of all faiths. He added that it would be the absence of such respect and tolerance that would create problems, as it had in some countries around the world, rather than the freedom that Bhutan's Constitution provides.
"His Royal Highness said that the Constitution was a Constitution for all the people of Bhutan and that it would not discriminate on the basis of religion, gender, or caste. He said that the best way to safeguard the fundamental rights of the people was to ensure the success of this democratic transition. In other words, to fulfill one's fundamental duties." (Link 3)
A gathering of some 10,000 attended the public consultation in Samtse (around 1 April 2006). "On politics, the people felt that religion and politics should not intersect but with the coming of modernisation the interests of the religious community may be neglected. His Royal Highness said that this separation of roles was very important but that as a spiritual nation and people, the religious community's interests would always be safeguarded," thus reinforcing the notion that the religious state of a nation is the responsibility of the people, not the State.
A gathering of some 5,000 community representatives attended the consultation in the eastern economic hub of Samdrup Jongkhar dzongkhag (22 April 2006). Once again anxieties were raised concerning ". . .the need to safeguard Bhutan's spiritual heritage against a possible influx of other religions". The community representatives raised examples of failed democracies, where corruption was rampant. His Royal Highness responded with examples of successful democracies, noting that success is dependant upon three main things: good leadership, an enabling environment, and a population that shoulders its responsibilities. He assured the people that Bhutan had the first two ingredients, and all that was needed now was for people to put aside their petty differences and concerns and keep the greater good of the people foremost in their minds. (Link 4)
At the consultation in remote Zhemgang dzongkhag in early May, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince responded again to suggestions that Bhutan's Buddhist spiritual heritage be explicitly safeguarded in the Constitution. His Royal Highness emphasised that what was considered important in culture and traditions and spiritual heritage would evolve with time according to the changing time, and that different generations of Bhutanese must decide for themselves what aspects of culture and traditions should be given importance. (Link 5)
In the dzongkhag of Bumthang, which Kuenselonline describes as "the spiritual heartland of Bhutan", people expressed their concern that, "if the traditional Bhutanese schools of Buddhism that represented the country's spiritual heritage were not specifically protected, they might be overwhelmed by other religions in future.
"Lam Jamtsho of Ura warned that an influx of new religions would sow the seed of discord in a peaceful country where Buddhism was the essence of life. 'We have seen that one of the main causes of political conflicts is the clash of religious interests,' he said.
"His Royal Highness reminded the people that, in the eyes of His Majesty the King and in the provisions of the Constitution, all Bhutanese were equal." He assured the people that because Buddhism is based on "equality, peaceful co-existence and tolerance" then peace and prosperity should prevail. He then re-affirmed his belief that under a parliamentary democracy, it was important to separate religion from politics.
"When the Chumey representative said there was an apparent contradiction in Buddhism being the spiritual heritage of Bhutan under Article 1 and freedom of religion in Bhutan under Article 7 the Chief Justice explained that one was related to the culture and historical traditions of the nation and the other to personal choice and practice. 'While the Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, no person shall be compelled to belong to another faith by means of coercion or inducement,' he said. 'That will ensure religious harmony'." (Link 6)
THE NEED TO DEFINE TERMS
Articles 7.3, "No person shall be compelled to belong to another faith by means of coercion or inducement", and 7.12 "A Bhutanese citizen . . . shall have the right not to be compelled to belong to any association", both use words – compelled, coercion, inducement – that require definition. This is why the approaching trial of Benjamin Dhunigana and John Dai is so significant. While the trial will doubtless be conducted according to presently enacted laws that ban proselytism (the new Constitution has not as yet been enacted), this trial could see the terms of the draft Constitution defined. The trial may be used to establish a precedent as Bhutan makes this historic transition into its future.
Elizabeth Kendal
Links
1) Two Christians in Bhutan Sentenced to Prison Without a Trial
VOM, 12 June 2006, http://www.persecution.net/pnp.htm#3
2) The unfolding of a new era. 30 November 2005
http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=6284
3) Crown Prince conducts public consultations on the Constitution in
Dagana. 8 February 2006
http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=6543
4) Looking forward to a new era. 26 April 2006
http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=6870
5) Zhemgang's youth are both excited and concerned. 3 May 2006
http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=6899
6) Bumthaps clarify their doubts on the Constitution. 24 May 2006
http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=6992
Showing posts with label Buddhist nationalism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Buddhist nationalism. Show all posts
Friday, June 16, 2006
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
Sri Lanka:Anti-Christian belligerence rewarded.
Date: Tuesday 16 August 2005
Subj: Sri Lanka:Anti-Christian belligerence rewarded.
To: World Evangelical Alliance Religious Liberty News & Analysis
From: WEA RLC Principal Researcher and Writer, Elizabeth Kendal.
In Sri Lanka, a local Head Quarters Inspector has banned a small Christian fellowship from meeting for worship or prayer on the grounds that aggressive, threatening Buddhist opposition to its presence led to a disturbance of the peace. This unconstitutional, unjust and arbitrary ruling is pure appeasement. Impunity equals permission, and appeasement leads to escalation. Unless it is overturned, this ruling will bolster the confidence of Sri Lanka's Buddhist militants with the hope that unlawful, anti-Christian belligerence will be rewarded rather than prosecuted.
-------------------------
On Saturday 6 August 2005, the pastor of the Foursquare Gospel Church in Horana, Kalutara District, Sri Lanka, was informed that the mob which interrupted worship and harassed believers on Sunday 31 July was planning a repeat attack on Sunday 7 August. On the basis of this information, a request was made for police protection.
On Sunday 7 August, the mob of around 50 persons led by a Buddhist monk arrived at the church and demanded amidst threats that the believers (about 12 in number) cease their meetings, leave the church and not return.
No police protection had arrived, so the pastor once again called the police station, this time to request police intervention. The police called both parties to the police station to resolve the matter.
The Buddhists claimed that the Christians have no right to meet for worship in a village that is 99% Buddhist. Various unsubstantiated accusations were leveled against the Christians, based on the Buddhist Commission Report (which is a report, and not law).
The police accepted that the Christians have a constitutional right to religious freedom, which entitles them to meet and practise their faith. However, the Head Quarters Inspector (HQI) ordered the pastor and his congregation to stop meeting for Christian worship, with immediate effect, on the grounds that their Christian worship has led to a situation where it has caused a disturbance of the peace.
The church has also been instructed not to try and relocate. Hence the members of the Foursquare Gospel Church in Horana have in effect been banned from meeting for worship and prayer.
Subj: Sri Lanka:Anti-Christian belligerence rewarded.
To: World Evangelical Alliance Religious Liberty News & Analysis
From: WEA RLC Principal Researcher and Writer, Elizabeth Kendal.
In Sri Lanka, a local Head Quarters Inspector has banned a small Christian fellowship from meeting for worship or prayer on the grounds that aggressive, threatening Buddhist opposition to its presence led to a disturbance of the peace. This unconstitutional, unjust and arbitrary ruling is pure appeasement. Impunity equals permission, and appeasement leads to escalation. Unless it is overturned, this ruling will bolster the confidence of Sri Lanka's Buddhist militants with the hope that unlawful, anti-Christian belligerence will be rewarded rather than prosecuted.
-------------------------
On Saturday 6 August 2005, the pastor of the Foursquare Gospel Church in Horana, Kalutara District, Sri Lanka, was informed that the mob which interrupted worship and harassed believers on Sunday 31 July was planning a repeat attack on Sunday 7 August. On the basis of this information, a request was made for police protection.
On Sunday 7 August, the mob of around 50 persons led by a Buddhist monk arrived at the church and demanded amidst threats that the believers (about 12 in number) cease their meetings, leave the church and not return.
No police protection had arrived, so the pastor once again called the police station, this time to request police intervention. The police called both parties to the police station to resolve the matter.
The Buddhists claimed that the Christians have no right to meet for worship in a village that is 99% Buddhist. Various unsubstantiated accusations were leveled against the Christians, based on the Buddhist Commission Report (which is a report, and not law).
The police accepted that the Christians have a constitutional right to religious freedom, which entitles them to meet and practise their faith. However, the Head Quarters Inspector (HQI) ordered the pastor and his congregation to stop meeting for Christian worship, with immediate effect, on the grounds that their Christian worship has led to a situation where it has caused a disturbance of the peace.
The church has also been instructed not to try and relocate. Hence the members of the Foursquare Gospel Church in Horana have in effect been banned from meeting for worship and prayer.
Friday, March 12, 2004
Sri Lanka: 146 places of worship closed in last 4 months.
Date: Friday 12 March 2004
Subj: Sri Lanka: 146 places of worship closed in last 4 months.
To: World Evangelical Alliance Religious Liberty News & Analysis
From: WEA RLC Principal Researcher and Writer, Elizabeth Kendal
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Goodwill Ambassador of WEA expresses great concern over Sri Lanka.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
The religious situation in Sri Lanka has been deteriorating for several years. However, a momentum seems to be gathering and heading towards serious confrontation between the Buddhist religious establishment, the Sri Lankan government, the NGOs and the Church. Buddhist monks, through their recently formed Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) party, are now contesting the 4 April elections. (Link 1)
Monks are protesting and campaigning against "the NGO mafia" and targeting groups such as World Vision. Churches and Christian workers are being harassed and violently attacked on an almost daily basis.
World Evangelical Alliance Goodwill Ambassador Johan Candelin, Finland, has recently concluded a one-week official visit to Sri Lanka and is deeply concerned about the ongoing attacks in the island. "The big question is this," says Candelin, "is this just the tip of the iceberg or the iceberg itself? One hundred and forty-six places of worship have been closed down over the last four months, and as such, the world should really take a closer look at the growing trend of nationalistic Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Another very disturbing factor is that no one has been condemned for any of the attacks. That sends a signal that you can do this without any
onsequences."
Johan Candelin, who is also the International Director of WEA RLC, confirmed, "WEA will monitor Sri Lanka in its annual Report to the United Nations."
WEA RLC INTERVIEW WITH JOHAN CANDELIN
Q) How bad is the situation in Sri Lanka for Christians?
JC) The situation is very bad. There are the direct attacks by mobs with firebombs etc., but there is also an anti-Christian campaign going on in the media and this incites the local threats. So mentally and spiritually the suffering is enormous. December 2003 alone saw about 40 attacks, and then we need to remember that it is estimated that not even half of the attacks are reported. Just think of the children in a family who see their home attacked and burnt down!
--------------
Q) To what extent is the present religious violence against Christians related to the peace process? (The proposed peace deal would give Tamils autonomy in the north and power-sharing in the national government. Sri Lanka timeline - link 2)
JC) It seems to me that the Singhalese national identity is rather weak (and the Tamil, rather strong), leaving many Singhalese people feeling threatened. This campaign seems to be a reaction to that feeling of insecurity. On one front people say, "The Tamils are getting the north," and, "the Norwegian peace facilitators have a secret agenda." On the other side many say that there is an American agenda to use the Evangelical churches to destroy the Buddhist heritage in the south. The Evangelical population is, however, only about 1%, so there is not really much logic in this. But of course logic and feelings seldom go hand in hand. It is also interesting to see that almost all attacks are in the South!
------------
Q) What has led to the present severe deterioration? To what extent are advertising, media and political figures feeding the deterioration?
JC) For years there seems to have been going on behind the scene a very well organized campaign against, and clear strategy to contain, greater Christian influence. Part of this strategy has been that the attacks will not be made inside the big cities and against the "old churches". Rather, when the gospel is shared for the first time in a Buddhist village then the attacks begin.
Newspapers, books and banderols are used for the hate and disinformation campaign. On one burnt church wall I saw a great banderol claiming "the Church is no more". Of course the claim that the Christians had killed the beloved Buddhist leader Venerable Soma in December 2003 was the trigger for a number of attacks. Ven. Soma died in Moscow of a heart attack and three non-Christian doctors made it clear that he had died a natural death but that did not stop the campaign.
-----------
Q) Elections are approaching on 4 April. Does the newly formed party of Buddhist monks, the Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU), pose any real threat in terms of their ability to polarise society, heighten Buddhist nationalist zeal, stoke sectarian and ethnic tension, or grab the balance of power?
JC) Yes, it has been a long time since Buddhist leaders last ran for Parliament. If some of them are elected it will have a very bad effect on religious freedom. One bad effect would be that they would have a national, democratic platform for their anti-Christian message. Another bad effect would be that as monks, they would affect other Buddhists in other parties. Their JHU party might even hold the balance of power enabling them to be the party that decides whether the present government or the present opposition gets the majority in the new Parliament. In that case they would have much more influence than they really should. A third bad effect would be that they would surely try to introduce an anti-conversion law after the Indian model. And many other MPs would hesitate to vote against that fearing it might look like they are defending the Christians against Buddhism.
------------
Q) What is the mood amongst Sri Lankan Christians?
JC) The mood is good but of course they are very concerned. There are two good things:
1) The Evangelical Alliance does a great job in coordinating and helping the suffering churches. 2) Since the attacks on Catholic churches the Catholic Church now clearly also is defending total religious freedom for all Christians. That solidarity strengthens the Christian voice.
------------
Q) What does the future hold for Sri Lanka's Christians?
JC) Worst scenario: Breakdown of the peace process and a stronger influence of violent nationalistic Buddhism. It needs to be said, however, that most Buddhists are not violent and do not support attacks.
Best scenario: Peace, better protection of the Christian minority, effective rule of law and the opening of constructive talks between Evangelicals and Buddhist. Both are afraid of the other group now.
END
Links
1) JHU monks want to rebuild Dhamma kingdom
By P. Wijetunge and L.B. Senaratne. 3 March 2004
http://www.dailymirror.lk/2004/03/03/front/1.asp
ALSO BBC: 2 March 2004
Monks to contest Sri Lanka poll
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/low/south_asia/3524583.stm
Buddhist monks' election bid
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/low/south_asia/3523125.stm
2) BBC Timeline: Sri Lanka
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/country_profiles/1166237.stm
EXCELLENT ARTICLE:
Anti-Christian 'nationalism' creates debilitating fissures in Lankan society
COLOMBO DIARY. PK Balachanddran.
Colombo, 2 February 2004
No right thinking person will dispute that a revival of the extremely rich Sinhala-Buddhist culture will rekindle in Sri Lankans a sense of pride in their country at a time when this is wearing thin. But what Sri Lanka is witnessing today is not the revival of pristine Buddhism. It is an aggressive and violent communalism of the Hindutva variety. Such a movement will be self-defeating if its main objective is to unify and strengthen Sri Lanka, a country already in tatters for a variety of reasons. ...
Full article:
http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_557452,00410008.htm
(article contains interview with Godfrey Yogarajah, General
Secretary of the Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka.)
Subj: Sri Lanka: 146 places of worship closed in last 4 months.
To: World Evangelical Alliance Religious Liberty News & Analysis
From: WEA RLC Principal Researcher and Writer, Elizabeth Kendal
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Goodwill Ambassador of WEA expresses great concern over Sri Lanka.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
The religious situation in Sri Lanka has been deteriorating for several years. However, a momentum seems to be gathering and heading towards serious confrontation between the Buddhist religious establishment, the Sri Lankan government, the NGOs and the Church. Buddhist monks, through their recently formed Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) party, are now contesting the 4 April elections. (Link 1)
Monks are protesting and campaigning against "the NGO mafia" and targeting groups such as World Vision. Churches and Christian workers are being harassed and violently attacked on an almost daily basis.
World Evangelical Alliance Goodwill Ambassador Johan Candelin, Finland, has recently concluded a one-week official visit to Sri Lanka and is deeply concerned about the ongoing attacks in the island. "The big question is this," says Candelin, "is this just the tip of the iceberg or the iceberg itself? One hundred and forty-six places of worship have been closed down over the last four months, and as such, the world should really take a closer look at the growing trend of nationalistic Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Another very disturbing factor is that no one has been condemned for any of the attacks. That sends a signal that you can do this without any
onsequences."
Johan Candelin, who is also the International Director of WEA RLC, confirmed, "WEA will monitor Sri Lanka in its annual Report to the United Nations."
WEA RLC INTERVIEW WITH JOHAN CANDELIN
Q) How bad is the situation in Sri Lanka for Christians?
JC) The situation is very bad. There are the direct attacks by mobs with firebombs etc., but there is also an anti-Christian campaign going on in the media and this incites the local threats. So mentally and spiritually the suffering is enormous. December 2003 alone saw about 40 attacks, and then we need to remember that it is estimated that not even half of the attacks are reported. Just think of the children in a family who see their home attacked and burnt down!
--------------
Q) To what extent is the present religious violence against Christians related to the peace process? (The proposed peace deal would give Tamils autonomy in the north and power-sharing in the national government. Sri Lanka timeline - link 2)
JC) It seems to me that the Singhalese national identity is rather weak (and the Tamil, rather strong), leaving many Singhalese people feeling threatened. This campaign seems to be a reaction to that feeling of insecurity. On one front people say, "The Tamils are getting the north," and, "the Norwegian peace facilitators have a secret agenda." On the other side many say that there is an American agenda to use the Evangelical churches to destroy the Buddhist heritage in the south. The Evangelical population is, however, only about 1%, so there is not really much logic in this. But of course logic and feelings seldom go hand in hand. It is also interesting to see that almost all attacks are in the South!
------------
Q) What has led to the present severe deterioration? To what extent are advertising, media and political figures feeding the deterioration?
JC) For years there seems to have been going on behind the scene a very well organized campaign against, and clear strategy to contain, greater Christian influence. Part of this strategy has been that the attacks will not be made inside the big cities and against the "old churches". Rather, when the gospel is shared for the first time in a Buddhist village then the attacks begin.
Newspapers, books and banderols are used for the hate and disinformation campaign. On one burnt church wall I saw a great banderol claiming "the Church is no more". Of course the claim that the Christians had killed the beloved Buddhist leader Venerable Soma in December 2003 was the trigger for a number of attacks. Ven. Soma died in Moscow of a heart attack and three non-Christian doctors made it clear that he had died a natural death but that did not stop the campaign.
-----------
Q) Elections are approaching on 4 April. Does the newly formed party of Buddhist monks, the Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU), pose any real threat in terms of their ability to polarise society, heighten Buddhist nationalist zeal, stoke sectarian and ethnic tension, or grab the balance of power?
JC) Yes, it has been a long time since Buddhist leaders last ran for Parliament. If some of them are elected it will have a very bad effect on religious freedom. One bad effect would be that they would have a national, democratic platform for their anti-Christian message. Another bad effect would be that as monks, they would affect other Buddhists in other parties. Their JHU party might even hold the balance of power enabling them to be the party that decides whether the present government or the present opposition gets the majority in the new Parliament. In that case they would have much more influence than they really should. A third bad effect would be that they would surely try to introduce an anti-conversion law after the Indian model. And many other MPs would hesitate to vote against that fearing it might look like they are defending the Christians against Buddhism.
------------
Q) What is the mood amongst Sri Lankan Christians?
JC) The mood is good but of course they are very concerned. There are two good things:
1) The Evangelical Alliance does a great job in coordinating and helping the suffering churches. 2) Since the attacks on Catholic churches the Catholic Church now clearly also is defending total religious freedom for all Christians. That solidarity strengthens the Christian voice.
------------
Q) What does the future hold for Sri Lanka's Christians?
JC) Worst scenario: Breakdown of the peace process and a stronger influence of violent nationalistic Buddhism. It needs to be said, however, that most Buddhists are not violent and do not support attacks.
Best scenario: Peace, better protection of the Christian minority, effective rule of law and the opening of constructive talks between Evangelicals and Buddhist. Both are afraid of the other group now.
END
Links
1) JHU monks want to rebuild Dhamma kingdom
By P. Wijetunge and L.B. Senaratne. 3 March 2004
http://www.dailymirror.lk/2004/03/03/front/1.asp
ALSO BBC: 2 March 2004
Monks to contest Sri Lanka poll
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/low/south_asia/3524583.stm
Buddhist monks' election bid
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/low/south_asia/3523125.stm
2) BBC Timeline: Sri Lanka
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/country_profiles/1166237.stm
EXCELLENT ARTICLE:
Anti-Christian 'nationalism' creates debilitating fissures in Lankan society
COLOMBO DIARY. PK Balachanddran.
Colombo, 2 February 2004
No right thinking person will dispute that a revival of the extremely rich Sinhala-Buddhist culture will rekindle in Sri Lankans a sense of pride in their country at a time when this is wearing thin. But what Sri Lanka is witnessing today is not the revival of pristine Buddhism. It is an aggressive and violent communalism of the Hindutva variety. Such a movement will be self-defeating if its main objective is to unify and strengthen Sri Lanka, a country already in tatters for a variety of reasons. ...
Full article:
http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_557452,00410008.htm
(article contains interview with Godfrey Yogarajah, General
Secretary of the Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka.)
Friday, January 2, 2004
Sri Lanka: situation critical.
Date: Friday 2 January 2004
Subj: Sri Lanka: situation critical.
To: World Evangelical Alliance Religious Liberty News & Analysis
From: WEA RLC Principal Researcher and Writer, Elizabeth Kendal
The grief accompanying the death of the Buddhist nationalist champion, Venerable Gangodawila Soma Thero, along with all the subsequent and virtually unchallenged false information about a Christian conspiracy to murder him is resulting in the security situation for Christians in Sri Lanka becoming critical. (Link 1)
CONSPIRACY THEORIES - MURDER
Venerable Gangodawila Soma Thero (57) was a champion of Buddhist nationalism. He died of a heart attack on 12 December in Russia where he was receiving an honorary doctorate. He was also a diabetic. An autopsy confirmed that heart failure was the cause of death and that Ven. Soma, with a heart condition, had suffered a previous minor heart attack. Buddhist nationalists in Sri Lanka had wanted Ven. Soma's body returned without an autopsy. The Sri Lankan government made a special request to the Russian government for the autopsy to be done in Russia.
Ven. Soma's supporters allege however, that he was number four on a 'hit list' of an unnamed Christian group. They have even named a Christian businessman as being linked to a conspiracy to murder Ven. Soma. (Link 1)
The Sasana Sevaka Sangamaya, a lay organization formed by Ven. Soma, claims it has information that Christian fundamentalists had arranged a sum of US $24,000 to silence him and Medananda Thera. (Link 2)
Thousands of colour posters have appeared which accuse Christians, certain NGOs (non-government organisations), and leading businessmen of hatching a plot to kill Ven. Soma. (Link 3)
Angry, vengeful and grief-striken Buddhist nationalists are embracing the late Venerable Soma's contempt for Christianity and Christian NGOs, and his passion for anti-conversion legislation, with renewed militant fervour.
"NGO MAFIA"
Venerable Soma referred to NGOs as the instruments of a "diabolical conspiracy" by Christian powers to convert and corrupt the Singhalese Buddhist nation. In the light of such allegations it is not surprising that the office of World Vision in Sri Lanka was attacked on 13 November 2003.
Posters have gone up that read, "Let's defeat the NGO mafia", picturing Ven. Soma walking with the Sri Lankan army. This image sets up an expectation that along with Sri Lanka's monks, the Sri Lankan army should be a protector of Buddhism. It is also "'a veiled rise up call to the military - exhorting it to demonstrate its true patriotic role as the guardian of the Sinhala Buddhist nation,' a leading political columnist for an English weekly published from Colombo told TamilNet." (View posters at TamilNet - Link 4.)
ANTI-CONVERION LAWS
On Monday 29 December 2003, dozens of Buddhist monks protested "unethical conversions" by Christians and demanded anti-conversion laws be enacted immediately. One hundred Buddhist monks of the Jathika Sangha Sammelanaya have commenced a hunger strike "unto death" opposite the Buddha Sasana Ministry, urging the government and President Chandrika Kumaratunga to bring in laws to curb unethical conversions. They also charge Christian "fundamentalists" of operating under the guise of NGOs. (Link 5)
(As has been explained in previous WEA RLC reports on Sri Lanka, anti-Christian elements regard all conversions as coerced and unethical. Also, "fundamentalist" generally refers to evangelicals, generally not associated with the mainline denominations, i.e. Baptists, AOGs, independents etc.)
The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka) reports that Sri Lankan Roman Catholic Archbishop Rt. Rev. Oswald Gomis and Bishop Rev. Marius Peiris have issued a joint statement expressing their concern over the growing number of complaints on the illegitimate and wrongful conversions, and distancing themselves from "fundamentalist Christian sects, particularly by the more radical elements". This is clearly a self-serving measure in the face of rising anti-Christian hostility.
According to this Daily Mirror article, ". . . anti-Christian slogans have become the order of the day. There are fears that this wrath might spiral to unimaginable levels with the tensions exacerbated by unsubstantiated reports both deliberately and unwittingly propagated." (Link 3)
"HOLY WAR" - CHRISTIANS ATTACKED
At Ven. Soma's funeral, some monks called for a "Holy War" upon Christians. (Link 1) One man at the funeral was savagely beaten after being identified as a Christian. (Link 4)
The Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka has documented 14 incidents of violent attacks against churches, house churches, pastors, and Christian families in the 5 days between the 24 December 03 state funeral of Ven. Soma and 29 December.
STATEMENT FROM WEA RLC
"The global church and all organizations working for human rights should closely monitor what now is happening on Sri Lanka and contact authorities in Colombo asking them to guarantee religious freedom for everyone in Sri Lanka," says Johan Candelin, Executive Director of the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) Religious Liberty Commission and Goodwill Ambassador of WEA. "Unless this is done we are probably seeing only the beginning of a "disinformation war and subsequent attacks" against Christians. World Evangelical Alliance will surely take up these attacks at the UN Commission meeting in Geneva this spring (April)."
The articles linked to here are the most detailed reports on this horrific situation - they are essential reading.
Elizabeth Kendal
Links
1) Attacks on churches reflect religious tensions in Sri Lanka
By Feizal Samath, InterPress Service, 31 December 2003
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2003/dec/31/yehey/opinion/20031231opi6.html
AND
Sri Lanka police on guard after attacks on churches
Reuters, 30 Dec 2003
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/CL156772.htm
2) Sri Lankan Buddhists Target Christians for Monk's Death
By Champika Liyanaarachchi, Colombo, 23 Dec 2003
http://www.oneworld.net/article/view/75763/1/
3) Ethno-religious insecurities take precedence over peace process
By Champika Liyanaarachchi, Daily Mirror, Sri Lanka 24 Dec 2003
http://www.dailymirror.lk/2003/12/24/opinion/1.asp
4) Postmortem of xenophobia
TamilNet, 29 December 2003
http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=10812
5) Fasting monks demand anti-conversion laws
Minister promises Cabinet proposal
By Pujitha Wijetunge Daily Mirror, Sri Lanka, 30 Dec 2003
http://www.dailymirror.lk/2003/12/30/front/1.asp
Subj: Sri Lanka: situation critical.
To: World Evangelical Alliance Religious Liberty News & Analysis
From: WEA RLC Principal Researcher and Writer, Elizabeth Kendal
The grief accompanying the death of the Buddhist nationalist champion, Venerable Gangodawila Soma Thero, along with all the subsequent and virtually unchallenged false information about a Christian conspiracy to murder him is resulting in the security situation for Christians in Sri Lanka becoming critical. (Link 1)
CONSPIRACY THEORIES - MURDER
Venerable Gangodawila Soma Thero (57) was a champion of Buddhist nationalism. He died of a heart attack on 12 December in Russia where he was receiving an honorary doctorate. He was also a diabetic. An autopsy confirmed that heart failure was the cause of death and that Ven. Soma, with a heart condition, had suffered a previous minor heart attack. Buddhist nationalists in Sri Lanka had wanted Ven. Soma's body returned without an autopsy. The Sri Lankan government made a special request to the Russian government for the autopsy to be done in Russia.
Ven. Soma's supporters allege however, that he was number four on a 'hit list' of an unnamed Christian group. They have even named a Christian businessman as being linked to a conspiracy to murder Ven. Soma. (Link 1)
The Sasana Sevaka Sangamaya, a lay organization formed by Ven. Soma, claims it has information that Christian fundamentalists had arranged a sum of US $24,000 to silence him and Medananda Thera. (Link 2)
Thousands of colour posters have appeared which accuse Christians, certain NGOs (non-government organisations), and leading businessmen of hatching a plot to kill Ven. Soma. (Link 3)
Angry, vengeful and grief-striken Buddhist nationalists are embracing the late Venerable Soma's contempt for Christianity and Christian NGOs, and his passion for anti-conversion legislation, with renewed militant fervour.
"NGO MAFIA"
Venerable Soma referred to NGOs as the instruments of a "diabolical conspiracy" by Christian powers to convert and corrupt the Singhalese Buddhist nation. In the light of such allegations it is not surprising that the office of World Vision in Sri Lanka was attacked on 13 November 2003.
Posters have gone up that read, "Let's defeat the NGO mafia", picturing Ven. Soma walking with the Sri Lankan army. This image sets up an expectation that along with Sri Lanka's monks, the Sri Lankan army should be a protector of Buddhism. It is also "'a veiled rise up call to the military - exhorting it to demonstrate its true patriotic role as the guardian of the Sinhala Buddhist nation,' a leading political columnist for an English weekly published from Colombo told TamilNet." (View posters at TamilNet - Link 4.)
ANTI-CONVERION LAWS
On Monday 29 December 2003, dozens of Buddhist monks protested "unethical conversions" by Christians and demanded anti-conversion laws be enacted immediately. One hundred Buddhist monks of the Jathika Sangha Sammelanaya have commenced a hunger strike "unto death" opposite the Buddha Sasana Ministry, urging the government and President Chandrika Kumaratunga to bring in laws to curb unethical conversions. They also charge Christian "fundamentalists" of operating under the guise of NGOs. (Link 5)
(As has been explained in previous WEA RLC reports on Sri Lanka, anti-Christian elements regard all conversions as coerced and unethical. Also, "fundamentalist" generally refers to evangelicals, generally not associated with the mainline denominations, i.e. Baptists, AOGs, independents etc.)
The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka) reports that Sri Lankan Roman Catholic Archbishop Rt. Rev. Oswald Gomis and Bishop Rev. Marius Peiris have issued a joint statement expressing their concern over the growing number of complaints on the illegitimate and wrongful conversions, and distancing themselves from "fundamentalist Christian sects, particularly by the more radical elements". This is clearly a self-serving measure in the face of rising anti-Christian hostility.
According to this Daily Mirror article, ". . . anti-Christian slogans have become the order of the day. There are fears that this wrath might spiral to unimaginable levels with the tensions exacerbated by unsubstantiated reports both deliberately and unwittingly propagated." (Link 3)
"HOLY WAR" - CHRISTIANS ATTACKED
At Ven. Soma's funeral, some monks called for a "Holy War" upon Christians. (Link 1) One man at the funeral was savagely beaten after being identified as a Christian. (Link 4)
The Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka has documented 14 incidents of violent attacks against churches, house churches, pastors, and Christian families in the 5 days between the 24 December 03 state funeral of Ven. Soma and 29 December.
STATEMENT FROM WEA RLC
"The global church and all organizations working for human rights should closely monitor what now is happening on Sri Lanka and contact authorities in Colombo asking them to guarantee religious freedom for everyone in Sri Lanka," says Johan Candelin, Executive Director of the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) Religious Liberty Commission and Goodwill Ambassador of WEA. "Unless this is done we are probably seeing only the beginning of a "disinformation war and subsequent attacks" against Christians. World Evangelical Alliance will surely take up these attacks at the UN Commission meeting in Geneva this spring (April)."
The articles linked to here are the most detailed reports on this horrific situation - they are essential reading.
Elizabeth Kendal
Links
1) Attacks on churches reflect religious tensions in Sri Lanka
By Feizal Samath, InterPress Service, 31 December 2003
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2003/dec/31/yehey/opinion/20031231opi6.html
AND
Sri Lanka police on guard after attacks on churches
Reuters, 30 Dec 2003
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/CL156772.htm
2) Sri Lankan Buddhists Target Christians for Monk's Death
By Champika Liyanaarachchi, Colombo, 23 Dec 2003
http://www.oneworld.net/article/view/75763/1/
3) Ethno-religious insecurities take precedence over peace process
By Champika Liyanaarachchi, Daily Mirror, Sri Lanka 24 Dec 2003
http://www.dailymirror.lk/2003/12/24/opinion/1.asp
4) Postmortem of xenophobia
TamilNet, 29 December 2003
http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=10812
5) Fasting monks demand anti-conversion laws
Minister promises Cabinet proposal
By Pujitha Wijetunge Daily Mirror, Sri Lanka, 30 Dec 2003
http://www.dailymirror.lk/2003/12/30/front/1.asp
Friday, November 8, 2002
Sri Lanka: Escalating Buddhist Nationalism.
Date: Friday 8 November 2002
Subj: Sri Lanka: Escalating Buddhist Nationalism.
To: World Evangelical Alliance Religious Liberty E-mail Conference
From: Elizabeth Kendal, Conference Moderator
In recent years, Sri Lanka has seen the rise of an increasingly aggressive Buddhist nationalism, complete with disinformation, discrimination and violent persecution. The movement gained considerable momentum during 2001, especially after Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake suggested there was a conspiracy against Buddhism in Sri Lanka, and urged young men to enter the priesthood in order to protect the religion. He claimed that Buddhism was under threat, even though more than seventy percent of the population is Buddhist (with Hindu, Muslim and Christian minorities).
Buddhist leaders have been lobbying the government to ban conversions to Christianity. According to Operation World 21st Century Edition, while Buddhism is growing at 1.1 percent, Protestant Christianity is growing at 3.9 percent and the independent churches are growing at 20.1 percent. Buddhism reportedly loses some 23,000 people each year to Christianity.
Along with Church growth, the trend is increasing social hostility and violent persecution. While the government endorses religious freedom, it appears to be unwilling to engage in political suicide by protecting the Christian minority in this climate of escalating Buddhist nationalism.
-------------------------------------------------
ESCALATING BUDDHIST NATIONALISM
A conference was held in July 2001 with the aim of "making all Buddhists aware of the seriousness of this problem (conversions)." The media release on the conference stated, "The fundamentalist Evangelists who are unethically converting Buddhists to Christianity are one of the main threats to Buddhism." ("Buddhist conference tomorrow at BMICH", by Mallika Wanigasundera, 29 July 2001)
The problem, it claimed, was that "religious freedoms are abused by Evangelists on the assumption that there are no bounds to their activities under the law." Sighting India as a precedent, the Buddhists claimed that, "conversion is not a fundamental right." Other matters to be discussed at the conference were, "Construction of churches, conversion of residences into churches, action brought by Evangelists in the courts over the issue of visas to religious teachers."
The Sinhala Commission Report of July 2001 identified Christianity as the main enemy of Sinhalese culture and religion. According to the Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka (EASL), this report set a media smear campaign in motion.
"Political and religious leaders are mounting attacks against Christian groups. It also has stirred up anti-Christian sentiment across the country and has given credibility to the accusations of Buddhist extremists.
"Various factions of Buddhist extremists are calling on the government to pass a law to ban conversions. Clerics in several districts have vowed to take collective action against Christians, particularly those working amongst the poverty-stricken rural areas.
"Buddhist leaders and organisations are also exerting pressure on the prime minister and the government to rescind visas for Christian missionaries.
"One of the more vocal Buddhist lobby groups is the Bauddha Sanrakshana Sabhava (BSS) (also known as the Society for the Preservation of Buddhism). The BSS has its headquarters in the Asgiriya Temple in Kandy, and is led by an influential monk, the Venerable Medagama Dharmananda Thero. Their aim is to set up branches in every district to monitor the growth of Christianity and prevent conversions. They also intend to close down churches already established in traditional Buddhist villages." (EASL, CSW)
On top of this, the EASL reports, "The Presidential Commission on Buddhism has recommended that the village monk's decision in a particular village should not be overturned by either the Police or Courts."
This virtually gives Buddhist monks police powers that enable them to act like religious police with ultimate authority and total impunity.
---------------------------------
RESULTING PERSECUTIONS
Recent statements from the Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka (EASL).
EASL 17 September 2002
THE LORD IS MY STRENGTH WORSHIP CENTRE
On Sunday 15th September an independent church in Padukka (a predominantly Buddhist area south of Colombo) 'The Lord is my Strength Worship Centre' was attacked by a mob led by a Buddhist monk. Around 30 - 35 believers were gathered together on Sunday morning for worship. They were in prayer when at 9 am a monk from a nearby Temple walked in with a mob of about 100 people.
He threatened the stunned believers, ordering them to leave the Church, and instructing the mob to attack them and if necessary kill them. The monk struck the first blow, attacking pastor Shun Turin with his umbrella. When he fell to the ground from a blow to his stomach, the monk picked up a wooden chair and dealt two brutal blows to the pastor's head. The entire gathering was witness to this. As he lay bleeding the mob overran the church assaulting the believers - including women and children - with wooden chairs from the church, window bars, and iron rods removed from the church drum set. The injured included a 10 month-old baby.
The church building and property within were destroyed including furniture, musical instruments and Bibles. The building was totally demolished and the roof has caved in. Meanwhile the incident was reported to the Padukka police and the believers identified the monk and some of the attackers. However, the police have not taken any action.
EASL Friday 18 Oct 2002
BETHLEHEM CHURCH
Pastor Stephen Yogarajah from Bethlehem Church Chilaw, Sri Lanka, was returning from a prayer meeting in Karukupana village with his wife and 11 year-old son. It was around 9.30 p.m. At Kodolkela 12 km from Chilaw 10-15 hooded men with masks blocked the road and started attacking the vehicle and the people in it with bars, poles, and clubs. The vehicle was badly smashed up and the occupants in the vehicle were also injured.
Pastor Yogarajah suffered injuries on his hand and head, while his wife is nursing a fractured arm. The 11year-old son was admitted to hospital with head injuries requiring stitches. The men had also attempted to gas the family by connecting the car LP gas tubes to the petrol connector.
EASL Monday 21 October 2002
ASSEMBLY OF GOD WORSHIP CENTRE
Assembly of God worship centre Weerawilla. One of Sister Lalani Jayasinghe's branch churches in Weerawilla was burnt down last week on October 13th. Sister Lalani Jayasinghe is the wife of Pastor Lionel Jayasinghe who was martyred in 1987 in Tissamaharama South of Sri Lanka.
An unidentified group of men set fire to the worship hall and also to a believer's home situated nearby. The house and worship centre were completely burned down. The believer lost all his belongings and is now without a home. Two bikes parked in the premises and a water-pump were also destroyed by the mob.
END
- Elizabeth Kendal
Further reading: U.S. Department of State International Religious
Freedom Report for 2002 - Sri Lanka.
http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2002/14027.htm
Subj: Sri Lanka: Escalating Buddhist Nationalism.
To: World Evangelical Alliance Religious Liberty E-mail Conference
From: Elizabeth Kendal, Conference Moderator
In recent years, Sri Lanka has seen the rise of an increasingly aggressive Buddhist nationalism, complete with disinformation, discrimination and violent persecution. The movement gained considerable momentum during 2001, especially after Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake suggested there was a conspiracy against Buddhism in Sri Lanka, and urged young men to enter the priesthood in order to protect the religion. He claimed that Buddhism was under threat, even though more than seventy percent of the population is Buddhist (with Hindu, Muslim and Christian minorities).
Buddhist leaders have been lobbying the government to ban conversions to Christianity. According to Operation World 21st Century Edition, while Buddhism is growing at 1.1 percent, Protestant Christianity is growing at 3.9 percent and the independent churches are growing at 20.1 percent. Buddhism reportedly loses some 23,000 people each year to Christianity.
Along with Church growth, the trend is increasing social hostility and violent persecution. While the government endorses religious freedom, it appears to be unwilling to engage in political suicide by protecting the Christian minority in this climate of escalating Buddhist nationalism.
-------------------------------------------------
ESCALATING BUDDHIST NATIONALISM
A conference was held in July 2001 with the aim of "making all Buddhists aware of the seriousness of this problem (conversions)." The media release on the conference stated, "The fundamentalist Evangelists who are unethically converting Buddhists to Christianity are one of the main threats to Buddhism." ("Buddhist conference tomorrow at BMICH", by Mallika Wanigasundera, 29 July 2001)
The problem, it claimed, was that "religious freedoms are abused by Evangelists on the assumption that there are no bounds to their activities under the law." Sighting India as a precedent, the Buddhists claimed that, "conversion is not a fundamental right." Other matters to be discussed at the conference were, "Construction of churches, conversion of residences into churches, action brought by Evangelists in the courts over the issue of visas to religious teachers."
The Sinhala Commission Report of July 2001 identified Christianity as the main enemy of Sinhalese culture and religion. According to the Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka (EASL), this report set a media smear campaign in motion.
"Political and religious leaders are mounting attacks against Christian groups. It also has stirred up anti-Christian sentiment across the country and has given credibility to the accusations of Buddhist extremists.
"Various factions of Buddhist extremists are calling on the government to pass a law to ban conversions. Clerics in several districts have vowed to take collective action against Christians, particularly those working amongst the poverty-stricken rural areas.
"Buddhist leaders and organisations are also exerting pressure on the prime minister and the government to rescind visas for Christian missionaries.
"One of the more vocal Buddhist lobby groups is the Bauddha Sanrakshana Sabhava (BSS) (also known as the Society for the Preservation of Buddhism). The BSS has its headquarters in the Asgiriya Temple in Kandy, and is led by an influential monk, the Venerable Medagama Dharmananda Thero. Their aim is to set up branches in every district to monitor the growth of Christianity and prevent conversions. They also intend to close down churches already established in traditional Buddhist villages." (EASL, CSW)
On top of this, the EASL reports, "The Presidential Commission on Buddhism has recommended that the village monk's decision in a particular village should not be overturned by either the Police or Courts."
This virtually gives Buddhist monks police powers that enable them to act like religious police with ultimate authority and total impunity.
---------------------------------
RESULTING PERSECUTIONS
Recent statements from the Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka (EASL).
EASL 17 September 2002
THE LORD IS MY STRENGTH WORSHIP CENTRE
On Sunday 15th September an independent church in Padukka (a predominantly Buddhist area south of Colombo) 'The Lord is my Strength Worship Centre' was attacked by a mob led by a Buddhist monk. Around 30 - 35 believers were gathered together on Sunday morning for worship. They were in prayer when at 9 am a monk from a nearby Temple walked in with a mob of about 100 people.
He threatened the stunned believers, ordering them to leave the Church, and instructing the mob to attack them and if necessary kill them. The monk struck the first blow, attacking pastor Shun Turin with his umbrella. When he fell to the ground from a blow to his stomach, the monk picked up a wooden chair and dealt two brutal blows to the pastor's head. The entire gathering was witness to this. As he lay bleeding the mob overran the church assaulting the believers - including women and children - with wooden chairs from the church, window bars, and iron rods removed from the church drum set. The injured included a 10 month-old baby.
The church building and property within were destroyed including furniture, musical instruments and Bibles. The building was totally demolished and the roof has caved in. Meanwhile the incident was reported to the Padukka police and the believers identified the monk and some of the attackers. However, the police have not taken any action.
EASL Friday 18 Oct 2002
BETHLEHEM CHURCH
Pastor Stephen Yogarajah from Bethlehem Church Chilaw, Sri Lanka, was returning from a prayer meeting in Karukupana village with his wife and 11 year-old son. It was around 9.30 p.m. At Kodolkela 12 km from Chilaw 10-15 hooded men with masks blocked the road and started attacking the vehicle and the people in it with bars, poles, and clubs. The vehicle was badly smashed up and the occupants in the vehicle were also injured.
Pastor Yogarajah suffered injuries on his hand and head, while his wife is nursing a fractured arm. The 11year-old son was admitted to hospital with head injuries requiring stitches. The men had also attempted to gas the family by connecting the car LP gas tubes to the petrol connector.
EASL Monday 21 October 2002
ASSEMBLY OF GOD WORSHIP CENTRE
Assembly of God worship centre Weerawilla. One of Sister Lalani Jayasinghe's branch churches in Weerawilla was burnt down last week on October 13th. Sister Lalani Jayasinghe is the wife of Pastor Lionel Jayasinghe who was martyred in 1987 in Tissamaharama South of Sri Lanka.
An unidentified group of men set fire to the worship hall and also to a believer's home situated nearby. The house and worship centre were completely burned down. The believer lost all his belongings and is now without a home. Two bikes parked in the premises and a water-pump were also destroyed by the mob.
END
- Elizabeth Kendal
Further reading: U.S. Department of State International Religious
Freedom Report for 2002 - Sri Lanka.
http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2002/14027.htm