Violence Against Houses of Worship – Page 3 – Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.)

Nigeria: Further Reports on Killing of Christians, Destruction of Churches

In Nigeria, Fr. Gideon Obasogie, Head of Social Communications of the Diocese of Maiduguri, has provided news media with further updates on the destruction of Diocese of Maiduguri, with the fall of Mubi, with an estimated 2,500 Catholic Christians killed, 100,00 Catholics displaced, and over 50 churches destroyed

This was reported on November 19, 2014 by Agenzia Fides as follows: “Abuja (Agenzia Fides) – According to a note sent to Agenzia Fides by Fr. Gideon Obasogie, Head of Social Communications of the Diocese of Maiduguri, with the fall of Mubi the estimated figure of destruction caused by Boko Haram in the diocese of Maiduguri (whose territory includes Borno, Yobe States and some areas of the Adamawa) is as follows:.
Over 2,500 Catholic Faithful have been killed; Over 100,000 Catholic faithful are displaced; Out of the (46) priests currently working in the diocese (26) are displaced (other priests were welcomed by His Exc. Mgr. Dami Manza, Bishop of Yola); Over (200) Catechists are displaced while over (20) Rev. Sisters are displaced; Abducted women and Girls: Over (200).
Over (50) churches and rectories have been razed down, a good number were destroyed more than once and out of the (40) parish centers \ chaplaincies (22) are presently deserted and occupied by the terrorists. Out of the (5) convents, (4) have been deserted.
A good number of our faithful have been converted to Islam against their will. Most schools in the Northeast can’t commence regular activities not only because of the terrorists, but also because such school premises now serve as refugee camps.
Communities captured and occupied by Boko Haram:”
“In Borno State: Gomboru Ngalla and Bama, Gwoza, Maffa and Abadam. Askira Uba, Dikwa, and Marte. Maiduguri is completely surrounded by the terrorists. The one exit out of Maiduguri city is only the Maiduguri-Damaturu raod.”
“In Adamawa state: Madagali, Michika, Mubi. Others include Gulak, Kaya, Shuwa, Bazza, Yaffa, Betso, Mishara, Vimtim, Muchalla, Kala’a, Maiha, and Mataka.
In Yobe State: Buni Yadi, Gujba, Gulani, Kukuwa, Bularafa, Buni Gari, Bara, Bumsa, Taltaba. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 19/11/2014)”

In addition, the Catholic Diocese of Maiduguri reported on October 26, 2014, that the over 90,000 displaced persons in the troubled Northeast had been forced to feed on grass and insects to survive in their hideouts, according to a report by the Nigerian Daily Post.

Nigeria: 185 Churches Burned by Boko Haram

In Nigeria, the Nigeria news is reporting that “185 churches have been razed and 190,545 people displaced.” This was after the global terror organization Boko Haram’s attack on Nigerian towns in Borno and Adamawa states.

This was announced by the Director of Communications of the Diocese, Fr. Gideon Obasogie, who stated these crimes against our fellow human beings, against houses of worship, and against our universal human rights were perpetrated by Boko Haram. Fr. Gideon Obasogie indicated that these 185 churches were burned (torched) in the Maiduguri Diocese. The territory of the Maiduguri Diocese includes the states of northern Nigeria: Borno, Yobe, and some areas of Adamawa.

Fr. Gideon Obasogie issued a signed press statement tagged “state of captured towns;” and made available to newsmen in Maiduguri, the state capital.

On October 6, 2014, the Nigerian “The Vanguard” newspaper and other news media reported on this. The Vanguard stated: “185 churches in the diocese were torched and 190, 545 people displaced.” It also reported: “According to the statement, the “ransacking and torching” of churches in the captured towns and villages, have already displaced many priests, and are taking refuge in either Yola or Maiduguri metropolises for the last one or two months.”

“He said the capturing of towns along with the torching of about 185 places of worship is, ‘sad, heart arching and potentially dangerous to the territorial integrity and common good of Nigeria.’

Fr. Gideon Obasogie reportedly stated: “It is over 30 days now that our Church communities in Gulak, Shuwa, Michika, Bazza…. were sacked by the callous attacks of the Boko Haram terrorists. While Gwoza and Magadali had been under the tyrannical and despotic control of the terrorists and this is almost the sixtieth day. Our Priests are displaced, while citizens, who were supposed to celebrate their independence as a free Nation, were rather counting their losses and regrets as they had been reduced to the status of Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs. Where is the freedom? Life is really terribly difficult. We are waiting eagerly to go back home, even as it is obvious that we are going to reconstruct our looted and burnt houses and ecclesiastical structures. We have been sacked for months, sleeping in uncompleted buildings, camps and school premises.”

“We have been absorbed into houses of relations and friends in sixties and seventies. Meals time is always difficult and shameful. We have counted weeks rolling into months, must we also count years? We are waiting to go back home! Nigerians are waiting to go back to their ancestral homes!!! Our minds are greatly troubled, do we think about our status, Or about our family members yet to be connected with ever since we fled our homes?”

“Do we worry about our aged parents who were not so strong to run, they always fed us with words of encouragement and wisdom. Do we worry about our sick members, women and infants who had been trapped? Most of whom we heard had been rape and killed. Or worry about the health, education and future of our children? We have got a lot of questions yet to be answered.”

“Talking about resumption, our children have not been fed and well clothed so resumption to schools is practically out of our calculation. In our opinion if thousand of Nigerian children can’t go to school then in the long run boko is really haram.”

“While our people perish inaction, or rather slow action is what we get. Political activities in neighboring communities were on-going as though nothing were a stake.”

Nigeria: Terrorists Murder 178 – Boko Haram Claims Responsibility

We offer compassion and prayers for the victims in Nigeria of terrorist atrocities, where over 178 have been reported killed, with the Bin Ladenist extremist group Boko Haram taking responsibility for the bloodshed and murder. Boko Haram has declared war on the Nigeria government and the Nigerian people. In the latest attacks which Boko Haram takes responsibility, it launched coordinated attacks on Nigerian government offices and police stations. During Christmas 2011, Boko Haram launched attacks on Christians and their churches, and in August 2011, Boko Haram launched an attack on a United Nations office in Abuja. Boko Haram has proven that they don’t stand for any religious or culture principals, other than their views of seeking death, destruction, and the end of human rights for Nigerians.

We need people of all faiths, all religions, all conscience, and all identity groups to stand against such violence, murder, and hatred.

We need our voice of hope, compassion, and dignity to be more than a whisper to the shouts of those who would seek to destroy and hate our brothers and sisters in humanity.

Choose Love, Not Hate – Love Wins.

NigeriaBlast_Boko_Haram — Terrorist Attacks in Nigeria - with Boko Haram Taking "Credit" for Death and Destruction (Photo: Reuters)

Nigeria: Over 178 Dead After Bomb Blasts – Islamist Boko Harum Group Takes Responsibility
— Reuters…. “Islamist insurgents kill over 178 in Nigeria’s Kano”… “Gun and bomb attacks by Islamist insurgents in the northern Nigerian city of Kano last week killed at least 178 people, a hospital doctor said on Sunday, underscoring the challenge President Goodluck Jonathan faces to prevent his country sliding further into chaos. … “The scale of the carnage makes this by far the deadliest strike claimed by Boko Haram, a shadowy Islamist sect that started out as a clerical movement opposed to western education but has become the biggest security menace facing Africa’s top oil producer. ‘We have 178 people killed in the two main hospitals,’ the senior doctor in Kano’s Murtala Mohammed hospital said following Friday’s attacks, citing records from his own and the other main hospital of Nasarawa.”

Boko Haram spokesperson Abul Qaqa takes credit for weekend attacks killing 178 in Kano State in Nigeria
— Vanguard… “Nigeria: Why We Attacked Kano – Boko Haram.. Maiduguri — The Boko Haram sect has given reasons for its weekend attacks, which led to the killing of about 162 people in Kano State, saying it was to avenge the persecution of its members. Spokesman of the group, Abul Qaqa, made this known in a telephone interview with newsmen in Maiduguri, yesterday. Claiming responsibility for the attacks and multiple bombings on police stations, State Security Services, SSS, and passport office buildings in Kano metropolis, Qaga said: ‘Last night’s (Friday) attacks and bombings of Kano city followed our warnings in the second week of December, 2011.'”

U.N. Ban Ki-moon condemns multiple attacks in Kano

Whispered prayer against Boko Haram needs to be spoken with louder conviction against violence
— “The emir of Kano has led a prayer service asking for God to help end attacks by a radical Islamist sect across Nigeria’s north. The ceremony by the senior Muslim religious official was held Monday in the city of Kano, where more than 150 were killed in a series of coordinated attacks Friday by Boko Haram. The emir spoke only for one minute in a voice so soft those gathered inside the half-emptied mosque could barely hear.”

Los Angeles Times
— “Reporting from Kano, Nigeria, and Johannesburg,— A militant Islamic group whose almost daily attacks have put Nigerians on edge left the country stunned Saturday after a well-coordinated strike with disturbing echoes of Al Qaeda’s brand of mayhem.”
Daily Telegraph Report
— Many people are feared dead after a series of explosions outside of police stations in the largest city in Nigeria’s Muslim north.

CAN prays FG to end terrorism in Nigeria

Nigeria violence: Scores dead after Kano blasts

Gallery: Chaos in Kano

Nigeria: Cleric Wants Jonathan to Name Boko Haram Members in His Govt
— “Nigeria: Cleric Wants Jonathan to Name Boko Haram Members in His Govt. Sheikh Jingir made the call yesterday in Bauchi at the launch of N251 million appeal fund for the development of education and propagation of Islam. He said: ‘In the interest of fairness, peace and progress we want President Goodluck Jonathan to name the people he alleged to be Boko Haram members that infiltrated his government and bring them to book since he knows them, in the interest of justice and fairness.'”

Boko Haram’s Rise in Nigeria Sparks Civil War Fears — “Friday’s deadly bomb attacks in Nigeria’s second largest city, Kano, are the latest in a series of spectacular strikes by the radical Islamist sect Boko Haram. The coordinated series of assaults on police stations and other government offices killed at least 200 people. The rise of Boko Haram is sparking concerns that Africa’s most populous country may be edging closer to civil war… The radical Islamist Boko Haram has made headlines with increasing frequency lately for a series of audacious terrorist strikes. Among them, a Christmas Day bomb blast that killed worshippers at a Catholic Church and a deadly suicide bomb last August at a U.N. headquarters in Abuja.”

Texas: Vandalism and Suspected Arson at Arlington Mosque

Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.) supports our universal human rights of freedom of religion, freedom of conscience, and freedom of worship for ALL people — without exception.

In Arlington, Texas, police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (F.B.I.) are in the process of investigating whether hate crimes were committed in the vandalism and arson attacks at the Dar El-Eman Islamic Center mosque on Mansfield Road. The mosque was the target of graffiti vandalism, suspected arson in the children’s playground, and harassment of mosque attendees by passers-by in an automobile.

On July 23, 2010, vulgar graffiti with derogatory messages were found spray-painted on the parking lot, and on July 25, 2010, there was a suspected arson attack on a children’s playground in the mosque area. When firefighters arrived to the scene, the fire had burned out, but there was extensive damage to the playground equipment.

Anyone with information is asked to call Arlington, Texas police. They ask anyone with information to call them at (817) 459-6640. The FBI is also working the case.

Texas: Burned Children's Playground at Arlington Mosque (Photo: Arlington, Texas Police Department)

The Dallas Morning News reported that “Jamal Qaddura, president of the DFW Islamic Educational Center, said the spray-painted obscenities were about 15 feet high. Damage to the playground equipment, he said, was estimated at $20,000.” The Dallas Morning News also reported that Muslims going to Dallas area worship services were harassed, stating ” Qaddura said worshippers at the mosque were subjected to racial slurs yelled by a carload of people after services Sunday evening. ‘I don’t want to repeat them,’ he said. ‘You don’t want to hear them. About our religion, and about us.'” WFAA reported that “Qaddura believes the damage is related to resentment over a planned Islamic community center near ground zero in Manhattan.”

The Dallas Morning News also has a video on the news subject.

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Responsible for Equality and Liberty (R.E.A.L.) supports our universal human rights to freedom of religion, freedom of worship, and freedom of conscience for all people of all faiths, including the freedom of religion supported under Article 1 of the United States Constitution. Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.”

We urge those who promote hate and intolerance to unburden the hate from their hearts.

We urge all to Choose Love, Not Hate. Love Wins.

Olney, Maryland Synagogue Vandalized with Swastikas, anti-Semitic slogans, Death Threats

On July 26, 2010, the B’nai Shalom Synagogue of Olney, Maryland, a suburb of Washington DC was vandalized by persons unknown spray painting swastikas and anti-Semitic slogans on the outside walls, parking lot and light posts. NBC Washington reported that the attack on the Olney, Maryland synagogue happened the night before parents were to drop off their children for a summer camp.

Attack on DC Area Olney, Maryland Synagogue with Nazi, White Supremacist Vandalism (Photo: NBC Washington)

See the NBC Washington video and NBC Washington report.

The Olney, Maryland synagogue was covered with swastikas on the outside and on the sidewalk, as well as spray painting of slurs against Jews. The anti-Semitic phrases, scrawled using black spray paint, included “work will set u free,” a reference to a sign that hung over the Auschwitz concentration camp, and “Death 2 Zionists.” The vandals also used German, writing phrases including “Juden raus,” which means “Jews out” and was used by Nazis.

The spray-painted comments also included the phrase “Death 2 Zionists” and “14/88.” 14/88 is a reference used by white supremacists. The “14” refers to the “14 words” promoted by white supremacists “We must secure the existence of our people and a future for white children,” which was promoted by David Lane, a criminal leader of the white nationalist group The Order. The “88” refers to eighth letter of the alphabet, “H,” and stands for “HH” or “Heil Hitler.”

Olney, MD Synagogue: Death Threats, Promotion of Nazi and White Supremacists 1488 Message (Photo: NBC Washington) — Olney, MD Synagogue: Death Threats, Promotion of Nazi and White Supremacists 14/88 Message (Photo: NBC Washington)

Debbie Kovalsky, synagogue president, said the damage is “heart wrenching to see.”

The Jerusalem Post stated that “In addition to the synagogue vandalism, two homes in the area were also spray-painted with swastikas and other symbols.” WJZ reports that “Police say two homes on Rolling Acres Way in Olney were vandalized, with swastikas and the symbols ‘SS’ spray-painted on the yards and trees.”

The Maryland Gazette reported that “B’nai Shalom First Vice President Jeff Orenstein said he was expecting to find a couple of swastikas when officials received the call from police Monday morning about the graffiti. But the vandalism went well beyond that, he said. ‘We were very shocked at how much more there was,’ he said. ‘It appears to us that this was more than a couple of kids that came by with a can of spray paint to play a prank. I think there is a lot more to this.’ ”

On July 28, 2010, the Maryland Gazette reported that “Faint outlines of hateful words and symbols still lingered outside of B’nai Shalom of Olney on Tuesday, despite the efforts of more than 200 people to clean up the graffiti that was found spray painted in black on the walls, parking lot and light poles Monday morning. The rest, synagogue President Debbie Kovalsky said, will have to be removed with a sand blaster. More than 500 people, including County Executive Isiah Leggett (D), attended a prayer service later that evening in a show of support for the synagogue. Clergy and parishioners from local churches and rabbis from synagogues in Rockville, Columbia and Baltimore also joined B’nai Shalom members.”

Montgomery County police are investigating the incident as a possible hate crime. Montgomery County Police ask anyone with information on the case to call 240-773-5500 and ask for the Investigative Services Division.

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Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.) supports our universal human rights, including our universal human right of dignity, and our universal human rights of freedom of religion, freedom of worship, and freedom of conscience. Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states: “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.”

We condemn such death threats, such vandalism and attacks against houses of worship as seeking to intimidate and spread fear among those seeking their universal human rights of freedom of worship. We reject the hate of Nazis and white supremacists, and we call up all those who hate to unburden the hate from their hearts.

We urge all to Choose Love, Not Hate, Love Wins.

Pakistan to Destroy 87 Year Old Hindu Temple

DNA reports:
— “Despite strong protest by Pakistan’s Hindu community, an 87-year-old pre-partition Hindu temple in Pakistan’s garrison town of Rawalpindi is facing demolition.”
— “According to Jagmohan Kumar, the head of the Hindu community in Rawalpindi, the templewas being used by Hindus and Sikhs to perform last rituals of their dear ones.”
— “According to the plaque fixed on the building, Lala Tansukh Rai, the Raees-e-Azam Rawalpindi, had constructed the temple in memory of his wife. ‘The ‘Shamshan Ghat’ is not only used by the locals but by the foreign missions of China and the Buddhist community as well’, Kumar said.”

— see also Dawn report

— Pakistan The News report

— image of old Hindu temple in Rawalpindi

Rawalpindi, Pakistan - Old Hindu Temple (Photo: TrekEarth.com)

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Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.) supports our universal human rights of freedom of religion, freedom of conscience, and freedom of worship for ALL people — without exception.

Sweden: Malmo Synagogue Vandalized with Fireworks, Threatened

JTA and The Local report that fireworks were used to break windows of a Jewish synagogue in Malmo, Sweden. It was reportedly the second threat against the synagogue in a week.

JTA reports: “A firecracker exploded on the steps of the synagogue in Malmo, Sweden, a day after a bomb threat was taped to the building. The firecracker exploded at 3 a.m. last Friday, according to the Stockholm News. A bomb threat written on paper had been taped to the synagogue on the previous evening. It was the second threat directed at the synagogue in two weeks, according to the Swedish newspaper The Local. Security at the synagogue was increased last week, The Local reported.”

— See also January 2010: Jews flee Malmö as anti-Semitism grows
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Responsible for Equality and Liberty (R.E.A.L.) rejects violence and attacks on any house of worship. R.E.A.L. supports our universal human rights to freedom of religion, freedom of worship, and freedom of conscience for all people of all faiths. Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.”

We urge those who promote hate and intolerance to unburden the hate from their hearts.

We urge all to Choose Love, Not Hate. Love Wins.

Georgia: Muslim community member charged in Marietta mosque fire

— Atlanta Journal-Constitution: “Muslim community member charged in Marietta mosque fire”
— Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports: “A member of the Muslim community is suspected of setting the fire that occurred at a Marietta mosque Monday night, Marietta fire officials said Thursday.”
— “Tamsir Mendy, 26, a native of Gambia, has been charged with 1st degree arson and is being held without bail at the Cobb County detention center, said Scott Tucker, Marietta assistant fire chief.”
— “Mosque leaders said Mendy, who describes himself as a ‘devout Muslim,’ had attended their prayer services for a few weeks, Tucker said.
— “Mendy was taken into custody around 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Marietta Fire Department headquarters. He is believed to have acted alone, Tucker said.”
— “Officials have ruled out the possibility that the arson was a hate crime, and did not provide details on any possible motives for the fire.”

Aftermath of Fire at Marietta, Georgia Mosque - Arson Investigation Underway — Aftermath of Fire at Marietta, Georgia Mosque – Arson Investigation Underway

Tamsir Mendy -- Arrested in Marietta, Georgia Mosque Fire — Tamsir Mendy — Arrested in Marietta, Georgia Mosque Fire

Malaysia: Three on Trial Over Firebombing of Christian Church

Asia news media are reporting on the trial of three individuals involved with the firebombing of a Christian church.

Channel News Asia reports that the trial began on July 6 at the Kuala Lumpar sessions court, and the three men were charged with firebombing the Metro Tabernacle church in January 2010. It states that the three men on trial are Raja Muhd Faizal and Raja Muhd Idzham, and Azuwan Sahah Ahmad, and that they have been charged under “436 of the Penal Code for causing mischief with fire.” Catholic Culture and Vatican News are also reporting on this story. The Vatican News states “Fr Lawrence Andrew, Editor of the Catholic weekly Herald, believes that the men on trial did not act alone.”

A Kuala Lumpur police officer inspects the damage to the Metro Tabernacle Church which was destroyed by a fire bomb in the Kuala Lumpur suburb of Desa Melawati,08 Jan 2010 (Photo AP)

See Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.)’s January 8, 2010 posting on the initial church firebombings “Malaysian Churchs Firebombed,” as well as follow-up reports on attacks on Malaysia houses of worship, and other posts on Malaysia.

Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.) supports our universal human rights, including Article 18 freedom of religion, freedom of worship, and freedom of conscience — for all people – everywhere. Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states: “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.” We support religious pluralism and tolerance around the world.

R.E.A.L. urges all people to Choose Love, Not Hate – Love Wins.

Georgia: Investigation into Arson, Hate Crime against Marietta Mosque

On July 6, 2010, Marietta, Georgia local news media outlets are reporting on what is being described as a “suspicious fire” at the Marietta mosque, stating that the fire is being investigated to determine if it was arson. Late Tuesday morning, Marietta Fire Marshal Scott Tucker told the Atlanta Journal Constitution that “It appears to be a crime, it appears to be an arson… There was forcible entry.” An updated report from Marietta television station WSBTV also states that “Fire officials said authorities believe a fire at a Marietta mosque was arson and they are investigating it as a possible hate crime.” The police are also investigating vandalism inside the mosque, but have not yet released information about the type of vandalism.

The Marietta mosque that was damaged by fire is on Powder Springs Street in Marietta, Georgia. The Masjid Al-Hedaya describes its location as on Powder Springs Street in Marietta, Georgia. WSB radio reported the fire as “The fire was reported shortly after 11 p.m. Monday at Masjid Al-hedaya on Powder Springs Street in Marietta. The building is also known as the Islamic Center of Marietta.”

WSBTV also reported on this fire. The fire started after the last prayer session. Reports state that damage to the mosque is “extensive.” According to reports, the fire destroyed the front entrance and did significant damage to the main prayer hall. The local imam Hafiz Inayatullah told WSBTV that “We locked the door and everything and we left and suddenly he called me and said, ‘There’s fire’.”

: Marietta, Georgia – Area Near the Masjid Al-Hedaya Mosque

On June 15, 2010, the Marietta Daily Journal published a column by a writer warning about the construction of mosques in the United States.

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Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.) urges all to assist law enforcement agencies in their investigation. If this fire was the result of arson, we urge that all Americans help law enforcement agencies to aid in identifying those responsible. Our universal human rights include our freedom of religion, freedom of conscience, and freedom of worship for all people. We urge all to Choose Love, Not Hate – Love Wins.