Call to prayer as Christmas Day violence feared in India

Following a year of tensions, threats and destruction,particularly in Orissa, Karnataka, Kerala and Madhya Pradesh, manyChristians will celebrate Christ's birth in hiding or in fear. TheMethodist Church is urging Christians to pray as fresh violence isfeared on Christmas Day.

Christmas 2007 saw violent attacks on Christians and churchservices in several parts of India.

Christine Elliott, Secretary for External Relationships in theMethodist Church in Britain, said; 'The images that flash brieflyacross our TVs and newspapers, often represent a real human costlived out over months and years by our brothers and sisters.

'Over Christmas and in the weeks leading up to the Indian generalelection in February Methodists are encouraged to join our partnersthe Church of North India and Church of South India, in prayer forthose suffering from the communal violence. Let us be active ratherthan passive observers.'

A prayer for Orissa

Loving God, who knows us as a parent and, in Jesus, lived among usas a child,
We pray that the warmth and comfort of your love may be known amongall Christian communities in India, especially those which haveknown violence against their churches over the last year.
We remember before you those who have been killed, attacked or madehomeless,
those living with fear for themselves or their families,
those forced to deny their Christian faith.
May the coming new year bring compassion and understanding,
may politicians act for peace and justice,
may religions live together in hope.
We pray this in the name of Jesus.
Amen.