Christians, governments on high alert for terror attacks as Easter draws near
Christians and governments in different parts of the globe are on alert especially with Easter fast approaching, a time when further terror attacks might happen.
In Pakistan, a church leader has given a warning that extremists are getting restless.
"The situation is still tense and we are concerned for our Easter services," a church leader told Release International. "Once again the situation is very alarming for all the Christian leadership in Pakistan and for the Muslim leaders who speak up for Christians. They are on high alert."
According to the website, the tension has been growing since the execution of Mumtaz Qadri on Feb. 29 for the murder of governor Salman Taseer in 2011. Taseer campaigned for the pardon of a Chrisian woman accused of blasphemy and sentenced to death.
Qadri shot Taseer and was reportedly considered a hero, even called by the minister of religions affairs as a martyr. Thousands of supporters reportedly protested against his hanging, and his funeral was attended by approximately 100,000 supporters.
"The anger of extremists is boiling over towards Christian communities across the country," the church leader said. "Please pray for this very serious issue."
In Belgium, a terror attack happened just this Tuesday, where two nail bombs exploded at the Brussels airport and one at a metro station. Meanwhile, Bible translators were killed in the Middle East, while the Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the killing of a 68-year-old Christian convert in Bangladesh.
Kenya, according to Citizen Digital, has beefed up security, with Coast Regional Coordinator Nelson Marwa saying that they are trying to avoid terror attacks in airports, entertainment venues and other areas.
In December, Deputy President William Ruto told Kenyans, referring to a terror attack on a bus, "As we saw the other day Muslims protecting Christians from terrorists, it means we all have a role to play in ensuring our neighbors are safe and the country is secure."
