News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

Dutch-band-Within-Temptation-Main_article_image.jpg
Facebook
World News

Dutch band protests Christian pressure to remove 'blasphemous' group from festival

In a statement released on Facebook on Sunday, they said: "We have decided to cancel our show in Byblos in solidarity with Mashrou' Leila and in support of tolerance, freedom of speech and expression."

Within Temptation was due to perform at the festival on Wednesday.

The popular Middle Eastern band, Mashrou' Leila, were banned from performing at Byblos music festival on 9th August, after Christian critics of the band labelled their lyrics as "blasphemous" and threatened to attack the concert on social media.

Members of the organising committee said they decided to pull the band from the program "to prevent bloodshed and preserve security".

Within Temptation criticised the Lebanese government for their failure to provide adequate security to enable entertainers to "perform in peace".

Stay up to date with the latest news stories from a Christian perspective. Sign up to our daily newsletter and receive more stories like this straight to your inbox every morning.

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate