News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

bible-with-cross-main_article_image.jpg
bible-with-cross-thumb_galleryfull.jpg
World News

Coronavirus conspiracy theories putting Christian minorities at risk

by Premier Journalist

Christian persecution watchdog Open Doors has said that followers of Jesus around the world are being put at risk due to a wave of conspiracy theories blaming believers for the spread of Covid-19.

The organisation highlighted several nations that are playing host to a number of misconceptions about the Christian community and its attitude towards Covid-19. 

In Russia, a state news channel falsely reported that an evangelical church in St Petersburg had continued to meet after the lockdown, causing mass infections in the area. "The report led to an attempted arson attack on another evangelical church," Open Doors added.

In Somalia, Islamic terror group al-Shabaab group has conveyed a message to Muslims that coronavirus is spread "by the crusader forces (Christians) who have invaded the country and the disbelieving countries that support them." 

Then, in Northern Uganda, Muslims have been blaming Christians for coronavirus, suggesting that Chinese believers have been burning the Qur'an and, as a result, Allah is punishing people with sickness. "They have threatened to put to death any person who is first identified to be positive with the coronavirus," Open Doors added.

Jo Newhouse, spokesperson for Open Doors, said: "It’s distressing to hear of the blaming of Christians for the Covid-19 pandemic in places where the Body of Christ is already under immense pressure.

"We call on the government to do all in its power to counter the spreading of misinformation and to make sure that all minorities are adequately protected against violence, especially in remote areas.”

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