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Posted on 10/30/2001 6:20:56 PM PST by FresnoDA

Mideast Christians fear Islamic backlash

SPECIAL TO WORLD TRIBUNE.COM Tuesday, October 30, 2001

WASHINGTON — Middle East Christian activists are concerned that their communities could come under Islamic attack on orders from Saudi fugitive Osama Bin Laden.

The activists have relayed their concern to U.S. Christian groups that Sunday's attack on Christian worshippers in Pakistan could spark a wave of attacks on Christians throughout the Middle East. They said the attack could increase anti-Christian violence in Egypt, where tension has risen between Christians and Muslims.

The Washington-based Middle East Christian Committee, an umbrella organization of 17 Christian groups that deal with Middle East communities, said other warnings of attacks on Christians have come from Lebanon and African and Asian states.

On Sunday, worshippers in a Pakistani church were massacred during service. Christian activists said the attack was ordered by Bin Laden. At least 15 people were reported killed.

A statement by the Washington group said the massacre of Christians was the bloodiest in a series of recent attacks on Christians in the region. They include an attack earlier this month on a Lebanese church.

"The killing of Christians in northern Nigeria, the burning of churches in Lebanon, and the threats issued against Christians under the veil of crusaders were clear warnings," the group said. "Osama Bin Ladin and his Jihad cohorts have ignited a backlash against millions of Christians and other non-Muslims around the world."

U.S. officials said they have been in contact with several Middle East governments to ensure the protection of Christians. They said they have received from U.S. allies pledges to protect the Christian communities and allow them the right of worship.

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