While Christian churches in the West hold birthday celebrations for Muhammad and acknowledge him as a prophet, this is the reality for Christians in Muslim lands today.
“At least five killed in suicide attack on Pakistan church: officials,” AFP, December 17, 2017 (thanks to Damian):
At least five people were killed and 21 injured when two suicide bombers attacked a church in Pakistan during a service Sunday, just over a week before Christmas, police said.
Two women were among the dead at a Methodist church in the restive southwestern city of Quetta in Balochistan province, said provincial police chief Moazzam Jah, adding that five of the injured were in serious condition.
Oficials said police intercepted and shot one bomber outside but the second attacker managed to reach the church’s main door where he blew himself up.
“Police were quick to react and stop the attackers from entering into the main hall,” Jah told AFP.
Balochistan provincial home minister Sarfraz Bugti said around 250 people normally attend the church on Sundays, but attendance had swelled to around 400 because it was close to Christmas.
“God forbid, if the terrorists had succeeded in their plans more than 400 precious lives would have been at stake,” tweeted the home minister.
TV footage showed shattered pews and broken musical instruments littered across blood-smeared floors….