Posted on 01/27/2004 6:30:49 AM PST by miltonim
Christian leaders in northern Nigeria report that enforcement of the Islamic legal code known as sharia is continuing despite protests and drastically impinges on the religious liberty of Christians.
According to reports, 23 Christian women have been arraigned in Islamic courts over charges ranging from non-compliance with the Muslim dress code to prostitution.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) said that the accusations of prostitution are false.
“A woman not married, irrespective of her religious background, is seen by Muslim enforcers of the sharia as a prostitute,” said Rev. Linus Awuhe, CAN chairman in Zamfara state.
Eight women in Bauchi state were arraigned in an Islamic court for being unmarried; they were reportedly required to pay a $300 fine and given ten lashes.
Dr. Peter Jatau, archbishop of Nigeria’s Roman Catholic Church, told Compass that strict enforcement of sharia law could lead to “the incarceration of innocent Christian victims whose sin is that they are Christians.”
If that happens, Jatau warned, “There would be increased tension, which would no doubt result in the occurrence of more religious conflicts.”
Oppression and violence, enslavement and damnation. Sharia is an invention of the darkest of minds and the policy of the most backward of societies.
The letter of Paul to the Galatians tells of the folly of righteousness that comes from obeying the law. The Christian faith, which builds upon the righteousness that is revealed by God, ushers in a new dignity from God. This is what God intended. Man can't improve on that!
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