~ Churches burned in Ethiopia ~

Thousands of Islamic extremists set fire to 59 churches and at least 28 homes in western Ethiopia during the first week of March. One Christian was killed and others injured, plus more than 4,000 believers have been displaced. The attacks began on March 2 after Muslims accused a Christian of desecrating the Quran by tearing up a copy, sources said. The security forces that arrived were overwhelmed by the attackers. Evangelical church leaders have asked officials for more police protection, but little action has so far been taken. Ethiopia is 34% Muslim but has a Christian majority and was one of the FIRST nations to accept Christianity. (COMPASS DIRECT, 7 March)