Christians Expelled from Maldives

At least 15 foreign Christians have been expelled from the Republic of Maldives, a nation of 200 inhabited islands in the Indian Ocean, after government authorities launched unannounced searches of their homes. No official charges have been filed.

As many as 50 Maldivians also were arrested in June under suspicion of being Christians, which is illegal under the Maldivian constitution. The Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka reports they are being held in solitary confinement at the Dhoonidhoo prison and are likely being subjected to torture.

The national religion of Maldives is Islam and nearly all 280,000 residents are adherents, although a tiny native Christian population exists.

Recently, the country’s Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs warned Maldivians not to listen to Christian programs broadcast for the first time in the Dhivehi language by Far East Broadcasting Association from Seychelles or they would risk arrest.

Copyright © 1998 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

Also in this issue

Did the Exodus Never Happen? How two Egyptologists are countering scholars who want to turn the Old Testament into myth.

Cover Story

Did the Exodus Never Happen?

Dying Church Bequeaths Sanctuary to Anglicans

Classic & Contemporary Excerpts from September 07, 1998

Divided We Stand

Gagging on Shiny, Happy People

A Library in a Book

The Fox and the Writer

Ad Campaign Ignites Firestorm

Viewers Get Double Dose of Faith

Falwell Plans Biggest Sanctuary

Take the Pledge

Biblical Job Training Succeeds

Faith and Science in Dialogue

Christians Aid Tidal Wave Survivors

'Oldest Church' Discovered in Jordan

Racing Fans Can Find Faith at Track

Congress May Merge Efforts

Martyrs Carved in Stone

Latter Day Saints: Reorganized Latter Day Saints Aim to Grow After Revising Doctrines

News

News Briefs: September 07, 1998

The Last Temptation of Moses

Letters

Dialogue: Conversation or Competition?

Germany: Sects Not So Bad After All?

Greek Orthodox: Growing Unrest

Anglicans: Anglicans Deem Homosexuality 'Incompatible with Scripture'

Higher Education: Keeping Students in School

News

News Briefs: September 07, 1998

Editorial

When Lies Become News

King David Was Here

Still Surprised by Lewis

The Return of the Jewish Church

Mapping the Messianic Jewish World

Voucher Victory

God Is in the Blueprints

View issue

Our Latest

News

Northern Seminary Presidential Installation Goes Awry

It’s unclear whether Joy Moore resigned her leadership at the suburban Chicago school.

‘The Chosen Adventures’ Educates Our Smallest Bible Scholars

The animated spinoff on the adult show is a heady attempt to disciple kids on the life of Jesus.

News

How Abortion Pills Change the Fight for Life

Texas pregnancy centers adjust their services as women increasingly access mifepristone by mail.

Review

Suffering Comes in Many Forms. So Does Theodicy.

Scripture attests to God’s distinct plans to wipe individual tears from individual eyes.

The Bulletin

Hamas Crackdown, Rural Hospitals, and Why Brides Wear White

Hamas punishes political enemies, the importance of rural hospitals, and how purity culture influences modern weddings.

Naomi Raine Isn’t Playing Games

The founding member of Maverick City Music is releasing new songs as a solo artist with an impressive roster of guests.

News

Shrinking Palestinian Christian Population Wary of Cease-Fire

“As people, we can live together … because this is what Jesus asked us to do.”

Apple PodcastsDown ArrowDown ArrowDown Arrowarrow_left_altLeft ArrowLeft ArrowRight ArrowRight ArrowRight Arrowarrow_up_altUp ArrowUp ArrowAvailable at Amazoncaret-downCloseCloseEmailEmailExpandExpandExternalExternalFacebookfacebook-squareGiftGiftGooglegoogleGoogle KeephamburgerInstagraminstagram-squareLinkLinklinkedin-squareListenListenListenChristianity TodayCT Creative Studio Logologo_orgMegaphoneMenuMenupausePinterestPlayPlayPocketPodcastRSSRSSSaveSaveSaveSearchSearchsearchSpotifyStitcherTelegramTable of ContentsTable of Contentstwitter-squareWhatsAppXYouTubeYouTube