Persecution watch

• In Pakistan, Muslim militants attacked a Pentecostal church and kidnapped two.  Many were left beaten and twelve Christians were arrested; no Muslims were arrested.  It started over an accusation of blasphemy.  Christians are also holding a Day of Prayer today for Asia Bibi and others accused of blasphemy; Bibi, a Catholic, was sentenced to death after being accused of blasphemy against Muhammed.
• In Nigeria, Muslim militants burn Christian churches and homes and looted Christian businesses after a Christian man won an election.  Muslim supports of the elected Christian were also attacked.
• In Syrian, Orthodox Christians scale back Holy Week celebrations.
• In California, a Catholic church has been destroyed by arson.
• In Spain, the church of La Sagrada Familia - recently consecrated by Pope Benedict XVI - has suffered damage resulting from an attempted arson; Thomas Peters has a picture.  Another church in Spain has also been desecrated.