Thousands of Ethiopian Christians in need after fleeing violence

(March 10, 2011, Christan Today)--An estimated 10,000 Christians have been forced to flee from their homes in western Ethiopia after a series of attacks by Muslim extremists, says Barnabas Fund  according the Christian Today.

The charity, which supports persecuted Christians worldwide, said at least three Christians had been killed and many more injured in Asendabo, in the predominantly Muslim Jimma Zone. The attacks were carried out on the Christian community after Muslims accused a Christian of desecrating a copy of the Koran.

There are reports that around 55 churches and dozens of homes have been torched, with other properties looted by a mob of Islamists said to number in the thousands. Barnabas Fund said that churches in Jimma city have been “overwhelmed” by the number of Christians who have arrived in the city seeking safety.

The churches are struggling to meet the needs of around 10,000 displaced Christians, many of whom are in urgent need of food, medicine, shelter, blankets and clothing. Muslims make up around one third of the population in Ethiopia and have traditionally lived peacefully alongside the Christian majority. Read more from Christian Today »