Not a persecution story
Every now and then I like to post a story some would want to say is persecution but really isn’t. Part of my reasoning for this is that it helps us to learn to discern true persecution from the consequences of unwise or sometimes even sinful acts. Sometimes Christians suffer simply because they fail to be as as wise as serpents and as innocent as doves (Matthew 10:16). Here is a recent example from Nigeria.
Nigeria: Lagos Shuts Down Church Over Noise Pollution
Bola Ojuola
19 June 2009The Lagos state government has commenced the implementing of zero tolerance on noise and pollution as it shut down a Pentecostal church located in Abule Egba area of the state and two companies yesterday.
Officials of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), and task force officials who went to the scene to carry out the operation said the church and bakery were shut over noise and gas pollution coming from loudspeakers and generators.
The LASEPA team led by Mr. Kayode Bello, who carried out the action yesterday morning, warned that the church may not be reopened until they have a change of attitude.
Daily Trust learnt that the government has warned those churches involved and notice had been served on them before the action was taken yesterday.
A packaging company has also been shut down at Abule Egba area for the same offence by LASEPA.
The State government had warned that the state would no longer tolerate the activities of churches and mosques which tends to disturb the populace with noise from their megaphones with various sanctions placed on them.
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2 comments:
I was 16 when we in Holland were occupied by german troops.Hitler was the ruler of germany and I think,I don't have to explain his views of purifying the Aryan race.All citizens in the occupied lands were to be educated and indoctrinated in his satanic views.Every where there were LOUD speakers blasting every word the fuhrer said for as long as it took.I remember how I hated these enforcements of views that were certainly not mine.I felt helpless because there was nowhere to hide from the penetrating voice!And therefore blasting a message from whatever religous or political conviction is to me an invasion of freedom in allowing into your mind through your ears theories you don't agree with.Because there is no way to hide from the voices of megaphones!
I am a Christian in Nigeria. I certainly don't enjoy the noise coming from churches through microphones/loudspeakers during night vigils, most especially.
Most time, they argue that the moslems do this four times a day. Most irritating excuse! It is worse when someone is speaking in tongues into the loudspeaker - you can't even understand what is being said, and therefore no chance of being edified in any way, even if you felt like making the best of the not-so-pleasant situation by attempting to enjoy the music or listening to the message.
About time something like this is done by the government. I'm glad!
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