The Central African Republic (CAR) is a secular, democratic country which guarantees freedom of conscience and worship in its current constitution. However, this does not meet the full definition of freedom of religion or belief as articulated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Seleka rebel alliance seized control of the country in March 2013, which led to widespread human rights violations in the years that followed \u2013 including of the right to freedom of religion or belief. Many perpetrators still have not been held accountable for their actions. Although democracy was restored in 2016, violence and instability persist. To find out more, visit csw.org.uk\/car<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Below are two verses to pray over the CAR and two areas of concern to pray into. You may want to pray through each one on alternate days this week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2018My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my saviour\u2014from violent people you save me.\u2019 (2 Samuel 22:3)<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n The prevalence of violence in the CAR and the increasing use of landmines are particularly alarming. On 12 June 2021, the Sultan Mayor of Koui, his assistant and bodyguard were killed by Russian mercenaries brought to the country to stabilise it, but who are committing severe violations, including rape, enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lord of peace, we pray that you will protect the nation\u2019s civilians and leaders from armed groups, including from Russian mercenaries, and disable their landmines. We know you can change the hardest of hearts, so we ask you to miraculously transform these individuals from the inside out. Cause them to turn away from violence and embrace peace, in Jesus\u2019 name. Amen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2018Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.\u2019 (James 3:18)<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n There are concerns for the safety of peacemakers in the CAR, especially since a convoy of approximately 300 ELIM Christians was attacked by unknown gunmen on 4 June 2021. Among them was Apostle Nicolas Gurekoyame Gbangou \u2013 a founding member of the Interfaith Peace Platform in CAR \u2013 who was warned by the assailants that \u2018the church shouldn\u2019t play politics.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n Father God, we thank you for placing peacemakers like Apostle Nicolas in the Central African Republic. We ask you to shield him and all those involved in civilian peace initiatives from further attacks and empower them to use their skills effectively. May they bear good fruit from the seeds that they plant in peace. Amen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n