“Plotting to Celebrate Christmas”

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Al-Bawaba:

Saudi religious police stormed a house in the Saudi Arabian province of al-Jouf, detaining more than 41 guests for “plotting to celebrate Christmas,” a statement from the police branch released Wednesday night said.

The raid is the latest in a string of religious crackdowns against residents perceived to threaten the country’s strict religious code.

The host of the alleged Christmas gathering is reported to be an Asian diplomat whose guests included 41 Christians, as well as two Saudi Arabian and Egyptian Muslims. The host and the two Muslims were said to be “severely intoxicated.”

The guests were said to have been referred to the “respective authorities.” It is unclear whether or not they have been released since.

The kingdom, which only recognizes Islamic faith and practice, has in the past banned public Christmas celebrations, but is ambiguous about festivities staged in private quarters.

Saudi religious police are known to detain residents of the kingdom at whim, citing loose interpretations of Sharia and public statements by hardline religious leaders to justify crackdowns.

Saudi Arabia’s head mufti Sheikh Abdel Aziz bin Abdullah had previously condemned “invitations to Christmas or wedding celebrations.”


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In the USA we’ve had some pre-sharia style attacks on Christians…..
I recall a CA city tried to use parking issues to prevent a home from being used for a small group of Christians to meet for weekly Bible study.
I also recall Obama trying to use anti-discrimination law to force a church to hire non-Christians.
More recently ObamaCare tries to limit ”religion” to inside the 4 walls of church buildings.
If you try to practice your faith outside, like in the Saudi Kingdom, you can be penalized.
In Michigan Christians were prohibited from preaching in cities where the police chief is a Muslim.
That case is on appeal.