DOCUMENTARY OF LIFE STORIES
The first four case studies come from individual Anglicans in Malaysia, Syria and Nigeria and United Churches in India. The case studies were shared with the writers in November 2014. Although what follows has been edited, the words, sentiments and conclusions are those shared by these individuals from these four countries. Malaysia “ Although Malaysia had traditionally had an inclusive approach to religions, in 2001 the Malaysian government declared that Islam was the state religion. After race riots, there was a power struggle between different Islamic parties which moved thinking away from the previous inclusive approach and laws were introduced that marginalised minorities.” “Currently Christians cannot use the word Allah for God. At the grass root level, communities are encouraged to introduce Sharia. It is not just the non-Islamic minorities that feel persecuted, but also some of the more liberal Muslims. This has led to migration from the country; as the more open an...