Shahbaz Bhatti, Pakistan's Most Prominent Christian, Assassinated (Christianity Today)

Pakistan's Taliban and al-Qaeda factions are claiming responsibility for the assassination of the only Christian serving in the Islamic state's government. Shahbaz Bahtti, 42, was shot outside his mother's home in Islamabad Wednesday morning.

Bhatti, who was Pakistan's Federal Minister for Minorities Affairs, was well-known for campaigning against the nation's strict blasphemy law and lobbying for the rights of religious minorities. In a video made to be released in the event of his death, released by the evangelical religious liberty organization First Step Forum, Bhatti said that "the forces of violence" were prepared to kill him because "they want to impose their radical philosophy in Pakistan."

"I'm ready to die for a cause," Bhatti said. "I'm living for my community and suffering people, and I will die to defend their rights. So these threats and these warnings cannot change my opinions and principles."

Read the entire story here

The Feast of St. Matthias

Thursday was the Feast of St. Matthias.  Matthias, you might remember, was the one selected to take the place of Judas Iscariot amongst the Apostles.

I find it interesting that Matthias receives little attention.  Although we don’t know much about him from the New Testament (or any other historical sources, for that matter) I believe the circumstances surrounding his selection are very telling.

First, he became an Apostle because of the tragic apostasy of Judas.  This is a chilling reminder to all of us that none of us are irreplaceable. 

Second, Christ’s Church will continue and advance despite the failings and apostasy of some of its leaders.  Judas was one of the Twelve—one of the “inner circle.”  It is easy to imagine that some of the early followers of Jesus may well have been scandalized or discouraged by  Judas’ betrayal of our Lord.  And yet, the Church continued on despite the falling away of its leaders.

Third, the Church must confront apostasy and replace apostate leaders.  The failure to do this has caused much damage to the cause of Christ.

The Collect for the Feast of St. Matthias:

O ALMIGHTY God, who into the place of the traitor Judas didst choose thy faithful servant Matthias to be of the number of the twelve Apostles; Grant that thy Church, being always preserved from false Apostles, may be ordered and guided by faithful and true pastors; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.