Three American Christians Murdered in Pakistan; Were Providing Relief to People in Flooded Area

The Catholic Culture website reports today (August 31, 2010) that three American Christians, who were providing humanitarian relief in flood-ravaged Swat Valley in Northern Pakistan, were murdered on August 24 or 25.

The militant organization "Movement for the Enforcement of Islamic Law" -- which the Pakistani government banned in 2002 -- is suspected in the attacks.

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom has recommended that the U.S. State Department place Pakistan on its list of "countries of particular concern" because of Pakistan's plethora of violations of religious freedom.

The State Department has refused to place Pakistan on that list.