Christians around the world are pledging to join in the 24-hour prayer rally that has been organised in support of Asia Bibi, a Christian woman sentenced to death for her faith.
Bibi, from Pakistan, is a mother of five. She is gearing up to fight her case at the final appeal before Pakistan's Supreme Court on Thursday. The persecution watchdog group that has organised this event warns that after the hearing this week, the Islamic extremists who are involved in this case may lash out violently against Christians.
Bibi's battle for her faith began back in June 2009, when she had an argument with her Muslim coworkers. Upon defending her faith, she was accused of insulting Prophet Mohammed.
Christian Post reports that she denied the charges, but was sentenced to death by a local judge. This week, Bibi's final appeal is all set to take place in Islamabad. The appeal's outcome will determine whether Bibi will escape the death penalty. Should she be sentenced to death, this would make her the first woman in the country to face such an extreme sentence for blasphemy.
Christian Solidarity Worldwide is now calling upon Christians all over the world to take part in a 24-hour prayer rally in support of Bibi.
Kiri Kankhwende, the Senior Press Officer at CSW, explained in an interview with Christian Post, "Unfortunately, when a non-Muslim is accused of blasphemy, their entire community is vulnerable to attack and Asia Bibi's case is no different."
She went on to add, "We hope for an acquittal in her case and we pray that there will be no reprisals against her, her family or the Christian community, but any situation that involves an accusation of blasphemy is highly dangerous for all involved. It's vital that we pray."