Christians in Lucknow to pray, fast for nation's security

Christians in Lucknow have pledged to fast and pray on Dec. 26, Friday, in the wake of Mumbai carnage and violence on Christians in Orissa.

Congregants of a 150-year-old Central Methodist Church in Lucknow decided to go on knees for the nation's security. Its pastor, Rev. Dr. Herbert Able told IANS, "The Methodists here will fast Dec 26 and offer special prayers to get India free from terror."

"We will pray to the almighty to generate good conscience in the minds of those who think terror is the only way to meet their objective," said Newton Paul, a Methodist Christian and resident of Lalbagh locality.

For the first time in its history, the church will keep its gates closed, as a mark of respect to those killed in the terror attack.

"It will be for the first time in history that the gates of the church would be closed to pay homage to those who lost their lives in the Nov 26 Mumbai terror assault," said Able.

Some of the Christmas festivities have also been cancelled in the city, according to sources.