The power vacuum created by the civil war has allowed radical Islamist groups such as Islamic State and Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula to gain significant influence. Christians have been killed and abducted – most famously Indian priest Fr. Tom Uzhunnalil, kidnapped in March 2016 during an attack on a Christian care home for the elderly, when 16 people were killed. Yemen is a tribal society and leaving Islam is seen as a betrayal of the tribe, punishable by death. However, it is reported that many Muslims are embracing Christianity.

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Father Tom releases book about 18 months’ captivity in Yemen

Father Tom releases book about 18 months’ captivity in Yemen

The Indian priest who spent 18 months in captivity in Yemen has released an autobiography. Fr. Tom Uzhunnalil, who was freed in September 2017, has titled the book ‘By the Grace of God’. The priest, who is 58, presented his book during a meeting of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of […]

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Fr Tom: my faith got me through 18 months’ captivity

Fr Tom: my faith got me through 18 months’ captivity

The Indian missionary priest released this week after 18 months as a hostage in Yemen has said his Christian faith helped him to survive the ordeal. Fr Tom Uzhunnalil, a priest in the Salesian order, met Pope Francis at the Vatican on Wednesday, the day after his release. The priest […]

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Indian priest released after 18 months’ captivity in Yemen

Indian priest released after 18 months’ captivity in Yemen

India’s Church, government and politicians from across the political landscape have all expressed relief and joy over the release of Salesian Father Tom Uzhunnalil, kidnapped in Yemen in March 2016. Statements hailing the release of the Indian priest have poured in – from India’s foreign minister, Sushma Swaraj, to the […]

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Criticised for not securing release of kidnapped priest in Yemen, Indian government says it ‘told him not to go’

Criticised for not securing release of kidnapped priest in Yemen, Indian government says it ‘told him not to go’

Fr Tom UzhunnalilArchdiocese of Bombay India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has come under fire from his political opponents for his failure to secure the release of an Indian Catholic priest kidnapped 10 months ago in Yemen by Islamic extremists. Now Modi’s Deputy Foreign Minister, M. J. Akbar, has said the […]

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