http://www.onenewsnow.com/Culture/Default.aspx?id=863748A bestselling author and Islam critic says even though a high-profile teenage Christian convert from Islam will not have to return to her Islamic parents, she isn't out of danger.
Rifqa Bary ran away from her parents' home last summer because she feared her father would harm or kill her for converting from Islam. On Wednesday, authorities on Ohio announced a court settlement that permits the 17-year-old to remain free from her Muslim parents. Under the agreement, she will stay in a foster home under state custody in Columbus until she turns 18 in August, at which time she will be an adult and free to live where she chooses.
John Stemberger, Rifqa's attorney, read a statement saying that his client and her parents love and respect each other and will try to resolve their differences through counseling. Rifqa, he said, is "in very good spirits...and looking forward to getting on with her life and finishing school and practicing her faith freely -- that's the main thing that's very important to her."
Stemberger told The Associated Press that the teen convert would appreciate continued prayer. "I think that she would like for people to pray for her direction and her guidance in the future," he shared. "Most of all for her protection -- and for just wisdom."
Robert SpencerIslamic crescent symbol smallRobert Spencer of Jihad Watch agrees that protection is an issue. He says while the court's decision is good news, young Rifqa is not out of danger.
"Rifqa is going to be in danger for the rest of her life," he states bluntly. "It's a good thing that the judge has kept her away from her parents -- but the numerous death threats that she's received on Facebook, saying people should kill her, indicate that the Islamic death penalty for apostates is something that all too many Muslims take very seriously."
Spencer says it is really not possible for Rifqa to drop out of sight because she is "a high-profile convert from Islam" and many people will want to hear from her and talk to her. "That is something that would be, of course, impossible if she drops out of sight," says the Jihad Watch spokesman. "But she needs to take some kind of adequate steps to protect herself."
And while he believes there are many people who are willing and able to protect her, Spencer says Rifqa -- nor anyone else -- should think that she is out of danger at this point just because she does not have to live with her parents.
Topic: Prayer for Rifqa's protection still necessary (Read 2256 times)