Despite end of civil war Christians still face persecution in Sri Lanka (Second Coming Watch Update

Despite end of civil war Christians still face persecution in Sri Lanka. According to Christian Today, a group of religious liberty organisations is calling upon Sri Lanka to officially recognise the country's evangelical community. Release International UK director Colin King says, "There have been attacks against Christians, but as well as physical violence, there is also legal opposition and restrictions with the authorities refusing to recognise non-traditional churches. We urge Christians worldwide to pray for an end to these practices in Sri Lanka so that there may be true religious liberty for all."

Turkey to purchase a long-range air defense system. According to Turkish newspaper, Today's Zaman, amid growing uncertainties ignited by the unfolding 14-month-old Syrian crisis and escalating tension between Iran and the West, Turkey is preparing to purchase a long-range air defense system worth $4 billion to beef up its defense capabilities in order to avert any threat to its national security. Turkey has sped up the procurement process of the system in recent months and will reach a final decision in an upcoming meeting of the Defense Industry Implementation Committee, which will be led by Prime Minister Erdogan on July 4.

World stocks struggle as European crisis threatens to spread globally. According to the Associated Press, world stocks struggled under concerns that Europe's debt crisis was deepening and threatening to infect the world economy. Investors are nervously awaiting Greek elections on Sunday, when a party that's threatening to renege on the country's bailout terms could come away the big winner. That might force the country out the euro.Attention is also focused on Spain, where borrowing costs rose to euro-era highs, increasing concerns that it could need a bailout.