08.03.2024

Pray for Zhang Chunlei, an elder of Love (Ren’ai) Reformed Church in Guiyang in Guizhou Province

Having been detained by the Chinese authorities for over three years already, Elder Zhang was sentenced on 24 July to a total of five years in prison. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 2, 2024 USCIRF Solemnly Commemorates the Tenth Anniversary of ISIS’s Genocide Against Iraqi and Syrian Religious Minorities

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) this week commemorates the tragic tenth anniversary of the onset of the genocide and crimes against humanity perpetrated against Iraqi and Syrian religious minorities by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

Violence in Burkina Faso disrupts Christian ministry efforts

Burkina Faso is already in a dire humanitarian situation. 

Somalia: Christian Convert violently assaulted by Islamic relatives, “Pray for our protection in this hostile anti-Christian community”

A Christian convert in Somalia has been repeatedly brutally attacked by Muslim relatives demanding he return to Islam, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports.

Muslim Father Burns Daughter for Turning to Christ

Student, 19, had converted one week prior.

Prominent Christian Woman Kidnapped from Church in Nigeria

Policeman, driver are killed in attack.

USCIRF Releases New Report on Religious Freedom in Saudi Arabia

This report provides an overview of the situation of freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) in Saudi Arabia and is largely informed by an official USCIRF trip to the country in March 2024. 

21 Wilberforce Speak Freedom Alert 8/1/24

India High Court Affirms Religious Freedom

The High Court (HC) of the south Indian state of Kerala recently ruled that two young adults were allowed to change their religion in their educational certificates from Hindu to Christian, setting a precedent that a person cannot be tied down to one religion merely by reason of birth.

Christian Suffering Likely to Continue Under Iran’s New President

The election of Iran’s new president, Masoud Pezeshkian, in early July, brings little hope for Christians living under the new regime due to the nation’s relentless persecution of Christ followers.

Laos: Six Christians Released After a Month in Detention Without Charge

An evangelical pastor in Laos who had been told to cease his “Christian activities” was murdered execution-style at his home last week, Morning Star News (MSN) reports.

India: House Church Members Violently Attacked by Hindu Extremists

Convert from Islam assaulted a second time.

Laos: Evangelist Murdered Execution-Style, “Despite Increased Persecution, the Church is Rapidly Growing”

An evangelical pastor in Laos who had been told to cease his “Christian activities” was murdered execution-style at his home last week, Morning Star News (MSN) reports.

Muslim Relatives Attack Christian, Wife and Children in Somalia

Convert from Islam assaulted a second time.

TURKMENISTAN: Protestant pastor faces arrest threats

In early July, an official of the mosque in the village of Dogryyol in
Charjew District of the eastern Lebap Region told mosque attendees that
Protestant Pastor Rahymjan Borjakov "will sooner or later be locked up".

China/US: Renown dissident leader Zhu Yufu safe in the USA!

ChinaAid is pleased to announce that Mr. Zhu Yufu, a well-known dissident leader and Christian from Zhejiang Province, arrived in the United States on July 28, 2024 to reunite with his family members after a great effort by multiple parties.

Tunisia: Jesus says “Follow Me” in the midst of social pressures

Tunisia’s president Kais Saied has declared he will run for reelection in October. 

Family Seeks Justice after Rape of 15-Year-Old Girl in Pakistan

Police decline to arrest Muslim suspects, sources say.

Video of Halted Christian Worship in March Surfaces in Indonesia

Officials lament appearance of incident they say is resolved.

Unknown Assailants Shoot Pastor Dead in Laos

Provincial leader of Lao Evangelical Church attacked at home.

Muslim Residents Prohibit Indonesian Church from Worshiping

Another church in Indonesia has faced pressure to stop its worship services.

Turkish Authorities Deny Church Land for Worship Center

The Diyarbakir Protestant Church Foundation sought to acquire land zoned for religious use to build a worship center, but Turkish authorities recently denied their request.

Fulani Extremists Kill 18 Christians in Benue State Nigeria

Around 11 p.m. on July 19, Islamic Fulani militants launched yet another attack on the Mbacher community of Katsina-Ala local government area, killing 18 Christians and wounding many others.

DRC: ADF Terrorists Kill Three Christians, Abduct Several Others

The sounds of gunfire and screams shattered a peaceful night as the Islamist Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) attacked a Christian village on July 16 near Mamove, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Spotlight on Religious Freedom at IRF Summit Asia

The second regional International Religious Freedoms (IRF) Asia Summit wrapped up this week in Tokyo, Japan, sponsored in part by International Christian Concern (ICC). 

Another Discriminatory Anti-Conversion Law Proposed in India

In an affidavit filed earlier this month before India’s Supreme Court, the northwestern state of Rajasthan indicated that it planned to introduce curbs on so-called forced conversions. 

Chinese Officials Propose Harsher Restrictions for Christians

 In late June, Chinese authorities discussed placing major new restrictions on Christians and religion in general.

Christian Father, 29, Gunned Down by Muslims in Pakistan

Catholic was sole provider for family with four children.

Hindu Extremist Attack Shuts Down Church’s Services in India

Police inaction contributes to closure.