Iran’s Islamic Rulers Jail Christians as Protests Kill Thousands
Iran’s Islamic rulers have jailed more Christians amid a brutal crackdown on nationwide protests that a network of Iranian doctors says has killed up to 18,000 people.
Christian Persecution – Middle East
Syria’s Christians Suffer As Thousands Flee Clashes; Several Killed
There was mounting concern Thursday about the plight of Christians still staying in war-torn Syria after fighting escalated in the northern city of Aleppo, killing several people and prompting tens of thousands to flee their homes.
Bethlehem Marks Christmas After Ceasefire As Jenin Church Arson Raises Concern
Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, marked its first Christmas celebrations since a ceasefire was announced between Israel and Hamas, though concern lingered among Christians following an arson attack near a church elsewhere in the West Bank.
Arson Attack Damages Church Property in Jenin Ahead of Christmas
Minority Christians in Palestinian territories faced a tense Christmas after church officials confirmed that “an arson attack” damaged a Christmas tree and a Nativity grotto at the Holy Redeemer Church in Jenin.
Iran: Five Christians Receive Lengthy Prison Sentences
Five Iranian Christians have been sentenced to a combined 55 years in prison amid a broader crackdown on devout Christian believers in Iran, a strict Islamic nation, sources told Worthy News Thursday.
Syrian Christians Fear Dark Future Under Al-Sharaa Despite Christmas Celebrations And Washington Breakthrough (Worthy News In-Depth)
Despite Christmas approaching, many Christians in Syria aren’t in a celebratory mood one year after the toppling of longtime autocratic President Bashar al-Assad, investigations reveal.
Syria’s Christians Face “Ethno-Religious Cleansing,” Investigator Warns US As New Government Courts West
The burial of a 19-year-old girl killed in a June bombing at the Mar Elias Church in Syria’s capital Damascus has become a stark symbol of the “ethno-religious cleansing” facing Syria’s ancient Christian community, a Swedish investigative journalist told U.S. officials.
Christian Leaders Urge Trump to Address Religious Persecution in Historic Syria Meeting
More than 50 prominent Christian leaders are calling on President Trump to directly confront Syria’s new president about the ongoing persecution of religious minorities when the two leaders meet Monday at the White House, marking a historic first for U.S.-Syria relations.
Kyrgyz Pastor ‘Suffers Brain Injuries’ After Reported Torture, UN Experts Raise Alarm
A Protestant pastor in Kyrgyzstan who was reportedly tortured by secret police has suffered traumatic brain injuries and lasting cognitive impairment, according to his family, doctors, and United Nations experts cited by rights monitors.
Iran Arrests 53 Christians On Espionage Charges; Rights Groups Call It Persecution
Iran has detained dozens of Christians on charges of espionage and “anti-security activities” for Israel, drawing condemnation from rights groups who call the move part of a broader crackdown on the country’s tiny Christian minority.
Evangelical Pastor Urges Trump to End Deportation of Iranian Christians (Worthy News In-Depth)
An evangelical pastor who spent two years under house arrest in Iran for his Christian faith has urged U.S. President Donald J. Trump to halt the deportation of Iranian Christians, warning they could face imprisonment or even execution for abandoning Islam.
Iranian Christian Convert Deported from Turkey, Arrested Upon Return to Iran
Iranian Christian convert Mehran Shamlooei was arrested on July 3 upon arrival at Mashhad International Airport after being deported from Turkey, where he had sought refuge to avoid serving a harsh prison sentence handed down for his faith.
Beloved Syrian Pastor Martyred with Family Amid Fierce Clashes in Suweida; Lebanese Church Calls for Global Prayer
A devastating plea for prayer has emerged from Lebanon as Pastor Chady El Aouad of Abundant Life Church in Beirut confirmed the martyrdom of a fellow minister and over 20 of his family members amid the violent upheaval in Suweida, Syria. Pastor Khaled Mezhir, leader of the Good Shepherd Evangelical Church in Suweida, was reportedly killed along with his wife, parents, and extended family during fierce fighting between Druze militias and Sunni Bedouin factions in the war-torn southern province.
US Watchdog: Syrian Government Allies Continue Deadly Attacks Against Christians and Other Minorities (Worthy News In-Depth)
The U.S. government’s watchdog investigating persecution of Christians and other religious groups has warned that allies of Syria’s government and other groups continue their deadly crackdown on Christians and other minorities, including Druze and Shia Muslims.
Syria’s Top Christian Leader Condemns Government Over Church Bombing
Syria’s top Christian leader has blamed Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s government for a deadly church blast on Sunday that killed dozens, while fellow persecuted Christians also expressed their sorrow.
‘Islamic State Kills 20 In Damascus Church’
The United Nations special envoy for Syria has condemned Sunday’s attack at a church on the outskirts of Damascus that killed at least 20 people as a “heinous crime”.
Christian Converts Flee Iran After Jail Sentence
Two men who abandoned Islam and turned to faith in Christ have been forced to flee Iran, where they were sentenced to 12 years in prison each on charges linked to possessing “multiple copies of the Bible,” Christians told Worthy News.
Prayers Urged For Jailed Iranian Christian Woman
Friends of a detained Christian woman in Tehran urged fellow believers to pray for her on Wednesday after Iran’s authorities demanded $135,000 in local currency for her release.
Concerns Over Wife Of Jailed Pastor In Iran
There was concern Friday about the detained wife of Pastor Joseph Shahbazian, who was sentenced to ten years’ imprisonment for his Christian work in Iran.
Messianic Leader Eitan Bar Faces Prison Time Amid Trial Targeting Christian Outreach in Israel
Eitan Bar, a well-known Messianic Jewish evangelist and former leader at ONE FOR ISRAEL, announced on social media that he could face up to six months in prison as a result of an ongoing legal case targeting his evangelistic work in Israel.