China Crackdown on Unregistered Churches
Christians have been detained, and churches shut down or destroyed in China in the month before revised Regulations on Religious Affairs are due to come into effect on 1 February.
Christian Persecution
Pastor Found Dead in Tamil Nadu, India
The body of a pastor in southern India was found hung from the thatched roof of his house early Saturday morning (Jan. 20), a week after he complained to police about opposition from Hindu extremists, sources said.
Over 80 Killed in Benue State, Nigeria in January
International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that more than 80 Christians have been killed in Benue State, Nigeria by Fulani militants since January 1. These attacks have mainly taken place in two locations within the state, Logo and Guma Counties. Logo saw more than 50 deaths in just the first week of the new year by Fulani attacks, while Guma suffered more than 30.
Eritrean Christian Refused to Renounce Faith Even Through 13 Years of Suffering in Prison
An Eritrean Christian has opened up about the 13 years of suffering he underwent for his faith in prison, including being punished for months at a time in a confined cell where he could not even stretch his limbs. Despite the suffering, he refused time and time again to renounce his faith.
Pastors Draw Close to God as Tribal Churches Are Attacked in India
When Hindu extremists in India told pastor Karma Oraon they would not stop beating him until he worshipped the monkey god, he felt Christ close to him, he said.
Trump Designates $55 Million to Help Christians, Religious Minorities Rebuild in Iraq
In the wake of Vice President Mike Pence’s announcement last October that the United States government would provide direct aid to persecuted Iraqi Christians struggling to rebuild following the liberation of the Nineveh Plains, the Trump administration has taken concrete steps to follow through on its promises.
1 in 12 Christians worldwide persecuted, report shows
About 215 million Christians are being persecuted due to their faith, according to a report released by the Open Doors organization Wednesday. This represents 1 in 12 Christians worldwide.
Iranian Christian Receive Eight Year Sentences
Two Iranian Christians were sentenced to a total of eight years in prison by a revolutionary court in December 2017, after being convicted of national security-related crimes.
Militant Muslims Firebomb Evangelical Church in Kyrgyzstan; Flames Stop at Open Bible
Christians said they saw a ‘sign from God’ following a firebombing attack by Muslim militants on an evangelical church in Kyrgyzstan. The flames burned through much of the interior but stopped at the open Bible on the altar.
Through a War, God Brings Revival to Syria
For years, Syrian Christians had been praying for a revival. ‘But never did we imagine it would come because of war,’ said one church leader. Seven years of civil war has left Syria in ruins. Many of those who came from Christian families left early on in the war, a cause of great despair as church leaders watched their congregants slowly disappear.
Hindu Radicals Launch at Least 23 Attacks during 2017 Christmas Season in India
International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that at least 23 religiously-motivated attacks took place during the 2017 Christmas season, including attacks on carolers and open threats against Christian celebrations. The attacks have led to several Christians’ hospitalization and imprisonment. The persecution created such fear among the Christian community that many Christians did not celebrate Christmas this year.
Police Kill Christians in Churches in DR Congo as Demonstrators Protest President’s Rule
Police in the Democratic Republic of Congo allegedly opened fire and deployed tear gas inside churches on Sunday, killing at least eight Christians, and arrested more than 100 people after Christians carrying Bibles and crucifixes joined protests against the rule of President Joseph Kabila.
9,000 Jailed Christians Receive Sentence Reductions for Christmas in Indonesia
Indonesia reduced the sentences of over 9,000 Christian prisoners on Christmas day, including the sentence of a Christian governor jailed on blasphemy charges.
Persecution Trends Report Lists Top Countries of Concern for 2018
A group which monitors Christian persecution around the world has released a new report listing countries where attacks and restrictions on Christians are likely to increase. These include China, India and Nigeria.
Christians murdered in Nigeria’s Kaduna state over Christmas
Fulani herdsmen have launched two attacks on Christian worshippers in Nigeria’s Kaduna State in the Christmas period.
India Tightens Christmas Security After Christians Attacked
Christians and others in India celebrated Christmas despite fears of an anti-Christian backlash in some parts of the predominantly Hindu country.
Pakistan: mourners bury 11 killed in Quetta church suicide attack, as 50 injured
Pakistani Christian mourners today (Monday) are burying their dead only days before they should be celebrating Christ’s birth.
Suicide bombers attack Pakistan church, killing at least 9, officials say
Two suicide bombers attacked a church in Pakistan where hundreds of worshippers were attending service ahead of Christmas, killing at least nine people and injuring dozens of others, officials said.
Christians in India Arrested, Beaten by Hindu Extremists After Praying for Sick Man
Seven Christians in India have been booked on charges of hurting religious feelings after Hindu extremists savagely beat them when they gathered to pray for a sick man at his home, sources said.
Franklin Graham Holds Rare Crusade in Vietnam, Says Communist Gov’t Is Warming Toward Christianity
Evangelist Franklin Graham said that multitudes responded to Jesus Christ during his two-day evangelistic crusade in Vietnam, and argued that the Communist government there is starting to warm up to Christianity.