Rebel Force Attacks Churches in Burma
Ethnic Wa rebels this month shut down churches or destroyed their buildings and temporarily detained several clergymen in eastern Burma (Myanmar), sources said.
Christian Persecution
More Chinese Pastors Sign Statement Affirming Religious Freedom as US Govt Holds Hearing on Persecution
The Chinese government’s efforts to tighten its controls over religious matters in the communist country continues.
Central African Republic: Dozens feared dead after massacre in Bria
In Central African Republic, dozens of people are feared killed after suspected Islamist rebels attacked a group of civilians in the central town of Bria earlier this month.
Kenya: Al-Shabaab Executed Two Christian Bus Passengers
On September 14, al-Shaabab, a Somali-based terrorist organization, executed two Christians, according to International Christian Concern (ICC).
One Nation Under Xi? This is why Christian Persecution in China is Escalating
This summer, Christians in China are experiencing an escalating wave of persecution unseen since Mao’s Cultural Revolution.
Chinese officials burn bibles, close churches, force Christian to denounce faith amid ‘escalating’ crackdown
The Chinese government is destroying crosses, burning bibles, closing churches and forcing Christian believers to sign papers renouncing their faith as the crackdown on religious congregations in Beijing and several provinces intensifies.
Despite Deadly Attacks, Wycliffe Translators Focus on New Bible Translations in Indonesia
Wycliffe Associates, an international organization involving people in the advancement of Bible translation, wants to begin Bible translation in hundreds of languages in Indonesia in the next six months.
Three Pastors Severely Injured in Attack on Spiritual Retreat in India
International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) severely injured three pastors in an attack on Saturday, September 8. The attack took place under the close watch of local policemen in Premnagar, located in the Barely District of India’s Uttar Pradesh State, where Christians were holding a two-day spiritual retreat. Pastor Ashok Benjamin, Pastor Vijay Masih, and Pastor Shivcharan were among those injured in the assault, sustaining wounds to their heads, hands, and lower backs.
Chinese Authorities Tear Down Crosses and Close Down Churches in Henan
According to ChinaAid, Henan authorities have continued to tear down crosses across China.
Egypt: Mob attacks prevent Coptic church’s recognition for ‘security’ reasons
A Coptic community in Egypt’s Minya governorate, whose church was closed in July following protests by local Muslims, continues to be a target of mob attacks and hostility.
Iran Sentences 4 Christians to 45 Years in Prison for Believing in Jesus Christ
Iran’s hardline government has sentenced four Christians to harsh prison terms for putting their faith in Jesus Christ.
Series of Attacks Plagues Egypt’s Beleaguered Christians
International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that, as the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Adha concluded, a series of four attacks struck Upper Egypt from August 22 to 25, 2018. In each of these incidents, security forces either delayed providing protection to Christians or attempted to instigate violence.
Judge Orders Return of Confiscated Church Property in Sudan
International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that a Khartoum-based court has ordered the authorities to immediately surrender church property belonging to the Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church (SPEC). Authorities confiscated the property on February 11, 2018 when the church was demolished.
Church Near Kampala, Uganda Closes after Months of Islamist Attacks
A church outside Kampala, capital of Uganda, has closed after months of area Muslims pelting its gatherings with rocks, sources said.
House-Church Members in Iran Reportedly Sentenced to Year in Prison
A convert from Islam in Iran said he and 11 other Christians were sentenced to a year in prison for ‘inclination to the land of Christianity’ among other charges, according to Mohabat News.
China Shuts Down Six Churches, Forces Members to Leave by Bribing, Threatening Jobs
China’s Communist Party forced six churches in Beijing to shut down after attempts to bribe members to leave failed, a new report has revealed.
Military-Backed Forces in Burma Beat Two Youth Pastors, Sources Say
Burmese army-backed militia beat two youth pastors in northern Burma (Myanmar) last week, detaining one of them overnight at the force’s base, sources said.
China Shutting Down Churches, Seizing Bibles in ‘Ambitious New Effort’ to Eradicate Religion
China is in the midst of an ‘ambitious new effort’ to lessen or even eradicate the influence of Christianity and religion from the country, according to an investigation by the Associated Press.
Assault on Christian Leader in Nepal Reflects Growing Threat
Pastor Sagar Baizu, 46, had finished one meeting and had an hour before the next one, so he decided to stop at a café on a major thoroughfare in Kathmandu, capital of Nepal, on July 19.
More than 8,000 Rwandan churches closed following government directive
The Rwanda Governance Board continues to close churches it says fail to meet requirements laid down at the beginning of the year. New requirements set in place for those congregations that want to continue ministry are also complicating efforts to comply. Many see the closures as part of an effort by the government to make its aggressive secular stance clear.