Eritrea: 98 Christians remain in prison for their faith
The Eritrean government is still holding in detention 98 Christians who were arrested on account of their faith in September, Christian Today (CT) reports.
Christian Persecution
Christian persecution is worsening amid Western denial
A new report by Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) attests that persecution against Christians in certain parts of the world is worsening dramatically – and that Western denial of the situation is endangering believers, Christian Today reports. Titled ‘Persecuted and Forgotten?,’ the ACN report documents an increase in Christian persecution in 24 countries between October 2020 and September 2022.
Ukrainian prison ministry is helping Russian POWs
A Ukrainian prison ministry has begun caring for Russian prisoners of war that were captured in the ongoing invasion of Ukraine by Russia’s President Vladimir Putin, Christianity Today (CT) reports.
500 anti-Christian hate crimes documented in Europe last year
Europe saw over 500 documented Anti-Christian Hate Crimes in 2021, the Observatory on Intolerance and Discrimination Against Christians (OIDAC) says in its annual report available online. In addition to the incidents documented, OIDAC attests there is a “reasonable probability” of even higher numbers of incidents that were not reported on.
Russian army attacked 270 religious sites in Ukraine during first months of invasion
A new report by the Ukrainian-based Institute for Religious Freedom (IRF) shows that the Russian army destroyed or damaged 270 houses of worship, religious, educational institutions, and sacred sites in Ukraine in the first five months of the invasion launched by Russian President Vladimir Putin in February, Church Leaders (CL) reports.
Algeria has closed 16 evangelical churches in crackdown on proselytization
A major new report shows the government of Algeria has closed down 16 Evangelical churches in the past year as part of a crackdown on proselytization and perceived blasphemy against Sunni Islam, the Christian Post (CP) reports.
Laos: Pastor murdered on his way to Christian event
A Christian pastor in Laos was tortured before being murdered last month in an attack police was likely on account of his faith, Morning Star News (MSN) reports.
Nigeria: At least 4,000 Christians killed by Islamic extremists in 2022 alone
At least 4,000 Christians in Nigeria have been murdered by Islamic jihadists this year alone, the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law attested this week, the Christian Post reports. Rights groups have estimated 50,000-80,000 Christians in Nigeria have been murdered by Islamic militants in the last two decades, as the Nigerian government and international community stand by and do nothing of substance to stop the slaughter.
Christians Kidnapped, Killed In Ethiopia As Clashes Escalate (Worthy News In-Depth)
At least nine abducted priests and other Christians remained missing in central Ethiopia on Thursday after a church deacon and others were killed by rebels in recent weeks, aid workers and others said.
Myanmar: Burmese army bombs Baptist seminary
Continuing its violent attacks on Christian civilians, the ‘Tatmadaw’ Burmese military junta bombed a Baptist seminary in Kachin state last week, injuring four men in their dormitory, Christian Headlines (CH) reports.
China: Government officials detain Christian house church leaders and members on false charges
Chinese government officials are continuing a campaign of surveillance and detention against the Linfen Holy Covenant Church in Shanxi province, holding church leaders and members on false charges, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports.
Jailed Canadian Pastor acquitted of breaching COVID-19 restrictions on church services
A pastor in Canada who was jailed for breaching COVID-19 restrictions on in-person worship services was acquitted this week of charges that he violated public health orders, the Christian Post (CP) reports.
Indonesia: Two government officials sign Islamist petition to block church building, violation of Indonesian constitution
In an apparent violation of Indonesia’s constitutional protection of religious freedom, two local officials in Java Island joined forces with Islamist organizations to block the construction of a Christian church building, the Christian Post (CP) reports.
Church of England Evangelicals reject Bishop’s proposal to allow blessing of same-sex marriages
Church of England Evangelicals have rejected a theological essay published by the Bishop of Oxford which argues Anglican clergy should be able to bless and marry same-sex couples if they choose, the Christian Post (CP) reports. The Church of England does not allow the blessing of civil partnerships or the marrying of same-sex couples.
Nigeria: Islamic militants murder 15 Christians, including community leaders, in Plateau state
Islamist Fulani terrorists murdered 15 more Christians, specifically targeting leaders, in Nigeria’s Plateau state last month, the Barnabas Fund reports.
India: Off-duty police officer among Hindu mob attacking Christian prayer meeting
An off-duty police officer joined a mob of Hindu nationalists who attacked a gathering of 15 Christians gathered in a private home in India’s Chhattisgarh state last month, the Christian Post (CP) reports.
Two Christians suddenly released from jail after convictions for leading churches
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamanei unexpectedly ordered the release of two church leaders imprisoned in the notoriously harsh Evin Prison in Tehran a few days after a fire broke out at the jail on October 15, Morningstar News (MSN) reports. Christian advocacy activists have said they do not know the reason for the Supreme Leader’s decision.
Nigeria: Slaughter of Christians continues
The slaughter of Christians in Nigeria has seen no let-up as suspected Fulani herdsmen and other Islamic militant terrorists killed 12 mainly women, children, and elderly Christians during attacks in Benue state last month, Morning Star News (MSN) reports.
Uganda: Evangelists attacked after leading Muslims to Christ, “We need your prayers all the time”
Islamist extremists in eastern Uganda attacked two evangelists with knives earlier this month after the Christians led local Muslims to Christ, Morning Star News (MSN) reports.
US Missionaries Rush ‘Heat and Hope’ To Ukraine As Missiles Hit (Worthy News Radio)
A U.S.-based mission group said Monday that it is rushing generators and critical supplies of firewood, coal, and thermal blankets to local churches in war-torn Ukraine as “families face a brutal and potentially deadly winter.”