Religious Freedom Report: 14 nations are “Countries of Particular Concern”

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) published its 2021 Annual Report earlier this month, redesignating 10 nations as Countries of Particular Concern (CPC) and recommending to the State Department that India, Russia, Syria, and Vietnam now be given that designation as well.

Indiana law: House of Worship are “essential”

Indiana’s Governor Eric Holcomb (R) has signed a new law determining that houses of worship provide essential services, and no restrictions may be placed on them during a declared emergency such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Christian Missionaries Die Of COVID In India

Christian missionaries and church leaders already suffering persecution in several areas are among those dying of severe symptoms of COVID-19 raging in India, aid workers say.

India persecution: Christian family confined to home after tribal animists attack

A Christian family is confined to their home after being attacked and harassed by tribal animists in India’s Jharkhand state, Morning Star News reports. India now ranks 10th on the US Open Doors Watch List of countries where Christians are persecuted: the country ranked 31st in 2013, just before Hindu nationalists Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power in May 2014.

Ex-Vice President Pence Feels ‘Blessed’ With Pacemaker

Former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, a devoted Christian, thanked hospital staff Thursday after receiving a pacemaker. “My family has been truly blessed by the work of these dedicated healthcare professionals,” Pence said in published remarks.

WHO Demands More Vaccines To Poor Nations

The World Health Organization (WHO) says severe coronavirus vaccine shortages in scores of impoverished nations undermines its global coronavirus jabs plan.

India persecution: Gujarat passes anti-conversion law

Gujarat has become the latest Indian state to pass anti-conversion legislation which primarily targets Christians and Muslims accused of forcing poor Hindus to convert to their respective faiths, International Christian Concern reports. Gujarat is currently led by the Hindu nationalist party Bharathiya Janatha Party (BJP), which is also India’s governing power.

Increased persecution in India; Christians attacked by Tribal Animists

Rights groups report that Christian persecution in India has worsened since Hindu nationalist prime minister Narendra Modi came to power in 2014. Whereas in 2013 India ranked 31st on the Open Doors’ 2021 World Watch List of countries where Christians are persecuted, it now ranks 10th.

India Christian persecution: Violent mob attacks prayer meeting in private home

A violent mob of around 70 people attacked a prayer meeting in a private home in India’s Chhattisgarh state Monday, destroying property, assaulting those gathered, and hospitalizing at least six believers with serious injuries, CSW reports. Chhattisgarh is one of nine states with controversial anti-conversion laws that are often used to harass and intimidate religious minorities from sharing their faith.

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