Nigeria: Christian Family, Church Devastated by Killing of Church Elder
The Dogo Awo village congregation of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in north-central Nigeria and family of Yakubu Musa mourn the loss of his life at the hands of Fulani herdsman, believing that the government’s inaction against persecution is emboldening the Islamic group.
India: British Parliament Criticizes Country for Failing to Protect Religious Minorities
A report by the British All-Party Parliamentary Group for International Freedom of Religion or Belief criticized the Indian government for failing to protect religious minorities from violent Hindu hardliners. The report also said that anti-conversion laws in seven of India’s state are also a threat to the safety of Muslims and Christians.
China: Church Asked to Remove First Commandment by Chinese Official
During an inspection, authorities ordered a government-approved Three-Self church to remove one commandment from the Ten Commandments displayed on the wall.
Pakistan: Christians Face Mounting Discrimination in Schools
Christians and other minorities face discrimination in many facets throughout Pakistan. Educational institutions are no exception. This has caused discrimination against both Christian students and teachers in Pakistan’s schools to become almost common practice.
Top 10 International Religious Liberty Stories of 2018
IRD’s International Religious Liberty Program Director lists the top ten international religious liberty stories of 2018, including both those of horrific human rights violations as well as good news and positive indicators for the future.
Algeria: Authorities Order Closure of Another Church Building
Pastor Rabah Messaoudi had won a legal battle in 2017 after local officials tried to close his church, but authorities used Algeria’s 2006 law on religion to close the church, which requires non-Muslim places of worship to register with government officials, though they slow to grant permission if they act at all.
China: US Congressman Calls on the World to Stand Against Country’s Religious Persecution
In an op-ed published on Washington Post on December 27, U.S. Congressman Chris Smith from New Jersey calls on the world to let the Chinese government know that their effort to erase religion and culture of their people are destructive, shameful acts that will not be tolerated by the community of nations.
Iran: Nine Christians Arrested Christmas Week
Iranian State news connected with the Revolutionary Guards has announced that nine Iranian Christians were arrested during Christmas week. These nine Christians were arrested in Alborz Province. The names of the individuals have not yet been reported.
Uganda: Christians Live in Fear of Growing Islamist Population
Uganda has a growing Muslim population but is still only about 15% of the total population. According to a report by the Washington Post, the Alliance of Democratic Forces (ADF), an Islamist group based in Congo, has moved to Uganda and started anti-Christian propaganda campaigns in Eastern Uganda.
Read more: International Christian Concern
India: Seven Christians Hospitalized Following Attack by Hindus
Fifty Christians were gathered for prayers at the New Life Church in Kowad when they were attacked by a mob of Hindus on December 23. Local sources claim the mob of 30 radicals is connected to the Hindu Rastra Sena group.
Laos: Seven Christians Arrested During Christmas Service
In two incidents, police raided the Nakanong Village’s Christmas church service and arrested a total of seven church leaders, charging them with illegal gathering without permission.
India: Mob Harasses Children on Way to Christmas Program
A mob of 30 Hindus stopped four buses carrying 200 children on their way to a Christmas program. They claimed the children were being taken to churches to be forcefully converted to Christianity and abused by pastors.
Iran: Sisters Make Bail Following Harsh Interrogation
Two Christian sisters arrested and assaulted during interrogation by Iranian authorities have reportedly been released on bail. They were arrested in early December for acting against national security by promoting Christianity, part of a two-month crackdown against the church by Iranian authorities.
Uganda: New Christian Loses Family, Plantation for Leaving Islam
A man who converted to Christianity in eastern Uganda lost his livelihood, wife and children to irate relatives and other Muslims, after his father objected to him leaving Islam for Christ.
India: Christians Hospitalized after Terrifying Christmas Attacks
Christians in India who previously experienced little or no opposition reported that Hindu extremists stoned, slashed and terrorized them this Christmas season. At least 18 incidents were reported.