05.08.2021

OPINION FU: 'Free' world must walk with persecuted faithful
-ChinaAid's annual report shows that 2020 marked the worst year of religious persecution that the world has seen since Chairman Mao's cultural revolution during the 1960s.

CHINA | Church Leader Arrested on Fraud Charges

21Wilberforce releases 116th Congress IRF Congressional Scorecard

Embattled religious minorities and dissenting members of majority religious communities suffer extraordinary pressures — even genocide— as the essential freedom of religion deteriorates worldwide.

Please Pray for Pastor Niwas and Family and Church in India

Paul wrote these words to encourage the church in Thessalonica, who were suffering ‘persecutions and hardships’ (v.4). This week, pray for encouragement, comfort and healing for a Christian couple in India who were assaulted by Hindu nationalists.

Civilian Armenian POW Faces Terrorism Charges in Azerbaijan

International Christian Concern (ICC) learned that on May 5, 2021, Azerbaijan approved an indictment against Armenian-Lebanese Vicken Euljekjian, a civilian prisoner of war captured when Azerbaijan invaded Nagorno-Karabakh and seized new territory. Euljekjian is facing three charges: participation as a mercenary in a military conflict, committing terrorism, and illegally crossing into Azerbaijan.

US genocide declaration changes little for Armenians

International Christian Concern (ICC) learned that on May 5, 2021, Azerbaijan approved an indictment against Armenian-Lebanese Vicken Euljekjian, a civilian prisoner of war captured when Azerbaijan invaded Nagorno-Karabakh and seized new territory. Euljekjian is facing three charges: participation as a mercenary in a military conflict, committing terrorism, and illegally crossing into Azerbaijan.

Nepalese Church grows despite Hindu nationalist resistance

In early April, Hindu nationalists in Nepal forged a document, accusing Christians of creating ethnic divisions. It’s all part of their effort to re-establish Nepal as a Hindu kingdom.

Herdsmen Kill Christians in Nigeria's Nasarawa, Plateau States

Muslim Fulani attack homes, funeral.

Join us on May 14 for Heros of Faith

It’s our biggest ever prayer event, marking the 18th birthday of Leah Sharibu, the Nigerian schoolgirl who refused to renounce her faith in exchange for her freedom.

UK: Praying to God could be made a crime, lawmakers threatened with legal action

'A ban on spiritual guidance and prayer would be tyrannical and unworkable'

Guangzhou Christian bookstore displays The Governance of China by Xi Jinping, as well as the CCPs “Little Red Book”

The bookstore of Sha Mian Tang Church, a well-known Christian church in Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, displayed a large number of the book The Governance of China, written by Xi Jinping, as well as the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)’s “Little Red Book.”

Pastor Jing Mingri (Beijing Zion Church): Those in chains for Christ will be completely free in Christ

On May 1, Jing Mingri, lead pastor of Beiging Zion Church [house church], along with other pastors, elders, and committee members of Zion Church, wrote a letter to members stressing: "Those in chains for Christ will be completely free in Christ."Letter from Pastor Jing and others:

Copy of Administrative Complaint by Agent: Lawyer Sui Muqing on behalf of Plaintiff: Chen Jianguo

As an "Agent" on behalf of "Plaintiff," Chen Jianguo, 
Lawyer Sui Muqing filed the following "Administrative Complaint" in Guiyang City Yunyan District Court:

Part 2: Court rejects Guiyang Ren'ai Reformed Church’s administrative indictment

During the afternoon of April 27, after the Yunyan District Public Security Bureau had unlawfully detained Christian Chen Jianguo for three days, Lawyer Sui Muqing submitted an administrative indictment to the Nanming District People’s Court on Brother Chen’s behalf.Lawyer Sui explained:

Court rejects Guiyang Ren'ai Reformed Church’s administrative indictment

During the afternoon of April 27, Chen Jianguo, a Christian from Guiyang Ren'ai Reformed Church, traveled to Guiyang Nanming District People’s Court with Sui Muqing, his lawyer.

Polices summon two Guiyang Ren’ai Reformed Church congregants—again

On April 26, police again summoned two female Christians attending Guiyang Ren’ai Reformed Evangelical Church. At noon, Chengdu Early Rain Covenant Church (ERCC) reposted the prayer request Guiyang Ren’ai of Reformed Evangelical Church made, stating:

Preachers from Zion Church in Beijing Arrested and Detained

Another Christian Nurse in Pakistan Falsely Accused of Blasphemy

She has gone into hiding after threats to maim and kill her.

European Parliament Calls for Abolition of Pakistan’s “Blasphemy” Law

A resolution adopted by the European Parliament has called for the abolition of Pakistan’s controversial “blasphemy” law.

Australian-Jewish Community Calls on Israel and Australia to Recognise Armenian Genocide

Jeremy Leibler, president of the Zionist Federation of Australia, has called on both Australia and Israel to recognise the Armenian Genocide of a century ago, the Australian Jewish News (AJN) has reported.

Call for a day of prayer and fasting for new India COVID-19 disaster

Christian leaders in India have come together across the denominations to call for a day of prayer and fasting as India, wracked with Covid-19, faces one of the worst disasters she has endured in recent history.

Pakistani Christian Accused of Blasphemy Tortured into False Confession

According to Morning Star News, a Christian accused of blasphemy in Pakistan was tortured into making a false confession while spending more than two months in police custody.

Seven Killed by Suspected Fulani Militants in Attack on IDP Camp

At least seven civilians were killed, and many others seriously injured earlier this week when suspected Fulani Herdsmen attacked the Abagena community housing IDP camp in Benue State.

Chinese Underground Catholic Fined for Providing a Place for Mass

As the Chinese government continues to target underground Catholic bishops and prevent them from holding mass, now even the Catholics who provide the venue are being punished.

Pastor and Wife in Eastern India Attacked and Beaten with Sticks

According to Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), a pastor, his wife, and a congregant in eastern India were attacked and severely beaten by radical Hindu nationalists. The attack took place on April 22 in Sitamarhi, located in Bihar state

Nigeria: Boko Haram Hoists Flag on Abuja's Doorstep

Ramadan: 12/13 April to 13 May [see RLPB 592 (7 April)].
1 May: China's new 'Administrative Measures for Religious Clergy' came into force [see RLPB 585 (17 Feb)].

Police Rescue -- then Jail -- Christian Family Attacked in India

Authorities again succumb to pressure by Hindu extremists.

Jihadists Seek Out and Kill Two Nigerian Christians During Attack on Town in Yobe State

At least two Christians were sought out and killed by jihadists who invaded a town in Nigeria’s northern Yobe State on 23 April.