10.21.2023

At Least 19 Christians Killed in Gaza Church Strike

An explosion Thursday night at St. Porphyrius Greek Orthodox Church in Gaza City destroyed the church’s assembly hall, injuring and killing dozens of people inside. 

Iran takes anti-Israeli sentiments out on Christians

  The Iranian government was quick to condemn a hospital bombing in Gaza Wednesday, accusing Israel of the deadly explosion. 

Cuba: Please continue to pray for Pastor Lorenzo Fajaro and his wife

This week Pastor Lorenzo will mark his second birthday in prison, separated from his family, having endured 27 months’ imprisonment since his arrest on 11 July 2021. 

After fourth earthquake, Afghan Christians mourn with those who mourn

“When will the next earthquake strike?” 

Russian-speaking Jews in Israel reaching those displaced

Russian-speaking Jews who escaped to Israel from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine now face another warfront.

Christian leaders are needed in China

In China, where proposed restrictions to free speech could potentially put up barriers for Christians to learn, read, and preach the Word of God, leaders in Christian churches are needing to step up. 

Uganda: Muslim Extremists Suspected of Killing Tourists, Beating Christian

Evangelist beaten unconscious in Kampala.

Burmese Military Kills 29 in Kachin Refugee Camp Bombing

The Burmese military, known as the Tatmadaw, bombed a refugee camp in the northern state of Kachin this week.

India: 30 Christians Attacked in Chhattisgarh, Five Sent to Hospital 

Five Christian residents of the Indian state of Chhattisgarh were recently rushed to the hospital for treatment of injuries received in an attack by radical Hindu nationalists.  

Hamas and Israel War Leaves Christians in the Crossfire

On Saturday, Oct. 7, Hamas militants launched a deadly attack on southern Israel from the Gaza enclave, which they have controlled since 2007.

Nepalese Pastor Denied Appeal, Faces One Year in Prison for Alleged Forced Conversions

In Nepal, Pastor Keshav Raj Acharya will spend one year in prison for alleged forced conversion activities after his court appeal was denied last week. 

North Korea: Nearly 600 Defectors Repatriated on 9 Oct.

North Korea (NK) is the most dangerous place in the world to be a Christian.

USCIRF News Digest - October 17, 2023

Christians Shelter in Two Gaza Churches Amid Bombings 

While the bombardment of Hamas continues in the Gaza Strip, the small contingent of Christians there is sheltering in two churches.

OCCUPIED UKRAINE: Russian occupation forces continue to disappear religious leaders

Eleven months after Russia's National Guard in November 2022 seized two
Greek Catholic priests, Fr Ivan Levytsky and Fr Bohdan Heleta, in the
Ukrainian city of Berdyansk, the occupying forces have given no information
on whether they are still alive and, if so, where and why they are being
held.

Iranians are collateral damage of Iran-Hamas partnership

If Israel continues its offensive on Hamas in Gaza, Iran’s foreign minister Hossein Amirabdollahian is threatening an “expansion of war fronts.” His comments come after meeting with Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Qatar.

Christians need help taking Gospel to dangerous places

Along with war, the Middle East is full of persecution. At the same time, this region holds so much potential.

600,000 flee as Israel-Gaza war escalates

Egypt reopened its border crossing with Gaza on Sunday, allowing much-needed aid to enter and refugees to exit.