01.27.2024

Please pray for Christians in India

Pray that the same God who divinely protected Daniel in the lion’s den would protect Christians in India today.

China This Week: ChinaAid's New 'Crime of Fraud' Report

Our team released an in-depth 'Crime of Fraud' report on January 26th detailing the CCP's brutal tactic of charging Christians with fake 'fraud' crimes to justify longer and harsher sentences. 

ICC Spearheads Breakout Track at Upcoming IRF Summit 

Hundreds of religious freedom advocates will gather next week in Washington, D.C., for the fourth annual International Religious Freedom (IRF) Summit.

USCIRF Cautions Against Rising Antisemitism on International Holocaust Remembrance Day

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) observes International Holocaust Remembrance Day. USCIRF remembers the millions of Jews targeted and six million mass murdered by Nazi Germany’s “Final Solution,” and the millions of others—including Roma and Sinti, Slavs, persons with disabilities, LGBTQI+ individuals, and Jehovah’s Witnesses—murdered by the Nazi regime. 

UPDATE: India now designated as a "restricted nation."

Radical Hindus in India have become increasingly violent and open in their persecution of Christians in recent decades.

Across the generations, the Chinese Church is strengthened

In the face of increased government pressure and restrictions, younger Christians in China can learn from the older generation how to respond.

Iranian people suffer as regime shows off on global stage

Iran flexes its military muscle as neighboring countries condemn Western responses.

UZBEKISTAN: Muslim prayer rooms closed, Bukhara Baptists unable to meet

Following a May 2021 break in public water pipes in the south-western city
of Bukhara which caused major damage to the registered Baptist Union
Church, officials told the Baptists that they cannot use their building as
it could collapse at any moment. 

Christian Slain, Another Beaten Unconscious in Sudan

Church building set on fire in Wad Medani.

US/China: First day of school for Mayflower Church kids!

Today's such a special day for many Mayflower Church families!

India’s new Rama temple holds three implications

A controversial site in northern India is now home to a Hindu temple, stirring tensions among the Muslim community.

Terrorists Kill Five Christians in Central Nigeria

Fulani herdsmen attack nine villages in Benue state.

A New Year Brings Waves of Persecution in North Africa

In the past several months, North Africa has seen a disturbing surge in persecution of its national Christians, with Mauritania, Algeria, and Libya at the forefront of escalating hostilities against Christians.

KAZAKHSTAN: "Harsh" Religion Law changes to reach parliament soon?

A draft Amending Law amending nine Codes and Laws on the exercise of
freedom of religion or belief would, if adopted in its current form, change
the 2011 Religion Law, as well as the Marriage Code, the Administrative
Code, the Law on the Rights of the Child, the Education Law, the Police
Law, the State Service Law, the Law on Preventing Violations, and the State
Social Grants Law.

USCIRF News Digest - January 24, 2024

Escalating conflict complicates life in Yemen

Houthi militants in Yemen promise revenge following targeted overnight airstrikes by Western forces.

Christians who left Islam describe persecution in Libya

Libya remains one of the world’s toughest places to follow Christ.

At Least 31 Christians Slaughtered in Central Nigeria

Islamic extremists raid two counties in Plateau state, residents say.

Survivors of Christmas Eve Attack in Nigeria Struggle in IDP Camp

Survivors of a brutal, four-day attack that claimed the lives of more than 200 Nigerian Christians are struggling to start over in IDP camps that lack necessities. 

North Korea Again Tops List of Worst Christian Persecutors

North Korea has again topped Open Door’s World Watchlist of the 50 countries with the worst record and levels of Christian persecution.

Two Malaysian Filmmakers Charged with Blasphemy

Two Malaysian filmmakers face up to one year each in jail for a movie that explored differences and similarities between religions in Malaysia.

Three Indian Churches Raided by Radical Hindus, Pastors Arrested 

After further investigation, the mob stormed into the church gathering but did not do any damage to the building.

21 Wilberforce January 2024 Newsletter

Where are Christians persecuted today?

Civil war concerns rise in Lebanon

As fighting intensifies in Gaza, Western diplomats try to prevent a similar escalation between Israel and Lebanon.

Algerian church perseveres underground and under pressure

Christians in Algeria are allowed to practice their faith, but it isn’t made easy for them. Since 2019, Algerian churches have faced forcible closure and opposition from the government — or what Voice of the Martyrs calls “squeeze” persecution. 

Chinese churches made the most of Christmas despite restrictions

For some church congregations in China, Christmas 2023 was a challenging time due to government restrictions.

Father Beaten and Loses Family, Home for Becoming Christian

Muslim relatives attack after learning of his new faith.

Scripture under fire in Finland

After winning two previous trials, Finnish lawmaker Päivi Räsänen is once again being charged with hate speech because she posted Bible verses on social media. 

Update: Bangladeshi pastor still imprisoned, appealing for bail

A Christian pastor in Bangladesh has remained imprisoned since late November after his Muslim family and then the local mosque pressed false charges against him.

Pace of Killings Increases in Christian Area of Nigeria

Kaduna state governor meets with leaders as crisis deepens.