02.10.2024

Please Pray for Vietnamese Believers

As Christians we are encouraged to persevere in prayer, and we know that it’s a wonderful blessing, privilege and comfort to bring our requests to the Lord. But in countries like Vietnam, the simple act of prayer could be seen as a direct threat to the government’s power and legitimacy.

China This Week: Persecuted activist Zhu Yufu allowed to visit Japan

Well-known democracy activist Zhu Yufu, who has been under house arrest with travel restrictions since his 2018 release from prison, was permitted to leave China earlier this month to visit his sister in Japan who is stricken with late-stage cancer. 

Israel: Ceasefire negotiations fall flat; Gaza war rages on

Top U.S. and Israeli officials remain divided after a week of intense ceasefire negotiations aimed at pausing the Gaza war.

On revolution anniversary, religious freedom absent in Iran

This Sunday marks the 45th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution in Iran. 

India: God’s Word, fellowship helps believers through hard times

For many of India’s 1.4 billion people, the idea of following just one God, Jesus, is a whole new concept — and one that their communities react strongly against.

Christians Seek Justice following Attacks in Jaranwala, Pakistan

Advocacy group files plea with Supreme Court.

Important: Democracy activist allowed to leave China

We just learned that CCP travel restrictions were lifted for democracy activist Zhu Yufu, making it possible for him to travel to Japan just a few days ago to visit and stay with his ailing sister who is stricken with late-stage lung cancer. 

ARMENIA: Appeal court upholds conscientious objector's jail term

On 7 February, a panel of three judges at Yerevan's Criminal Court of
Appeal rejected Davit Nazaretyan's appeal against his two-year jail term
imposed in October 2023 for refusing military service on grounds of
conscience.

Pakistan’s 2024 general election came in the wake of violence

Pakistan’s general election reaches its climax today as people go to the polls for national as well as provincial leaders amid recent tensions. 

How freedom deficits contribute to Iran’s instability

Religious freedom is a big deal in the United States. 

India: Modi predicts 370-seat win for BJP in upcoming election

Prime Minister Narendra Modi confidently addressed India’s Parliament this week.

USCIRF News Digest - February 6, 2024

Protestors Target Christian Coffee Shop in Colorado

Protestors in Denver, Colorado, are targeting a Christian coffee shop for its faith-based beliefs.

ICC Aids Attacked Christian Farmers in India

Christian minorities in Chhattisgarh, India, face increasingly severe religious persecution at the hands of radical Hindu nationalists.

Christian Professor Fired in UK for Beliefs on Biblical Marriage

A theology professor in Derbyshire, England, has been fired from a Methodist Bible university after sharing his religious beliefs on social media.

Hong Kong Leader says Foreigners to Blame for ‘Anti-China’ Rhetoric

In another blow to the rule of law and democracy, Hong Kong’s Chief Executive John Lee said this week that foreign actors and pro-democracy groups drove the 2019 pro-democracy movement.

Two Christian Women Assaulted in Pakistan

Police slow to prosecute Muslim suspects.

Muslim Gunmen Kill 14-Year-Old Christian Boy in Pakistan

Assailants open fire shouting threats against Christians.

At least 10.7 million people uprooted by conflict in Sudan

Displacement hits a record high as Sudan’s war passes the nine-month mark with no end. 

North Africa: Are church closures ever a good thing?

What made a church leader in North Africa say “Praise God!” when he heard the government had forced twenty churches to close in an unnamed country?