01.17.2026

Christian satellite TV breaking through Iran’s blackout

As Iran’s government tightens its blackout on digital communication amid growing unrest, one platform remains difficult to silence: satellite television.

Religious freedom challenges remain as Uganda heads to the polls

More than 21 million people voted yesterday in Uganda, as human rights groups decried tight security and a nationwide internet shutdown.

Spiritual openness rising in Syria’s turmoil

More clashes broke out this week near Aleppo, Syria, between government troops and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Aleppo was a hotbed of fighting last week, before the SDF abandoned two long-held Aleppo neighborhoods to government control.

RUSSIA: Four administrative fines for anti-war articles, criminal investigation underway

A court in the southern Russian region of Krasnodar has fined an
independent Orthodox priest the equivalent of more than two months' average
wage in four administrative prosecutions for allegedly "discrediting" the
Russian Armed Forces and expressing "overt disrespect" for society, state
bodies, and state symbols. 

Protestant Pastor Freed After Six Months in Nicaraguan Detention

A Protestant pastor held in incommunicado detention for almost six months in Nicaragua has been released, Christians confirmed Thursday.

Fulani Herdsmen Kill 12 Christians in Central Nigeria

Ambushes launched across several areas of Plateau state.

A call to action for international religious freedom advocacy in the U.S.

The year 2025 ended without the U.S. Department of State releasing its annual report on International Religious Freedom. 

Court in Pakistan Orders Recovery of Kidnapped Christian Girl

Family of forcibly converted/married 13-year-old hopeful.

Christian Advocates Urge Trump to Protect Pakistani Refugees After Slavery, Blasphemy Cases

Christian advocacy groups urged U.S. President Donald J. Trump not to close America’s doors to Christian refugees from Pakistan, citing cases of bonded labor, abduction, and alleged misuse of blasphemy laws targeting the country’s Christian minority.

Amid daily strikes and rising tension, Lebanese believers trust God’s sovereign hand

Last week, Lebanon claimed that it completed the first phase of its plan to disarm all non-state groups in southern Lebanon — namely, Hezbollah. 

What’s in Canada’s Bill C-9 — and why some Christians are concerned

Hate-crime laws are often criticized for vague wording.

Advocates Alarmed Over Scale Christian Persecution in China, India; Millions Facing Raids and Church Attacks

Christian activists say religious freedom is under “unprecedented threat” in China and India, citing a sharp escalation in government actions and extremist violence targeting believers.

Missing Christian Girl in Nigeria Held by Islamic Police

Family, pastor fear 15-year-old could be forcefully converted to Islam.

Iran claims protests under control as arrests and deaths continue to rise

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi claimed Monday that protests in Iran are “under total control.” State television showed images of pro-government demonstrators taking to the streets across the country.

Hope amid hunger: Sudanese believers serve displaced families as war deepens

Sudan’s government returns to the capital for the first time in three years as fighting intensifies near the southern border. 

Pastor Killed In Colombia; Christians Shocked

Christians across Colombia expressed deep shock and grief after church officials confirmed that a prominent evangelical pastor was shot and killed during New Year’s celebrations in the country’s Caribbean region.

Bible Sales Surge to Record Highs in U.K. and U.S., Signaling Renewed Spiritual Interest

Bible sales reached historic highs in both the United Kingdom and the United States in 2025, according to newly released industry data, pointing to a growing re-engagement with Christian faith amid global uncertainty.

Dutch Christian Preacher Detained After Banned Service in Netherlands

Dutch police detained controversial Christian preacher Tom de Wal late Friday after he proceeded with a banned prayer-healing service in the southern Dutch city of Tilburg, authorities said.

China Arrests Church Leaders in Growing Crackdown on Underground Christians

Chinese authorities have detained Protestant church leaders and demolished church property as part of a “widening crackdown on underground churches” that refuse to align with Communist Party ideology, Christian sources say.

Fulani Herdsmen Kill 13 Christians in Central Nigeria

Massacres in January follow attacks in December.

Muslims in Indonesia Oppose Christian Revival Worship Service

Protesters claim wrongdoing in use of 'public facility.'

Fulani Herdsmen Kill 10 Christians in Eastern Nigeria

 Fulani herdsmen in eastern Nigeria killed 10 Christians in four villages on Saturday night (Jan. 10) and into the predawn hours of Sunday, sources said.