09-19-2026

Cuba: Please Pray - Pastor Alexis Lorenzo Released on Bail; other prisoners awaiting release

Today we are celebrating an answer to prayer: Pastor Alexis Padrón Lorenzo is no longer imprisoned in Cuba. We thank God!

U.S.-China Summit Must Address China’s Religious Freedom Repression

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has reported for years that China’s violations of freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) have been too numerous to count and too heinous to ignore. 

As Syria unites independent military forces, the future of Kurds is uncertain

Continued tensions in Syria this week come on the heels of President Ahmed al-Sharaa declaring the country to be on a new trajectory – one that prizes democracy and will unite military groups into one Syrian army.

The loss of St. Peter’s has displaced Christian families and closed a place of worship, even as reports point to a growing underground church.

For decades, St. Peter’s Evangelical Church in central Tehran was more than a sanctuary. Its ten-acre compound held homes, two schools and offices tied to Iran’s Protestant community. Now the church is closed, its residents have been evicted, and guards have been posted to keep worshippers from returning.

Activists Worldwide to Join SAVE NORTH KOREAN REFUGEES DAY: SEPTEMBER 22, 2026

The North Korea Freedom Coalition (NKFC), joined by activists and nongovernmental organizations in 19 countries and 25 cities around the world, will mark Save North Korean Refugees Day on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, with appeals delivered to Chinese embassies and consulates, demonstrations and prayer gatherings. 

AZERBAIJAN:  More than 50 prosecutions in 2026 for unapproved religious meetings

An official of the Baku branch of the State Committee for Work with
Religious Organisations prepared records of an offence against eight
Muslims in the city's Binagadi District for holding "religious meetings and
other religious activities in a private house". 

Father-Son Pastors Tortured in China

This Week: Family members of the “Zion 8” have reported severe conditions at detention centers. The lawyer who defended Zion Church pastors fled CCP pressure, 30 officials stormed Sunday worship in Shanghai, and father-son pastors are reportedly tortured in China.

UN and EU call for action against religious persecution

UN Secretary-General António Guterres recently called for greater action against global religious persecution, giving a speech on the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief. 

US: Christian Club Sues New York College Over Rule for Choosing Its Leaders

For years, Campus Bible Fellowship had a place among the student clubs at SUNY Broome Community College. Now the Christian ministry is in federal court, fighting for the right to choose leaders who share its faith.

2026 IDOP Resource Kit Available for Free Download Now

On November 1, the global church will gather for one cause: to stand in solidarity and prayer with the persecuted church.

US: President Donald J. Trump Makes Critical IRF Appointments

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) welcomes President Donald J. Trump’s nominations of Jane “Cissie” Lynch to be the Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom (IRF) and the appointments of Andrew Brunson, Robert Barron, and Joe Grogan to be Commissioners on the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom. 

Nigeria’s reported Boko Haram ceasefire leaves difficult questions

A report from independent, nonprofit newsroom The New Humanitarian says Nigeria’s government and Boko Haram have had a secret ceasefire agreement since June. 

Trump Nominates Cissie Graham Lynch As Religious Freedom Ambassador

American evangelist Franklin Graham confirmed Tuesday that U.S. President Donald J. Trump has nominated his daughter to serve as the United States Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom.

Houthis tighten their grip as millions in Yemen face hunger and uncertainty

Conflict within Yemen and with its neighbors has been escalating. 

India; “Here on my own will”: Maharashtra churches adapt to anti-conversion law

Name. Address. Government ID. In parts of Maharashtra, India, going to church now comes with paperwork.

Pakistan Christian Family Alleges Forced Conversion Of Missing Teenage Son

A Christian family in Pakistan’s Punjab province has appealed for the return of their teenage son, saying he was pressured and forced to convert to Islam while working at a factory.

A WEEKLY SUMMARY OF CHRISTIAN PERSECUTION NEWS - 09-14-2026

An Interview with ‘Rebekah,’ an ICC-Supported Missionary in Somaliland

Police in Algeria Arrest 12 Christians during Worship

Members could face charges of holding unauthorized, non-Muslim religious service.

USCIRF Calls for President Donald J. Trump to Raise FoRB Prisoners with President Xi 

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) encourages President Donald J. Trump to continue his efforts for the release of freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) prisoners—as well as for the cessation of religious persecution by the Chinese government—during the planned summit with President Xi Jinping on September 24, 2026. 

Indonesian Church Holds Service Despite Ban

In recent years, Islamic extremist groups in Indonesia have targeted churches with demonstrations, legal complaints and violence. 

Christians build resilient livelihoods as Bangladesh emerges from years of political uncertainty

Elections in February and August this year brought greater political stability to Bangladesh after more than two years of an interim government in place.

EU Conference Urges Protection Of Syria Christians Amid Deadly Persecution (Worthy News In-Depth)

European policymakers, church leaders and representatives of Syria’s Christian communities have urged the country’s transitional authorities to protect minority Christians amid concerns over the future of believers in the war-torn Middle East nation.

Impoverished Christians Die In Pakistan Amid Mounting Concerns Over Minority Treatment

Several impoverished Christians have died across Pakistan in recent days amid what advocates describe as a pattern of violence, discrimination and hardship potentially threatening the Christian community throughout the predominantly Muslim nation, Christian sources told Worthy News.