Christian persecution higher than ever as Open Doors’ World Watch List marks 30 years
United StatesRNS In the three decades since the religious liberty organisation Open Doors has been compiling its World Watch List of the 50 countries where Christians face the most persecution for their faith, that persecution has never been worse. That’s according to the 2023 World Watch List released in the US on Tuesday evening, which showed North […]
Bridging divides: A priest overcomes India’s anti-Christian violence to lead interfaith dialogue
The Kandhamal riots of 2008 stand out as a watershed moment in India’s history of mass violence against minorities. PRIYADARSHINI SEN reports, in an article first published on Religion News Service, that a Catholic priest who survived them wants to bring faith leaders together to get past that history…
Religious freedom activists call for “decisive action” after Christian labourer beaten to death in Pakistan
Religious freedom activists have called for “decisive action” in Pakistan after a Christian labourer died of injuries he sustained when he was beaten by four men after being accused of “contaminating” a well by bathing in it. Saleem Masih, 22, was attacked after, having finished work, he washed himself on 25th February and was accused […]
Church of England bishop welcomes UK Government decision to accept recommendations of review into persecution of Christians
A Church of England bishop who headed a review into the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s support for persecuted Christians has welcomed the government’s decision to accept all its recommendations, saying he hopes it will be a catalyst for change. Drawing on evidence from various recent studies and surveys, the report found that Christians are […]
Seven Christians reportedly detained in Laos for “illegal” Christmas service
BosNewsLife Minority Christians in southern Laos faced a grim New Year after seven believers, including church leaders, were detained by the Communist government’s security forces during violent church raids, a well-informed advocacy official told BosNewsLife. Sirikoon Prasertsee, who leads the advocacy group Human Rights Watcher for Lao Religious Freedom, said the detentions occurred late on Saturday, […]
Hungary’s PM meets Pope Francis after pledging to tackle Christian persecution
BosNewsLife Officials say Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has met Pope Francis after pledging that his nation wants to tackle the persecution of Christians at a time when Europe faces a massive refugee crisis. The Hungarian government’s international press office confirmed to BosNewsLife and Vatican Radio that Orbán met the Pope late last month on […]