Afghanistan displaces North Korea as the most dangerous place to be a Christian – report
RNS Afghanistan is the most dangerous country for Christians, according to an annual list put together by the Christian watchdog group Open Doors. It is the first time in two decades that North Korea has not been at the top of the list. Open Doors said the Taliban’s takeover of the Afghan Government in mid-August […]
Christians facing ongoing persecution in northern Mozambique
Nairobi, Kenya John Tembe’s voice trembles as he narrates how jihadists in Cabo Delgado in northern Mozambique brutally hacked his brother to death for refusing their demand to renounce Christ. “He risked his life by refusing to convert to Islam,” a 30-year-old father of three said by phone from the northern part of the country. “He was […]
US Holocaust Museum says China boosting Uighur repression
Washington DC, USAP The US Holocaust Memorial Museum says it has compiled evidence of increasing government repression against Uighur Muslims in China’s western Xinjiang region. In a new report released Tuesday, the museum’s Center for the Prevention of Genocide says there is now “a reasonable basis” to believe that previously alleged crimes against humanity versus the Uighurs are growing amid […]
Christians in India face “existential threat” from Hindu nationalists – report
Christians in India face an “existential threat” from violent nationalist persecution, according to the findings of a report commissioned for persecuted church support organisation Open Doors which detailed numerous examples of attacks and discrimination. The report, which was compiled by researchers from the London School of Economics, found that daily life for many Christian and Muslim communities in India has […]
Essay: Religious minority children in Colombia and Mexico face intolerance and discrimination because of their religious beliefs
As Colombia and Mexico mark national Children’s Days this month, ELLIS HEASLEY, of UK-based religious freedom advocacy CSW, says it’s time for action ensure all children in those countries have the fundamental right to religious freedom without fear of harassment, intimidation or discrimination…
Essay: The Pope’s Iraq visit will make headlines. Can it make life better for religious minorities?
In an article first published on Religion News Service, KNOX THAMES, a former special adviser for religious minorities at the US Department of State, looks at the hopes of religious minorities around Pope Francis’ upcoming visit to Iraq…
Islamist militants fuel Christian persecution in Kenya, faith leaders say
Nairobi, KenyaRNS The majority of this East African country’s population is Christian, and churches are free to proliferate. It’s also not unusual to find preachers setting up loudspeakers to call people to Jesus. Christian literature is sold on the open street, and phrases like “Praise God” and “Amen” are part of the common greetings. But […]
Essay: Five reasons global persecution should matter to Christians in Australia
As Open Doors releases its annual World Watch List of countries where Christian persecution is greatest, MURRAY NOBLE, a leading researcher at Open Doors Australia, outlines why Christians in the West – and in Australia in particular – should care about the persecuted church…
Christians denied emergency COVID related food relief because of their faith – Open Doors’ report
The worldwide coronavirus pandemic has been a “catalyst” for the repression of Christian minorities around the world with some denied emergency relief because of their faith, according to Open Doors‘ latest annual report on the persecution of Christians across the globe. The report – known as the World Watch List – said that among those […]
In the aftermath of conflict: In a northern town brutalised by IS, Iraq tests its power
SAMYA KULLAB, of Associated Press, report from Sinjar in northern Iraq…