CHIAPAS, MEXICO — In the Heart of Chiapas, a Pioneering Seminar Gathers Journalists and Evangelical Leaders to Address One of the Most Relevant Topics in Today’s Mexico: Religious Freedom San Cristóbal de las Casas was the venue for the seminar “The Reality of Religious Freedom in Mexico, Religious Discrimination, and the Challenges of Objective Communication.”… Continue reading Chiapas: Training Journalists and Leaders on Religious Freedom
Results for "Religious Freedom"
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Documentary Reveals the Reality of Religious Freedom in Cuba
CUBA — “Cuba Crucis” is a documentary directed by Cuban journalist Yoe Suárez. This documentary gathers testimonies and stories about how the lack of individual freedoms under the communist regime in Cuba affects the religious community and hinders the full practice of faith. The 52-minute documentary “Cuba Crucis” presents impactful testimonies from religious leaders and… Continue reading Documentary Reveals the Reality of Religious Freedom in Cuba
Women Advocate for Religious Freedom in Iran and the Middle East
LOS ANGELES — Continuing the work of the Abraham Accords, the Marrakesh Forum (June 6-7, 2023) will gather leaders to build public awareness about the benefits of multi-faith collaboration, highlighting religious liberty and women’s rights. Seeking to promote peaceful pluralism, the women influencers will share the benefits of religious tolerance and equal citizenship. Government, academic,… Continue reading Women Advocate for Religious Freedom in Iran and the Middle East
You Si-kun, Highest-ranking Taiwanese Official Allowed in U.S., To Reject CCP Authoritarianism with Pro-democracy, Pro-religious Freedom Address at IRF Summit
WASHINGTON — The International Religious Freedom (IRF) Summit, the world’s premier annual gathering of religious freedom advocates and activists, will be held January 31–February 1. The Summit, usually held in the summer, has been moved several months earlier in 2023 and coincides with the start of the National Prayer Breakfast. IRF Summit 2023 will be… Continue reading You Si-kun, Highest-ranking Taiwanese Official Allowed in U.S., To Reject CCP Authoritarianism with Pro-democracy, Pro-religious Freedom Address at IRF Summit
Calls for World Cup Host Qatar to Embrace Religious Freedom
QATAR — This year, Qatar will become the first Arab nation to ever host the World Cup. But behind the polished veneers of the sparkling stadiums things in Qatar aren’t as pristine as they seem, according to Christian charity Open Doors. Since winning hosting rights for the World Cup more than a decade ago they… Continue reading Calls for World Cup Host Qatar to Embrace Religious Freedom
Religious Freedom Eroding Fast, Warns U.S. Group
EASTON, MD — A U.S. media ministry warns religious freedom is under increasing pressure — fast reaching a tipping point it describes as “situation critical.” Globally, an estimated 80% of people of all faiths face restrictions on freely expressing their religious beliefs, says SAT-7 USA (www.sat7usa.org), a Christian media broadcaster in the Middle East and… Continue reading Religious Freedom Eroding Fast, Warns U.S. Group
IRF Summit 2022 Convenes Civil Society Congress to Innovate and Develop Solutions for Religious Freedom
WASHINGTON — In recent years levels of persecution and restriction based on faith or belief have increased around the world. This is despite a growing movement of people who are committed to protecting this fundamental human right. It is time to think big for religious freedom. The International Religious Freedom (IRF) Summit 2022 will convene… Continue reading IRF Summit 2022 Convenes Civil Society Congress to Innovate and Develop Solutions for Religious Freedom
Persecuted Religious Groups Speak up for Each Other on Capitol Hill, Urges Congress to Protect Religious Freedom
WASHINGTON — On June 27, one day ahead of the International Religious Freedom Summit 2022, the summit is hosting a Congressional Advocacy Day to encourage convening organizations to present their causes and discuss religious freedom concerns with members of Congress and their staff on Capitol Hill. The day will kick off with a breakfast meeting… Continue reading Persecuted Religious Groups Speak up for Each Other on Capitol Hill, Urges Congress to Protect Religious Freedom
The International Religious Freedom Summit Returns to DC June 28-30
WASHINGTON — On June 28-30 religious freedom leaders, advocates and activists from around the world, spanning a wide range of faith traditions and political affiliations, will gather in Washington, D.C., for the second annual International Religious Freedom Summit. The Summit will highlight increasing threats to freedom of religion, conscience and belief, and it will once… Continue reading The International Religious Freedom Summit Returns to DC June 28-30
Ahead of International Religious Freedom Summit 2021, Diverse Coalition of Over 70 Religious and Civil-society Groups Issue ‘A Charter of Religious Freedom’
WASHINGTON — Ahead of the International Religious Freedom Summit 2021 (IRF Summit), co-chairs Samuel Brownback and Katrina Lantos Swett, along with the Summit’s over 70 partner organizations around the world, have issued A Charter of Religious Freedom, calling for the protection of the universal human rights of religion, thought and conscience: A CHARTER OF RELIGIOUS… Continue reading Ahead of International Religious Freedom Summit 2021, Diverse Coalition of Over 70 Religious and Civil-society Groups Issue ‘A Charter of Religious Freedom’
Young Leaders Track of International Religious Freedom Summit 2021 to Train Teenagers and Young Adults to Advocate for Survivors of Religious Persecution
WASHINGTON — As part of International Religious Freedom Summit 2021, young leaders ages 15 to 35 are invited to participate in the Young Leaders Track, chaired by Nguyen Dinh Thang, president and CEO of Boat People SOS (BPSOS). The Young Leaders Track will take place Tuesday, July 13 through Thursday, July 15 virtually and at… Continue reading Young Leaders Track of International Religious Freedom Summit 2021 to Train Teenagers and Young Adults to Advocate for Survivors of Religious Persecution
FRC Welcomes State Dept.’s Addition of Nigeria to List of World’s Worst Religious Freedom Violators
WASHINGTON — Family Research Council (FRC) today applauded the U.S. State Department for adding Nigeria to its list of “Countries of Particular Concern” (CPCs) for the first time. A CPC designation is given by the U.S. Secretary of State to a nation whose government is engaged in or tolerates severe violations of religious freedom under the… Continue reading FRC Welcomes State Dept.’s Addition of Nigeria to List of World’s Worst Religious Freedom Violators
Webinar Offers ‘Critical’ Advice to Churches Facing Religious Freedom Issues
GREENVILLE, SC — The Alliance Defending Freedom, Focus on the Family, and the Evangelical Council for Abuse Prevention will participate in an upcoming webinar Dec. 9 hosted by boys adventure movement Trail Life USA (www.TrailLifeUSA.com) to help churches address liabilities they may face in the wake of Boy Scouts of America’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing… Continue reading Webinar Offers ‘Critical’ Advice to Churches Facing Religious Freedom Issues
2020 Annual Report on International Religious Freedom
WASHINGTON, DC – Its 2020 Annual Report on international freedom of religion has been made available to the public by the USCIRF. Various media reports have created confusion concerning the publication, with some referring to it as “the 2019 report” and others as “the 2020 report.” For clarification, the title of the 104-page document is… Continue reading 2020 Annual Report on International Religious Freedom
U.S. Advancing Religious Freedom Issues in Nigeria
WASHINGTON — The International Committee on Nigeria (ICON), a nonprofit working to secure a future for all Nigerians, released a statement today, applauding a new executive order signed by President Trump advancing international religious freedom. The order directs the U.S. Department of State (DOS) and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to take action to… Continue reading U.S. Advancing Religious Freedom Issues in Nigeria
Pakistan Minorities Commission Enacts New Religious Freedom Law
The long-awaited National Commission for Minorities, now inaugurated in Pakistan on 5 May, has been welcomed as “an important step” in the country’s “continuing journey towards the protection of religious freedom” by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF). Commissioner Johnnie Moore added that the formation of the minorities commission is “undoubtedly a… Continue reading Pakistan Minorities Commission Enacts New Religious Freedom Law
President Protects Religious Freedom in Social Services
WASHINGTON — On Religious Freedom Day, January 16, 2020, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) proposed a rule that implements President Trump’s executive order that removes current regulatory burdens on religious organizations and ensures that religious and non-religious organizations are treated equally in HHS-supported programs. This rule protects HHS-supported religious social service… Continue reading President Protects Religious Freedom in Social Services
Sudan Removed from State Dept. List of Worst Religious Freedom Violators after Dictator Ousted
The U.S. State Department removed Sudan from its list of governments that are engaging in or tolerating systemic and ongoing religious freedom violations and has placed Nigeria, Cuba, and Nicaragua on a special watch list for “severe violations of religious freedom” for the first time. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced Friday the State Departments’… Continue reading Sudan Removed from State Dept. List of Worst Religious Freedom Violators after Dictator Ousted
NHCLC and Alliance Defending Freedom Partner to Defend Religious Freedom in the US
SACRAMENTO, CA — The National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC), led by Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, has recently announced a partnership with Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) to offer legal aid to its member congregations. The partnership – which will allow NHCLC member churches throughout the U.S. to access religious freedom legal help at a discounted rate… Continue reading NHCLC and Alliance Defending Freedom Partner to Defend Religious Freedom in the US
Pompeo Speech Defends Religious Freedom
ROME – When the United States Secretary of State speaks, it is usually about political affairs of state. When Mike Pompeo addressed a symposium in Rome on October 2, his message was about increasing global threats to the right of religious freedom. Secretary Pompeo was a featured speaker at a symposium about the work of… Continue reading Pompeo Speech Defends Religious Freedom
Christian Employers Alliance Wins Major Victory in Religious Freedom Lawsuit
EVERETT, WA— The Christian Employers Alliance (CEA) has won a major religious freedom victory on behalf of its current and future members. The United States District Court for the District of North Dakota has ruled that the abortifacient mandate under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), as well as the subsequent “accommodation,” burdens the religious exercise… Continue reading Christian Employers Alliance Wins Major Victory in Religious Freedom Lawsuit
Family Research Council’s Travis Weber Speaks at the Taiwan International Religious Freedom Forum
WASHINGTON —Travis Weber, Vice President for Policy and Director of the Center for Religious Liberty at Family Research Council, spoke in Taiwan at the Taiwan International Religious Freedom Forum (TIRFF) on the importance of promoting religious freedom around the world, particularly in China. The conference is a joint effort of the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan,… Continue reading Family Research Council’s Travis Weber Speaks at the Taiwan International Religious Freedom Forum
Religious Freedom Report Offers Grim Review Of Attacks On Faith Groups
The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom has released its annual report in the aftermath of attacks on mosques in New Zealand, churches in Sri Lanka and synagogues in the United States. “It’s coming at a time when religious freedom concerns, for lots of reasons, are getting more attention across the board,” USCIRF Commissioner Johnnie… Continue reading Religious Freedom Report Offers Grim Review Of Attacks On Faith Groups
USCIRF Report: China, Two Dozen Other Countries Top Religious Freedom Offenders List
WASHINGTON — With its particular focus on China’s oppression of religious and human rights, an independent watchdog group has decried in its annual report the state of religious freedom across the globe. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, a bipartisan organization created 20 years ago, concludes in its Monday (April 29) report that “innumerable… Continue reading USCIRF Report: China, Two Dozen Other Countries Top Religious Freedom Offenders List
Australia Politicians Debate Religious Freedoms
CANBERRA – Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison published an open letter this week to “Australians of all faiths.” The catalyst for the letter is the parliamentary debate on freedom of religion versus discrimination against sexual orientation in religious schools and institutions. A Missions Box report published on October 17, 2018, asked the question, “Australia: Can… Continue reading Australia Politicians Debate Religious Freedoms
Still No Churches in Saudi Arabia, But Small Steps Toward Religious Freedom
Saudi Arabia has made unprecedented strides toward religious tolerance just a year after its young new ruler pledged to bring more moderate Islam to the Sunni kingdom. After a visit to the capital city of Riyadh last week, US officials reported the country has reformed its religious police—once tasked with enforcing shari’ah law on the… Continue reading Still No Churches in Saudi Arabia, But Small Steps Toward Religious Freedom
“Lack of Religious Freedom Anywhere Is a Threat Everywhere”
WASHINGTON, DC – Sam Brownback, the U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom open the first meeting of a three-day Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom conference in Washington DC sponsored by the U.S. State Department. In his opening speech on 24 July, he said, ‘ The lack of religious freedom anywhere is a threat everywhere.” His… Continue reading “Lack of Religious Freedom Anywhere Is a Threat Everywhere”
NGOs Present Proposal to UN on Religious Freedom in Malaysia
GENEVA – A group of five NGOs met with UN officials on 06 March to discuss the recent case of four Malaysian Christians requesting changes on their national identity cards. The federal court in Sarawak refused to rule on their appeal on 26 February (see “Malaysia High Court Dismisses Christians’ Appeal”). The meeting took place… Continue reading NGOs Present Proposal to UN on Religious Freedom in Malaysia
[UPDATE] Brownback Confirmed as U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom
WASHINGTON – Earlier this month, we reported that confirmation of President Trumps nominee for the position of U.S. Ambassador-at-Large, Kansas governor, Sam Brownback had been stalled in the Senate. The president had nominated Brownback in July 2017. The nomination expired when Congress adjourned for the holidays without voting on the matter. President Trump resubmitted Brownback’s… Continue reading [UPDATE] Brownback Confirmed as U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom
President Trump’s Nominee for Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom Stalled
News from the nation’s capital has Americans attuned to the battles between Republican and Democrats and liberals and conservatives over immigration, tax reform, healthcare, and government spending. Regardless of the subject at hand, until the recent passage of the tax reform bill, issues that many believe should be of major importance to America and the… Continue reading President Trump’s Nominee for Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom Stalled
NRB Resolves that “Religious Liberty & Freedom of Speech Must Prevail”
NASHVILLE, TN – On the last Friday of February, the Resolutions Committee of the National Association of Religious Broadcasters (NRB) published six significant resolutions in conjunction with its annual convention in Nashville.The sixth and final resolution applies to the preservation of certain inalienable rights recognized by the United States Declaration of Independence and our Constitution.The… Continue reading NRB Resolves that “Religious Liberty & Freedom of Speech Must Prevail”
ECHR Rules: Turkey Violated Freedom of Religious Assembly
STRASBOURG – The European Court of Human Rights has rendered a judgment against Turkey in the case of Altınkaynak and Others v. Turkey. The court ruled that Turkey had violated the rights of a group of Seventh Day Adventists in 2004 when they attempted to register their religious foundation. Although Turkey ratified the European Convention… Continue reading ECHR Rules: Turkey Violated Freedom of Religious Assembly
First-Ever Religious Violence Database Launches, Tracking Reports of Violent Persecution by Date, Country, Religion and Perpetrator
SANTA ANA, CA — For the first time ever, incidents of violent religious persecution are searchable through a new database that records violent attacks on Christians and people of faith around the world. Unveiled by Global Christian Relief, America’s leading watchdog of Christian persecution, the Global Christian Relief Violent Incidents Database (VID) is the first… Continue reading First-Ever Religious Violence Database Launches, Tracking Reports of Violent Persecution by Date, Country, Religion and Perpetrator
Unsilenced Documentary Tells Story of BGEA’s Battle for Freedom of Speech in the UK
LONDON — The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association has released a documentary called Unsilenced. The 30 minute TV special tells the story of how when confronted with opposition to Franklin Graham’s God Loves You UK tour they went on a mission to defend freedom of speech to ensure the Gospel cannot be silenced. As more than… Continue reading Unsilenced Documentary Tells Story of BGEA’s Battle for Freedom of Speech in the UK
Film Competition Explores How Women’s Rights and Freedom of Belief are Inseparable
FALLS CHURCH, VA — In honor of International Women’s Day, Empower Women Media and the Religious Freedom & Business Foundation announce their 4th annual International Film Competition. The goal of the competition is to challenge filmmakers around the world to produce short films that explore how freedom of belief in the workplace and community empowers… Continue reading Film Competition Explores How Women’s Rights and Freedom of Belief are Inseparable
Open Doors’ 2021 World Watch List to Reveal How COVID and Technology Accelerate Spread of Anti-Religious Bigotry; Digital Press Conference, Jan 13
SANTA ANA, CA — This week, persecution watchdog Open Doors USA will announce the 2021 World Watch List, its anticipated annual ranking of the top 50 countries where it is most dangerous to be a Christian – and provide a surprising update on significant shifts in the landscape of Christian persecution worldwide. Open Doors USA… Continue reading Open Doors’ 2021 World Watch List to Reveal How COVID and Technology Accelerate Spread of Anti-Religious Bigotry; Digital Press Conference, Jan 13
IFCJ Provides Freedom Flight to Nearly 200 Ukrainian Jews, Airlifting Them to Israel
JERUSALEM — One year after the sudden passing of Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews is hosting a Freedom Flight in memory of their late founder. The Fellowship chartered three planes arriving from Ukraine with 186 Ukrainian immigrants to Israel (olim) on February 24. Fellowship President and CEO Yael Eckstein and… Continue reading IFCJ Provides Freedom Flight to Nearly 200 Ukrainian Jews, Airlifting Them to Israel
Foundation Defends Schools’ Religious Liberty
MONTGOMERY, AL — The Foundation for Moral Law, an Alabama-based nonprofit organization dedicated to the defense of religious liberty and the strict interpretation of the Constitution as intended by its Framers, filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court on February 6, 2020, supporting the right of two schools to dismiss teachers whose duties… Continue reading Foundation Defends Schools’ Religious Liberty
NHCLC Partners with Leading Churches to Advocate for Life, Religious Liberty and Biblical Justice
SACRAMENTO, CA — The National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC) is launching a series of nationwide campaigns to protect the sanctity of human life, defend religious liberty and advocate for biblical justice. The campaigns, drawn from the NHCLC’s life, religious liberty and biblical justice directives, are a collaborative effort with some of the most influential… Continue reading NHCLC Partners with Leading Churches to Advocate for Life, Religious Liberty and Biblical Justice
Government Restrictions Against Freedom of Religion Are Growing Globally
WILLS POINT, TX – The closure of yet another Christian church and its Bible school by authorities in Algeria spurred one of our reporters to dig a little deeper. He decided to investigate government restrictions and political persecution against the Church. He didn’t have to look far. A recent report by the Pew Research Center… Continue reading Government Restrictions Against Freedom of Religion Are Growing Globally
Documentary Debut Recounts Stories of Religious Persecution, Courage and Hope
WASHINGTON D.C. — “Christians in the Mirror: Stories of Courage and Faith in the Face of Persecution From Syria, Iraq, India, Sudan and Egypt” will premiere Monday, June 10 at the Miracle Theatre in Washington D.C. from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Joshuacord, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, is honored to share with the community this one-of-a-kind film… Continue reading Documentary Debut Recounts Stories of Religious Persecution, Courage and Hope
Religious Persecution in Mexico?
CHIAPAS – It is amazing how much we do not know about our USA neighbors to the immediate north and south. We are especially ignorant of religious persecution against Protestants and Evangelicals in Mexico. Some will be surprised at the allegation because they think that Mexico is a Christian country. Accepting the fact that there… Continue reading Religious Persecution in Mexico?
Secular View of Freedom of Religion Is Spreading
Religious freedom, i.e., the separation of church and state appears to be gaining greater legal standing around the globe. Yet, according to the latest Open Doors World Watch List, persecution of Christians is on the rise. Christians are not the only ones being persecuted. People of any faith who are in the minority are increasingly… Continue reading Secular View of Freedom of Religion Is Spreading
Maintenance of Religious Harmony in Malaysia and Singapore
SINGAPORE – Maintenance of religious harmony. It sounds wonderful. An idea that promotes people getting along together. True freedom of religion. But the artwork of legislative ambiguity is misleading in many countries, such as Malaysia and Singapore, the city-state at the southern end of Malaysia. Two men and two women, residents of Finland, were detained… Continue reading Maintenance of Religious Harmony in Malaysia and Singapore
Bibles For The World Encourages and Equips Chinese Believers in Light of New Policy Governing Religious Belief
Using nationals to reach nationals, organization promotes evangelism and Bible distribution under stricter laws COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — As the Chinese government clarifies its religious beliefs policy, Bibles For The World (BFTW) President John Pudaite says his organization will focus on the urgent need for effective Scripture distribution while helping believers understand their religious rights. According to Pudaite,… Continue reading Bibles For The World Encourages and Equips Chinese Believers in Light of New Policy Governing Religious Belief
Freedom of Religion Endangered by New Law in Laos
VIENTIANE – The constitution of the nation of Laos guarantees its citizens freedom of religion. Specifically, it recognizes their “right and freedom to believe or not to believe in religion.” In addition, Laos is “a state party” to the seven core international human rights treaties under which they are obligated to “respect, protect, and fulfill… Continue reading Freedom of Religion Endangered by New Law in Laos
UK Parliament Considers Call for UN International Day Commemorating Victims & Survivors of Religious Persecution
LONDON – British MP (Member of Parliament), Fiona Bruce tabled an Early Day Motion (EDM 1478) on 03 July 2018 proposing that the UK develop better mechanisms for tracking incidents of religious persecution and that it develop “strategic action plans” to prevent the escalation of those incidents into “mass atrocities.” Further, the motion calls upon… Continue reading UK Parliament Considers Call for UN International Day Commemorating Victims & Survivors of Religious Persecution
Pew Research Center Releases Latest Report on Global Religious Restrictions
WASHINGTON DC – The Pew Research Center has released its comprehensive annual report on religious restrictions around the globe. The report compares restrictions in 2016 with previous years across two distinct categories: government-imposed restrictions and societal hostilities. More than a quarter (28%) of the 198 countries included in the research were identified as having either… Continue reading Pew Research Center Releases Latest Report on Global Religious Restrictions
Pakistan Judge Rules Citizens Must Declare Their True Religious Faith
ISLAMABAD – It has been a rule of law that citizens of Pakistan must self-identify their religion on their passports. Now a judge on the Islamabad High Court has extended the rule to greater lengths. In a ruling delivered on Friday, 09 March 2018, Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui has ordered that Pakistan citizens must also… Continue reading Pakistan Judge Rules Citizens Must Declare Their True Religious Faith
Chinese Persecution of Religious Groups Getting Worse
Photo by TonySKTO President Xi Jinping came to power in China late 2012. In this time, religious persecution has increased. Per CNN, “Since President Xi Jinping came to power in late 2012, Freedom House said, the scale of religious oppression has increased at all levels of society, despite widespread resistance from believers of all stripes.”… Continue reading Chinese Persecution of Religious Groups Getting Worse