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
Results for "Religious Persecution"
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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?
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
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
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
Chiapas: Training Journalists and Leaders on Religious Freedom
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
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
Christians in North Africa Face ‘New Year of Persecution’
EASTON, MD — Christians in North Africa, where less than 1% of the population follows Christianity, are facing a new year of escalating persecution in the shadow of the Holy Land conflict. There are only a handful of evangelical churches still open in Algeria, where the government is raiding and systematically shutting down Christian places… Continue reading Christians in North Africa Face ‘New Year of Persecution’
Abraham and Eti’s Story: Surviving Death Threats and Persecution
SOUTH EAST ASIA — Abraham* came to follow Jesus, encouraged by Eti*, the Christian woman he would later marry. But Abraham’s family were about to face persecution in south east Asia, until he was saved by a miracle. Abraham* – South east Asia: I was born and grew up in a Muslim home and all… Continue reading Abraham and Eti’s Story: Surviving Death Threats and Persecution
Russia Weaponizing Religion in War on Ukraine Says Christian Persecution Watchdog
SANTA ANA, CA — Russia has been waging a brutal campaign against Christians in Ukraine since the beginning of the invasion, cautions Global Christian Relief, America’s leading watchdog of Christian persecution. Russian soldiers have destroyed, damaged or looted nearly 500 religious buildings and houses of worship in Ukraine, and killed, imprisoned or tortured at least… Continue reading Russia Weaponizing Religion in War on Ukraine Says Christian Persecution Watchdog
Trauma Healing Provided for Religious Abuse Victims in East Africa
EAST AFRICA — Munah* is a young woman from east Africa and one of only a handful of Christians in her strictly Muslim tribe. Her family’s choice to forsake the beliefs and practices of their people group came at the considerable cost of isolation.But an Open Doors trauma care programme is helping her in healing… Continue reading Trauma Healing Provided for Religious Abuse Victims in East Africa
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
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
ChinaAid Releases Report Detailing Persecution and Key Findings for 2021
MIDLAND, TX — ChinaAid released its 2021 Annual Report, detailing persecution and key findings for the year. ChinaAid works closely with sources in China to expose abuses of human rights, religious freedom, and rule of law since 2002. While not an exhaustive list of cases, ChinaAid’s research represents one of the most comprehensive and accurate… Continue reading ChinaAid Releases Report Detailing Persecution and Key Findings for 2021
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
After U.S. Withdrawal, Afghanistan Becomes No. 1 Most Dangerous Place on Earth to be Christian, According to 2022 World Watch List Ranking by Leading Persecution Watchdog Open Doors
SANTA ANA, CA — For the first time ever, Afghanistan is the most dangerous place on the planet to be a Christian, according to Open Doors’ 2022 World Watch List, which was released today. The World Watch List is a definitive, comprehensive research-based report that ranks the top 50 countries where it is most dangerous… Continue reading After U.S. Withdrawal, Afghanistan Becomes No. 1 Most Dangerous Place on Earth to be Christian, According to 2022 World Watch List Ranking by Leading Persecution Watchdog Open Doors
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’
ChinaAid Releases 2020 Annual Persecution Report
MIDLAND, TX — Today, China Aid Association released its 2020 Annual Persecution Report documenting the last year in state-mandated religious persecution of Chinese Christians. The report covering January-December 2020 points to an ongoing escalation of harassment of Christians by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Under the direction of President Xi Jinping, Chinese officials carried out… Continue reading ChinaAid Releases 2020 Annual Persecution Report
Persecution of Christians Exacerbated by a Year of Covid-19 According to World Watch List 2021
SANTA ANA, CA — Open Doors has today launched their 2021 World Watch list highlighting the 50 worst countries for persecution. Their report also found that rather than the spread of Covid-19 slowing down the rate of persecution, in many cases, it has been greatly intensified – in a variety of forms: Christians in numerous… Continue reading Persecution of Christians Exacerbated by a Year of Covid-19 According to World Watch List 2021
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
China’s Church Grows Despite Intense Persecution
CHINA — The Chinese church continues to grow at a phenomenal rate with forecasts that it will reach 224 million people by 2030. This acceleration comes in the midst of what’s believed to be the country’s worst persecution of believers since the Cultural Revolution in the 1960s according to China Aid’s Bob Fu. Some of… Continue reading China’s Church Grows Despite Intense Persecution
‘March for the Martyrs’ to Raise Awareness of Global Christian Persecution
LONG BEACH, CA — The number of Christians persecuted for their faith has risen 20% in just two years. Currently, there are over 260 million people across the globe who face high levels of persecution because of their faith in Christ. Shockingly, the growing crisis of Christian Persecution is widely ignored by the media and… Continue reading ‘March for the Martyrs’ to Raise Awareness of Global Christian Persecution
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
Chinese Christians Face Persecution & Pandemic
BEIJING – The world as we know it is at a virtual standstill in the presence of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. People are isolating in place to avoid falling victim to the virus. Businesses, churches, sports and entertainment venues, and even government offices are closed.For Christians in China, where the COVID-19 is believed to have… Continue reading Chinese Christians Face Persecution & Pandemic
Copts Fear Retaliation for Speaking Publicly About Persecution
WASHINGTON — The National Prayer Breakfast is an annual event attended by more than 3,000 individuals from more than 120 nations. One would think it is the perfect platform to create awareness of the plight of Copts in Egypt and to solicit international assistance to improve it. That said, every individual Copt that Coptic Solidarity… Continue reading Copts Fear Retaliation for Speaking Publicly About Persecution
World Watch List Reveals 260 Million Christians Face Persecution in Top 50 Countries
LONDON – 123 UK politicians gathered in the House of Parliament to hear first-hand about the persecution of Christians around the world, and listen to the recommendations from the Open Doors World Watch List report about how our Parliament can best respond. MPs heard about the 5,500 churches destroyed or closed down in China, the… Continue reading World Watch List Reveals 260 Million Christians Face Persecution in Top 50 Countries
The Hidden Persecution of Christian Refugees
BEIRUT, LEBANON – Missions Box News has published myriads of articles over the past several years informing our readers of the global refugee crisis. The families displaced by the Syrian conflict have been a major focal point of the crisis for global media outlets.Recently, reports have begun to surface, not only about the common plight… Continue reading The Hidden Persecution of Christian Refugees
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
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
Bibles for the World Sees Flip Side of Persecution
GHORAHI, NEPAL – Around the entire globe, the followers of Jesus Christ increasingly suffer persecution from non-believers. The sources of persecution may come from authorities at constitutional, legislative, or municipal levels, from radical followers of other religious groups, or from the creep of sin that is making societies and cultures more anti-Christ. Christians may decry… Continue reading Bibles for the World Sees Flip Side of Persecution
British Foreign Office Issues Interim Report on the Persecution of Christians
LONDON – Missions Box News reported on December 28, 2018, that British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt had ordered a review into the escalation of persecution of Christians around the world. The task was assigned to the Anglican Archbishop of Truro. The complete report was originally scheduled to be released in time for Easter Sunday. However,… Continue reading British Foreign Office Issues Interim Report on the Persecution of Christians
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
ChinaAid’s Annual Persecution Report Demonstrates Increase in Persecution
MIDLAND, TX – March 4, 2019 — ChinaAid has released its 2018 Annual Persecution Report, demonstrating China’s sharp escalation of human rights and religious freedom abuses over the past year and providing key examples. The report, published in both Chinese and English, catalogs cases of China’s oppression of Christians and contrasts them to cases documented… Continue reading ChinaAid’s Annual Persecution Report Demonstrates Increase in Persecution
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
UK to Investigate the Persecution of Christians
LONDON – Great Britain’s Foreign Secretary, Jeremy Hunt, ordered a review today into the escalation of persecution of Christians around the world. Current estimates are that 250 Christians die every month as a result of persecution-related violence. The aim of the reviews is to determine what the UK can do aid what is now more… Continue reading UK to Investigate the Persecution of Christians
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
“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”
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
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
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
FRC Publishes New Edition of Hostility Against Churches Report Indicating a Doubling of Attacks
WASHINGTON — Family Research Council (FRC) recently released the newest edition of its Hostility Against Churches report, updated to include hostility incidents from calendar year 2023. The report’s findings suggest that the rise in hostility against U.S. churches that were identified in FRC’s inaugural December 2022 report has neither slowed nor plateaued; rather, it has… Continue reading FRC Publishes New Edition of Hostility Against Churches Report Indicating a Doubling of Attacks
Expert Helps Christian Journalists, Aid Workers ‘Understand Each Other’ in a Crisis
CHARLOTTE, NC — One of the nation’s leading experts in Christian media and crisis communications will help faith-based journalists and humanitarian aid workers decipher each other’s roles at a groundbreaking “crisis summit” this month. Veteran journalist and crisis communications specialist Palmer Holt, founder of InChrist Communications (ICC, www.inchristcommunications.com), will speak on “Getting the Best News… Continue reading Expert Helps Christian Journalists, Aid Workers ‘Understand Each Other’ in a Crisis
Exiled Chinese House Church in South Korea Threatened, Urgent Appeal for US Resettlement to Biden Administration
MIDLAND, TX — The Wall Street Journal published an article titled “A Christian Congregation Fled Xi Jinping’s China, but Escaping Control Had a Price” that follows an exiled persecuted Chinese church who fled to Jeju, a South Korean island, in hopes of gaining asylum, but have faced harassment and an ongoing fear of repatriation to… Continue reading Exiled Chinese House Church in South Korea Threatened, Urgent Appeal for US Resettlement to Biden Administration
COVID-19 Fuels ‘Hidden Pandemic’ of Abuse Towards Christian Women
SOUTH ASIA — Covid-19 is fuelling a growing, hidden, “shadow pandemic” of gender-based violence, abduction and trafficking, directed towards Christian women and girls around the world. This is one of the findings of a new report commissioned by Christian persecution charity Open Doors, released on International Women’s Day (Mon Mar 8). Global Gender Persecution Specialist… Continue reading COVID-19 Fuels ‘Hidden Pandemic’ of Abuse Towards Christian Women
New Report Reveals Alarming Rise in Trafficking, Forced Marriage of Christian Women and Girls Globally
SANTA ANA, CA — There is a growing, hidden, “shadow pandemic” of violence, abduction and trafficking directed towards Christian women and girls around the world, according to a new report from Open Doors USA. “Same Faith, Different Persecution,” published ahead of International Women’s Day, explores targeted Gender-Specific Religious Persecution (GSRP) over 12 months between October… Continue reading New Report Reveals Alarming Rise in Trafficking, Forced Marriage of Christian Women and Girls Globally