Growing persecution trends include religious nationalism, transnational repression
WASHINGTON (BP) – Religious nationalism, transnational repression and state control of religious groups are among growing trends in the persecution of Christians globally, International Christian Concern (ICC) said in its newly released 2026 Global Persecution Index.
Pastor Ezra Jin safe in U.S. after China frees him in July 4 ‘goodwill gesture’
LOS ANGELES (BP) – Wrongfully imprisoned Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri arrived safely in Los Angeles July 4 after China freed him in what is described as a ‘goodwill gesture’ coinciding with America’s Independence Day, ChinaAid and others announced.
Southern Baptists encourage prayer on June 29 Day of the Christian Martyr
BARTLESVILLE, Ohio (BP) – Centuries ago, a young mother who defied social order by converting to Christianity was martyred in a public execution engaging a rabid cow and a soldier’s sword. While imprisoned, Perpetua recorded her joy and faith in a journal yet preserved.
Social hostility against religious groups spreading globally, Pew reports
WASHINGTON (BP) – The Hamas attack on Israel and rioting against Ahmadi Muslims in Bangladesh were among rising social hostilities targeting religious groups globally in 2023, Pew Research Center said in releasing its latest numbers in the trend, while Russia’s war on Ukraine elevated such incidents in Europe.
Christians in India denied clean water, jobs, food in ongoing religious persecution
CHHATTISGARH, India (BP) – Hundreds of Christians in central India have been denied clean water, fresh produce and employment for nearly a month in unsuccessful attempts to force them to denounce Christianity, International Christian Concern (ICC) reported May 29.
Fulani militants killed most Christians in Nigeria in past year, USCIRF says
WASHINGTON (BP) –- Militant Fulani killed more Christians in Nigeria over the past year than any other aggressor, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) said May 8 in naming the militants a nonstate violator of religious freedom.
Russian Orthodox church complicit in kidnapping, housing Ukrainian children, expert tells USCIRF
WASHINGTON (BP) – The Russian Orthodox Church Moscow Patriarchate (ROC-MP) is helping the Russian government kidnap, house and falsely indoctrinate Ukrainian children, according to expert testimony before the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF).
Baptist pastor could be removed from Russian-occupied Ukraine
Vladimir Rytikov, a pastor in Russian-occupied eastern Ukraine, could be forced to leave his home country for “illegal missionary activity.”
Nigeria convicts nearly 400 on terrorism charges as murders of Christians continue
ABUJA, Nigeria (BP) – A Nigerian federal court convicted nearly 400 individuals on terrorism charges this month in what persecution watchdog International Christian Concern (ICC) said is one of the largest criminal crackdowns in the nation’s history, but none appeared to face murder charges.
Dozens killed in Nigeria as violence mars Easter celebrations in several nations
CENTRAL NIGERIA (BP) – At least 54 Christians were killed early Easter in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, many during worship, with dozens more abducted from Evangelical Church Winning All Souls and other sites, International Christian Concern (ICC) reported.
