All articles tagged with #religious persecution
In 2025, 17 Catholic missionaries and pastoral workers were killed worldwide, with Africa, especially Nigeria, being the most affected, highlighting ongoing violence and risks faced by religious workers in conflict zones.
President Donald Trump announced that the US conducted a military strike against ISIS terrorists in Nigeria, targeting those persecuting Christians, amid ongoing concerns about religious violence and US involvement in Nigeria.
President Trump was triggered by Fox News coverage of violence against Christians in Nigeria, leading him to threaten military action and consider designating Nigeria a 'Country of Particular Concern' for religious freedom violations, amid complex security issues involving both Christian and Muslim communities.
Nicki Minaj faced online criticism after praising Trump's threats to intervene militarily in Nigeria over Christian persecution, with her comments sparking controversy and backlash from fans and critics alike.
The US has called for the release of 30 leaders of China's underground church network, including prominent pastor Jin Mingri, who were detained during a crackdown by Chinese authorities. The move has heightened tensions between the US and China, with the US condemning the persecution of Christians and China asserting its legal authority over religious affairs. This crackdown is seen as the most extensive against Christian groups in decades, reflecting ongoing restrictions on religious freedom under Xi Jinping's leadership.
The crackdown on the Catholic Church in Nicaragua by President Daniel Ortega's government has led to the expulsion of priests, harassment, church desecrations, and fear among the faithful. The pervasive fear has silenced criticism of the authoritarian government, with priests and laypeople fearing reprisals for speaking out. The government's targeting of the church is seen as an attempt to quash opposition and silence a respected voice in the country. The repression has deeply affected both the spiritual and material aspects of the population, with significant gaps in social services and restrictions on religious practices. Despite ongoing fear, many faithful continue to attend church services, while exiled activists and clergy call for continued international attention and protest against the repression.
In Nicaragua, a series of arrests targeting the Catholic clergy has escalated with the detention of Fr. Gustavo Sandino and at least 13 other priests, two seminarians, and a bishop following Mass on New Year's Eve. Cardinal Leopoldo José Brenes Solórzano of Managua has shown support for the affected families and communities, emphasizing the importance of ecclesial unity and prayer. The UN has criticized Nicaragua for its increasing disregard for the rule of law and fundamental freedoms, as these arrests add to concerns over the persecution of various societal groups.
In Nicaragua, three more priests have been arrested in Managua, adding to the growing list of clergy detained by authorities. This follows the public prayer for Bishop Rolando José Álvarez Lagos, who was sentenced to 26 years in prison earlier this year. The United Nations has condemned the actions as a "new wave of arrests of religious" and the "forced disappearance" of another bishop, highlighting concerns over due process and religious persecution in the country.
Nicaraguan police have arrested three more Catholic priests, increasing the total detained this week to at least nine, amid a broader crackdown on the Church by President Daniel Ortega's government. The arrests include critics of Ortega, such as Bishop Rolando Alvarez, who was sentenced to 26 years for treason earlier this year. The government has not provided reasons for the recent arrests, which follow a history of accusing church leaders of subversion since protests in 2018. The crackdown has intensified after Pope Francis labeled Ortega's government a "gross dictatorship," leading to severed ties with the Vatican.
Pastor Stephen C. Lee, who was indicted with former President Donald J. Trump in Georgia on charges of unlawfully conspiring to keep Trump in power after the 2020 election, is seeking support from evangelical supporters. Lee, a former law enforcement officer turned Lutheran minister, claims he was offering spiritual support to police officers and victims after tragedies when he showed up in Georgia. However, the indictment and statements from an elections worker, Ruby Freeman, place Lee at the center of efforts to pressure Freeman into falsely admitting to election fraud. Lee has been indicted on five felony charges and has pleaded not guilty. The event held in support of Lee portrayed him as a victim of religious persecution and drew roughly 200 people.
Attorney General Merrick Garland emotionally reflected on his Jewish heritage during a House Judiciary Committee hearing, describing it as a guiding force in his role as the nation's chief law enforcement officer. Garland, whose family members were victims of religious persecution in Europe, emphasized the importance of treating everyone equally under the law. Republican members of the committee criticized Garland over federal investigations, but he vehemently denied any discrimination based on religion. Garland previously expressed his commitment to reducing divisiveness during his confirmation hearing.
Over 700 Catholics gathered to celebrate Mass outside the burned St. Paul Catholic Church in Jaranwala, Pakistan, just four days after a mob of Islamist extremists destroyed over 30 churches and 800 homes. The mob attack was sparked by unverified accusations of blasphemy against two Christians. Despite the devastation, no Christians were reported killed, and many were able to flee their homes in time. The Christians in Jaranwala have responded to the crisis with bravery, holding Mass despite threats and cursing from some local Muslims. Pakistan's blasphemy laws and the country's disregard for religious rights have made the plight of Christians increasingly difficult.
Pakistani Christians held Sunday services at churches that were vandalized by a vigilante mob after two Christian brothers were accused of desecrating the Quran. Over 80 Christian homes and churches were destroyed in the riot. The affected families are seeking compensation, and paramilitary troops are guarding the sites. The police have arrested the accused men and rounded up nearly 160 people involved in the attack. Blasphemy is punishable by death in Pakistan, and previous attempts to reform the blasphemy law have resulted in violence, including the assassination of a former governor and a minister for minorities.