In recent years, the Chinese government has intensified its persecution of religious minority groups, reaching a new peak in 2024. The Ministry of Public Security of China has publicly celebrated its crackdown on groups labeled as xie jiao on social media and state-controlled platforms, labeling independent religious groups such as Christian house churches as threats. “Xie jiao” is translated by the Chinese government … Continue reading China’s Religious Freedom Crisis Escalates: Christian Churches Face Comprehensive Suppression
Archons Host Religious Freedom Symposium at University of South Carolina
On Saturday, March 22, 2025, the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate hosted a religious freedom symposium at the University of South Carolina, under the theme "God Created Us To Live In Harmony." Featured speakers included His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, His Eminence Cardinal Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, Holy See and … Continue reading Archons Host Religious Freedom Symposium at University of South Carolina
Military sets fire to cathedral in Kachin State amid escalating attacks on Christians
Soldiers from the State Administration Council (SAC), which falls under the authority of Myanmar/Burma’s military junta, reportedly set fire to St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Banmaw, Kachin State, on the evening of 16 March. The cathedral, a significant historic and spiritual landmark for Kachin’s Christian community, was targeted during military operations conducted by the junta shortly before the celebration … Continue reading Military sets fire to cathedral in Kachin State amid escalating attacks on Christians
Religious freedom is routinely curbed in Central Asia – but you won’t often see it making international news
Freedom of worship is tenuous around the globe. The Pew Research Center’s latest annual report found “high” or “very high” levels of government constraints on religion in 59 of the 198 countries and territories it analyzed – a new record. When Pew began releasing reports on the issue in 2007, just 40 countries’ restrictions on religion were … Continue reading Religious freedom is routinely curbed in Central Asia – but you won’t often see it making international news
Five Pastors Arrested in Rajasthan for Alleged Forced Conversions: A Call for Justice
BACA News (12.03.2025) — On January 10, 2025, a disturbing incident unfolded in Parthapur village, Banswara District, Rajasthan, where five Christian pastors were arrested under allegations of forcefully converting Hindus to Christianity. The accused pastors, including Jyoti Garasiya (42 yrs), Hurmal Valwai (27 yrs), Peter Garasiya (22), Badra Garasiya (29) and Rajesh Garasiya (49 yrs), … Continue reading Five Pastors Arrested in Rajasthan for Alleged Forced Conversions: A Call for Justice
Religious discrimination affects followers of all faiths: India at UNGA
India has said it stands united with the UN members in condemning incidents of religious intolerance against Muslims, as it underlined the need to recognise that religious discrimination is a broader challenge affecting followers of all faiths. India is a land of diversity and pluralism. We are home to followers of virtually every major religion … Continue reading Religious discrimination affects followers of all faiths: India at UNGA
Secular charity dissolves into Humanists UK
A secular charity with a more than 135-year-old magazine has been absorbed by a larger counterpart. The Rationalist Association, which has published New Humanist magazine since its founding in 1885, will become part of Humanists UK. The Rationalist Association was set up to promote rational inquiry in place of doctrine and to encourage ethical living free … Continue reading Secular charity dissolves into Humanists UK
New UK Special Envoy on FoRB David Smith Condemned Torture and Religious Persecution in UN Human Rights Council Statement
Geneva. On March 4th the United Kingdom called for urgent global action to combat torture and protect freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) in detention centers, following a stark warning from the UN Special Rapporteur on FoRB about systemic violations in countries like Myanmar and Sudan, and her Hungary country visit report. Delivering the UK’s statement at … Continue reading New UK Special Envoy on FoRB David Smith Condemned Torture and Religious Persecution in UN Human Rights Council Statement
Hope is resistance: An interview with CSW’s India Researcher
CSW relies extensively on the documenters, journalists, experts and activists that gather first-hand evidence of violations of the right to freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) in the countries we work on. Last month, our Advocacy Intern Anna Shannon spoke with CSW’s India Researcher, whose name has been withheld for security reasons, to discuss what … Continue reading Hope is resistance: An interview with CSW’s India Researcher
Filipino religious leaders call for peace in troubled region
Religious leaders in the Philippines' only Muslim-majority and conflict-plagued region have called for dialogue to establish peace during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, which coincides with the campaign period ahead of midterm elections in May. Ramadan is a "special time of purification of the heart and love of neighbor" when Christians and Muslims should explore … Continue reading Filipino religious leaders call for peace in troubled region