On the early morning of 21 March, an Ahmadi Muslim cemetery in Kotli, Azad Kashmir, was targeted by unidentified individuals who defaced or destroyed 76 gravestones. The attack occurred during a reported power outage, making it easier for the perpetrators to operate undetected. The cemetery, established prior to the 1984 anti-Ahmadi laws, is enclosed by a … Continue reading Mass Desecration of Ahmadi Muslim Graves in Kotli, Azad Kashmir
NGO Committee on FoRB: Latest News
Social Media Still the Hub for Islamophobia and Outright Hate
On March 15, 2019, an armed man entered two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, opened fire and slaughtered 51 worshippers, injuring another 89, while live-streaming the massacre. Six years later, social media is the go-to hub for anti-Muslim rhetoric—the kind that inspired the murder of six-year-old Wadea al-Fayoume in Illinois in 2023, and that led a Texas … Continue reading Social Media Still the Hub for Islamophobia and Outright Hate
Shahida Bibi was forced to convert to Islam and married against her will. Now she’s free
Shahida Bibi was abducted, forced to convert from Christianity to Islam and sexually exploited. Tragically, she is only one of many girls who endure this fate. Her restored freedom is a sign of hope, but the fight against forced conversion and child marriage is far from over, says Tehmina Arora Shahida Bibi, a Christian girl, … Continue reading Shahida Bibi was forced to convert to Islam and married against her will. Now she’s free
China’s Religious Freedom Crisis Escalates: Christian Churches Face Comprehensive Suppression
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
Deregistration attempt of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Norway declared invalid by the Court of Appeal
On Friday 14 March, the Borgarting Court of Appeal issued a landmark judgment declaring the loss of registration and denial of state grants for the years 2021-2024 invalid. It unanimously concluded that the practice of social distancing does not expose children to psychological violence or negative social control. Furthermore, the Court found that their practice … Continue reading Deregistration attempt of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Norway declared invalid by the Court of Appeal