Record number of blasphemy cases recorded in Pakistan
A rights watchdog chronicled a record 344 new blasphemy cases in Pakistan in 2024, highlighting increased abuse of the country’s condemned blasphemy laws.
Religious Freedom
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Opinion
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The end of persecution is a realistic hope but in the meantime we lament
In a perfect world, where legal systems hold political power to account and protect minorities against human rights abuses we might expect an end to persecution. But we do not live in a perfect world. People with power continue to act with impunity against those who think and live differently to them. Christians have a way to cope with this reality and a real and living hope for a future free of persecution.
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We need to understand the political winds and remain aware of persecution trends
New political winds are blowing with increasing force as the push-back against globalization grows with increasing nationalisms. The demand to pledge allegiance to something other than God in Christ will put renewed pressure on the Church and we need to be prepared to hold true to our faith. Here is a stern warning that Christians must take to heart.
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When holy places are spat upon: a cry from a Christian pastor and leader in Jerusalem
Peace studies students witness locals spitting on a Christian holy site in Jerusalem prompting this response from a respected Christian leader whose family has lived in the city for millennia.
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A young Nigerian eye witness recalls the day extremists attacked
African farmers work hard to grow whatever the land agrees to yield, while in the Nigerian Plateau Christian farmers face increasing threats from Fulani militias. It is rare that we read from the perspective of a victim of terrorism. This account is both an exception and exceptional. Uren, in her final year of high school, writes with terrifying yet beautiful prose of the death of her siblings and father at the hands of a band of brutal Fulani militias. Read on for a reality check.
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Panel in Pakistan approves bill for minority rights body
By CDI StaffIn a significant move towards institutionalizing the protection of minority rights in Pakistan, a subcommittee of the Senate Standing Committee on Human Rights last week approved a much-anticipated bill aimed at creating a minority rights body in accordance with international standards and regulations.
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Christian receives death sentence under Pakistan’s blasphemy law
A Christian accused of writing blasphemous content that sparked violent riots in Jaranwala, Pakistan in August 2023 was sentenced to death along with other harsh penalties on Good Friday (April 18).
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China imposes new bans on missionary work, claims it’s for ‘national security’
China has banned foreign missionaries from preaching and establishing religious organizations without prior authorization, justifying the move as necessary for national security. The latest restrictions, announced by the Chinese Communist Party, will take effect on May 1, intensifying the crackdown on Christianity in the country.
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Head of Association of Evangelicals in Africa calls for rethinking theology to address extremism, poverty and youth crisis
Christian Daily International sat down with Rev. Dr. Master Matlhaope, General Secretary of the Association of Evangelicals in Africa (AEA) at the AEA Plaza in Nairobi, Kenya, for a conversation about the contemporary challenges evangelicals face in Africa. Matlhaope issued an urgent call for the African Church to rethink its theology and redefine its mission in order to confront the continent’s complex issues—from poverty and extremism to poor governance and underinvestment in its youth.
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Pastor’s son fighting India’s failure to create Christian cemeteries
Ramesh Baghel has become the face of a struggle for securing dignity in death for Christians across Chhattisgarh state, India, as he prepares a new petition to the Supreme Court of India.
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Dozens of Christians slain and kidnapped in Benue state, Nigeria
Fulani attacks on predominantly Christian areas of Benue state, Nigeria have killed dozens of Christians since March 28, area sources said.
Most Recent
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Bill in Spain would imprison those helping people who desire sexual/gender healing
The Spanish Evangelical Alliance (Alianza Evangélica Española/AEE) has publicly denounced a bill that would imprison pastors and others helping those wishing to leave a practicing homosexual lifestyle or reconcile their gender identity with their gender.
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