World

Over 1,200 Christians killed in Nigeria in first half of 2020 - human rights group
Over 1,200 Christians killed in Nigeria in first half of 2020 - human rights group

The depressing figures came in a new report from a human rights group in Nigeria.

Christian campaigners hail 'miracle' as Sudan abolishes apostasy law

For many years, it has been illegal to convert to Christianity and even discussing religious beliefs could lead to arrest.

Faith leaders urge Chancellor to cancel debt of developing countries as they battle coronavirus
Faith leaders urge Chancellor to cancel debt of developing countries as they battle coronavirus

The former Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Williams is among the faith leaders calling on the Chancellor to cancel the debts of developing countries battling the impact of coronavirus.

Five killed in South Africa church hostage situation
Five killed in South Africa church hostage situation

At least 40 people were arrested after the attack on the church in the town of Zuurbekom on the outskirts of Johannesburg on Saturday morning.

Christians continue to leave Iraq while those that remain feel 'unsafe'
Christians continue to leave Iraq while those that remain feel 'unsafe'

Christians continue to trickle out of Iraq at an alarming rate, with many still fearing the return of ISIS, Aid to the Church in Need has warned.

Anglican Archbishop of Hong Kong defends national security law despite worldwide criticism
Anglican Archbishop of Hong Kong defends national security law despite worldwide criticism

"I welcome this law, although it is one that I wish were not necessary," he said.

Pope 'deeply pained' over Turkey's decision to turn Hagia Sophia into mosque
Pope 'deeply pained' over Turkey's decision to turn Hagia Sophia into mosque

The World Council of Churches has also condemned the decision. It fears that the UNESCO World Heritage Site could "become once again a focus of confrontation and conflict".

Persecuted, but not abandoned: How India's Christians are staying strong despite opposition
Persecuted, but not abandoned: How India's Christians are staying strong despite opposition

Life has been tough across India: Covid-19 has forced hundreds of millions of citizens into lockdown. For many of the nation's minority Christian population it has become a question of survival as they face discrimination and even violence. However, despite all this, millions of Indian Christians are remaining firm in their faith.

EU renews Special Envoy for religious freedom after coming under pressure
EU renews Special Envoy for religious freedom after coming under pressure

European Commission Vice-President Margaritis Schinas made the announcement after EU parliamentarians and human rights advocates lobbied for the retention of the role in the face of ongoing human rights abuses towards religious minorities around the world.

Netherlands to remove gender from ID cards
Netherlands to remove gender from ID cards

Education minister Ingrid van Engelshoven said that gender on ID cards was a barrier to LGBTQ+ people "fully participating in the society."

MPs call for action from NATO and Britain as Christians in Montenegro face persecution
MPs call for action from NATO and Britain as Christians in Montenegro face persecution

MPs Tim Farron and Steve Baker have called on the UK Government and NATO to take action to defend the freedom of Christians in Montenegro.

Christians at greater risk of arrest after Iran passes new law
Christians at greater risk of arrest after Iran passes new law

Legislation passed by parliament in Iran could make it easier to arrest and imprison Christians and other religious minorities, rights advocates said.

National Security law is a 'threat to Christians' in Hong Kong
National Security law is a 'threat to Christians' in Hong Kong

The imposition of a draconian national security law in Hong Kong this week has given rise to fears over the fate of Christians.

Cardinal Zen says he's prepared to be arrested after Hong Kong imposes new security law
Cardinal Zen says he's prepared to be arrested after Hong Kong imposes new security law

Cardinal Joseph Zen said Hong Kong must "be prepared for the unthinkable" after Beijing bypassed the region's own legislature to impose sweeping new security laws cracking down on free speech and dissent.

Support for Trump slips among white evangelicals
Support for Trump slips among white evangelicals

A new study by the Pew Research Center found a 6 percentage point drop in approval from white evangelical Protestants between April and June, but most still said they would vote for him.

GOD TV pulled in Israel over evangelism claims
GOD TV pulled in Israel over evangelism claims

GOD TV has been told to stop airing on an Israeli cable network over claims that it is trying to evangelise Jews.