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Discrimination

  • Prayer House Forcibly Closed

    A congregation is facing the stage in a small church building.
    A church in Indonesia
    Photo: VOMC

    For the second time in two years, the Tesalonika Christians Oikumene congregation in Teluknaga, Tangerang Regency, has encountered community opposition during Easter celebrations at their prayer house. The previous year, local officials sealed the building the day after Good Friday, forcing the believers to rent an alternative location in order to hold their Easter Sunday services.

  • Court Reiterates Privileges for Specified Religions

    The India Supreme Court building is surrounded by trees.
    India's Supreme Court Building
    Photo: Wikimedia / Subhashish Panigrahi (CC)

    In India, where the caste system remains deeply embedded within the framework of societal standards, those belonging to the lowest castes are classified as "scheduled castes" or "Dalits." Although historically marginalized, and often subjected to severe social discrimination, members of the lower castes receive constitutional protections and access to certain governmental benefits.

  • Pastor Faces Expulsion From His Country

    Pastor Vladimir Rytikov sits comfortably in a chair.
    Pastor Vladimir Rytikov
    Photo: Council of Churches Baptist via Forum18

    Pastor Vladimir Rytikov has lived his entire life in a region of Ukraine that is now occupied by Russian forces. Born in the city of Krasnodon (located in the Luhansk district) during 1959, he grew up in the area as a committed follower of Christ. From the years of 1979 to 1982, which encompasses the era of the former USSR, he was imprisoned because of his faith. Since becoming ordained for ministry in 1995, the Christian leader has faithfully pastored an unregistered church within his home city for more than 30 years.

  • Faith and Public Life in Light of Bill C-9

    Canada Parliament Buildings
    Canada's Parliament Buildings
    Photo: RawPixel

    On March 25th, after months of committee proceedings and deliberations in the House of Commons, Canada's governing Liberal Party has forced an end to the debate – resulting in the passage of the controversial Bill C-9. The legislation has now moved to the Senate for further consideration.

  • New Policy Restricts Travel for Clergy Members

    A man is holding out a passport for China and a card that is similar in appearance to a North American driver's license.
    A passport and travel pass in China.

    Religious rights advocates are raising serious concerns regarding the increased level of control that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is presently exerting over the Roman Catholic church in China. As a result of a 2018 agreement between the Vatican and the Chinese government, state officials have already been given the authority to appoint bishops – ensuring that the church's leadership remains amenable towards the policies of the CCP.

  • Pastor and Associates Abducted and Slain

    Stephen Wesley is teaching with a translator in a building full of people.
    Stephen Wesley teaching in South Sudan.
    Photo: VOMC

    For the past 10 years, South Sudan has struggled under the weight of unrest and civil war. This upheaval has led to ethnic tensions, political instability, and the ongoing trauma that accompanies prolonged conflict.

  • Christians Denied Burial Permission

    Houses line an old stone street in India.
    A village in India.
    Photo: Flickr / Rakshit Pandey (CC)

    A Christian family residing in a tribal village of Chhattisgarh state has been denied permission to bury a relative who passed away, unless they first convert to Hinduism. Local villagers claim that allowing a Christian burial would defile their land and anger their deities.

  • Social Media Comments Lead to Arrest

    A man's hands can be seen holding a cell phone.
    Photo: Pixnio

    A Christian leader in Indonesia was arrested on February 18th following the online comments he made about Muhammad. According to reports, Dedi Saputra allegedly referenced the Muslim prophet's multiple wives on his TikTok account. Before being removed, Dedi's video was viewed almost two million times and sparked widespread backlash.

  • Police Assault Catholic Priest

    A small, ornately decorated church is set against light blue clouds.
    A church in Sri Lanka.
    Photo: Wikipedia / Vis M (CC)

    On January 24th, a Catholic priest travelling by motorcycle near Negombo was suddenly stopped by police officers while wearing his clerical attire. After asking for the church leader's identification, one officer reportedly remarked that people who dressed in such robes were "harming the country." The officers then allegedly assaulted the priest and left him injured at the roadside.

  • Unregistered Churches Face Opposition

    A large congregation meets outside in front of their church.
    A worship meeting outside a closed church.
    Photo: Council of Churches Baptist via Forum18

    In both Russia and areas of Ukraine that are currently occupied by Russian troops, unregistered churches have been experiencing increasing pressures. Officials have forced some congregations to close, while threatening others with penalties if they continue to gather for worship.