12 Iranian Christians Stand Trial Easter Sunday
Twelve Christians are to stand trial in Iran on Easter Sunday on charges including “crimes against the order”, an activist assisting them with advocacy told Worthy News.
Christian Persecution – Middle East
Iranian Pastor Nadarkhani ‘Still Alive’, Awaiting Verdict
Iranian pastor Youcef Nadarkhani who faces execution for refusing to abandon his faith in Christ and embrace Islam was still alive, “through the power of Jesus Christ and prayers”, an official assisting him told Worthy News.
Iran Threatens Church with Bombing
Another church in Tehran was ordered to cease holding services in Farsi, the Iranian national language, otherwise it could be “bombed”.
‘Ethnic Cleansing of Christians’ in Syria; 50,000 Flee
Islamic militants with ties to terror group al-Qaida have launched the “ethnic cleansing of minority Christians” in Syria, forcing tens of thousands of people to flee the embattled Syrian city of Homs and other areas, aid workers confirmed Tuesday, March 27.
Pakistan Among World’s Worst Violators of Religious Freedoms
The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom recommended that the Secretary of State name Pakistan as a Country of Particular Concern in its 2012 Annual Report.
Iran Detains Dozen Christians In Major City
At least a dozen devoted Christians from Iran’s third largest city remained in jail Saturday, March 17, as part of an attempt by authorities to discourage Muslims and Christian converts to attend church services, Iranian Christians said.
Saudi Grand Mufti calls for the destruction of all churches
Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah, the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, recently declared that it is “necessary to destroy all the churches of the region.”
Baptist Church in Bethlehem Declared Illegitimate By Palestinian Authority
Only a week after Prime Minister Salam Fayyad told a conference of evangelical Protestants that his government respected the rights of Christian minorities, his fellow Palestinian officials told Pastor Naim Khoury that his church could no longer operate as a religious institution under the Palestinian Authority.
Syria: Relief reaches Homs
Barnabas Aid is sending emergency relief to Christians trapped in Homs after the withdrawal of anti-government forces from the Baba Amr district.
Another Christian Convert arrested in Esfahan
Yet another convert and member of a house church was arrested along with many other Christians in Esfahan, according to the Iranian Christian news agency, Mohabat News.
Protesters at Saudi Embassy Demand End to Christian Persecution
Dozens demonstrated at the Saudi Arabia Embassy in Washington demanding that Ethiopian Christians imprisoned for their beliefs be released.
Kuwaiti legislators call for ban on church construction
A Kuwaiti parliamentarian will soon draft legislation banning the construction of churches and other non-Islamic places of worship in the tiny emirate.
BREAKING: Iran Again ‘Orders Execution’ Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani (Worthy News In-Depth)
Iran again ordered the death penalty for jailed Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani for refusing to recant his faith in Christ and return to Islam raising fears his execution is imminent, a well-informed church official told Worthy News and its news partner BosNewsLife Tuesday, February 21.
Jailed Iranian Pastor’s Health Deteriorating
The health of a jailed pastor of one of Iran’s largest evangelical house church movements is deteriorating and there were fears Monday he may die, a well-informed representative told Worthy News.
Iran Christians Urging Prayers As Security Forces Raid Churches; Pastors Detained
Embattled Iranian Christians urged prayers Tuesday, February 14, as Iranian security forces reportedly launched a crackdown on devoted ‘official’ churches and house congregations operating outside government control.
Iran Detains House Church Christians
Iranian security forces have raided a house church and detained 10 members who gathered for a prayer service as part of a winder crackdown, Iranian Christians told Worthy News.
Ethiopian Christians To Be Deported From Saudi Arabia
Approximately 35 Christians in Saudi Arabia face deportation on the charge of “illicit mingling,” according to a report by the global rights body Human Rights Watch (HRW).
Iran: Christian Convert Sentenced to Two Years in Prison
A Christian convert has been sentenced to two years in prison by a Revolutionary Court in Tehran.
Syrian and Iranian Christians continue to face increasing persecution
Syrian and Iranian Christians are being targeted for further persecution, according to Christian news reports.
‘Santa Claus’ Kills Christian Leader in Israel
A leader of Israel’s Christian minority has been stabbed to death by a man dressed as Santa Claus, prompting the arrest of six locals in connection with the murder, church and police officials said Saturday, January 7.