US officials in Washington commemorated the 28th anniversary of the International Religious Freedom Act. Assistant Secretary of State Riley Barnes and Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed that religious freedom remains a core pillar of US foreign policy. The 1998 law established mechanisms to monitor global violations, including designating countries of particular concern. China has remained on this list since 1999. The event highlighted the US commitment to defending the right to practice faith without fear, citing the nation's historical connection to Christian traditions.
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Sixteen Miles Out on UnsplashPersecuted church
A house church elder in China was released after serving a 16-month sentence for organizing illegal gatherings. He was arrested during a police raid on a Sunday service. Two other church leaders remain imprisoned. This case reflects continued pressure on underground churches in China since stricter religious regulations were implemented in 2018. The elder faces ongoing surveillance after his release, highlighting the persistent challenges faced by unregistered congregations in the region.
The World Council of Churches (WCC) Commission of Young People in the Ecumenical Movement will hold its second in-person gathering in Accra, Ghana, from November 3 to 9, 2026. The event, themed around walking together to create spaces of healing, draws inspiration from the Ghanaian concept of solidarity and the biblical story of the road to Emmaus. According to the WCC, the meeting aims to strengthen ecumenical relationships, address challenges such as injustice and mental health, and empower youth voices. Participants will evaluate past work, identify priorities for the 2030 Assembly, and prepare for future initiatives like the 2027 Ecumenical Youth Connections Hub.
Richard Bogonon, founder of Make Known, visited Seoul, South Korea, to promote his 'The Word One to One' evangelism method. He argues that traditional church events fail to connect with younger generations who view Christianity negatively. Instead, he advocates for simple, one-on-one Bible reading as a daily cultural practice. Bogonon shared examples from South Africa where this approach shifted congregational focus toward sharing the Gospel. He emphasized that the Gospel itself has power, not human rhetoric. His mission aims to transform church culture by encouraging believers to build relationships with non-Christians through shared scripture study rather than formal programs.
A South Korean court has ruled that the Church of God, designated as a cult by major denominations, must demolish a building under construction in the Gamil district of Hwaseong and return the land to the Korea Land & Housing Corporation (LH). The Suwon District Court Gyeonggi Branch ordered the church to pay approximately 6.31 billion won to the LH. The ruling addresses a dispute over a religious plot where the church allegedly paid excessive premiums during a 2020 purchase, violating public housing regulations that restrict resale for profit. The court also mandated the cancellation of ownership transfer registrations associated with the site.
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Anne Nygård on UnsplashPersecuted church
A sociologist reports that nations in East Asia have formed an alliance against specific religious groups. Officials from one country, lawyers from another, and pastors from a third cooperate to target organizations like the Family Federation and Shincheonji. This collaboration aims to suppress religious freedom and influence political outcomes in the region. The author argues that despite ideological differences, these groups share common enemies. The alliance has led to legal actions and arrests in South Korea. The sociologist warns that this cooperation threatens religious liberty and regional stability in East Asia.
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Rod Long on UnsplashGood news
From October 12 to 14, World Council of Churches executive Angeliki Ziaka visited the Church of Sweden in Uppsala and Stockholm. She met with officers including Rev. Peter Lööv Roos and Rev. Maria Kjellsdotter Rydinger to examine local interreligious dialogue. The group toured initiatives such as Goda Grannar, a Christian-Muslim partnership in Stockholm, and God's House in Fisksätra. According to Ziaka, the Church's long-standing experience provides valuable perspectives for strengthening global ecumenical connections. The visit highlighted how shared action builds trust among different faith communities while respecting distinct identities.
The late Tak Myung-hwan, founder of the International Institute for Religious Issues in South Korea, endured persistent threats and legal battles while exposing groups masquerading as orthodox denominations. According to his memoirs, he received death threats and had explosives planted in his vehicle after issuing statements against cults. He also faced defamation lawsuits and injunctions for articles identifying these groups as heretical. Despite pressure from organizations using legitimate church names to deceive believers, he continued his investigative work to protect the public from religious deception.
A young Shia Muslim in Uzbekistan faces a lengthy prison sentence for distributing religious poetry on Telegram. His trial resumed with a judge claiming the content was extremist. Authorities have raided homes of other Shia individuals who fled the country. Additionally, Muslim prisoners of conscience face harsh conditions and delayed releases. The Interior Ministry refused to comment on these cases, citing instructions not to answer questions over the phone. This report highlights the severe persecution faced by religious minorities in the region, with specific details about locations and private individuals removed to protect their safety.
Nine Muslim men are standing trial in a city in Kazakhstan, accused of belonging to the banned Tabligh Jamaat movement. Prosecutors rely on secret recordings made by the National Security Committee and expert analyses to claim the defendants engaged in extremist propaganda. The charges carry potential prison sentences of up to two years. While the defense argues the conversations were religious, not criminal, officials admit no violence was advocated. This case follows a recent trial where twelve others were jailed for similar charges, highlighting ongoing restrictions on religious freedom in the country.
The World Council of Churches hosted a panel at the Geneva Peace Forum to examine how religious actors contribute to peace processes. Moderated by Peter Prove, the discussion featured speakers from Colombia, the Central African Republic, and Lebanon. Participants emphasized that local religious presence builds trust and creates space for victims to speak. They argued that faith leaders must integrate into peace ecosystems, combining moral advocacy with patience and listening skills to counter armed conflict and promote social cohesion.
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Aaron Burden on UnsplashGood news
A senior church coordinator in Nigeria received a faith award from a national Christian association. The recipient reflected on ongoing conflicts across several African nations, emphasizing the urgent need for churches to promote reconciliation and dialogue across religious and ethnic lines. He stated that peacebuilding is an essential part of Christian mission and expressed gratitude for the recognition as motivation to continue his work in Africa. The outlet reports this event highlights the critical role of religious leaders in fostering unity amidst regional instability.
Courts in seven Russian regions have banned twelve Council of Churches Baptist communities for meeting without state registration or notification. Prosecutors argue that this failure hinders state oversight and threatens public order. The practice of imposing such prohibitions increased notably in 2024 and 2025, with most bans occurring in the Krasnodar Region. Despite court orders, many communities continue to worship. Meanwhile, new legislative amendments propose restricting religious services in residential premises, which could further impact unregistered groups. This trend affects Baptists primarily, though other minorities may also face legal risks under the current regulatory framework.
On 6 October, a Russian-controlled court in the occupied Luhansk Region of Ukraine rejected the appeal of Baptist Pastor Vladimir Rytikov against his deportation. The Federal Security Service (FSB) labeled him a security threat, allegedly for leading an unregistered church, though specific details were not provided. Rytikov, who has lived in Krasnodon for 67 years, faces expulsion after officials annulled his residence permit. He stated that his family ties and long-term residence were ignored by the court. This case highlights ongoing Russian efforts to prosecute religious leaders for missionary activity in occupied territories.
A court in Kazakhstan sentenced an independent Orthodox priest to four years in prison on drug-related charges following a closed trial. The cleric denies the allegations, claiming authorities planted synthetic substances at his home to target him for opposing Russia’s war in Ukraine and for seeking to register his independent parish. He has appealed the decision. The case highlights ongoing restrictions on religious freedom and political dissent in Kazakhstan, where officials have repeatedly rejected the registration of his community. This incident underscores the severe challenges faced by independent religious groups in the region.
A woman of Kazakh ethnicity, currently residing in Kazakhstan, faces a five-year prison sentence. Her family reports severe health deterioration and psychological stress. She was convicted for inciting discord after protesting her husband's imprisonment in China. Although her initial appeal failed, she has lodged a cassation appeal citing poor health and lack of malicious intent. The court will hear her case in the future. Meanwhile, other religious trials continue in the region, including cases against Sunni Muslims and an Orthodox priest. She remains under probation restrictions while awaiting her final legal outcome.
Indonesian influencers Erika Richardo and Jerhemy Owen traveled to Palangka Raya, Central Kalimantan, to volunteer for four days amid ongoing haze from forest fires. The couple distributed air purifiers, masks, and medical supplies to local safe houses and residents. Erika Richardo reported severe breathing difficulties during her stay. Jerhemy Owen highlighted that communities also face a clean water crisis due to drought, with some residents bathing only once a week. The pair urged the public and companies to address these urgent needs beyond just air protection, emphasizing that the affected population continues to require significant assistance.
Religious leaders and civil society representatives gathered at GPIB Immanuel Church in Jakarta on October 27, 2026, to pray for communities affected by forest fires in Sumatra, Kalimantan, and Papua. The Persekutuan Gereja-Gereja di Indonesia reported the event aimed to urge the government for concrete action. Speakers emphasized that prayers must be accompanied by tangible deeds and environmental stewardship. Participants received tree seedlings as a symbol of hope. The gathering highlighted the need for interfaith cooperation and accountability regarding forest management and concession holders.
A displaced pastor in northern Nigeria reports that Boko Haram has threatened to execute his wife and sell his daughter into slavery. The militants demand a significant ransom, approximately $33,500, one year after the family was abducted. The pastor, living as a refugee, states he cannot afford the payment. Human rights advocates and church leaders attribute these actions to a broader campaign by extremist groups to target Christian leaders and communities in northeastern Nigeria. The ultimatum leaves the pastor with no viable options to save his family from harm or enslavement.
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