The Paju City Christian Association is hosting a prayer event in Paju, South Korea, from November 9 to 14. The gathering aims to prepare for the 120th anniversary of the 1907 Pyongyang Great Revival. Pastors including Baek Kyung-sam and Park Myeong-mok are leading the sessions, which occur four times daily at the Osanri Choi Ja-sil Memorial Fasting Prayer House. The program features sermons on spiritual awakening and healing. Organizers state the meetings seek to foster church restoration and spiritual revival across the nation. Live streams are available via YouTube.
The nonprofit Hope and Walk held its 15th anniversary seminar in Seoul on November 9. Speakers highlighted that current Korean laws exclude many migrant families from childcare and social support. Professor Kim Hyun-mi argued that policies remain too focused on citizens rather than protecting diverse family structures. Lawyer Kwon Young-sil and center director Lee Gwang-jin noted that legal gaps leave vulnerable groups without basic rights. The organization urges the government to reform laws to ensure equal treatment for all children and adults, regardless of nationality or marital status.
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Hundreds gathered at the University Church in Krakow, Poland, on Sunday evening for a memorial service following a shooting attack. Cardinal Grzegorz Rys, the Archbishop of Krakow, emphasized that love and life must prevail over hate and death. He expressed solidarity with victims from other European nations and praised emergency responders. The service was moved from the Main Market Square due to ongoing police investigations at the crime scene. The attack, carried out by a 24-year-old man shooting from a car, left nine people dead and fifteen injured. Poland has declared two days of national mourning.
Christian Solidarity Worldwide reports that China has intensified religious restrictions, detaining leaders from both registered and unregistered churches. A new law legalizing the Sinicization of religion provides a basis for these actions. Pastors were arrested in recent months, while another remains barred from leaving due to passport confiscation. Additionally, leaders from a specific church were detained in October raids. The group states that these measures, combined with travel bans, severely limit religious autonomy across the country.
The Red Week initiative, organized by Aid to the Church in Need, runs from November 15 to 22 to raise awareness about religious persecution. Approximately 130 cathedrals and thousands of churches worldwide will be illuminated in red to symbolize the suffering of believers. In the Czech Republic, the campaign takes place on November 25 under the name Red Wednesday. Events include conferences and candlelight processions in Prague. The organization states that 413 million Christians live in areas with severe religious freedom violations, with 220 million facing direct persecution. The campaign aims to highlight these issues and promote religious liberty as a fundamental human right.
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Andrei Kolyaskin on UnsplashPersecuted church
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
A fire broke out at a church belonging to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine in Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine, on Saturday, November 7. According to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine in the Dnipropetrovsk region, as reported by Informator, the blaze caused damage to the interior wall and ceiling decorations, along with religious items. Nine firefighters responded to the scene to extinguish the flames. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the public or the emergency responders.
Religious leaders from various faiths gathered in the capital of Myanmar for an interfaith prayer meeting focused on peace. A prominent church leader, representing the participants, urged political groups and armed organizations to choose dialogue over violence in the ongoing civil conflict. More than 700 attendees from Christian, Buddhist, Hindu, and indigenous traditions emphasized the need for inclusive negotiations, ceasefire agreements, and humanitarian aid. The group called on authorities to protect civilians and keep communication channels open, asserting that peace is the only viable path forward for the nation's future.
Recent floods in Nepal have exposed critical weaknesses in climate adaptation and early warning systems. A massive ice-rock slope failure triggered devastating floods across multiple districts, showing that hazards are evolving beyond historical risk patterns. Communities were caught off guard because existing monitoring systems could not predict such deep-seated slope failures. Over 1,100 people remain displaced, with vulnerable groups facing significant protection risks. The ACT Alliance emphasizes that local solidarity cannot replace adequate national and international support for loss and damage. This experience underscores the urgent need for stronger climate ambition and accessible finance as global climate talks proceed.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Human rights defenders presented the 'Religious Freedom 2026' report in Berlin on November 3, stating that global religious liberty has worsened. Johann Mattis of the German Evangelical Alliance highlighted that Russia uses the Russian Orthodox Church to justify its invasion of Ukraine. He noted that over 640 Ukrainian places of worship were damaged or destroyed, and at least 67 clergy members were killed by Russian forces. Mattis criticized Moscow for portraying itself as a defender of Christianity while suppressing believers in occupied territories. The report urges international cooperation to document these abuses and support persecuted Christians.
Argentine bishops are welcoming Pope Leon XIV to Buenos Aires for the first papal visit in 39 years. The four-day pilgrimage, which includes stops in Cordoba and Lujan, aims to strengthen faith and promote social cohesion in a country facing deep divisions. Archbishop Marcelo Daniel Colombo, head of the Episcopal Conference, stated that the Church seeks to serve national unity and that the Pope's presence will help restore hope. The itinerary features a special meeting with youth and a visit to a care center for people with disabilities. Bishops emphasized that the visit offers an opportunity for dialogue and rebuilding community bonds across different social groups.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇰🇪 Kenya·
A high court in Mombasa, Kenya, sentenced Paul Mackenzie to 200 years in prison for the deaths of 191 people, including 190 children. The judge, Diana Kavedza Mochache, issued the verdict on November 6. Mackenzie led the Good News International Church and allegedly forced followers to starve their children to approach Jesus Christ. According to the prosecution, 183 victims died of starvation and eight from direct violence. The case gained public attention in April 2023 when bodies were discovered in shallow graves near Malindi. Mackenzie and 28 other followers were found guilty on October 19. Prosecutors had sought the death penalty, but the court imposed the lengthy prison term instead.
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World Vision Korea and Kia Motors held an emotional support program for children at Everland in Yongin, South Korea, on November 8. The event, funded by a 130 million won corporate social responsibility fund, brought together 200 children from residential care facilities and 100 Kia employees. Participants received free admission and priority access to rides. Employees paired with children to complete team missions on attractions and safari tours. World Vision Korea stated that such experiences help children discover their potential and grow. The initiative highlights corporate collaboration aimed at providing disadvantaged youth with opportunities for personal development and joy.
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Abraham Lehrer, vice president of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, highlights a dramatic rise in antisemitic incidents in 2025. He notes that Jewish community members face increasing exclusion and discrimination, often being held responsible for Israeli government policies. Lehrer emphasizes that all forms of antisemitism threaten Jewish life in Germany and calls on the majority society to awaken and show stronger solidarity. Despite daily police protection for synagogues in Cologne, he urges citizens to support minorities rather than ignoring these threats.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
The head of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) blessed and handed over specialized vehicles to representatives of Ukraine's defense forces. The vehicles were purchased with the help of benefactor Maksym Korol. The ceremony included prayers by Metropolitan Evstratiy of Bila Tserkva, Archbishop Agapit of Vyshhorod, and other clergy, alongside military personnel and volunteers. The OCU leader also honored the donors with church awards. Additionally, portable defibrillators were given to soldiers for emergency medical aid, funded by the parish of St. Andrew's Cathedral in Washington, USA.
Pope Leo XIV is currently touring Latin America, having started in Uruguay and moving to Argentina before concluding in Peru. Father Alexander Lam Alania, a native of Lima, describes the region as marked by deep inequality and internal migration, yet sustained by strong Catholic faith. He notes that the Pope’s visit brings hope to marginalized communities. The journey emphasizes Marian shrines and social justice. As a former bishop of Chiclayo, the Pope returns to Peru to reconnect with his former diocese. The trip aims to foster dialogue and address human rights and environmental challenges across the continent.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Sviatoslav Shevchuk, head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, stated that acts of mercy in Ukraine are under constant Russian fire. In a video address released on November 8, he described the destruction and mentioned that the president estimated approximately 100 deaths in one location. The leader emphasized that the enemy aims to instill fear in volunteers and rescuers. He thanked law enforcement and humanitarian workers for their heroism. Shevchuk urged people not to fear showing love or saving lives. He also highlighted the church's commitment to supporting Ukrainian families affected by the ongoing war.
Dr. Vin Jung and his wife, CEO Lesley Jung, are a Korean-American couple who turned from medical success to global philanthropy. Dr. Jung was rescued as a child from the South China Sea by World Vision in 1979. The couple co-founded a dermatology practice in Colorado but shifted focus to aid children in Cambodia, Rwanda, and Honduras. They now donate over $100,000 annually and serve on the US World Vision board. According to the Kukmin Ilbo Mission, they believe true purpose comes from loving others rather than pursuing personal comfort.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun recently stated that there is no threat to the Christian presence in Lebanon. However, this assurance faces scrutiny following the killings of clergy members like Father Samir Dho and Father Pierre Rassi, as well as civilians in Israeli strikes. In southern villages such as Al-Qouzah, residents remain displaced due to damage to homes and churches. Additionally, concerns persist regarding land sales in Christian areas, with Hezbollah accused of facilitating purchases. A report also highlights limited public sector opportunities for Christians. These factors contribute to high youth emigration rates, raising questions about the future of Christian communities in the country.
The Swedish Evangelical Alliance celebrated its 25th anniversary in Sweden, reaffirming its commitment to defending biblical faith in public life. General Secretary Olof Edsinger stated that the organization serves as a vital voice for traditional Christianity in both secular and religious media. Founded in Stockholm in 2001, the group focuses on apologetics, church unity, and training believers for societal engagement. Edsinger noted that the alliance continues to address contemporary theological and social issues while strengthening ties with global evangelical networks. The organization also plans specific commemorative activities leading up to significant Christian milestones in 2030 and 2033.
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