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.
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.
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·
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)·🇺🇦 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.
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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.
Translated from 한국어Also reported by 1 other outlet
Open Doors has collected one million signatures supporting Christians facing persecution in Africa. This global petition, backed by supporters from 200 countries, aims to highlight violence in sub-Saharan Africa, a region experiencing higher levels of Christian persecution than anywhere else. The campaign draws attention to recent attacks, including the killing of at least 140 people in villages in northern Nigeria. The organization views this achievement as a significant advocacy effort for those suffering due to their faith.
Translated from SvenskaAlso reported by 1 other outlet
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.
The Persekutuan Gereja-Gereja di Indonesia (PGI) has established Oxygen Houses in Central and West Kalimantan to shield residents from hazardous haze caused by ongoing forest fires. According to the outlet, the smoke has persisted in Palangka Raya for nearly four months, severely impacting air quality and daily activities. The initiative, launched in September, prioritizes vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and pregnant women. The PGI clarifies that these facilities provide temporary shelter rather than replacing medical services at clinics or hospitals. This effort demonstrates the church's commitment to practical community aid during the environmental crisis.
According to the Karen Human Rights Group, fighting between the Burma Army and the Karen National Liberation Army has caused displacement and damage in a township in Myanmar. Between late July and mid-August 2026, military forces conducted air strikes, shelled villages, and arrested residents. A Baptist church bell tower was damaged by shelling, and soldiers looted homes and crops. The influx of additional troops to local camps has heightened fears of further military operations in the region.
Approximately 200 refugees displaced by civil war are attending worship services in Egypt, according to GOODTV Global Mission Broadcasting. A missionary, operating under a pseudonym, established a church in June to provide spiritual comfort and community support. The congregation includes individuals without official refugee identification. Additionally, the missionary runs an education center for children who have lost access to schooling due to the conflict. The outlet reports that an estimated 1.5 million to 4 million refugees reside in Egypt. This initiative aims to heal war trauma and connect the local church with the humanitarian crisis.
At a 40-day evangelism revival meeting in Bucheon, South Korea, Elder Park Byung-seon shared his testimony of leading 750 people to faith. Organized by Galilee SoMyung Church and the YGM Mission Alliance, the event aims to prepare for the 2027 80 Million National Evangelization Great Assembly. Park emphasized his 'Jindo Dog Evangelism' principles, urging believers to persist in sharing the gospel until new converts are registered in churches. Pastor Lee Tae-hee of the National Evangelization Movement Headquarters also spoke, highlighting the need for urgent prayer and evangelism to address the decline in Korean churches. The meeting continues with healing services later in November.
A recent report presented to a British parliamentary group details severe persecution of Hindus in Pakistan, including temple desecrations, land seizures, and abductions in specific regions. Conservative lawmakers described the findings as horrific, urging the government to protect religious minorities. The document highlights demographic declines and legal discrimination, suggesting the UK reconsider aid to the Pakistani government. British officials are considering diplomatic pressure and conditional aid to address these human rights concerns, aiming to safeguard vulnerable communities facing systemic oppression.
A court in a Chinese province sentenced six members of the spiritual group Lifechanyuan to prison terms ranging from one and a half to two years and eight months. The verdict concluded a case initiated by arrests in mid-2025. The defendants were convicted under Article 300 of the Chinese Criminal Law for using superstition to undermine law implementation. In addition to imprisonment, the court imposed fines totaling 125,000 yuan and confiscated over one million yuan in communal funds, along with electronic devices. The group, led by its founder, describes itself as an international family rather than a religion.
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