The US Supreme Court ruled 8-1 on Tuesday that Colorado’s ban on conversion therapy for LGBTQ+ minors violates the First Amendment. The majority, led by Justice Neil Gorsuch, agreed with Christian counselor Kaley Chiles that the law censored speech based on viewpoint. The case was sent back to a lower court for further review. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson dissented, warning the decision threatens states' ability to regulate healthcare. The ruling impacts similar laws in other states and follows a trend of the court favoring religious discrimination claims over LGBTQ+ rights protections.
The Archdiocese of Paris is transforming a former convent in the affluent 6th arrondissement into a community center for vulnerable populations. After years of legal challenges, including opposition from actor Gérard Depardieu, construction began in earnest in early 2025. The project, blessed by Archbishop Laurent Ulrich in September 2025, will house people with disabilities, pregnant women in difficulty, and formerly homeless individuals through three Catholic-inspired associations. Deputy project manager Stéphane Bazin stated the initiative prioritizes social solidarity over commercial profit. The complex, designed by architect Jean-Marie Duthilleul, is expected to be completed by summer 2027.
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by John Caleb on UnsplashPersecuted church
A federal judge in Texas dismissed a lawsuit seeking to overturn the Johnson Amendment, which prohibits tax-exempt churches from endorsing political candidates. Judge J. Campbell Barker ruled that the court lacked authority to approve a settlement affecting federal tax status. The plaintiffs, including the National Religious Broadcasters and two Texas churches, argued the ban violated religious liberty. The judge noted churches could avoid penalties by relinquishing their tax-exempt status. The decision was welcomed by Americans United for the Separation of Church and State, who opposed the proposed settlement. The plaintiffs plan to appeal the ruling.
Pope Leo XIV addressed global conflicts from Castel Gandolfo on March 31, urging leaders to prioritize dialogue over military escalation. He referenced Donald Trump’s statements with cautious hope but emphasized that negotiation must replace force. The Pope highlighted the suffering of displaced people and criticized the use of technology for war. Additionally, the Vatican expressed regret over an incident in Jerusalem where Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa was barred from the Holy Sepulchre. To symbolize solidarity with victims, Leo XIV will personally carry the cross during the Good Friday Stations of the Cross at the Colosseum.
Iryna, a Ukrainian engineer, relocated to Spokane, US, in December 2022 after fleeing conflict in Ukraine. Initially struggling with language barriers and housing, she sought assistance from World Relief Spokane’s Newcomer Career Navigation program. Staff members Kris and Ginny helped her pivot from engineering to the medical field after an initial nursing application was denied due to English proficiency. With their guidance, she enrolled in a phlebotomy program. Local friends provided essential childcare to accommodate her class schedule. Her story highlights how community networks facilitate professional reintegration for refugees in the United States.
Vasiliy B., a missionary pastor in Ukraine, reports that SGA-supported summer Bible camps took place in the Zhytomyr and Vinnytsia regions. The programs served over 100 children from surrounding villages through Bible lessons, activities, and meals. The pastor also distributed food sets to needy families in June, July, and August. These efforts provided both spiritual instruction and material assistance to residents in wartime Ukraine. The initiative highlights ongoing community support and religious outreach in the affected areas.
Myanmar’s military leader Min Aung Hlaing was nominated for president during the first session of the newly elected parliament on Monday. The nomination follows a widely criticized election that excluded major opposition parties. The military controls nearly 90% of seats in the bicameral legislature. Min Aung Hlaing previously led the 2021 coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi’s government. Analysts suggest his desire for the presidency motivated the takeover. Under current law, he must resign as armed forces chief to assume the role. International reports indicate the junta has arrested over 30,000 political prisoners and killed nearly 8,000 people. The military continues to target religious minorities, including Christians and Rohingya Muslims, with airstrikes and violence.
Three Christians in a district of Nepal were confronted by a Hindu mob while sharing their faith. The group dragged the believers to a local police station. A local Christian told International Christian Concern that police ordered an investigation despite lacking evidence, making life difficult for the victims. Violence against religious minorities is rising in Nepal, where converting to another religion remains illegal. Although the constitution guarantees religious freedom, Hindus seeking a purely Hindu nation have increasingly targeted Christians. Following recent elections, some Christians hope the new government will provide better security against extremist threats.
A church leader highlights the importance of children's ministries in the former Soviet Union. The organization supports programs like Immanuel’s Child, Orphans Reborn, and Summer Bible Camps across countries including Russia, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan. Local churches prioritize reaching children with the Gospel to ensure the future leadership of the church. Summer camp preparations are underway for the June to August season, with activities varying from traditional camps to day outreach. The goal remains leading youth to faith in Christ, with the leader encouraging support for these efforts.
In Russia, Nadezhda, who leads an Orphans Reborn team supported by the Slavic Gospel Association, found new opportunities after a local orphanage closed. She secured permission to visit a facility for children with special needs. Nadezhda and her husband, Pastor Vladimir, held a Christmas celebration with a puppet show and gifts for approximately 130 children. The staff praised the event, and Nadezhda was invited to return for regular visits. This development allows the ministry to reach more disadvantaged youth following the closure of the previous site. The group notes the expansion as a positive outcome of their persistent efforts.
Monsignor Ettore Balestrero, the Holy See’s permanent observer at the United Nations, stated that Christians are the most persecuted religious group globally. He reported that nearly 400 million Christians face violence, with approximately 5,000 killed in 2025. Speaking at a UN conference in New York, he emphasized that states must protect religious freedom and address impunity. The observer also highlighted subtle discrimination, termed “educated persecution,” affecting Christians in Europe and other regions. According to the OSCE, over 760 hate crimes against Christians were recorded in Europe in 2024. The Vatican urges international bodies to safeguard believers from physical violence and exclusion. (ZENIT Noticias – AIN / Madrid, 31.03.2026)
In late March, the Episcopal Commission for Sociotransformative Action of the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB) met in Brasília to evaluate a joint project supported by the German Catholic agency Misereor. Attendees, including Bishop Domênico Corcione and advisors, reviewed the second year of execution. The initiative aims to integrate social pastorals, strengthen political advocacy, and support vulnerable groups such as indigenous peoples and refugees. Participants emphasized the need for structured communication and sustainability. The assessment was positive, with officials expressing confidence that the results will satisfy the funding partner and justify continued cooperation.
Aid to the Church in Need USA provided $46,198 in firewood and heating pellets for 18 parishes in the Diocese of Lutsk, Ukraine. Bishop Vitaliy Skomarovskyi requested assistance after the harsh winter of 2025-26 and ongoing war damage made heating difficult. The aid supported priests, religious sisters, and vulnerable community members, including children and the elderly. The bishop stated that the support offered physical warmth and a sense of security amid power outages and attacks. The organization expressed gratitude from the diocese for helping the faithful endure the cold season.
A new interdenominational initiative called Prayer at the Heart is launching across the United States during the Easter season. Organizers aim to recruit one million Christians to pray for one million individuals to embrace Christianity between April 5 and May 24. Dr. Douglas Small, the movement’s founder, states that the project addresses a national crisis of faith and hope amid deep political and cultural divisions. The campaign includes weekly prayer events in all 50 states and an online prayer wall. Supporters believe this coordinated effort will foster spiritual renewal and counter growing pessimism among Americans.
Finland’s Supreme Court ruled on March 26 that former Interior Minister Päivi Räsänen and Lutheran Bishop Juhana Pohjola are guilty under a statute regarding war crimes and crimes against humanity. The conviction stems from a booklet on homosexual relations published 22 years ago. The court ordered the book removed from online sales and destroyed. According to RFI Senior Fellow Paul Marshall, this decision applies across Europe under the EU’s Digital Services Act and may extend to the United States. Marshall argues this highlights broader threats to religious freedom and speech in Western nations, including Canada and Iceland.
A pastor reports a deep spiritual connection with Iranian Christians, established over a decade ago in a neighboring country. This relationship has expanded amid increased persecution of believers in Iran. The pastor, whose family is known publicly, describes being guided to meet Iranian refugees in a specific coastal city. He and his wife now support Persian-speaking churches in that region and host online sessions for believers inside Iran. However, the group faces severe challenges, including internet blackouts and arrests. The pastor states that ten members were detained on charges of collaborating with hostile enemies, a crime that can carry the death penalty. He notes that many Iranian converts support Israel and pray for its security.
Following Palm Sunday attacks in a city in Plateau State, Nigeria, conflicting reports have obscured the true scale of the violence. A state police spokesperson stated that twelve people were killed, while other sources cited figures exceeding forty. The identity of the attackers remains unclear, with residents blaming Boko Haram or Fulani militants. Additional violence was reported in other northern states. A state governor imposed a curfew but did not confirm casualty numbers. The fragmented reporting complicates policy responses and international assessments of religious freedom violations in the region.
A prominent archbishop issued a message urging authorities to protect Christian communities in Syria amid ongoing insecurity. He cited a recent attack on a town as evidence that ancient Christian populations remain under threat. The leader called for peace, unity, and safety for believers as the region approaches Easter. He emphasized the need to safeguard churches, clergy, and the right to worship without fear. The statement highlights the vulnerability of Christians in the Middle East and appeals for mercy and repentance to end violence. The message was shared by a religious news outlet.
The Israeli parliament approved a controversial law allowing the execution of Palestinians convicted of killing Israelis, without requiring prosecutor approval. The decision sparked widespread international condemnation and anger in the West Bank, where a general strike was organized. UNRWA Commissioner Philippe Lazzarini called the measure discriminatory and insulting, while the European Union criticized it as a step backward. Palestinian families expressed deep fear for detained relatives. Israeli rights groups filed an emergency petition with the Supreme Court, which has delayed a ruling until May 24. Over 9,500 Palestinians remain imprisoned in Israeli facilities.
Translated from العربية
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