Aid to the Church in Need released a report detailing how terrorist groups are expanding across parts of Africa. The study highlights several nations in the Sahel and Sub-Saharan regions as key areas where Christians face disproportionate persecution. According to the report, jihadist affiliates target Christian communities through kidnappings, killings, and church destruction. The findings indicate a geographical shift in global terrorism, with many of the most affected countries located on the continent. ACN notes that weak governance allows extremists to exploit religious divisions, severely impacting Christian populations in these regions.
Also reported by 1 other outlet
Read more →
Illustrative photo
Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Ayoola Salako on UnsplashPersecuted church
A report covering 2024 to 2026 states that conditions for Christians worsened in 55 percent of the 18 countries studied. Approximately 413 million Christians live in nations with serious religious freedom violations. The report's author highlights that violence and displacement are increasing, particularly in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Sub-Saharan Africa remains a major hotspot, with six countries including Nigeria, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo among the most affected by terrorism. In Syria, fears of extremism rose after the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime. The report also notes a deadly attack on a church in Damascus. The authors argue that recognizing the religious nature of these attacks is essential for providing adequate protection to vulnerable minorities.
Translated from العربية
Read more →
Illustrative photo
Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Rynco Maekawa on UnsplashPersecuted church
Over 5,000 Christians in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo signed a petition against violence. Organized by the Evangelical Community in Central Africa, the campaign aims to amplify voices affected by armed groups like the Allied Democratic Forces. A pastor led seminars to prepare believers, noting that displacement and closed institutions are daily realities. Participants became ambassadors for the cause, using social media to spread awareness. The initiative transforms worshippers into advocates for justice in a region plagued by insecurity and persecution.
Open Doors UK and Ireland will submit the Arise Africa petition to government bodies on Thursday, November 12. This action marks a key moment for the three-year campaign advocating for justice and protection for the persecuted church in sub-Saharan Africa. The organization urges supporters to pray for the hand-in process and for the church in countries including Nigeria, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Ghana, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to remain steadfast. Pastor Josiah emphasized that prayers are felt by believers in the region. The petition aims to secure sustained impact and restoration for Christians facing persecution.
Read more →
Good news
Illustrative photo
Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Sies Kranen on UnsplashGood news
A prominent cardinal emphasized that lasting peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo demands an inclusive national dialogue. Speaking in Italy, he warned that excluding warring factions results in a monologue rather than genuine discussion. He criticized preconditions and red lines that hinder negotiations while violence persists in the eastern regions. The cardinal stressed that military force alone cannot resolve the crisis, highlighting the severe humanitarian impact on millions. He urged political leaders to restart talks without exclusions and called on the international community to halt funding the conflict through resource exploitation.
Translated from FrançaisAlso reported by 2 outlets
Read more →
Illustrative photo
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.
A cardinal blessed the foundation stone for the new headquarters of a Catholic biblical centre in a city in Kenya. The event occurred during a regional committee session held in the capital. This centre, an official body of the Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar, coordinates biblical apostolate and promotes Bible translation into African languages. The facility is currently led by a priest from the local archdiocese. The gathering also reviewed the regional action plan and discussed church life and social realities across the continent.
In a mining town in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the Ebola epidemic has left entire households empty. A local psychologist reports that many houses are now closed because all family members have died. The community is grappling with the severe human cost of the outbreak, as residents flee or perish, leaving behind a landscape of grief and abandonment in the affected region.
Catholic Relief Services reports that its digital programming initiatives are enhancing humanitarian and development efforts across multiple regions. The organization utilizes data, satellite technology, and mapping tools to improve program accountability and reach in countries including Nigeria, Chad, Senegal, Niger, Mali, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Burkina Faso. In Nigeria alone, these methods have supported the distribution of over 75 million insecticide-treated nets since 2017. Additionally, CRS distributed more than $80 million in cash assistance to 1.4 million people in 2024 through digital platforms. The group states that these technologies help teams adapt quickly to changing needs and strengthen resilience against crises. The outlet notes that CRS also founded the ICT4D Conference to promote responsible technology use in development.
The Bundibugyo strain of Ebola has caused nearly 5,000 deaths in the Democratic Republic of Congo since May, with cases also reported in Uganda, France, Kenya, and Nigeria. As of late October, over 9,700 cases were confirmed. While Uganda declared itself Ebola-free in August, Kenya and Nigeria recorded their first cases in October. A representative from Kenya Hope notes that although local communities in Kenya remain unaffected, the organization provides practical aid and spiritual reassurance to those facing uncertainty during the crisis.
SermonWave writes its own short summaries and links to the original reporting. Every story belongs to the outlet that reported it. About World News · Our sources · RSS feed
