Good news and the persecuted church, from around the world

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Monday, November 2, 2026 Updated 3:00 AM Central Time 50 stories

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Persecuted church

Illustrative photo: The Church of Christ in China Mui Wo Church 1
Illustrative photo, not from the original report · The Church of Christ in China Mui Wo Church 1 · Underwaterbuffalo / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0
Persecuted church

Report finds Christian persecution worsens in Asia due to authoritarianism and conflict

LiCAS News China India North Korea

A recent report indicates that Christian persecution has intensified across Asia, driven by authoritarianism and conflict. State repression targets believers in several nations, with oppression worsening in the majority of assessed countries. In one major Asian country, violence linked to religious nationalism has surged. Another nation faces abuses fueled by extremist rhetoric, while ongoing civil war in a neighboring state has destroyed hundreds of church buildings. The report warns that millions are displaced by conflict and religiously motivated violence throughout the region, highlighting the severe challenges faced by Christian communities in these areas.

Also reported by 2 outlets

Illustrative photo: Holy shine
Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Holy shine · Shazrina Mariam Karobi / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
Persecuted church

Violence and Persecution Impact Christians in South Sudan, Jordan, and India

Light Magazine South Sudan

Christians face severe challenges across multiple regions. In South Sudan, intercommunal clashes in a specific area killed over 70 people, disrupting church services and causing grief. In Jordan, gunmen attacked a funeral at a Greek Orthodox church in a southern city, killing at least nine people and injuring 40 others. Meanwhile, in India’s Chhattisgarh state, tribal Christians endure floods and intense hostility, including forced evictions and property destruction by vigilantes. Additionally, Rohingya Christians in Bangladesh and India face statelessness, attacks, and false accusations. These events highlight ongoing security threats and religious persecution affecting minority communities in these countries.

Illustrative photo: a church with a cross on the top of it
Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by SAM sokkolinmony on Unsplash
Persecuted church

New Christians in Southeast Asia Face Persecution During Temple Season

IMB (International Mission Board) Thailand

In various Southeast Asian nations, new believers in Jesus often face intense pressure from their communities. Because Buddhism is deeply tied to cultural identity, rejecting it is seen as rejecting one's people. During Temple Season, which occurs every 15 days, villagers are expected to attend temple activities. Those who refuse face conflict, with reports of villages offering money to persuade believers to return to Buddhism. The International Mission Board highlights this severe persecution and urges support for those enduring these challenges from family and neighbors.

Illustrative photo: Village nestled between steep, forested mountains and a calm lake
Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Beatriz Zahinos Marin on Unsplash
Good news and persecution

Catholic Action in Myanmar's Shan State Offers Hope Amid War

Agenzia Fides (Espanol) Myanmar (Burma)

A representative of Catholic Action in a city in Shan State, Myanmar, describes how the group supports communities during the ongoing civil war. Although the area remains relatively quiet due to military control, residents face fear of forced recruitment and displacement. The organization provides spiritual comfort, visits the sick, and assists grieving families. This lay ministry aims to maintain social bonds and hope despite the conflict that has displaced millions since the 2021 coup. The group emphasizes prayer and solidarity as essential tools for resilience in a region divided by ethnic and political tensions.

Translated from Español

Illustrative photo: a large white bird shaped building in the middle of a forest
Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Hongbin on Unsplash
Persecuted church

Myanmar Military Accused of Destroying Two Churches in Chin and Kachin States

Kidok Ilbo (기독일보) Myanmar (Burma)

Christian Solidarity Worldwide reports that Myanmar’s military attacked two churches in Christian-majority regions earlier this month. Airstrikes in a village in Chin State severely damaged a Presbyterian church compound. Three days later, soldiers burned a Baptist church near a city in Kachin State. CSW founder Mervyn Thomas condemned these acts as violations of international humanitarian law and religious freedom. The group alleges the military targets religious institutions to punish Christian communities resisting armed opposition. No casualties were reported in the incidents. The advocacy organization urges the international community to impose concrete measures against the junta.

Translated from 한국어Also reported by 1 other outlet

Good news and persecution

Vatican Peace Meeting Highlights Sudan and Myanmar Conflicts

Vatican News (Polish) Sudan

Experts and activists addressed a peace forum in Italy, organized by a religious community. A speaker described the war in Sudan as an imposed conflict driven by resource exploitation, citing a specific massacre. Another explained that Myanmar's civil war has shifted from political grievances to competition over natural minerals. A UNHCR representative emphasized the urgent need for humanitarian aid for millions of displaced people, including Sudanese refugees and Rohingya minorities. The event aimed to restore dignity to victims of forgotten wars and promote dialogue among those affected by these ongoing crises.

Translated from Polski

Persecuted church

Report links Christian persecution to mass displacement in Africa and Asia

Aid to the Church in Need UK Nigeria

A major charity released a recent report analyzing persecution across eighteen nations. The study reveals that conditions have worsened in over half of these countries within the last two years. Sub-Saharan Africa is highlighted as a high-risk zone, where extremist violence in specific nations has forced millions to flee their homes. The report also documents deteriorating situations in parts of Asia and Central America, driven by state repression and religious nationalism. These compounding factors are causing a significant exodus of Christians, fundamentally altering the demographic landscape of these affected regions.

Good news and persecution

Catechists bring hope and education to war-torn Myanmar

Agenzia Fides (Espanol) Myanmar (Burma)

In Myanmar, catechists provide vital support to communities devastated by civil war. A recent training retreat in a major city, led by Cardinal Charles Bo, gathered pastoral agents to renew their commitment to vulnerable populations. These workers travel through dangerous, militia-controlled areas to offer spiritual comfort and psychological aid. With public schools closing, they also provide basic education to children displaced by violence. The article highlights figures like Blessed Isidoro Ngei Ko Lat. According to the outlet, these catechists promote peace and reconciliation in various regions, acting as beacons of hope amidst ongoing conflict.

Translated from Español

Good news and persecution

Humanitarian Worker Risks Life Providing Aid in Myanmar Conflict

Vatican News (Polish) Myanmar (Burma)

A humanitarian worker continues her vital aid efforts in Myanmar despite ongoing armed conflict. The founder of a relief organization provides medical care, food, and evacuation support in regions such as Rakhine and Chin. She was previously arrested but resumed operations immediately after release. Her group assists civilians affected by the 2021 coup and recent natural disasters. According to the UN, millions need aid. She highlights the severe lack of legal protections and warns against romanticizing the population's suffering under the current regime, emphasizing the urgent need for safe access to vulnerable communities.

Translated from Polski

Good news and persecution

Myanmar Christians Rebuild After March 2025 Earthquakes

Portas Abertas Brasil Myanmar (Burma)

Over a year after the earthquakes in Myanmar, Christians continue recovering from the disaster. A local pastor reports that many believers lost their homes but are rebuilding with support from church partners abroad. Rapid response teams provided food, tents, and trauma counseling to survivors. According to the pastor, practical aid helped people recognize Christ's love, leading to increased church attendance. Despite ongoing political instability since the 2021 military coup, the community is finding hope and spiritual restoration amidst the ruins.

Translated from Português

Persecuted church

Freedom House Report Ranks China and Myanmar Worst for Internet Freedom

ChinaAid Chinese (对华援助协会) China

A major rights organization released its annual report, noting a global decline in internet freedom for the sixteenth consecutive year. Evaluating numerous countries, it identified two specific nations as having the lowest scores, with digital environments described as the worst globally. Users in these regions face severe legal consequences for basic online activities, such as sharing news or discussing religion. While one Asia-Pacific territory ranked highest in its region, another country saw significant deterioration due to recent political unrest. The group urges democratic nations to protect digital rights against authoritarian censorship.

Translated from 简体中文

Good news and persecution

Scottish Aid Worker Arrested in Myanmar Conflict

Vatican News (Espanol) Myanmar (Burma)

A Scottish humanitarian worker was arrested in Myanmar in 2025 while providing emergency medical aid during armed clashes. She stayed behind to help others escape but was detained herself. After her release, she helped free other prisoners and continued relief efforts in specific states. Her organization supports civilians affected by the war that intensified after the 2021 coup. The worker highlights the severe humanitarian crisis, including displacement and lack of healthcare, while criticizing international indifference to the suffering of the local population.

Translated from Español

Persecuted church (35)

Good news

Illustrative photo: a church in the mountains
Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Georgi Kalaydzhiev on Unsplash
Good news

Myanmar Woman Prays for Son Conscribed into Army

IMB (International Mission Board) Myanmar (Burma)

In a city in Myanmar, a woman began exploring Christianity after meeting a pastor’s wife at a local park. She attended church regularly and recently faced distress when her son was forcibly conscripted into the national army. Unable to contact him, she prayed for help. Weeks later, she successfully spoke with her son on the phone. She shared this experience at church, attributing the reunion to answered prayer. The International Mission Board reports her story as an example of faith during conflict, urging continued spiritual growth for her.

Illustrative photo: a building on a hill
Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Truly Bhutan on Unsplash
Good news

Myanmar Shan State Believers Hold 40-Day Training Sessions

IMB (International Mission Board) Myanmar (Burma)

Christian believers in a region of Myanmar report conducting 40-day training sessions across various areas of the province throughout the year. According to the IMB, many attendees initially claiming faith come to genuinely know Jesus Christ during these events. Some participants feel a calling to evangelism and are subsequently invited to a training school to learn how to share the gospel and shepherd new believers. The group requests prayers for these trainings to lead many to true faith and to call others to service in the region. This activity highlights ongoing grassroots evangelism efforts in the area.

Illustrative photo: Mawlamyine MMR011001701, Myanmar (Burma) - panoramio (50)
Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Mawlamyine MMR011001701, Myanmar (Burma) - panoramio (50) · mohigan / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0
Good news

Pao Karen community screens Christian docudrama in Myanmar

IMB (International Mission Board) Myanmar (Burma)

Approximately 800 believers in a village in Myanmar gathered to watch the premiere of a docudrama about their faith history. The film depicts Christianity among this ethnic group, whose first believers began gathering about 120 years ago. According to the International Mission Board, there are now over 1,000 Christians in this community, representing only 0.07% of the population, while the majority follow Theravada Buddhism. The organization hopes the screening will facilitate gospel conversations within families and villages. The event marks a significant moment for this small Christian minority in the region.

Illustrative photo: Reading Scripture (Unsplash)
Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Reading Scripture (Unsplash) · Aaron Burden aaronburden / Wikimedia Commons · CC0
Good news

Myanmar believers use Bible storying for nonliterate communities

IMB (International Mission Board) Myanmar (Burma)

In a village in Myanmar, local Christians have adopted Bible storying techniques to share the Gospel with nonliterate community members interested in Jesus. The International Mission Board reports that these groups are practicing this new method of faith sharing. The outlet encourages observers to hope for spiritual fruit in the lives of those hearing about Christ for the first time. It also calls for believers to have boldness and confidence while relying on the Holy Spirit to touch hearts during these evangelistic efforts.

Illustrative photo: Village nestled between steep, forested mountains and a calm lake
Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Beatriz Zahinos Marin on Unsplash
Good news and persecution

Catholic Action in Myanmar's Shan State Offers Hope Amid War

Agenzia Fides (Espanol) Myanmar (Burma)

A representative of Catholic Action in a city in Shan State, Myanmar, describes how the group supports communities during the ongoing civil war. Although the area remains relatively quiet due to military control, residents face fear of forced recruitment and displacement. The organization provides spiritual comfort, visits the sick, and assists grieving families. This lay ministry aims to maintain social bonds and hope despite the conflict that has displaced millions since the 2021 coup. The group emphasizes prayer and solidarity as essential tools for resilience in a region divided by ethnic and political tensions.

Translated from Español

Good news and persecution

Vatican Peace Meeting Highlights Sudan and Myanmar Conflicts

Vatican News (Polish) Sudan

Experts and activists addressed a peace forum in Italy, organized by a religious community. A speaker described the war in Sudan as an imposed conflict driven by resource exploitation, citing a specific massacre. Another explained that Myanmar's civil war has shifted from political grievances to competition over natural minerals. A UNHCR representative emphasized the urgent need for humanitarian aid for millions of displaced people, including Sudanese refugees and Rohingya minorities. The event aimed to restore dignity to victims of forgotten wars and promote dialogue among those affected by these ongoing crises.

Translated from Polski

Good news and persecution

Catechists bring hope and education to war-torn Myanmar

Agenzia Fides (Espanol) Myanmar (Burma)

In Myanmar, catechists provide vital support to communities devastated by civil war. A recent training retreat in a major city, led by Cardinal Charles Bo, gathered pastoral agents to renew their commitment to vulnerable populations. These workers travel through dangerous, militia-controlled areas to offer spiritual comfort and psychological aid. With public schools closing, they also provide basic education to children displaced by violence. The article highlights figures like Blessed Isidoro Ngei Ko Lat. According to the outlet, these catechists promote peace and reconciliation in various regions, acting as beacons of hope amidst ongoing conflict.

Translated from Español

Good news and persecution

Humanitarian Worker Risks Life Providing Aid in Myanmar Conflict

Vatican News (Polish) Myanmar (Burma)

A humanitarian worker continues her vital aid efforts in Myanmar despite ongoing armed conflict. The founder of a relief organization provides medical care, food, and evacuation support in regions such as Rakhine and Chin. She was previously arrested but resumed operations immediately after release. Her group assists civilians affected by the 2021 coup and recent natural disasters. According to the UN, millions need aid. She highlights the severe lack of legal protections and warns against romanticizing the population's suffering under the current regime, emphasizing the urgent need for safe access to vulnerable communities.

Translated from Polski

Good news and persecution

Myanmar Christians Rebuild After March 2025 Earthquakes

Portas Abertas Brasil Myanmar (Burma)

Over a year after the earthquakes in Myanmar, Christians continue recovering from the disaster. A local pastor reports that many believers lost their homes but are rebuilding with support from church partners abroad. Rapid response teams provided food, tents, and trauma counseling to survivors. According to the pastor, practical aid helped people recognize Christ's love, leading to increased church attendance. Despite ongoing political instability since the 2021 military coup, the community is finding hope and spiritual restoration amidst the ruins.

Translated from Português

Good news

Refugee Mentor Leads Parent Program in US

World Relief United States

A refugee from Myanmar now resides in a city in the United States. After fleeing conflict, she volunteers with a local aid organization. She coordinates a program helping newly arrived children and parents navigate the American school system. Her work supports students in a local school district with language and academic skills. Although she has built a stable life in the US, she hopes to reunite with her family in Myanmar, where violence continues. Her story highlights the challenges of resettlement and the importance of community support for refugees.

Good news and persecution

Scottish Aid Worker Arrested in Myanmar Conflict

Vatican News (Espanol) Myanmar (Burma)

A Scottish humanitarian worker was arrested in Myanmar in 2025 while providing emergency medical aid during armed clashes. She stayed behind to help others escape but was detained herself. After her release, she helped free other prisoners and continued relief efforts in specific states. Her organization supports civilians affected by the war that intensified after the 2021 coup. The worker highlights the severe humanitarian crisis, including displacement and lack of healthcare, while criticizing international indifference to the suffering of the local population.

Translated from Español

Good news

Rohingya Family Builds Garden in Wisconsin After Fleeing Myanmar

World Relief United States

A Rohingya family from Myanmar resettled in a city in Wisconsin with support from World Relief. After enduring hardship in Bangladesh, they faced challenges adapting to the local climate and community. With guidance from a caseworker, they established a garden to grow familiar vegetables and connect with neighbors. The project fostered resilience and generosity, providing fresh food and strengthening community ties. Their story highlights the ongoing efforts of local partners to help immigrants rebuild their lives and find belonging in the United States.

Good news (15)

Sources covering Myanmar (Burma)

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