A Christian advocacy group is urging believers to sign a petition aiming for one million signatures to protest deadly sectarian attacks in sub-Saharan Africa. The campaign highlights that an average of twelve Christians are killed daily in the region due to their faith. The group seeks greater protection for believers, justice for perpetrators, and healing for affected communities. Somalia and Nigeria are identified as critical areas, with Nigeria accounting for most of the daily deaths. The organization plans to present the petition to the African Union, the United Nations, and other governments. The CEO stated that the signatures would signal to world leaders that the suffering of African Christians cannot be ignored. The petition has already gathered over 919,600 signatures.
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Mahmoud Sulaiman on UnsplashPersecuted church
Freedom of Religion South Africa surveyed National Assembly parties regarding state oversight of religious institutions before the November 2026 local elections. Six responding parties, including the DA and ActionSA, oppose legislation creating compulsory religious councils or licensing schemes. The ANC stated churches should govern themselves but did not explicitly reject regulatory laws. Other parties, such as the EFF and MK, have not yet provided written positions. The survey highlights a divide between supporting voluntary self-regulation and opposing state-mandated frameworks for religious organizations.
The Trump administration has set the US refugee cap at 17,500 for fiscal year 2027, primarily for white South Africans. This decision keeps the broader US Refugee Admissions Program suspended except for national interest cases. Aid groups like World Relief and the International Rescue Committee warn this excludes persecuted religious minorities and others fleeing conflict. Since the January 2025 suspension, thousands of approved refugees have had flights canceled. Organizations report families remain separated, with some waiting decades for resettlement. The Lautenberg Amendment for religious minorities is currently inactive due to the suspension.
Dhundup Gyalpo, the representative of the Dalai Lama in South Africa, escaped minor injuries after his Centurion residence was set ablaze on October 14, 2026. The attack, involving petrol bombs, marks the second assault on the property in three months, with a previous incident occurring on July 6, 2026. Gyalpo told local media that the repeated targeting may convey a political message rather than being random crime. South African police have opened an investigation, though no suspects have been identified. The incident raises concerns about the safety of Tibetan activists operating abroad.
The African National Congress in South Africa issued a statement clarifying it does not support state regulation of churches, affirming religious institutions' autonomy under the Constitution. Following this announcement, South African Church Defenders suspended its planned march to Luthuli House in Johannesburg. Freedom of Religion South Africa welcomed the clarification and urged the CRL Rights Commission to halt its Section 22 process. The group argues existing laws adequately address misconduct, rejecting compulsory registration. This development follows recent engagements between church leaders and ANC officials, including President Cyril Ramaphosa, regarding religious freedom concerns.
Attendees at a Religious Freedom Imbizo in Cape Town, South Africa, last Saturday expect a follow-up meeting with Dr. Zweli Mkhize, chair of the Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs. Bishop Templeton Mbekwa stated that Mkhize listened to objections regarding the CRL Rights Commission’s Section 22 Committee process. Participants oppose government regulation of religion, citing constitutional concerns about the committee’s formation and funding. While Michael Swain of FOR SA acknowledged Mkhize’s candid responses, he demanded written confirmation of assurances and a pause on hearings until legal advice is received. The group insists existing faith community codes should remain the starting point without statutory licensing powers.
Dr Zweli Mkhize, chairperson of the COGTA parliamentary portfolio committee, will deliver the keynote address at a religious freedom imbizo in Cape Town on Saturday. Hosted by the All-African Reformed Transitional Liberation Council under Bishop Templeton Mbekwa, the event takes place at the Castle of Good Hope. The gathering aims to allow religious leaders to engage with Parliament regarding the CRL Rights Commission’s Section 22 process. Bishop Thom Thamaga and Bishop Mbekwa oppose state regulation of religion. Freedom of Religion South Africa plans to make a submission at the event, noting that COGTA secretary Shereen Cassiem has confirmed future engagement with the religious sector.
Nomvula, a first-year seminary student from the Xhosa people group in South Africa, is starting a new church in the Eastern Cape province. The widowed mother of three young children co-planted ten churches with her late husband. According to the International Mission Board, she is now leading theological education efforts to form believers and develop leaders for a healthy congregation. This development highlights ongoing ministry work among the Xhosa community in the region bordering the Western Cape. The organization encourages support for her leadership in establishing the new local church.
A team member from the International Mission Board reports on funeral customs in Lesotho and South Africa. These events feature strong ancestral beliefs that influence daily life. A Christian pastor walking to a burial noted that if people applied the same respect for ancestors to God, Christianity would strengthen significantly. The writer highlights this potential for growth among believers. The article concludes by asking readers to support efforts for the Basotho to focus their devotion on Jesus Christ rather than cultural rituals, citing biblical encouragement for genuine love and service.
According to the International Mission Board, Rashida, a resident of South Africa, abandoned methamphetamine addiction and converted to Christianity after attending church with her daughter. The report states that Rashida, who previously struggled with substance abuse due to personal trauma, found sobriety and faith following her daughter's persistent prayers. Her Muslim family now reportedly seeks her help for prayer. The outlet highlights this narrative as an example of youth leading parents away from Islam and drug use toward Christianity in the region. The story is presented to encourage further missionary efforts in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The International Mission Board's Southwest South Africa Team is considering launching trauma healing groups on university campuses in Kayp town and surrounding areas. The initiative targets college students, aiming to provide a safe community where biblical teachings on healing are shared. According to the outlet, the ministry seeks to help participants recognize personal healing and encourage them to facilitate similar programs elsewhere. The effort focuses on Jesus and spiritual restoration. The team is currently praying about this opportunity to expand their outreach to students in need of God's Word in South Africa.
Daniel and Sky Scott are preparing to travel to the Limpopo province in South Africa to assess the current state of the Pedi people. More than a century after the first missionaries arrived, the group notes that the gospel has been widely shared but often syncretized with traditional beliefs. The couple intends to conduct a survey to evaluate believers, churches, and the level of spiritual lostness in the region. This visit aims to provide an updated understanding of the community's religious landscape after many years of missionary presence.
The Southwest South Africa Team, formerly known as the Cape Town Metro Evangelism Team, is organizing a prayer gathering in September at a Baptist seminary in Kayp town. This initiative follows an expansion of the team's operational boundaries to cover a wider area of South Africa where evangelical churches are sparse. While local believers in Cape Town are growing, the team seeks to reach those outside the city. The IMB reports that the group is calling for prayers for laborers to join the effort in these underserved regions. http://www.imb.org/sub-saharan-africa/
Moeketsi, a missionary working with the Basotho Team, reports significant challenges in the village of Ha Tanki in northern Lesotho. He states that many residents are leaving for South Africa to find work without proper documentation. Consequently, these individuals face arrest and prolonged imprisonment. This migration trend makes it difficult for Moeketsi to maintain relationships and continue evangelistic efforts in the community. The IMB reports that he is seeking support to reach those remaining and to prepare hearts for discipleship amidst this ongoing population shift.
Cape Town Baptist Seminary students in South Africa engaged in a missions week this spring, dispersing across the city to serve local churches. One team conducted a children's ministry at a local Islamic community center. The group played games, performed a skit, and taught the meaning of John 3:16. A missionary kid shared her testimony, and a student presented the gospel. One child prayed to follow Jesus. Muslim leaders were pleased with the supervision and care provided. When asked if the group could pray, a leader agreed. A missionary kid then prayed for the leaders and others to know God's Word. The IMB reports these events occurred during the theological education emphasis.
In South Africa, a believer named Henry encountered a Muslim family in a park whose photographer had failed to appear. Henry offered to take their photos and used the opportunity to discuss faith. The husband, Yusuf, was receptive because his parents had previously converted to Christianity after leaving prison for drug-related offenses. Henry plans to send Yusuf a book about Jesus's life to read. This interaction highlights personal evangelism efforts in the region, where individuals share religious texts and build relationships based on shared spiritual interests. The story illustrates how everyday encounters can lead to deeper theological discussions among residents of South Africa.
The Cape Town Metro Evangelism Team is shifting its operational focus from the city of Cape Town to the broader southwestern South Africa region. According to the International Mission Board, this expansion aims to address gaps in gospel influence within the new area. The team is seeking local laborers to engage in evangelism and is encouraging believers to pray for these efforts. The initiative is grounded in biblical teachings regarding the need for workers in the harvest field. This strategic move highlights a growing emphasis on regional outreach beyond the initial urban center.
Several ministries in Durban, South Africa, postponed their own scheduled events to participate in the launch of the Africa Back to God revival campaign. Apostle Linda Gobodo reported that the initiative, which traces its roots to Pastor Nicholas Bhengu in 1950, reached Durban in March 2026 as part of a broader effort across twelve gateway cities. The event featured collaboration with local churches and honored descendants of revival pioneers. Representatives from KwaZulu-Natal royal houses attended, with Prince Phumuzuzulu Zulu emphasizing spiritual intercession. The campaign aims to unite Christian bodies and address spiritual strongholds, with the next meeting planned for Bloemfontein in November.
Richard Bogonon, founder of Make Known, visited Seoul, South Korea, to promote his 'The Word One to One' evangelism method. He argues that traditional church events fail to connect with younger generations who view Christianity negatively. Instead, he advocates for simple, one-on-one Bible reading as a daily cultural practice. Bogonon shared examples from South Africa where this approach shifted congregational focus toward sharing the Gospel. He emphasized that the Gospel itself has power, not human rhetoric. His mission aims to transform church culture by encouraging believers to build relationships with non-Christians through shared scripture study rather than formal programs.
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