Aid to the Church in Need International·🇨🇲 Cameroon·
An archbishop in Cameroon is preparing a peace catechism with support from Aid to the Church in Need. The document contains one hundred questions and answers inspired by a recent papal message. It aims to teach reconciliation and respect for life to young people in a region scarred by conflict since 2016. The violence has killed thousands and displaced up to one million residents. The archbishop hopes the text, distributed in Catholic schools, will help a generation marked by violence build a culture of peace. The initiative targets students of various faiths to promote coexistence.
A September report indicates that thousands of Christians were killed and kidnapped in Nigeria during the first eight months of 2026. The violence severely impacted central regions, where numerous churches were attacked. A senior bishop described the events as a deliberate campaign of extermination. Although the government denies targeting only Christians, international experts warn of widespread persecution. The data highlights the severe vulnerability of religious minorities amid ongoing terrorism and ethnic tensions, underscoring the critical danger faced by believers in these areas.
Christian leaders in Nigeria have condemned a series of violent attacks in the Middle Belt region. Following assaults in several states that resulted in dozens of deaths and abductions, they called for an end to the bloodshed. They clarified that the violence in one specific area was not religiously motivated, as both attackers and victims were Muslim. The bishops urged the government to enhance intelligence-based security and prosecute those responsible, while expressing solidarity with the Muslim community and demanding respect for human life.
Translated from Tiếng ViệtAlso reported by 2 outlets
Catholic bishops in England and Wales have strongly condemned a new assisted dying bill scheduled for a House of Commons vote on 11 September. Introduced by Labour MP Lauren Edwards, the legislation mirrors a previous 2024 proposal. Archbishop John Sherrington of Liverpool described the measure as flawed and dangerous, citing insufficient safeguards for vulnerable groups such as disabled individuals and victims of domestic abuse. Bishop Philip Egan of Portsmouth warned of mission creep, while Bishop Stephen Wright of Hexham and Newcastle emphasized the inherent dignity of life. The bishops argue the bill fails to protect conscientious objection and could negatively impact palliative care quality.
A pastor from a major church in Nigeria has been released following an armed kidnapping in a northern region. The incident occurred when armed men intercepted a minibus traveling between two local towns. Local Christian leaders confirmed his release, noting he made contact after captivity. While kidnappers reportedly demanded a ransom, no payment was publicly confirmed. Tragically, another victim, a fellow pastor, was found dead nearby. The event highlights the ongoing security threats facing Christians in the region, where violence and abductions remain prevalent.
Translated from PortuguêsAlso reported by 2 outlets
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Israel Ferrera on UnsplashPersecuted church
In Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party secured a clear victory in the regional election held on September 6, 2026. According to La Croix, the party made opposition to the Catholic and Protestant churches a central campaign theme. The AfD accuses these religious institutions of being part of a nepotistic network of old parties, representing a left-wing ideology, and belonging to a so-called migratory industry. This marks a notable shift, as religion typically does not play a significant role in German regional elections.
Translated from FrançaisAlso reported by 9 outlets
The Episcopal Conference of Mozambique concluded an extraordinary assembly in a city in southern Mozambique, demanding judicial explanations for the shooting death of a bishop in a northern coastal city. The bishops described the killing as a severe blow to the Catholic Church and expressed frustration that authorities have provided no updates after three months. They called for continued efforts to uncover the perpetrators and motives. The document, signed by the conference president, also noted the Pope's interest in the case and honored recently deceased bishops and a cardinal.
Translated from PortuguêsAlso reported by 4 outlets
Archbishop Paul Coakley, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, wrote to President Donald Trump requesting a pause on deporting Haitians from the United States. Coakley cited severe gang violence in Port-au-Prince, including an attack on a church shelter, as the reason for his pastoral concern. He argued that returning individuals to such danger is unsafe without adequate reintegration systems. The letter acknowledges the need for immigration enforcement but seeks temporary relief for peaceful residents. Pope Leo XIV also condemned the violence. The White House has not yet responded to the request.
A pastor in Nigeria survived a two-month kidnapping by Islamic extremists, which resulted in the deaths of his wife and two sons. Reports indicate that without trauma support, he would have been consumed by bitterness. He now advocates for healing programs for other Christians in the region facing similar violence. The pastor emphasizes the increasing attacks on believers and urges prayer for those enduring hardship. His story highlights the severe risks Christians face in the area and the critical need for psychological support to prevent revenge and promote forgiveness among persecuted communities.
European bishops argue that baptism registers are historical records, not mere membership lists. They oppose an EU court case from Belgium, where a diocese refused to delete personal data upon request. The bishops state that removing these records would make verifying sacraments like confirmation or marriage impossible. They warn this threatens the Church's autonomy and religious freedom. The European Bishops' Council claims the ruling could imply baptism is optional, contradicting Catholic doctrine. The European Court of Justice is expected to rule in 2026 or 2027. This matters as it tests the balance between data privacy laws and religious institutional rights.
Translated from Tiếng ViệtAlso reported by 2 outlets
Hong Kong's appeals court dismissed Cardinal Joseph Zen's challenge to his 2022 conviction regarding his role as a trustee for the 612 Humanitarian Relief Fund. The three-judge panel upheld the lower court's ruling that the organization was legally classified as a society and required registration. The decision confirms the legal standing of the previous judgment against the prominent church leader. This outcome reinforces the application of local registration laws to religiously affiliated humanitarian groups in the region. The ruling marks the end of Zen's legal efforts to overturn the initial verdict concerning the fund's status.
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Kayla Gibson on UnsplashPersecuted church
Between August 23 and 24, a gang known as Viv Ansam attacked a church in Kenscoff, Haiti, killing at least 47 people and kidnapping more than 50. The group targeted the Arca del Nuevo Testamento evangelical church, where displaced families were seeking refuge. Church officials reported that at least 22 executions occurred inside the temple. Haitian authorities condemned the attack, promising to respond with legal force. The UN notes that rival gangs are displacing thousands in the capital. Amnesty International urged increased protection for citizens against escalating criminal violence.
Canadian authorities published new regulations on July 29 requiring military chaplains and spiritual leaders to avoid referring to God during official state events. Officials state the rule respects soldiers' freedom of conscience and diverse beliefs. However, Bishop Scott McCaig, Canada's military ordinary, argues this violates religious freedom and conscience. He warns the policy sets a dangerous precedent for public life, claiming true secularism should protect religious expression rather than eliminate it. McCaig notes that despite the secular shift, many soldiers seek spiritual guidance. Religious leaders plan to continue dialogue with the government to find a solution that respects both diversity and the spiritual needs of the armed forces.
The Maine Supreme Judicial Court ruled on September 1 that a 13-year-old Christian girl cannot attend church with her mother without her father's permission. The decision grants the father exclusive authority over the child's religious activities, citing the minor's best interests. The ruling stems from a custody dispute between Emily Bickford and Matthew Bradeen, who separated in 2013. Legal experts from Liberty Counsel and the Family Research Council criticized the verdict as a threat to religious freedom and parental rights. The court rejected arguments that the decision violated the First Amendment, stating that assigning religious authority to one parent does not infringe on shared parental rights.
The Liechtenstein parliament voted 13 to 12 to legalize abortion up to twelve weeks of pregnancy and rejected a referendum proposal by the same margin. The law requires approval from Prince Regent Alois, who has until March 2027 to sign it. The prince previously stated he would use his veto power to protect life. Currently, abortion is illegal except in cases of risk to the woman's life, sexual crime, or pregnancies involving girls under fourteen. Bishop Benno Elbs also opposed the changes, citing Catholic teaching on the dignity of the unborn child. The initiative follows a failed 2011 referendum where 52 percent voted against legalization.
Bishop Scott McCaig of the Military Ordinariate of Canada opposes new Department of National Defence instructions that prohibit military personnel from using language referencing God during official spiritual reflections. Issued on July 29, 2026, the policy aims to uphold state neutrality and respect for diverse traditions. However, Bishop McCaig argues this restricts religious freedom and contradicts sincere beliefs, as many cannot separate spiritual well-being from God. He represents the Interfaith Committee for Canadian Military Chaplaincy, seeking dialogue with the government to ensure inclusive support for service members while navigating the evolving role of religion in public life. (Vatican News)
Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago and two orders of Catholic religious sisters have filed a lawsuit in U.S. district court to block Illinois' assisted suicide law. The suit, announced by the Becket law firm on September 3, challenges rules signed by Governor JB Pritzker in December 2025 that permit doctors to prescribe lethal medication to terminally ill patients. The plaintiffs argue the law violates the First Amendment by forcing caregivers to discuss suicide options and allow the practice in their facilities. Cardinal Cupich stated the Church opposes efforts undermining human dignity, while the sisters claim the mandate conflicts with their vow to protect the vulnerable.
Polish parents and Catholic bishops have expressed concern over new education ministry regulations that restrict religion classes to one hour per week, scheduled only at the start or end of the school day. Pope Leo XIV encouraged Polish students to attend these lessons during a general audience, highlighting the collaboration between families, schools, and the Church. Critics argue the timing disadvantages students who travel long distances, potentially forcing them to drop the subject. Bishop Wojciech Osial described the changes as harmful, while Bishop Marek Mendyk warned against efforts to secularize schools. The Catholic Institute of Statistics notes that 76% of Polish students currently attend religion classes.
Translated from PortuguêsAlso reported by 2 outlets
Monsignor Pierre-André Dumas, vice president of the Haitian Episcopal Conference, has written to US President Donald Trump urging a reconsideration of the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian immigrants. The US Supreme Court and federal courts recently allowed the suspension of TPS, threatening the deportation of 331,000 beneficiaries. Dumas argues that Haiti remains unsafe due to endemic gang violence, citing a recent massacre in Port-au-Prince. He emphasizes that many TPS holders are parents of US citizens and contribute to American society. The Vatican News report highlights the fears of immigrants like Emma and Elizabeth, who face deportation despite their legal contributions and family ties in the United States.
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