Christians in India endure an average of 14 attacks weekly. The country ranks 12th on Open Doors' persecution index, following Iran and Afghanistan. Reports describe violent incidents where mobs disrupt services, assault clergy families, and destroy church property. New converts are threatened with job loss and withdrawal of government benefits if they continue attending church. These actions aim to force believers to abandon their faith through intimidation and physical harm.
Forty-seven missionary organizations are hosting the Unreached Peoples Conference at the IMI Forum in Stavanger, Norway, this weekend. The event brings together missionaries, leaders, volunteers, and laypeople with the shared goal of strengthening efforts to reach people who have not heard the gospel. Attendees Alfrida and Lodve Karlsen expressed high expectations for inspiration. Alfrida noted that while there is unrest in the world, churches in Norway are rising, transforming religiosity into life. The gathering highlights a renewed focus on mission work in the country. (Source: Dagen)
The Salvation Army in Norway is investigating how to better support elderly individuals struggling with substance abuse. The organization expresses concern that this vulnerable group lacks adequate care, noting that research from SERAF indicates addicts live up to 15 years less than the general population. Consequently, a 50-year-old addict may have the physical condition of an older person. With an aging wave affecting the country, the Salvation Army is currently assessing future strategies to provide nursing home placements and shared housing for these individuals.
Church leaders gathered in Oslo on Thursday to discuss a significant increase in religious belief among young people in Norway. According to Norsk Monitor, the proportion of youth who believe in God has reached its highest level in 18 years, marking a notable shift after decades of secularization. Approximately 50 to 60 leaders from free churches attended the event at Håp church on Majorstua. The meeting featured a panel discussion with political scientists and theologians to analyze what this trend signifies for the future of faith in the country.
Norwegian Sailors' Churches in the United States reported a record number of visitors during the recent World Cup. According to the outlet, the five churches saw a 123 percent increase in attendance compared to the same period in 2025. Thousands of Norwegians traveled to the US to support the national team, with many visiting the churches during their stay. The organization had prepared in advance to host the influx of fans, resulting in a significant boost in foot traffic across all locations.
Sigbjørn Pedersen, a speaker from Rogaland, presented at the Gi Jesus Videre conference held at Filadelfiakirken in Oslo. He combines religious messaging with physical experiments, such as igniting his hands and popping balloons, to engage audiences. Pedersen, who previously failed natural science subjects, explains that he travels to share his faith while performing these demonstrations. The event attracted approximately 600 attendees, marking a significant gathering for the conference organizers.
At least seven people were killed and 34 injured when armed men opened fire during a funeral at a Greek Orthodox church in a southern region of Jordan. Authorities confirmed the attack occurred in the southern area, far from the capital. State television broadcast images showing three men approaching the church with pistols and a semi-automatic weapon. The government stated the assault was carried out by unknown perpetrators, though it remains unclear if any suspects have been apprehended or killed. King Abdullah II promised a harsh response to the violence.
The Swedish and Norwegian Bible Societies are collaborating to translate the Bible into Lule Sami, an endangered language. Translator Ánn Risstin Skoglund states that hearing familiar biblical texts in one's heart language creates a unique closeness difficult to achieve in other tongues. The project aims to support language revitalization and cultural restoration for the Lule Sami community. This effort highlights the importance of preserving minority languages through religious texts, allowing speakers to connect with scripture in their native dialect. The initiative underscores the ongoing work to make biblical materials accessible to diverse linguistic groups across Scandinavia.
The Jerusalem Seminar for Bible Studies has resumed in-person classes in Jerusalem after delays caused by the pandemic and regional conflict. Located on Prophets' Street, the center now hosts 25 students focusing on biblical studies and Hebrew. Founders Baruch Kvasnica and William Ondrich hope for increased enrollment in coming years. For those unable to travel, online options are available. The institution, active since 2018, aims to provide accessible theological education in the heart of the city.
Danish priests have strongly criticized Folkekirkens Nødhjelp after the aid agency posted a controversial video on social media. According to reports, the clip contains derogatory remarks about Christianity and the values represented by the church. The incident has sparked significant debate within Denmark. The religious leaders are reacting to the content, which they find offensive and disrespectful to their faith. This dispute highlights tensions between humanitarian organizations and religious communities in the country.
The Norwegian prayer initiative 'Hele Norge ber 2026' has been extended until June 19, 2026. Originally planned as a one-year continuous prayer effort, the campaign has already accumulated 8,784 hours of prayer participation from hundreds of congregations. Organizers state that they observe a spiritual awakening across the country, prompting the decision to prolong the action. The new end date coincides with The Send event in Bergen. The leadership group made this announcement to encourage continued engagement from local churches throughout the extended period.
A Russian missile struck the Dobra Novina Pentecostal church in Kramatorsk, Donetsk, Ukraine, on Sunday at 11 a.m. The attack destroyed the building but caused no fatalities. The Ukrainian Pentecostal Movement reported that the congregation had been warned of the targeted strike and chose not to gather in the church that weekend. This decision likely saved many lives, as the site served as a spiritual and humanitarian center for thousands. The incident highlights the ongoing danger to religious sites in eastern Ukraine.
Translated from NorskAlso reported by 1 other outlet
Arvid Aasen and his family from the mission organization Jesus2Europe are continuing their evangelism work in Paris despite ongoing student riots and unrest in France. The Norwegian family has lived in the French capital since 2014 with the goal of sending missionaries across Europe. Aasen stated that they trust in divine protection while sharing their message amidst the destruction. The group operates in France, Poland, and Norway, with the family currently residing in Paris while one child studies in Norway.
A well-known farm and Christian gathering site in Iveland, Norway, was completely destroyed by fire on Tuesday afternoon. Emergency services closed a county road and evacuated the area due to explosion risks. The owners, Arild Tørresen and Anne May Grosås, were on vacation in Albania when they received the news from firefighters. The property, known as Grosås Gård, regularly hosts prayer meetings and Christian concerts. The main stable, built through community effort, burned to the ground. The couple expressed their sadness to Fædrelandsvennen, noting the difficulty of receiving such news while away.
The Swedish school inspection authority has criticized a Christian elementary school in the Stockholm region for violating educational regulations. After observing classes and interviewing staff and students, inspectors concluded that the school's curriculum was preachy rather than neutral. The controversy arose when a class discussed what Jesus would do, leading officials to argue that such statements favor a Christian worldview and influence pupils. The school must now correct several identified deficiencies to comply with national standards. This case highlights ongoing tensions between religious instruction and secular educational requirements in Sweden.
A court in Mombasa, Kenya, has found Pastor Paul Mackenzie guilty of murdering 190 children and one adult. The verdict was delivered on Monday. Mackenzie founded Good News International Ministries in 2003, focusing on end-times preaching. According to Reuters, the court rejected his defense that he did not force the victims to starve. The congregation had been ordered to starve their children to death so they could meet Jesus. Mackenzie and approximately 30 others were convicted in this case.
The Catholic Church in Poland has introduced measures to protect children and young people, but editor Zbigniew Nosowski argues the reporting system still fails in many areas. Nosowski, who has led the respected journal Więź since 2001, states that many Poles believe the church's handling of sexual abuse cases is the primary reason for their declining trust. This follows ongoing accusations that Polish bishops concealed and protected priests who committed sexual offenses, as seen in past protests demanding accountability.
A report titled 'The Hate Review' has been presented at the European Parliament, identifying Norwegian organizations as part of an 'anti-gender' movement. Published by the Brussels-based LGBT group Forbidden Colours, the document covers 47 European countries. It specifically names the Christian Democratic Party (KrF), MorFarBarn, Dagen, and Vårt Land, among others. The report was presented on October 12 by Luxembourg social democrat Marc Angel. The publisher describes the targeted groups as critics of modern gender theory and abortion opponents.
Former missionary child Gunnar Hansen has filed a lawsuit against the Norwegian Lutheran Mission (NLM) in Oslo. The legal proceedings, scheduled for November 18, concern compensation for damages suffered during his upbringing at a boarding school in Kenya. According to reports, Hansen is claiming standardized child compensation amounting to just over two million Norwegian kroner, plus potential legal costs. The outlet Dagen notes it has not seen the full legal documents but confirms the hearing date. The case highlights ongoing accountability issues regarding historical missionary activities in Kenya.
Translated from Norsk
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