A city in the Czech Republic will host a screening of journalist Tomáš Etzler’s documentary film Nebe. The event is part of Red Wednesday, an international campaign organized by Aid to the Church in Need to raise awareness about persecuted Christians. A local evangelical pastor states the goal is to reach a broader audience beyond existing church communities. Etzler, a former CNN correspondent and long-term reporter in China, will attend for a Q&A session. The film highlights human rights issues and religious freedom in China, drawing on Etzler’s seven years of experience there. According to ACN, approximately 413 million Christians live in countries with serious restrictions on religious freedom.
A couple in South Korea received a certificate of appreciation from the Miral Welfare Foundation on November 12 in Seoul. The parents, identified as Kim Min-gyu and Ye Su-a, are recognized for their role in launching a special stroller support program for children with severe disabilities. Their story, published by Kukmin Ilbo, highlighted the difficulties families face with standard equipment. This advocacy led to a partnership with Hyundai Motor Company, expanding the initiative to assist 500 families nationwide. The custom strollers are lighter and more adaptable, allowing children to recline and carry medical devices. The foundation stated that the parents' love for their daughter helped create new hope for many other families.
A sociologist argues that a tripartite alliance involving pastors, lawyers, and officials in East Asia is reviving 'deprogramming,' a practice involving the abduction and detention of adults. Recent cooperation between anti-cult groups in South Korea and Japan has signaled a resurgence of these tactics. Data suggests forced conversion cases are increasing again after a previous decline. The report highlights that key figures in this network have prior criminal convictions for similar acts, raising serious concerns about religious freedom across the region.
Religious and civic organizations held a press conference in Seoul on November 11 to announce a national rally scheduled for November 13 at the Blue House. The Holy Breakwater coalition opposes the government's plan to introduce abortion pills and push for an anti-discrimination law. Organizers argue these policies threaten fetal life, family values, and religious freedom. The event aims to unite Christians, Catholics, Buddhists, and citizens to demand policy reversals. They cite safety concerns regarding the medication and constitutional violations in the proposed legislation. The group plans to limit attendance to 3,000 people for the upcoming demonstration.
A foundation reports that persecution of Christians has worsened in 18 countries between 2024 and July 2026. The report highlights increased violence and restrictions in nations including Nigeria, Mozambique, China, Iran, and Nicaragua. In Africa, jihadist attacks and farmer-herder conflicts have displaced millions. In the Middle East, Syria has lost over 80 percent of its Christian population since 2011, raising fears of community disappearance. The foundation urges international attention to these crises and is launching a Red Week campaign in November to raise awareness and support affected believers.
In Jeju, South Korea, the 'Seonhan Jangi' bookstore in Jocheon-eup operates as both a retail space and a church. Pastor Park Jong-hyuk and his wife Kim Jin-kyung run the venue, which hosts Sunday services. The couple aims to reach non-believers by offering a welcoming environment with mixed book selections. According to the outlet, about 80 percent of visitors are Christians, while the rest are non-believers or those accompanying believers. Kim shares her personal faith journey to encourage guests to explore Christianity and attend local churches. The space also provides rest for pastors and families, evolving from a home worship setting into a community hub for spiritual connection and rest.
City Mission Church in Anyang, South Korea, has opened the Dream Community Center to assist international students. The initiative pairs foreign learners with local Christian volunteers to help them adapt to life in Korea. This effort aims to reduce isolation and provide practical support for housing and academic costs. The program was presented at a social welfare forum in Seoul by Pastor Lee Kyu. Organizers emphasize that targeted assistance during the first year of stay is crucial for successful integration into the community.
Authorities in a city in Guangxi province lifted bail restrictions on four members of a house church in China. The individuals completed procedures at a local center. Eight other pastors and workers remain detained, facing charges of fraud and illegal business operations. Prosecutors postponed trial proceedings due to insufficient evidence. A human rights group stated the detentions violate fundamental rights and urged the withdrawal of charges. The church was founded by a pastor who was released earlier this year. The organization continues to monitor the situation and advocate for the release of all detained believers.
Pastor Han Young-ho of Namin Missionary Society shared his testimony at the 2026 Daniel Prayer Meeting in South Korea. He revealed that he spent 22 years as a drug addict, manufacturing and selling narcotics before finding faith. Han stated that a spiritual encounter changed his life, leading him to dedicate himself to helping others. His organization has supported approximately 1,200 individuals over 30 years. He emphasized that true faith requires honest living and professional intervention for addiction, rather than relying solely on prayer or family efforts.
Two leaders of an unregistered Protestant house church in a city in China are scheduled for trial on fraud charges related to church offerings. One pastor faces a recommended sentence of 12 to 13 years, while his wife and a fellow leader face separate proceedings. Religious freedom advocates view these prosecutions as an effort to criminalize voluntary giving by unregistered congregations. The defense team has requested delays due to health concerns and evidence gathering, alleging procedural violations and coerced statements from congregants. The trials highlight ongoing tensions regarding religious liberty in the region.
A Uyghur woman detained in China's Xinjiang region has died in prison. She was arrested years ago for guilt by association with her parents and spent time in detention centers before receiving a lengthy sentence. Her death was confirmed by local police, though no official cause or medical report was provided. Activists, including a leader of an exile government and a human rights lawyer, condemned the death as part of broader human rights abuses. The case highlights ongoing concerns regarding the treatment of Uyghurs in Chinese detention facilities.
Father Justin Choi Inbi, Executive Secretary of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Korea, told Agenzia Fides that preparations for World Youth Day Seoul 2027 aim to strengthen cooperation among dioceses and welcome pilgrims. The initiative seeks to engage young Koreans often distant from the Church, particularly those from multicultural families. A joint website helps coordinate events across fifteen dioceses from July 29 to August 2, 2027. The Church emphasizes hospitality and encounter, encouraging host families and communities to open their doors. This approach intends to transform participants by fostering openness beyond mere event organization.
Pastor Park Jong-pil and physician Shin Sook-hee, missionaries from South Korea, have served drug addicts and impoverished residents in Sao Paulo, Brazil, since 2017. Despite facing significant regulatory barriers that delayed Shin’s medical license recognition, she eventually qualified and established a shared hospital to improve cancer care access. The couple also opened a rehabilitation center in Archibaya in January 2024 to support addiction recovery through medical and spiritual counseling. Their work addresses critical health and social needs in Brazil’s marginalized communities.
South Korean authorities have cautioned missionaries to avoid religious activities in China, India, and Nepal that exceed visa permissions. Officials noted instances where pastors were detained for preaching while on tourist visas. These nations strictly limit proselytizing, with India restricting such work in many provinces. The warning seeks to prevent arrests and deportations amid rising international tensions. A crisis management foundation stated it would collaborate with church groups to enhance safety protocols for overseas workers, ensuring they remain compliant with local laws to protect their well-being.
The International Yoido Honor Society, led by Pastor Lee Young-hoon of Yoido Full Gospel Church in South Korea, donated 20 million won to the Korea Foreign Workers Welfare Association on November 11. The funds, designated for multicultural welfare and mutual development, will support housing improvements for foreign workers in Siheung and provide emergency shelters. According to the group, the money will also aid Korean language education and support multicultural youth. This initiative aims to foster a community where Koreans and foreigners live together harmoniously, reflecting the church's spiritual values.
The South Korean ambassador to the Holy See, Hyung-sik Shin, hosted a forum in Rome on November 11, 2026, to promote the World Youth Day in Seoul. He urged young people to reimagine the Korean Demilitarized Zone as a sanctuary for peace and reconciliation. The event took place at the Pontifical Urban University. Shin emphasized that the 2027 event, themed around courage, must transcend being a mere gathering. It aims to foster a civilization of love, building on the momentum from the previous World Youth Day in Lisbon. The ambassador highlighted the unique historical context of the Catholic Church in South Korea.
Christian Solidarity Worldwide reports that China’s new Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress, effective July 1, grants the Communist Party greater legal authority to restrict religious practice. The group states the law codifies the Sinicization of religion and enhances transnational repression. Several Christians remain imprisoned, including a pastor who faces an exit ban despite his cancer diagnosis. Other detained leaders include additional pastors. The report also highlights the detention of church figures and the sentencing of a well-known activist, noting a climate of self-censorship across the country.
According to ChinaAid, authorities constructed a public park on the grounds of a demolished church in a city in Zhejiang province. The Protestant congregation, part of the Local Church movement, faced repression after refusing to display national flags. Police arrested many members and destroyed the building. While most detainees were released, 20 Christians remain imprisoned without final court decisions, charged with provoking disturbances. Bob Fu of ChinaAid states the park symbolizes state control, yet the congregation continues meeting discreetly in homes despite the loss of their sanctuary.
From November 5 to 13, 2026, Cambodia hosted the fifth National Games in Phnom Penh. The Royal Cambodian Armed Forces judo team won five gold medals, aided by Korean coach Lee Seung-chan and local director Sok Dara. This success reflects five years of support from South Korean churches and judo organizations. Coach Lee, a missionary, received housing and logistical help from the Cambodian Judo Federation. The victory highlights sustained cross-border cooperation and the personal growth of athletes like Cheeav Chovin, who is now a soldier. The achievement demonstrates how sports missions foster long-term relationships and stability in Cambodia.
Translated from 한국어
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