Fifteen Christians testified before a citizen-led tribunal in a city in West Bengal regarding mob attacks on house churches. Organized by civil society groups, the hearing featured survivors describing assaults, vandalism, and alleged police inaction since the ruling party took state power. Jury members, including a former Chief Information Commissioner, criticized the violence and official complicity. The organizers plan to submit a report to state and central governments. Church leaders condemned the incidents, citing increased fear and a lack of legal protection for minority worshippers in the region.
Polish Catholic organizations are launching a campaign to aid Christians in Pakistan. A priest from the local Episcopal Conference described how blasphemy accusations lead to violence and displacement. The Polish section of the Pontifical Works of the Faith will support young women in a major city with education and legal rights training. A director noted that significant funds have been sent to the country in the last decade. An archbishop urged prayers and material support. A day of solidarity with the persecuted church will be observed with a mass in a specific location in Poland.
Translated from Polski
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Martijn Vonk on UnsplashPersecuted church
A Catholic organization has called for the immediate release of a doctor and a Dalit activist detained in a state in eastern India since mid-October. The group argues the arrests, linked to clashes over a proposed bauxite mine, violate due process and target those resisting mining projects on protected tribal land. The doctor, serving remote communities, and the activist face serious charges including attempted murder. The organization asserts the case represents a crackdown on activists and urges the government to withdraw unsupported charges and respect constitutional rights regarding land consent.
Pakistan reported only 13 blasphemy allegations this year, a notable drop from previous years, according to International Christian Concern. This decline is attributed to military crackdowns on hardline Islamist groups, which also reduced related violence. However, ICC warns that underlying laws remain unchanged, leaving religious minorities, particularly Christians, at risk of false accusations and mob attacks. A recent incident in a city in Pakistan involved a Christian family targeted by a mob, though police intervened. Despite fewer cases, experts caution that the legal framework enabling such abuses persists, leaving vulnerable communities at continued risk.
Police in a city in Telangana state arrested two men for assaulting young Christian women. The incident, which occurred in a district within the state, was captured on video and recently released, sparking public outrage. The attackers accused the women of using chocolates for religious conversion. Following the video's emergence, local Dalit Christian and political groups protested at a crossroads in the area, condemning the violence and demanding protection of constitutional rights and communal harmony. Authorities are currently verifying further details of the case to ensure justice is served for the victims.
Dalit Christian organizations, alongside people’s and political groups, staged a large-scale protest at a crossroads in a city in India. The demonstration occurred to condemn an attack on two women and demand stringent legal action against the perpetrator. Protesters asserted that violence against women and religious hatred violate democratic principles and constitutional values. They called for justice for the victims and urged authorities to prevent similar incidents. Police made security arrangements to maintain order during the event, which emphasized the equal right of all citizens to live with dignity and freedom.
A community-wise analysis indicates that Muslim voters in a specific Indian state faced the highest proportion of deletions during the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. While Hindus and Christians had higher absolute numbers of removed names due to larger population bases, Muslims experienced a deletion rate of approximately 20%. This compares to 11% for Christians and 9% for Hindus. The study examined booth-wise records across multiple constituencies, noting the highest rates in certain local areas. The Election Commission of India does not track voter religion, so the analysis relied on names and surnames for classification. The report highlights the disparity but does not determine the reasons behind the differing rates.
The International Court of Justice will announce its verdict regarding whether the crackdown on the Rohingya minority constitutes genocide. A nation brought the case alleging severe human rights violations. The accused country denies the accusations, claiming its actions were necessary to suppress an insurgency. The ruling carries significant political weight, potentially influencing similar legal proceedings involving other regions. Over a million Rohingya refugees currently reside in camps in a neighboring country following years of violence that forced them to flee their homes.
An author argues that restricting fossil fuels harms the poor who rely on coal, oil, and gas for heating and cooking. He cites a nation’s success in providing LPG connections and electricity to lift millions out of poverty. While charities provide temporary aid in various countries, the author contends that sustainable solutions require national infrastructure. He criticizes bans by international organizations, stating that denying these resources to developing nations neglects their basic needs. The article highlights the health risks of household air pollution and urges churches to support energy access for the needy.
A retired archbishop from a major city in India received the 2026 Peace Award in a town in Nagaland. The honor was presented during a peace festival at a local memorial hall. The award recognizes his lifelong work in conflict transformation, interreligious dialogue, and peacebuilding across Northeast India. A chief guest praised the archbishop's legacy and the Catholic Church's educational impact. The archbishop accepted the award, citing principles of empathy and service. Another bishop also spoke on internal harmony. The event highlighted a peace channel's anniversary and its commitment to lasting peace in the region.
Official blasphemy cases in Pakistan have decreased following a military crackdown on fundamentalist groups, yet experts warn underlying dangers remain. Interviews with citizens reveal that mob violence, extortion, and political manipulation continue to threaten minorities, particularly Christians. Although a hardline party was banned, analysts suggest the recent reduction in accusations may stem from economic pressures to improve Western relations rather than genuine social reform. Blasphemy laws remain unchanged, leaving vulnerable communities at risk of violence and displacement even without formal charges. Reform advocates face severe personal threats, indicating that deep-seated intolerance persists despite the drop in registered cases.
Church leaders and advocates from across Asia gathered in a city in Thailand to address child trafficking and exploitation. According to the Christian Conference of Asia, the International Consultation on Strengthening Responses to Child Trafficking in Asia focused on safeguarding, practical action, and ecumenical cooperation. Speakers from India, the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia highlighted local initiatives, such as shelter homes and livelihood programs, while calling for stronger government collaboration and survivor support. The group emphasized that protecting children requires systemic accountability, community awareness, and sustained rehabilitation efforts beyond mere prevention.
Human rights organizations report that religious freedom is under increasing pressure worldwide in 2026. The situation has worsened or remained poor in several nations, according to new annual books presented in a European capital. The publishers warn against the political instrumentalization of religion and cite Russia's use of faith to justify war crimes. Thomas Schirrmacher states that religious freedom is threatened by both violators and those removing it from international politics. A human rights expert notes that conflicts allow persecution to be hidden more easily. Experts emphasize a continuous global decline in religious liberty.
A regional chief minister announced plans to organize state-supported gospel concerts in hilly districts. The initiative involves collaboration with local Presbyterian and Baptist churches for events in separate areas. The leader emphasized celebrating faith through music while promoting other genres. Officials were directed to feature gospel music exclusively on Sundays and play music daily at a regional pavilion. The announcement aims to highlight the region's religious heritage through organized cultural events, showcasing the local Christian community's contributions to the area's cultural landscape.
In a district in Telangana, two young Christian women were assaulted by a group of men near a public statue. The attackers accused the victims of luring children with chocolates to convert them, while the women stated they were visiting an aunt. The incident, shared by Christian Voice, involved slapping and defamatory language. Local police confirmed the event but noted no formal complaint has been filed. A senior officer stated authorities are verifying footage and may take suo motu cognisance if necessary.
A Southeast Asian nation suspended all classes for three days due to smoke from neighboring forest fires. A Catholic activist shared this environmental crisis at a regional retreat in another Asian country. The gathering included delegates from five nations. A bishop highlighted the ecological emergency. The movement presented a strategic plan focusing on eco-spirituality and sustainable communities. Participants visited an ecological farm to discuss youth engagement and organizational strengthening across the Asia-Pacific region.
A woman employed as a cook at a Catholic missionary school in a village in Jharkhand, India, has accused the principal, Father Joseph Soren, of repeated rape. According to her police complaint, the priest forced her to undergo an abortion using pills, resulting in a medical emergency that required a blood transfusion. She alleges he threatened her with dismissal and demanded repayment for medical costs. Police in the local area have registered an FIR and launched an investigation. The accused is reportedly absconding. Union Minister Sanjay Seth has criticized the state government, calling for strict action regarding the allegations against tribal women.
A parliamentary committee chairman stated in a northeastern city that faith-based organizations receive approximately six percent of the country's foreign contributions, with the rest going to other NGOs. This remark occurred during the panel's first outstation hearing on the Foreign Contribution Regulation Amendment Bill. Nearly forty groups from northeastern states presented their views. The chairman emphasized that the committee seeks practical solutions and noted safeguards for places of worship. The panel will review written submissions before finalizing recommendations. A regional chief minister welcomed the committee, describing the process as democratic. Future consultations are scheduled for other cities.
Police in a district of Pakistan arrested a cleric after a 12-year-old boy died at a local madrassa. Authorities allege the child was tortured at the institution in a specific area. A regional police officer ordered immediate action, leading to the suspect's capture by local police. A district police officer condemned the tragedy and promised a strict investigation to ensure justice for the victim's family. A formal case has been registered, and legal proceedings are ongoing.
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