According to Infobae, Latinobarometer data shows that evangelicals are now the majority religion in Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador. In Honduras, 44% identify as evangelical compared to 38% Catholic. Guatemala has 43% evangelical and 41% Catholic, while El Salvador has 42% evangelical. This marks a significant shift from 1995, when Catholicism dominated the region. The study, conducted over three decades, reveals a continental decline in Catholic identification from 80% to 55%. Evangelical presence has grown from 6% to 19% across Latin America. The report highlights that evangelicals also show higher rates of religious practice than Catholics in these nations.
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A Brazilian judge convicted Audato and Ieda Denardi of intellectual negligence for homeschooling their two daughters, sentencing them to 50 days in prison. The court ruled that the home curriculum lacked state-approved content on gender education and diversity, and criticized the girls' musical preferences. The parents, who began homeschooling in 2020, are appealing the decision to the São Paulo Court of Justice. ADF International supports the family, noting the prosecutor recommended acquittal. The case highlights the legal uncertainty for approximately 70,000 Brazilian families, as federal legislation regulating homeschooling remains stalled in the Senate despite a 2019 Supreme Court ruling.
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A Christian sports ministry in Colombia has served over 45,000 young people over 35 years. Founded by a missionary, the program uses soccer to offer an alternative to cartel violence and forced recruitment. The ministry has expanded across multiple Colombian departments and into the Peruvian Amazon, with plans to enter Venezuela. It provides mentorship, spiritual support, and job opportunities. According to the outlet, the group claims its mission helps transform lives in dangerous contexts, citing personal stories of individuals who left criminal activity to become trainers, demonstrating the program's impact in high-risk areas.
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On June 4, 2026, CONACOPE, Kingsview, and VELA met at the Catalonia Hotel in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The organizations aim to strengthen cooperation for evangelism, discipleship, and leader training. Kingsview, led by John Stewart, supports vulnerable groups across eight provinces. VELA, founded by Galo Vásquez, focuses on urban outreach and research. CONACOPE, represented by Mechy Figueroa, seeks pastoral unity. Participants discussed expanding school evangelism programs from Valverde to other regions. The meeting concluded with leadership training materials and prayers, highlighting a coordinated effort to mobilize churches for the Great Commission through national strategies and ministerial alliances.
Canadian Evangelical Fraternity (EFC) opposes Bill C-9, which removes the 'good faith' legal defense for controversial religious statements. The reform, effective July 18, limits defenses against hate speech accusations to truth, public interest, or criticism purposes. EFC argues the law lacks evidence of deliberate hate promotion and may penalize peaceful beliefs. While Canada's Justice Minister claims religious expression remains protected, EFC seeks clearer guarantees. Finnish MP Päivi Räsänen previously warned against such measures, citing her own legal battles in Finland. The EFC will monitor the law's impact, expressing concern that removing good faith protections could expand the definition of deliberate hate promotion.
Two major earthquakes struck Venezuela on June 24, killing at least 1,719 people and injuring more than 5,034, according to United Nations estimates. The US Geological Survey warns the death toll could be higher due to widespread destruction. Authorities report 15,800 affected individuals and 189 collapsed buildings. Over 600 aftershocks, including a magnitude 4.6 tremor, have complicated rescue operations in La Guaira and other areas. The UN Development Programme estimates material damages at 6.7 billion dollars. More than 2,600 international rescuers have arrived with humanitarian aid, though concerns remain regarding government resource management and public health risks from collapsed sanitation systems.
A Christian aid organization inaugurated Nigeria’s first monument honoring victims of religious persecution in a village in northern Nigeria. The stone memorial commemorates more than 270 individuals killed in a June 2025 massacre. The founder stated the site ensures victims are not forgotten and called for an end to religious persecution. The event included survivors and local leaders, alongside humanitarian aid distribution for displaced residents. According to Open Doors, Nigeria ranks as the seventh most dangerous country for Christians globally. The organization emphasized its commitment to supporting the persecuted church through this tribute and ongoing assistance.
Human rights observers report increased police intimidation against Christian activists in Cuba, coinciding with the anniversary of recent protests. Authorities are systematically targeting evangelical and Catholic communities through citations and threats. In a central region, police detained a pastor during a march. Other religious figures and intellectuals have also faced visits from state security. The monitoring group argues these actions violate religious freedom and hinder the charitable work these groups provide to the Cuban population, highlighting a broader crackdown on faith-based activities.
Two individuals in Colombia have confessed to assisting in the assassination of a pastor, his wife, and two children in a town in the Cesar region. The accused signed pre-agreements with the Prosecutor’s Office, facing over 17 years in prison as accomplices. They admitted to helping coordinate the attack by transporting the shooter. The case highlights violence against religious leaders in regions with illegal economies. Authorities are still searching for the mastermind and the gunman responsible for the massacre that shocked the nation.
During a double earthquake in La Guaira, Venezuela, an entire evangelical congregation survived while surrounding twelve-story buildings collapsed. The incident occurred on June 27, 2026, in the coastal state of La Guaira, where official figures report approximately 1,000 deaths and 3,000 injuries. Pastor Israel Tauicen and other members rescued paralyzed worshippers just before the unfinished church structure failed. Survivors, including Georgina Mejía and Luis Pueyo, described the event as a miracle. The group gathered at the ruins to pray and give thanks, according to Evangelico Digital. The tragedy highlights the severe devastation in the region.
Christian humanitarian organization Samaritan’s Purse has installed a field hospital in La Guaira, Venezuela, to assist victims of the recent double earthquakes. The facility aims to provide rapid surgical and trauma care, relieving pressure on hospitals in the Greater Caracas area. According to the outlet, the mobile unit operates independently with its own power and water systems, capable of treating over 100 patients daily. This deployment follows a disaster that authorities report has killed 2,954 people and injured 16,592. The organization also delivered emergency supplies and is installing water desalination units near the epicenter to support affected communities.
The 56th General Assembly of the Organization of American States, held in Panama City from June 22 to 24, 2026, approved the Panama Declaration without mentioning abortion, euthanasia, or sexual and reproductive rights. Pro-life groups, including the Ibero-American Congress for Life and Family, credited their diplomatic advocacy for this exclusion. The final text reaffirmed democracy and multilateral cooperation. While these organizations celebrated the outcome, they warned that pressure continues in other OEA bodies where reports might still promote frameworks challenging protections for the unborn and vulnerable populations. The group says further analysis of adopted documents is necessary to prevent ambiguous interpretations.
Christian organizations are increasing their operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo as the Ebola outbreak continues to grow. The World Health Organization reports significant deaths and suspected cases, with a specific strain complicating efforts due to the lack of an approved vaccine. A national director warns that high population mobility and insecurity in certain regions hinder contact tracing. Meanwhile, the president of a major aid group states his team is deploying specialized disaster response units to support hospitals and establish a treatment center. The crisis is exacerbated by regional violence and international aid cuts.
After Germany defeated Curacao 7-1 in a World Cup match, players from both teams formed a circle on the field to pray together. This moment, captured on video and shared widely on social media, highlights the shared Christian faith among the athletes. German player Felix Nmecha, who scored a goal, explained that while they are rivals on the pitch, they are brothers in Christ afterward. Curacao, known for its strong religious devotion, often prays before games. The gesture received positive reactions online, symbolizing unity beyond sports, with no official sanctions reported from FIFA regarding the spontaneous religious display.
Kim Phuc Phan Thi, known as the napalm girl from Vietnam, recently spoke at the Women NOW 2026 congress in Madrid. Now 63, she shared how her Christian faith helped her overcome trauma from a 1972 bombing. She stated she prayed daily for her enemies, which brought her peace. As a UNESCO goodwill ambassador, she founded the Kim Foundation to help children affected by war. She emphasized that education and forgiveness are key to building a culture of peace and healing wounds from conflict.
Evangelical organizations in Guatemala, including COEGUA and FE502, have issued an open letter opposing a legal challenge to Article 78 of the Civil Code. This article defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman. The challenge, filed by the Lambda Association and lawyers, seeks to remove gender and procreation requirements. The Constitutional Court will decide if the current definition violates equality guarantees. The evangelical groups argue the law aligns with the Constitution and biblical teachings, urging churches to remain united and defend their convictions respectfully while awaiting the court's ruling.
Christians gathered outside the Swedish embassy in Washington, D.C., to support Daniel and Bianca Samson, a Romanian couple separated from their daughters Sara and Tiana since December 2022. According to Fox News, Swedish authorities removed the children after an abuse allegation was retracted, citing religious practices as evidence of extremism. The family claims the girls have attempted suicide multiple times. Romanian Senator Titus Corlatean and Pastor Cristian Ionescu attended the protest, arguing that Sweden is violating international law. The Swedish embassy stated it cannot intervene in individual cases and emphasized child welfare protocols.
Christian organizations are expanding relief efforts in Venezuela following a major earthquake that has killed 4,333 people and injured 16,740, according to official figures. The Foundation Doulos has deployed teams to assess damage and provide basic supplies, noting severe destruction in areas like Caraballeda. Samaritan’s Purse has opened an emergency hospital to treat victims and support overwhelmed local health centers. These groups are distributing water, shelter materials, and spiritual care to families who have lost loved ones. The humanitarian response highlights the critical role faith-based groups play in disaster zones where state structures may be insufficient.
The United Kingdom has refused travel authorization to Finnish Member of Parliament Päivi Räsänen due to a domestic conviction for inciting hatred. The decision stems from a 2023 Supreme Court ruling that fined her for a 2004 pamphlet expressing traditional ethical views on homosexuality. Although acquitted in lower courts, the prosecution appealed, resulting in a penalty equivalent to 20 days' wages. Räsänen, who was scheduled to speak at events in Northern Ireland, declared the denial a shock. She has requested a review from the British Home Office, while her case continues to draw international attention regarding freedom of expression and religious liberty.
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