Delegates from 27 African nations and five other countries gathered in Stellenbosch, South Africa, from May 3 to 7 for the third Africa International Prayer Connect summit. Organized under the theme “His Name Shall Be Great Among the Nations,” the event aimed to mobilize one billion intercessors globally. Dr. Jason Hubbard and other speakers emphasized the link between prayer and evangelism, citing historical figures like Andrew Murray. Participants addressed challenges such as church disunity, xenophobia, and global crises, including rising petrol prices and regional conflicts. The conference concluded with a prayer service on Table Mountain, focusing on unity and repentance among believers across the continent.
Prophetess Nikiwe Apenteng has urged Christian leaders in South Africa to confront the ongoing violence against foreign nationals. In a recent statement, she argued that xenophobic attacks are symptoms of deeper spiritual and societal failures, including poor governance and educational deficits. She criticized political and community gatekeepers for remaining silent while innocent blood is shed. Apenteng emphasized that such violence invites divine curses and called for national repentance, apologies, and a return to biblical principles of loving strangers. She highlighted the recurring pattern of attacks preceding elections and stressed the need for healing within the nation.
Amnesty International released a report detailing war crimes committed by the Islamic State-linked Allied Democratic Forces in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The group states that the ADF has targeted civilians, with Christians comprising the vast majority of victims. Attacks documented in 2025 include mass killings, abductions, and sexual violence. Amnesty secretary general Agnès Callamard condemned the dehumanizing campaign. Meanwhile, the US imposed sanctions on former President Joseph Kabila for supporting Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, which DRC officials say fuels instability. The DRC ranks 29th on the 2026 Open Doors World Watch List for Christian persecution.
A judge in Glasgow dismissed charges against 75-year-old Rose Docherty, who was arrested for holding a sign outside a hospital in Scotland. The charges stemmed from Scotland’s 2024 buffer zone law, which prohibits influencing individuals seeking abortion services within 200 metres of hospitals. Sheriff Stuart Reid ruled the charges irrelevant due to insufficient evidence that Docherty influenced anyone. Her legal team, supported by Alliance Defending Freedom, hailed the decision as a victory for free speech. Critics of the law argue it amounts to censorship, while the US State Department had previously condemned the arrest as a suppression of free expression.
A trial for an Egyptian Christian convert began in a city in Egypt. He faces charges including contempt for Islam and joining a banned group, stemming from his attempt to change his religious designation on official documents. Prosecutors allege his actions threaten national unity. The court granted a defense motion to adjourn proceedings. The convert has been detained in a prison in the region, where rights groups report he suffered abuse. An international commission designated him a prisoner of conscience, citing his detention for religious conversion. Human rights advocates are urging a foreign government to intervene regarding his pending humanitarian visa application.
Hundreds of pastors and church leaders from the Free State and surrounding areas attended a strategic meeting in Bloemfontein, South Africa, hosted by South African Church Defenders (SACD). According to a press statement, the gathering addressed concerns that the CRL Rights Commission might introduce measures regulating churches and interfering with religious freedom. SACD described the event as a success, noting strong unity among attendees who rejected state overreach. Leaders received education on constitutional rights and church governance. The group committed to expanding these engagements across other provinces to keep Christian communities informed and organized against potential regulatory threats.
Christian leaders report that the underground church in Iran is expanding despite ongoing conflict. A representative from a US-based ministry noted that government focus on military operations has reduced enforcement against house churches in some areas. Consequently, believers have distributed several thousand Bibles since the conflict began earlier this year. An international Christian aid organization notes that Iran remains one of the most dangerous places for Christians, yet estimates suggest the believer population has grown to over one million in the last 25 years. Despite the risks, many Christians view this period as a spiritual turning point and refuse to flee.
A coalition of Christian leaders has asked Israeli President Isaac Herzog to show clemency to an IDF soldier who smashed a statue of Jesus in Debel, Lebanon. The group argues that forgiveness is a better response than punishment. This appeal follows a strong condemnation and apology from Jewish leaders, which the Christians say moved them to respond with grace. The soldier was sentenced to 30 days in jail and removed from combat duty. The signatories believe this act can transform relations between Jewish and Christian communities rather than deepen bitterness. The letter remains open for additional signatures from supporters worldwide.
The Christian Institute has condemned the prosecution of 77-year-old Pastor Clive Johnston in Northern Ireland as a shocking attack on religious freedom. Johnston was charged for delivering a sermon based on John 3:16 near a hospital in 2024, which technically fell within an abortion clinic buffer zone despite not mentioning abortion. The group argues that police and prosecutors are overstepping by criminalizing Gospel preaching. The US State Department is monitoring the case, citing concerns about free speech violations. Former minister Jacob Rees-Mogg also criticized the decision, calling it extraordinary for a Christian country to penalize preaching outside a hospital. (Gateway News)
The women’s ministry of the Church of Pentecost in Gqeberha, South Africa, organized a health walk on April 6. Over 150 participants joined the event to promote physical fitness and community connection. Volunteers and traffic escorts ensured safety along the route. After the walk, qualified nurses provided blood pressure checks and wellness assessments. Organizers faced initial staffing challenges but secured medical support last minute. The event included a fellowship breakfast and was supported by local sponsors. The ministry plans to launch a public community health club to sustain wellness efforts. Participants reported feeling motivated to improve their health habits.
A Coptic Christian content creator in Egypt has been sentenced to five years of hard labor for videos defending his faith. He was convicted under blasphemy laws for charges including misuse of social media and contempt of religion. A Christian legal group is supporting his appeal, arguing the verdict violates religious freedom. The individual was arrested for academic-style videos comparing Christianity and Islam. Advocates claim this case reflects a broader crackdown on minority religious expression in Egypt, where Christians face ongoing discrimination despite constitutional protections.
A proposed bill in Uganda to establish nationwide Sharia courts, known as Qadhis courts, has raised urgent concerns regarding religious freedom. Lawmakers aim to fast-track the legislation before Parliament dissolves on April 24, 2026. The bill would grant these courts exclusive jurisdiction over personal law matters for Muslims, potentially affecting non-Muslims in certain disputes. Advocacy groups, including ADF International, argue the measure violates international law by restricting religious conversion and disadvantaging women and children. Critics warn the system lacks sufficient checks and balances compared to similar courts in Kenya, posing risks to equal treatment under the law.
A pastor in Sudan reported that church membership is rising despite the ongoing civil war between rival military factions. The three-year conflict has caused massive casualties and displacement. The pastor described severe humanitarian crises, including food and medicine shortages, while noting new believers from various tribes are joining. Meanwhile, officials and charities urged the government to protect civilians. A bishop also called for peace, highlighting the crisis's impact on communities in major cities and regions. The situation remains dire, with international bodies urging action to safeguard both civilians and religious freedom amidst the widespread destruction and suffering.
Cassie Carstens, founder of The World Needs a Father, reports that his fatherhood training program is transforming families across 120 countries. The movement, which began after Carstens witnessed trauma in a Tanzanian refugee camp, addresses fatherlessness through principles of affirmation and affection. Testimonies from nations including Sri Lanka and the Philippines describe restored marriages and improved father-child relationships. The decentralized model allows local leaders to train others, with resources available in 25 languages. Carstens states the training serves as pre-evangelism, creating an appetite for the Gospel by addressing deep-seated social and relational issues.
Friends in Sync held a sold-out gathering called Altar Moments at the Church of Pentecost in Richmond Hill, Gqeberha, South Africa, on March 28, 2026. The event united young people from various denominations for worship and biblical teaching. Dr. Martin Appiah preached on spiritual renewal, while organizers emphasized creating a sacred space for personal encounters with God. Attendees reported deep spiritual engagement and testimonies of transformation. Organizers aim to expand the movement’s reach across South Africa through future recurring events and strategic partnerships.
Violent attacks targeted Christian communities across Nigeria’s Middle Belt during Holy Week and Easter. Incidents occurred in several northern states. Reports indicate deaths ranging from single digits to over twenty per location, with perpetrators identified variously as Fulani militants, ISWAP members, or unknown gunmen. The New York Times and AP note historical land disputes, while local sources and advocacy groups cite ethno-religious motives. These events occur amid U.S. scrutiny following President Trump’s threats to cut aid if violence against Christians continues. The Nigerian government faces criticism for failing to secure the region despite a declared emergency.
Islamic State Central Africa Province fighters attacked a Christian village in Ituri province, Democratic Republic of the Congo, on Good Friday. The Congolese army confirmed dozens of deaths, while the militant group claimed a higher toll. This incident is part of a broader campaign since December 2024 in which the group has killed over 850 Christians in eastern DRC. Attacks have targeted villages, churches, and hospitals in North Kivu and Ituri. The US Commission on International Religious Freedom describes these actions as a direct assault on religious freedom, noting the group’s reliance on mobile operations and resource looting to sustain violence against civilian populations.
An exiled Iranian royal addressed students at a university in Virginia, asserting that Christianity is expanding rapidly within Iran despite severe government repression. He claimed millions practice their faith secretly in homes, facing imprisonment and execution. The speaker described the current regime as evil, citing recent protests and casualties, and urged American leaders to support the Iranian people rather than negotiate with the government. He outlined a vision for a future democratic Iran, including peace with Israel. According to him, the underground church will outlast the current leadership.
The YouVersion Bible App reported record-breaking engagement during Holy Week 2026, with millions of users accessing Scripture on Easter Sunday. Global participation increased significantly compared to the previous year, showing notable growth in regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America. Specific countries in these areas recorded peak activity levels during the holiday season. A regional hub leader noted that believers are increasingly turning to the app for wisdom and encouragement amidst challenging circumstances. The platform, offering content in thousands of languages, highlighted specific biblical verses as popular choices for reflection during this significant time for Christians worldwide.
Read more →
SermonWave writes its own short summaries and links to the original reporting. Every story belongs to the outlet that reported it. About World News · Our sources · RSS feed
