FOR SA argues that the CRL Rights Commission is pushing for a statutory council to regulate religion in South Africa, contradicting claims of voluntary consultation. CRL Chair Thoko Mkhwanazi-Xaluva stated in April 2026 interviews that an Act of Parliament is necessary to create a body with authority over religious ethics. FOR SA contends this violates constitutional religious freedom by allowing state oversight of belief. The group asserts existing criminal laws are sufficient to address abuse and urges the government to reject the proposed legislative framework in favor of voluntary sector-led accountability mechanisms. (Gateway News)
Gunmen killed at least 30 Christians in a village in Plateau State, Nigeria, on Palm Sunday. Witnesses identified the attackers as jihadists linked to Boko Haram or Fulani militants. A separate incident in Kaduna State resulted in 13 deaths. The U.S. State Department has designated Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern regarding religious persecution. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government faces criticism for inaction, despite recent military spending increases and U.S. support. Experts note that thousands of Christians have been killed in Nigeria since 2009, with perpetrators rarely facing justice.
Activists and Christians protested in major cities following a Federal Constitutional Court decision upholding the forced conversion and marriage of a minor girl. Demonstrators gathered outside press clubs to condemn the verdict, which awarded custody to her captor despite evidence of her age and fabricated marriage documents. Speakers argued the ruling violates child protection laws and endangers minority girls. They urged the government and judiciary to review the decision and enforce existing statutes prohibiting marriage under 18. The protests coincided with Palm Sunday observances, highlighting widespread fear among minority communities regarding legal protections for vulnerable children.
Rose Docherty, a 75-year-old woman from Glasgow, Scotland, is returning to court after being arrested for holding a sign in a buffer zone outside the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital. She is the first person prosecuted under the Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) (Scotland) Act 2024. Her legal team argues that offering consensual conversation does not constitute illegal influence. The case has drawn attention from the US State Department and Scottish Catholic bishops, who cite free speech concerns. Docherty denies wrongdoing, stating she only invited peaceful dialogue. A trial date may be set during this hearing.
An Iranian Christian convert who fled after recent protests in a northern city says he intends to return as a fighter. According to reports, he witnessed security forces firing on demonstrators and escaped to a neighboring country, where he was baptized and joined a Kurdish armed group. He describes his mission as protecting believers, likening himself to a sheepdog. This development highlights the severe risks facing religious minorities in Iran, where converts face arrest and persecution. Advocacy groups warn that ongoing regional conflict and internal unrest may further endanger vulnerable Christian communities within the Islamic Republic.
Pastors in Zimbabwe’s Mudzi district received instructions to suspend worship services on Palm Sunday, March 29, so congregants could attend a ZANU-PF political rally. The directive, part of a campaign for Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, aims to build support for proposed changes that could extend presidential terms and delay elections. The Zimbabwe Council of Churches strongly condemned the order as an affront to religious freedom and a violation of constitutional rights. Church leaders warned that the legislation threatens democratic principles and the separation of church and state, urging believers to continue their worship without intimidation.
The COGTA Parliamentary Portfolio Committee in South Africa met virtually to review a request from Western Cape religious leaders. The group asks for a formal misconduct investigation into CRL Rights Commission chair Thoko Mkhwanazi-Xaluva. They cite video statements and previous letters regarding proposals to regulate religion. If misconduct is found, they want her removed under the CRL Act. Signatory Philip Rosenthal told Gateway News that mediation was proposed but likely ineffective. The committee also discussed appointing a retired judge to investigate, though cost concerns remain. The deliberations were held online yesterday.
The CRL Rights Commission in South Africa announced it will continue its Section 22 process for religious self-regulation despite legal challenges. Chair Thoko Mkhwanazi-Xaluva rejected calls for resignation following protests by the South African Church Defenders. Dr John Maloma urged Christian engagement in the framework. However, Freedom of Religion South Africa criticized the initiative as constitutionally questionable and potentially state-controlled. FOR SA argued that existing laws suffice and warned that proceeding before court rulings undermines judicial oversight. The commission plans a national summit in 2027.
A senior church leader in Nigeria has warned that Christianity faces a sustained threat due to ongoing violence and kidnappings. Speaking in a European city, he alleged a deliberate program by Islamist groups to reduce Christian influence. He cited the imposition of Shari’a law and attacks by extremist factions as key dangers. The leader noted that recent military actions have not reduced violence but may have inflamed extremists. He emphasized that the conflict involves competition for the nation’s resources and soul, urging international support to address the crisis affecting believers in the region.
Bishop Ceirion H Dewar of the Confessing Anglican Church has written an open letter to King Charles III in the United Kingdom. He urges the monarch to stop the erosion of Britain's Christian heritage and fulfill his title as Defender of the Faith. Dewar argues that Christian institutions face pressure to abandon doctrine and that political movements seek a post-Christian state. He claims the King stands at a crossroads, with choices that will impact the nation's identity. The bishop asks the King to show courage and speak clearly about the faith that built the kingdom, rather than allowing its quiet dissolution. The letter cites over a millennium of Christian history in the British Isles.
Finnish MP Päivi Räsänen has urged the repeal of hate speech laws across Europe following a conviction by the Finnish Supreme Court. Räsänen was found guilty for sharing a 2004 pamphlet promoting traditional Christian views on marriage, which the court ruled insulted homosexuals. Although lower courts previously acquitted her, prosecutors appealed. Räsänen argues the ruling constitutes censorship and warns that ambiguous laws may lead to more prosecutions for past comments. The European Evangelical Alliance expressed concern that the decision lowers the threshold for criminalizing peaceful expression, potentially setting a troubling precedent for freedom of speech and religion in the region.
The Canadian House of Commons approved the Combatting Hate Act, also known as Bill C-09, in a 186-137 vote along party lines. The legislation expands criminal penalties for acts motivated by hatred based on various identities, including religion. Critics, including the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, warn that removing the 'good faith' religious-text defense creates legal uncertainty for clergy and educators. Rev Pierre Goudreault stated the change risks a chilling effect on religious expression. The bill now requires Senate approval before reaching Prime Minister Mark Carney for signature.
On March 17, the Scottish Parliament voted 69 to 57 to reject the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults Bill. The legislation would have allowed terminally ill adults aged 16 and older to request medical assistance to end their lives. UK Evangelical Alliance leaders welcomed the decision, arguing the bill failed to protect vulnerable people and medical professionals. Danny Webster and Peter Lynas stated the outcome upholds the value of life and highlights the need for better palliative care. The bill’s sponsor, Liam McArthur, expressed devastation, calling the delay inevitable. This marks the third time since 1999 that Scotland has rejected such proposals.
Gateway News highlights the 1954 Sharpeville spiritual awakening in South Africa, led by Apostle PF Molefe. Occurring decades before the 1960 massacre, this revival emphasized prayer, repentance, and community unity. The article notes that Molefe’s leadership fostered reconciliation among believers during a period of rising social tension. Although Molefe died in 2020, his legacy is preserved by the Prayer and Repentance Movement. The outlet argues that remembering this history offers inspiration for contemporary faith communities seeking spiritual renewal and social transformation in the region.
The Gospel collective Friends in Sync will host a live worship recording titled Altar Moments in Gqeberha, South Africa, on March 28. The event takes place at The Church of Pentecost in Richmond Hill. Founded in 2019, the group aims to blend authentic worship with contemporary music. Founding member Khanyiso Dyasi stated the project emphasizes community and discipleship over mere performance. Leader Sthembiso Gxumisa explained that the live format preserves spiritual energy. Tickets are available for R250 or R400. The group focuses on supporting emerging artists and fostering spiritual growth within the local church community.
Freedom of Religion South Africa reported cautious optimism after faith leaders met with African National Congress officials at Luthuli House in South Africa. ANC Deputy Secretary General Nomvula Mokonyane led the discussion, addressing concerns about the CRL Rights Commission and potential state regulation of religion. The ANC affirmed its commitment to constitutional religious freedom and clarified that the commission is independent. Participants agreed to address abuse through existing laws rather than new regulations. The DSG promised a follow-up meeting with the president before April. FOR SA stated this engagement was a significant development requiring concrete action to uphold constitutional protections.
Hundreds of Christians marched through Durban, South Africa, on Saturday to defend religious freedom. Hosted by South African Church Defenders, the protest moved from King Dinuzulu Park to Durban City Hall. Participants presented a memorandum to provincial and city leaders, demanding protection of constitutional rights against proposed regulations by the CRL Rights Commission. SACD chairperson Pastor Mukhuba stated that churches must remain self-regulating and free from government interference, citing concerns over restrictions similar to those in China. The group also opposes CRL chairperson Thoko Mkhwanazi-Xaluva, claiming her statements demean the faith. ACDP president Rev Kenneth Meshoe supported the demonstration.
A significant prayer convention took place on March 7 at New Way Hall in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, South Africa. Apostle Patrick Madikiza led the gathering, which aimed to revive the historic 'Africa Back to God in a Bible Way' message originally proclaimed in 1945 by Rev. Nicholas Bhengu. The event brought together intercessors and church leaders for a day of worship and intercession. Madikiza stated that divine prompting led to this revival, emphasizing spiritual renewal grounded in Scripture. The convention also honored historical figures who contributed to South Africa's spiritual consciousness and included a prayer of repentance led by Apostle Linda Gobodo.
Finnish Member of Parliament Päivi Räsänen is scheduled to testify before the US House Judiciary Committee in Washington on Wednesday. She will address concerns regarding expanding speech restrictions in Europe, specifically focusing on the Digital Services Act. Räsänen is currently awaiting a Supreme Court of Finland ruling in a criminal case stemming from a 2019 tweet quoting Romans 1:24–27. The charges relate to agitation against a minority group, which she and her defense team argue violate constitutional and international human rights laws. The hearing aims to examine how European speech laws impact democratic expression and innovation in the United States.
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