A Pakistani anti-terrorism court sentenced a crane operator to ten years in prison for his role in anti-Christian riots in a city in Punjab province. The operator used heavy machinery to demolish three churches following false blasphemy allegations that sparked mob violence destroying numerous Christian properties. The judge convicted the individual based on forensic video evidence recorded by a Christian witness, while acquitting others due to insufficient proof. Law enforcement was criticized for mishandling the unrest, and remaining suspects were ordered arrested. A minority rights advocate noted that Christian witnesses faced significant intimidation during the trial proceedings.
New York police arrested a 36-year-old man last week for allegedly throwing a Molotov cocktail at Iglesia Bautista El Mesias, a Baptist church in Queens. The suspect is also believed to have targeted a nearby Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses with a similar attack. Local officials and community groups, including Councilmember Joann Ariola, condemned the violence and pledged to pursue all available charges. This incident follows recent security concerns for religious institutions in New York City, including vandalism at Queens churches and increased police presence in Staten Island. The suspect's identity remains undisclosed as the district attorney reviews the case.
A researcher states that the release of a pastor in China does not signal a broader easing of pressure on Christians. The move is described as a political decision rather than a policy shift, with state surveillance and religious 'sinicization' remaining intact. The analysis highlights ongoing arrests, closures of house churches, and strict government control over Protestant and Catholic communities. China continues to meet criteria for severe religious freedom violations under U.S. law, with restrictions on underground congregations and minors intensifying. This indicates that persecution persists despite isolated releases.
The Archbishops of Canterbury and York have permitted an event featuring ex-gay Christians to proceed during the Church of England’s General Synod in the United Kingdom. The July 13 gathering, titled “People Change: Sexual Identity Transformation,” faced criticism from progressive clergy and LGBT activists who urged cancellation. Organizers, including Rebecca Hunt, argued the event poses no safeguarding risk because speakers Matthew Grech and Mike Davidson experienced positive changes through Christian counseling rather than abusive practices. The archbishops allowed the meeting but blocked a related exhibition stand. This decision occurs as the UK government advances legislation to ban conversion therapy, raising concerns among some bishops about distinguishing harmful practices from legitimate pastoral care. (Source: Kidok Ilbo)
A British Christian nurse, Jennifer Melle, has been cleared by the Nursing and Midwifery Council following a dispute over pronouns with a patient. The incident occurred in May 2024 at an NHS hospital in England. Melle was investigated after declining to use specific pronouns for a convicted pedophile who identified as female. The regulator concluded there was no case to answer, stating her actions were driven by religious belief rather than harassment. Melle described the ordeal as devastating and criticized the initial investigation, arguing that accurate biological language is necessary for patient safety. She was previously cleared by her employer regarding media interviews.
Sarah Morse, a 66-year-old American Catholic teacher, is suing Arbroath High School in Scotland for discrimination after being fired. The employment tribunal begins on August 24. Morse alleges she was dismissed in November 2025 for answering students' questions about abortion and US politics during a history class. She states she only shared her personal beliefs without attempting to persuade the teenagers. The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children supports her case, arguing the school violated due process and silenced protected religious views. Morse says she will not return to teaching in Scotland. (Source: Kidok Ilbo)
Christians in India’s West Bengal state have faced a wave of attacks following the Bharatiya Janata Party’s recent election victory. Reports detail incidents in several districts, where mobs targeted homes, churches, and worshipers. Attackers demanded land for temples, seized religious items, and destroyed church property. In one case, police arrested a pastor while ignoring complaints against assailants linked to Hindu nationalist groups. The violence marks a sharp increase in tension since the BJP ended 15 years of opposition rule in the region.
A federal appeals court ruled that Maine can require private schools to follow state LGBT nondiscrimination policies for families to access public tuition assistance. The decision in Crosspoint Church v. A. Pender Makin et al. rejected a request to block the enforcement of the Maine Human Rights Act at Bangor Christian School in the US. Circuit Judge William Kayatta wrote that the state did not show animus toward the school. However, the court agreed with the church regarding a separate religious expression rule. First Liberty Institute, representing the church, expressed disappointment and plans to appeal the ruling.
Indonesian security forces face accusations of killing a Christian evangelist and a teenager in Papua, sparking human rights concerns. Elianus Agimbau, a 20-year-old church worker, was found dead near a military post in Intan Jaya regency. Separately, 19-year-old Okto Tigau was discovered with severe injuries in Mamba village. While military officials claim Tigau was a separatist commander, human rights minister Natalius Pigai urged restraint to protect civilians. The incidents highlight ongoing violence in Central Papua, where tens of thousands have been displaced by conflict between authorities and independence fighters.
New Hope Community Church in Palatine, Illinois, is maintaining its digital display of biblical messages on sexuality despite a protest by the Northwest Suburban Pride Network. The demonstration occurred last Friday outside the church, with activists accusing the congregation of spreading hate during Pride Month. Pastor James Pittman Jr. stated the church intends to continue preaching its views, citing First Amendment rights. The protest was organized by a group founded by Austin Mejdrich. Local officials previously supported the church's right to display the signs, noting they were legal. The pastor emphasized that the church loves the LGBT community but believes in sharing its religious truth.
The U.S. State Department announced a $386 million humanitarian aid package for Venezuela following the June 24 earthquakes. Funding supports partners like Catholic Relief Services and UNICEF. Over 400 metric tons of supplies have reached 70,000 people via a new air bridge from Miami. The U.S. military assisted logistics, with the USS Fort Lauderdale delivering aid to La Guaira. International rescue teams helped save survivors, including a mother and baby. The Disaster Relief Assistance Team remains active in Caracas to coordinate ongoing efforts.
Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, held its annual She’s My Sister Walk and Run this weekend. The predominantly African American megachurch organized the 8K event to raise awareness about human trafficking and support prevention efforts. Ellyn Jo Waller, the church’s first lady, stated that the congregation has hosted the event for two decades to highlight that trafficking occurs locally. The initiative aims to educate participants on recognizing warning signs and advocating for survivors. The event supports the church’s ministry and partners with organizations like the Salvation Army and Hannah’s House Inc. to combat exploitation.
South Carolina has enacted House Bill 5538, known as the Guarantee Banking Act, signed by Governor Henry McMaster. The law, effective January 1, prohibits large financial institutions with over $100 billion in assets from denying services based on a customer's religious beliefs or political speech protected by the First Amendment. The legislation targets actions such as closing accounts or cutting off loans due to these factors. Customers denied services may request a written explanation within 90 days. The Alliance Defending Freedom welcomed the measure, noting that South Carolina joins Tennessee and Idaho in protecting citizens from discriminatory debanking practices by major banks.
The Fort Worth Police Department in Texas stated that an officer's comments to street evangelists during a Pride event were inaccurate. The incident occurred on June 27 at the Trinity Pride Fest. Video showed an officer warning Rich Penkoski and David Grisham about offensive speech. Police spokesman Buddy Calzada said the department reviewed the encounter and acknowledged the statements were not accurate. Officers had responded to noise complaints regarding a bullhorn. Calzada rejected claims that First Amendment rights were violated, noting individuals could speak without amplification. The department plans to provide refresher training on free speech protections for officers.
Pastor Romildo Delima of Riverside, California, died and his wife, Carlha Nacarid, was severely injured after twin earthquakes struck Venezuela on June 24. The couple was visiting to celebrate Delima’s 69th birthday when a hotel wall collapsed in Caracas. Delima was rescued but did not survive, while Nacarid suffered broken legs and a fractured pelvis. A GoFundMe campaign has raised over $20,000 to cover her medical surgeries and the repatriation of Delima’s body to Brazil. The earthquakes killed nearly 2,000 people in northern Venezuela.
A new study by the Hartford Institute for Religion Research reveals that American megachurches have rebounded strongly from the pandemic. Researchers Warren Bird and Scott Thumma surveyed 589 Protestant congregations, finding that 67% now report attendance above pre-pandemic levels. The United States has approximately 1,850 megachurches, drawing an estimated 10 million worshipers weekly. The report indicates increased financial stability, with median income rising to $7.4 million. According to the researchers, these large churches have demonstrated resilience by adapting their ministry practices and focusing on community engagement rather than merely recovering previous numbers.
The White House Religious Liberty Commission presented its final report to President Donald Trump in the Oval Office on Friday. Based on testimony from over 100 witnesses, the document argues that religion is often unfairly marginalized in American public life. The commission issued 12 recommendations to strengthen religious protections, including creating a Department of Justice task force and issuing rights posters. Notably, the report explicitly called for repealing the Johnson Amendment, a 1954 tax rule that prohibits tax-exempt organizations from endorsing political candidates. The group stated that religious liberty should serve as a bridge between church and state rather than a barrier.
The Los Angeles Unified School District in the US has revised its mandatory LGBTQ+ cultural training for educators. Following objections from Christian teachers represented by Liberty Counsel, the district removed language requiring staff to affirm the gender identities of trans or nonbinary students. The original questionnaire conflicted with the religious beliefs of some educators, who argued it violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Liberty Counsel Chairman Mat Staver praised the change, stating that federal law protects teachers from being forced to choose between their faith and their jobs. The new certification only requires acknowledgment of nondiscrimination policies.
Christian organizations in the United Kingdom have criticized the Labour government's draft legislation banning conversion therapy. The Evangelical Alliance and The Christian Institute argue the bill is overly broad and threatens freedom of speech and religious liberty. They warn that ordinary conversations about sexuality between parents and children, or pastoral guidance, could lead to criminal prosecution. Peter Lynas of the Evangelical Alliance stated the law undermines parental roles and carries prison sentences. Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman also condemned the proposal, claiming it punishes families trying to protect their children from transgender ideology. Critics say the definition of abuse is subjective and open to misuse.
Translated from 한국어
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
