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Thursday, November 12, 2026 Updated 4:40 AM Central Time 1921 stories

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Stories about this topic, from the outlets we read.

Persecuted church

Opinion urges citizens to reject extremism after church attack

ammonnews.net Jordan

An opinion piece in Jordan warns against extremist ideologies promoting intolerance. The author argues society must reject imposing a single religious or cultural identity. The article cites a recent attack on a church in Karak as a critical moment for reevaluating national priorities. It calls for strict laws against hate speech and incitement, particularly on social media. Additionally, the text emphasizes the role of educational institutions and families in fostering a culture of citizenship and mutual respect. The goal is to ensure a safe, inclusive homeland for future generations.

Translated from العربية

Persecuted church

Gunmen kill farmer and injure pastor in Plateau State attack

dailytrust.com Nigeria

Gunmen attacked a farm in a village in northern Nigeria, killing a farmer and injuring a pastor. Another man remains missing. A community member confirmed the incident to journalists in a nearby city, condemning the violence and urging security agencies to investigate and protect residents. The Plateau State Police Command spokesperson did not respond to inquiries. The attack highlights ongoing security challenges in the region, where Christians face severe persecution. This incident underscores the urgent need for improved safety measures for believers and local residents in this volatile area.

Also reported by 2 outlets

Persecuted church

Crossmap News covers Ukrainian church bombings and Israel Jordan attacks

crossmap.com Ukraine

Crossmap News published a redirect notice to The Christian Post alongside brief updates on global religious persecution. The outlet highlighted that Russian bombs continue to strike Ukrainian churches, yet worshippers persist in gathering in shelters and ruined sanctuaries. Additionally, the summary noted that terrorists had previously threatened to target Saturday and Sunday observers. On October 23, these threats materialized with attacks in Israel and Jordan. The text also included a commentary asserting that laws rest on moral commitments, making every vote a moral choice for Christians and others. The coverage spans Ukraine, Israel, and Jordan.

Persecuted church

Jordanian newspaper condemns attack on Christian church in Karak

ammonnews.net Jordan

A Jordanian newspaper published an editorial addressing the assault at a church in a city in Jordan. The outlet argues that Jordanian Christians are full citizens, not foreigners or extensions of Western powers. The article calls for a serious confrontation with extremist ideologies that justify violence based on religion. It demands transparent investigations, strict application of the law against perpetrators and inciters, and a rejection of discrimination. The newspaper emphasizes that protecting citizens and places of worship is a state responsibility, urging institutions to address narratives that fuel exclusion and ensure equal rights for all Jordanians regardless of faith.

Translated from العربية

Persecuted church

West Bengal Christians Allegedly Forced Into Hindu Rituals After Mob Attack

Christian Today India India

Three Christian families in a village in West Bengal allege that a mob attacked them and forced participation in Hindu rituals during a major festival. Police registered a case against thirteen suspects, including alleged members of a right-wing Hindu group, but no arrests have been made. The victims report threats of rape and death if they did not renounce Christianity. Authorities have now provided security, though investigations continue. Christian groups cite this as part of a rising pattern of violence against the minority community in the state.

Illustrative photo: Petra with a mountain in the background
Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Andy Køgl on Unsplash
Persecuted church

King visits victims after church attack in southern Jordan

aawsat.com Jordan

Following a terrorist attack on a church in a village in southern Jordan, the King visited the injured. The monarch, wearing a military uniform, met with victims to offer support and reaffirm the state's resolve to protect national stability. The article highlights the importance of combating terrorism through strong leadership and societal unity, drawing parallels with historical challenges in Yemen. It emphasizes that maintaining security and respecting religious diversity are essential for preserving the integrity of stable nations against extremist threats.

Translated from العربيةAlso reported by 2 outlets

Illustrative photo: blue and multicolored inside church view
Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by K. Mitch Hodge on Unsplash
Persecuted church

Jerusalem Patriarch Visits Terror Attack Victims

Basilica.ro Jordan

The Patriarch of Jerusalem visited victims of a terrorist attack in Jordan. He prayed for the wounded at local hospitals in a specific region. The attack occurred at a Greek Orthodox church in a city, killing nine and injuring over thirty. The Patriarch led a funeral service for the deceased. A Latin Patriarch attended the service. Members of the royal family offered condolences. The Patriarch of Romania expressed solidarity with the Jerusalem Patriarch regarding the tragedy.

Translated from RomânăAlso reported by 1 other outlet

Persecuted church

Taliban Arrest Afghan Pastor for Religious Conversion and Social Media Posts

USCIRF Afghanistan

According to USCIRF, Taliban authorities in Afghanistan arrested a senior Christian pastor for converting from Islam. The Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice had previously filed a complaint, alleging the man insulted Islam via social media. During interrogation, the Taliban Intelligence Unit reportedly tortured him and threatened his family. He was subsequently placed under house arrest, and his son was beaten as coercion. The victim remains detained for his religious activities and conversion.

Persecuted church

Syrian Christians Demand Protection After Second Sectarian Attack

Christian Today India Syria

Residents of a Christian village in Syria's Hama province are demanding security and justice following a second sectarian attack in six months. On October 3, armed men from a neighboring town fired on homes after a dispute involving the intimidation of a shopkeeper. An Orthodox priest was targeted but escaped injury. Police arrested several suspects, including two Christians who were later released. A local priest condemned the threats, while a representative of an international Christian rights organization urged authorities to protect vulnerable communities. The incident has renewed fears in a village still recovering from an earlier Easter-season mob attack that targeted Christian property selectively.

Persecuted church

Christian Families Evicted in Chhattisgarh for Refusing to Abandon Faith

Christian Today India India

Christian families in a region of central India face forced evictions and property destruction after refusing to renounce their faith. Recently, a family in a village in the Kanker district was displaced after rejecting demands to abandon Christianity. A similar incident occurred earlier in a village in the Sukma district, where a pastor's roof was removed. Human rights advocates warn that local authorities fail to provide lasting protection, often focusing on crowd control rather than securing homes. These disputes often stem from Christians declining to participate in traditional tribal rituals. Critics argue that stronger administrative measures are needed to uphold constitutional rights and assist displaced residents. According to International Christian Concern, many families now lack basic necessities.

Illustrative photo: A close up of a red flower on a black background
Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Baqeer Gashua on Unsplash
Persecuted church

ACN Report Warns of Expanding Terrorism Against Christians in Africa

ACI Africa Nigeria

Aid to the Church in Need released a report detailing how terrorist groups are expanding across parts of Africa. The study highlights several nations in the Sahel and Sub-Saharan regions as key areas where Christians face disproportionate persecution. According to the report, jihadist affiliates target Christian communities through kidnappings, killings, and church destruction. The findings indicate a geographical shift in global terrorism, with many of the most affected countries located on the continent. ACN notes that weak governance allows extremists to exploit religious divisions, severely impacting Christian populations in these regions.

Also reported by 1 other outlet

Illustrative photo: An aerial view of a farm and a building
Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by ‪Salah Darwish on Unsplash
Persecuted church

Syria Reopens Border With Jordan After Deadly Airstrike Crisis

UCA News Jordan

Syria reopened its main border crossing with Jordan, signaling a thaw in relations following a deadly Jordanian airstrike. The raid, launched in retaliation for a church shooting in Jordan that killed nine people, struck a Syrian village, killing at least seven civilians including children. Jordan stated it targeted Islamic State fighters, while Syria condemned the action as a sovereignty violation. Both nations have agreed to resolve the dispute through diplomatic channels and a joint security committee, aiming to restore normal cross-border movement and address the tensions that arose after the ousting of Bashar al-Assad.

Also reported by 1 other outlet

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Protestant voices condemn hate after Trappes attack

Reforme France

Following the October 23 attack in Trappes and La Verrière, France, which killed one person and injured five, several Protestant voices have spoken out against hatred. The incident in the Yvelines region has shaken many French citizens. An investigation is underway into the murder, which is being treated as related to a terrorist enterprise and motivated by the victim's perceived race, ethnicity, nation, or religion. The outlet Reforme reports that these religious leaders are expressing their rejection of the violence and the underlying prejudices that fueled the tragedy.

Translated from Français

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Iran condemns church attack in Jordan amid domestic persecution

Mohabat News Iran

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi contacted his Jordanian counterpart to condemn a terrorist attack on a church in southern Jordan. While expressing sympathy for victims, Araghchi urged action against Israeli expansionism. However, Mohabat News highlights that this diplomatic gesture contrasts sharply with the Iranian regime's decades-long suppression of Christians domestically. The report details forced closures of Persian-language churches, raids on house churches, arrests, and the seizure of historic church properties. These domestic restrictions create an oppressive climate, undermining the sincerity of Iran's international condemnation of violence against religious sites.

Translated from فارسی

Persecuted church

Photos of the Week Feature Durga Puja and Jordan Church Attack

Religion News Service Jordan

Religion News Service has released its weekly photo selection, highlighting two major events. The collection features images from Durga Puja celebrations. It also includes photographs documenting an attack on a Greek Orthodox church in Jordan. The outlet presents these visuals to provide a snapshot of significant religious and cultural moments occurring around the world during this period.

Persecuted church

Ethiopian Orthodox Church Condemns Oromia Violence

Vatican News (Francais) Ethiopia

The Ethiopian Orthodox Church condemned recent violence in the Oromia region that destroyed villages and places of worship. The Synod stated these acts violate religious freedom and human rights. It urged authorities to protect civilians and prosecute perpetrators. The Syro-Malankare Orthodox Church also expressed solidarity. Its leader, Baselios Marthoma Mathews III, called for justice and protection of innocent lives. Both churches emphasized shared faith and the need for peace. The regional government promised measures, but the Orthodox Church demands concrete actions to ensure safety and prevent future attacks.

Translated from Français

Persecuted church

Ethiopian Orthodox Church Condemns Deadly Attacks in Oromia

Vatican News (Espanol) Ethiopia

The Holy Synod of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church strongly condemned attacks in Ethiopia's Oromia region that killed at least 60 people in the Arsi zone. The church stated the violence violates constitutional rights to religious freedom and life. It urged government authorities to protect civilians and prosecute perpetrators. The Syrian-Malankara Orthodox Church also expressed solidarity. Its leader, Baselios Marthoma Mathews III, denounced the killings as a violation of human dignity. Both churches emphasized the need for lasting security measures to ensure peaceful coexistence and protect vulnerable communities from further persecution.

Translated from Español

Persecuted church

Report: 220 million Christians face persecution in 2024-2026

Vatican News (Arabic) Syria

A report covering 2024 to 2026 states that conditions for Christians worsened in 55 percent of the 18 countries studied. Approximately 413 million Christians live in nations with serious religious freedom violations. The report's author highlights that violence and displacement are increasing, particularly in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Sub-Saharan Africa remains a major hotspot, with six countries including Nigeria, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo among the most affected by terrorism. In Syria, fears of extremism rose after the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime. The report also notes a deadly attack on a church in Damascus. The authors argue that recognizing the religious nature of these attacks is essential for providing adequate protection to vulnerable minorities.

Translated from العربية

Persecuted church

AIS Reports Death of Dozens of Orthodox Christians in Ethiopia

Agencia Ecclesia Ethiopia

The Aid to the Church in Need foundation reported that at least 60 Orthodox Christians were killed in Ethiopia's Oromia region this month. Attacks occurred on October 20 and 24 in the Merti and Shirka districts, where armed men killed residents with firearms and knives, including elderly people and children. The Catholic Church called for peace and protection of civilians. Regional authorities blamed rebel groups aiming to incite religious conflict, though this remains unverified. The foundation warns that violence may deepen existing ethnic and political tensions in a country already facing instability in northern regions.

Translated from Português

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