A decade after a deadly bakery attack in the capital, religious minorities in Bangladesh remain under threat. The incident killed 22 people, including foreigners, after attackers targeted non-Muslims. According to a local partner, militant Islamist groups have grown more aggressive and intolerant. Although no attack of similar scale has occurred recently, security alerts warn of potential strikes on government and religious sites. Daily pressures include hate speech, social rejection, and violence against converts, particularly Christians. With a significant portion of parliamentarians holding fundamentalist ideologies, minorities feel increasingly vulnerable despite a majority of the population practicing moderate Islam.
Translated from FrançaisAlso reported by 1 other outlet
The World Evangelical Alliance called on Israel to halt settler violence and settlement expansion in the West Bank during a United Nations Human Rights Council session. Markus Hofer delivered the statement, urging protection for Palestinian civilians, including Christians, and accountability for attackers. The group highlighted repeated incidents in Taybeh, described as the last predominantly Christian village, citing property damage and new outposts. Rev. Jack Sara emphasized that violence against communities and places of worship demands global church attention, asserting that injustice cannot be justified by religion or nationalism.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Following a violent attack on a monastery in Ukraine, an injured priest called for unity and forgiveness. The assault resulted in the death of 72-year-old priest Stanisław Zbojnowicz and injuries to four others. The suspect is identified as a 31-year-old Ukrainian citizen. In his message, the survivor urged the public not to blame the entire Ukrainian people for the actions of one individual. He emphasized that the community must respond to evil with love and compassion, recalling their history of supporting refugees during the war. The outlet RISU reported on these statements.
Intelligence reports from a region in northern Nigeria warn of coordinated attacks following the collapse of peace talks. Negotiations in specific local areas failed after community leaders refused extortion demands from armed extremist groups. Sources indicate these non-state actors may launch assaults in the coming days, targeting several villages. The groups also plan to block access to farmlands to disrupt livelihoods. The threat level is assessed as high, prompting calls for intensified surveillance and community patrols to protect residents from severe harm and human rights violations.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇵🇱 Poland·
Bishops of the Roman Catholic Church in Ukraine have issued a statement condemning a violent attack in the Polish city of Yaroslavl. The incident occurred before Mass at a Benedictine women's monastery, where a Ukrainian citizen assaulted clergy members. One priest, Stanislaw Zboynovich, died in the hospital, while two others remain in critical condition and five people were injured in total. The bishops expressed deep sorrow, offered condolences to the victims and their families, and called for just punishment for the violence. They also prayed for the deceased priest's eternal life and the recovery of the wounded.
Christian Solidarity Worldwide highlights the severe humanitarian situation in Myanmar five years after the military coup. The regime continues to attack civilian targets, including churches and schools, while forcibly closing places of worship. Forced conscription drives many young people to flee, and the Rohingya community faces exploitation and violence despite false promises of citizenship. The organization urges global governments to impose an arms embargo to protect civilians. It also notes ongoing genocide proceedings at the International Court of Justice, where survivors have provided testimony. The group calls for accountability for political prisoners and support for displaced persons.
A worker with an international Christian aid organization supports North Korean refugees who have fled their homeland. For many, he may be the only Christian they ever meet. Operating under constant surveillance, his team provides practical aid and discreet spiritual support. The group notes that trust is hard to build due to years of regime restrictions. Recently, a team member had to hide after being identified by persecutors. The worker emphasizes that each encounter is critical, as it might be the last chance to share the gospel. Despite risks, he reports that some refugees eventually accept the faith, including two recent baptisms.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Metropolitan Serhiy Horobtsov of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine stated that unknown men attempted to breach the Holy Trinity parish in Donetsk on September 2. The attackers kicked the fence, threw stones, and shouted pro-Russian slogans, according to the priest Kostyantyn Kuznetsov. Horobtsov criticized the initial police response and requested a review by the Security Service of Ukraine. He linked the incident to long-term Russian propaganda and noted the former priest's history of conflict. The metropolitan emphasized that the congregation legally transferred to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine and demands accountability for the aggression.
Christian Solidarity Worldwide highlights increasing religious intolerance in South Asia, particularly in India since Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office in 2014. The group cites over 600 cases of violence against minorities between 2014 and 2015, including attacks on Muslims and Christians. In Pakistan, the organization notes the death of a 13-year-old Christian boy in 2015. CSW also urges concern for Nepal’s new constitution and calls for improved human rights and safety for religious minorities across the region. The outlet frames these issues as reasons for prayer and international attention.
Patriarch Ignatius Youssef III Younan of the Syriac Catholic Church told The Pillar that Vatican Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti has conspired with a bishop to incite rebellion within the Eastern Church. The patriarch claims the cardinal has openly sought to dismiss several patriarchs over the past two years. In other news, Archbishop Adam Szal of Przemyśl appealed for unity after a priest was killed and four others wounded in a knife attack at a Benedictine abbey in Jarosław, Poland. Additionally, Pope Leo XIV began his fifth international trip in France, visiting UNESCO and Lourdes. The U.S. government called for an investigation into a drone strike on a humanitarian aid convoy in Ethiopia’s Tigray Region. Meanwhile, Scotland’s bishops proposed seven options for restructuring its eight dioceses. Finally, the beatification of Blessed Fulton Sheen took place in St. Louis, drawing large crowds. (118 words)
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇵🇱 Poland·
A district court in Jarosław, Poland, ordered that the Ukrainian man accused of attacking a Benedictine monastery be held in a hospital for three months due to his mental health. The decision was made on September 26 after prosecutors requested temporary detention. Court officials stated the suspect, identified as Igor M., was not brought to the courtroom because of his health condition. Psychiatrists diagnosed him with acute polymorphic psychotic disorders, preventing him from participating in interrogations. He faces charges including murder and attempted murder, which could result in life imprisonment. The attack occurred on September 24, resulting in the death of a priest and injuries to others.
A new report by Pakistan’s National Commission for Justice and Peace highlights systemic discrimination against religious minorities in Pakistan during 2025. The document, shared with Aid to the Church in Need, cites murders, forced conversions, and misuse of blasphemy laws. Eight Christians were acquitted of blasphemy charges, and the government claims it is introducing procedural safeguards. However, violence against women and girls remains a critical concern, with authorities sometimes complicit in abductions. Bishop Samson Shukardin warns that official rhetoric renders minorities invisible. ACN ranks Pakistan as a country of persecution.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇵🇱 Poland·
Poland's Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Wiesław Leszczewicz stated that a recent knife attack at a Benedictine monastery in Jarosław may trigger increased hostility toward Ukrainians. The incident, which occurred on September 24, left five people injured, including one priest who later died in the hospital. Police arrested a 31-year-old Ukrainian citizen who had entered Poland from Germany. Leszczewicz emphasized that while such events are rare, politicians must work to prevent generalizations against Ukrainian workers who contribute significantly to the Polish economy. Authorities are investigating whether the suspect acted alone or was influenced by external factors, including potential Russian involvement.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇵🇱 Poland·
According to Polish media, the 31-year-old Ukrainian man accused of killing a priest in a monastery near Jaroslaw, Poland, had attempted to cross into Ukraine days earlier. Border guards denied his entry due to missing vehicle insurance and towed his car. The suspect, identified as Igor M., had lived in Germany and returned to Poland. He later stole a knife and attacked clergy at the Benedictine abbey, killing 72-year-old Father Stanislaw Zbojewicz and injuring four others. Prosecutors have charged him with murder and attempted murder. He is currently in psychiatric care as authorities seek his detention.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇵🇱 Poland·
The prosecutor's office in Przemyśl has formally charged a suspect with the murder of a priest, attempted murder, and causing serious bodily harm following an attack at a monastery in Jarosław, Poland. The incident left five people injured, including three clergy members and two laypersons. One priest, Stanisław Zbojnowicz, died in the hospital, while another remains in serious but stable condition. The suspect, a 31-year-old Ukrainian citizen, is currently under police supervision. His interrogation depends on medical assessments, and he faces a potential life sentence for the violence that occurred recently.
Two Catholic priests were killed in separate violent incidents in Mexico and Poland. In a region of Mexico, a priest was shot near a highway, with authorities investigating amid concerns about cartel violence. In a city in Poland, a suspect stabbed multiple people, killing a priest and injuring others at a monastery. The Polish Prime Minister and Ukrainian President condemned the attack. While motives remain unclear, investigators note the suspect entered Poland recently. The incidents have prompted calls for justice and mourning in both nations.
Following a fatal stabbing at a Benedictine monastery in Jaroslaw, Poland, Catholic leaders urged against hatred toward Ukrainians. A 31-year-old Ukrainian national killed one priest and injured four others using a kitchen knife. Polish Primate Wojciech Polak called for unity, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj and local bishops condemned the act. The suspect, who recently arrived from Germany, was arrested at the scene. Authorities are investigating the motive, with officials warning against Russian attempts to exploit the tragedy to disrupt support for Ukraine. Primate Adam Szal organized prayers for peace and unity.
Armed militias have established ambushes near a village in Plateau State, Nigeria, prior to a burial for victims of a recent attack. Credible intelligence warns of a coordinated assault on mourners. The threat is active in the region, prompting urgent calls for security forces to protect the community and prevent a tragedy similar to past massacres. Travelers on local roads are also at risk. The situation highlights the ongoing danger faced by residents in this area, where violence remains a persistent threat to public safety and communal gatherings.
Yechiel Leiter, Israel’s ambassador to the United States, has returned to Israel after his son, IDF reservist Neria Leiter, was critically injured in a car ramming attack at the Maccabim checkpoint in Samaria. The attacker, identified as Mahmoud Mohammad Sliman from Beit Ur al-Tahta, was killed by Israeli forces. Neria Leiter underwent emergency brain surgery at Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem, where doctors state his life remains in danger. This incident follows the death of Neria’s older brother, Moshe, in Gaza in 2023. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the family before departing for the UN General Assembly. The ambassador highlighted the family's resilience amid ongoing conflict.
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