Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem met with diplomats in Jerusalem to highlight urgent humanitarian and religious concerns. He cited escalating settler attacks in the West Bank, specifically affecting Christians in Taybeh and Birzeit, and settlement expansion near Beit Sahour. The Patriarch also condemned restrictions on freedom of worship in Jerusalem, noting disruptions during Holy Week and the Holy Fire. Additionally, he called for humanitarian access to allow Gaza children with cancer to receive treatment at Augusta Victoria Hospital. The meeting emphasized the moral duty to protect human dignity and support rebuilding efforts in the region.
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Manish Shah on UnsplashPersecuted church
Ten Christian families were forcibly evicted from their village in a region of India following violent attacks linked to their faith. The conflict began when local villagers assaulted two women fetching water and damaged infrastructure. Although police registered a complaint, no investigation occurred. Local officials reportedly told the victims to revert to their previous religion. In retaliation, attackers destroyed homes and beat residents. Amidst severe flooding, the displaced families, including children, now shelter in a nearby forest using makeshift materials. Reports indicate the families lack basic necessities and live in fear, citing inadequate government protection for religious minorities.
Father Bashar Fawadleh, the Latin parish priest of Taybeh in the West Bank, reports a severe escalation of settler violence against Palestinian civilians. His statement to Agenzia SIR details systematic intimidation, land confiscation, and arson in January and February 2026. Attacks include the seizure of agricultural structures, physical assaults in nearby Birzeit and Ein Arik, and vehicle burnings in Taybeh. The priest cites violations of international humanitarian law and appeals for immediate international protection. These incidents follow previous arson attacks on historic sites and private properties, despite visits by religious and diplomatic figures.
Human Rights Without Frontiers reports that Egyptian security forces arrested at least 14 Ahmadi adherents in March 2025 for peacefully displaying a religious banner. Detainees were taken from various cities without formal charges. The group states that some individuals faced enforced disappearance, while one asylum seeker was deported to Syria. According to Amnesty International, three detainees suffered torture and ill-treatment. Authorities reportedly attempted to coerce renunciation of faith using state-aligned scholars. HRWF argues these actions violate international human rights obligations regarding freedom of belief and protection from arbitrary detention.
Catholic clergy in Negombo, Sri Lanka, held a silent protest on January 24 after Father Milan Priyadarshana was allegedly beaten by police. The incident occurred in Gampaha when the priest, wearing his habit, was attacked while riding a motorcycle. Six officers were detained and later suspended. Religious leaders gathered to condemn the violence, emphasizing that no citizen should face physical or mental abuse. They expressed satisfaction with the ongoing investigation but urged authorities to prevent future incidents to ensure national progress. The demonstration highlighted solidarity with the victim and a call for an end to police brutality against all citizens.
In Ethiopia, a Catholic mission in a village in the Gambella region was attacked and looted by rival tribal groups. A priest returned later to find bullet marks and severe structural damage. The group reports that attackers stole religious items, electronics, and food supplies. A representative from Aid to the Church in Need notes the situation is worsening. At least two other parishes were also damaged in the ethnic violence, highlighting the escalating danger for believers in the area.
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Gor Davtyan on UnsplashGood news and persecution
Father Gabriel Romanelli, the Catholic parish priest in Gaza, tells ACN that the humanitarian situation remains critical despite the ceasefire. He reports that bombings continue near the Yellow Line, causing destruction and casualties. Infrastructure for water and electricity is destroyed, leading to disease outbreaks. UNICEF data cited indicates 100 children have died since the truce began. Romanelli urges an end to the war and increased material aid for the 2.3 million residents, noting that schools are overcrowded with displaced families and education is severely limited.
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Voice of the Martyrs reports that the Taliban government in Afghanistan is actively eliminating religions other than Islam. A front-line worker states that secret police conduct random home searches for evidence of different faiths, leading to detentions and torture. The outlet notes that many fighters were recruited as children and indoctrinated through Islamic training schools. The organization urges support for Christians in the country who face constant surveillance and exhaustion. This report highlights the severe persecution faced by religious minorities under the current regime.
Researchers presented findings in Cologne on Thursday indicating that sexualized violence is a structural issue within the German Scout Association (DPSG). Project leader Sabine Maschke stated the organization is permeated by such abuse, often committed by male leaders exploiting their power. The study, based on interviews and surveys, notes that many victims are female minors. Ludwig Stecher from the University of Giessen highlighted that while results are not fully representative, the frequency is significant. The researchers criticized the Catholic Church's lack of interest in the process, noting a vacant bishop representative position. DPSG leader Sebastian Becker said the group is committed to accountability, though he did not rule out disbanding the association in the future.
A Christian advocacy group reports that Iran is experiencing a severe crackdown on protests, with estimates of tens of thousands of deaths since the unrest began. The outlet states that internet connectivity has returned, revealing widespread surveillance and secret detentions. Christians are identified as particularly vulnerable to arrest and persecution. The article includes testimonies from believers describing trauma and fear, while urging international support for those facing deportation or imprisonment. The organization highlights the systemic repression and the specific dangers faced by religious minorities in the country.
Armed bands launched coordinated attacks in a region of Niger State, Nigeria. Assailants burned a police station, a church, and a convent attached to a Catholic clinic. They also vandalized medical equipment and kidnapped several residents, including a local family. The Nigeria Police confirmed the police station assault and multiple abductions. The violence has forced many locals to flee into nearby forests. Meanwhile, a small US military contingent has arrived in Nigeria to provide intelligence support against armed groups, including those with jihadist links.
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A pastor in a village in Odisha, India, was severely beaten by a mob. The attackers paraded him barefoot on thorns and forced him to bow before a Hindu deity. Police arrived late and initially refused to register a formal complaint, instead pressuring the victim to admit to illegal conversions. His wife waited hours at a local station while officers delayed intervention. This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding mob violence against Christians and alleged police inaction in the region.
Pope Leo XIV stated that Ukraine is being severely tested by resumed Russian bombings, including strikes on energy infrastructure, during his General Audience in the Vatican. This follows a major overnight attack involving hundreds of drones and ballistic missiles that wounded at least ten people. Meanwhile, Russian and Ukrainian envoys are scheduled to meet in Abu Dhabi on February 4 for U.S.-brokered peace talks. The Pope also highlighted the expiration of the New START Treaty, calling for efforts to prevent a new nuclear arms race. Austrian Cardinal Christoph Schönborn additionally urged increased humanitarian aid for Ukrainian civilians.
Leaders of a minority unity council in Bangladesh expressed deep concern about the safety of Christian and Hindu communities ahead of national elections. The group cited dozens of violent incidents since January, including murders and attacks on places of worship. Officials warned that hate speech and communal tensions are creating fear among believers. They criticized the interim government for insufficient security measures and biased political campaigning. The Catholic Bishops’ Conference also highlighted the unstable law-and-order situation, urging maximum protection for voters. The situation remains tense as the country prepares for the upcoming polls, with minorities fearing targeted violence.
A massive national security communication system in Nigeria, funded by foreign loans, remains largely non-functional over a decade after its creation. This collapse has severely hindered police coordination, leading to delayed emergency responses and increased vulnerability for civilians, particularly Christian communities in specific regions. While armed groups utilize encrypted communications, security forces often arrive too late or not at all. This governance failure has forced residents to organize self-defense groups. International observers, including U.S. officials, have criticized the lack of accountability and protection, noting that the system's breakdown emboldens terrorist and militia attacks across the country.
Christians in Nigeria face severe danger, with violence reported in northern regions. A pastor’s family was killed by militia, and churches were burned in one area. In another region, hundreds were rescued from extremist groups. Many displaced believers now live in camps, enduring hardship while maintaining their faith. Aid organizations support those fleeing violence. These events highlight ongoing threats and the resilience of the Christian community in the country.
Residents in a district of Benue State, Nigeria, are protesting the continued presence of armed Fulani militias despite a formal exit order. Local authorities revoked a peace agreement following security meetings, yet militia members remain, allegedly attacking communities and destroying farmlands. A local youth council petitioned police, accusing security agencies of arresting locals while allowing armed groups to operate freely. This inaction has caused widespread fear and displacement in the predominantly Christian region, which has suffered years of violent conflict. The situation highlights ongoing security failures and the vulnerability of believers in this area.
Christian Solidarity Worldwide reports that a Muslim man was assaulted by approximately 15 Hindu pilgrims in a city in Uttar Pradesh. The group stopped his car on a highway, accusing him of damaging their ritual pots. They dragged him from the vehicle, smashed the windows, and pursued him to a roadside restaurant. Police were initially attacked but later filed a report. The report noted no evidence of damage to the pots. The victim released a video denying the accusation and demanding compensation. The CSW founder condemned the attack as emblematic of religious intolerance in India.
In India's Odisha state, a group of Hindu nationalists attacked a Christian priest on January 4. The attackers, allegedly linked to Bajrang Dal, accused him of forced conversion and subjected him to severe abuse. They beat him, paraded him through the village, and forced him to eat cow dung and drink sewage at a Hindu temple. Police arrested nine suspects but also filed a case against the priest. The incident sparked widespread condemnation from political and religious leaders, who criticized the violence and hate speech. The priest and his family have been moved to a safe location.
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