Gatestone Institute On Sunday, March 15, as Christian churches around the world were celebrating morning mass, two churches in Pakistan—one Catholic, one Protestant—were attacked by Islamic suicide bombers. At least 17 people were killed and over 70 wounded. The Taliban claimed responsibility. It is believed that the group had hoped for much greater death tolls, as there … [Read more...]
Turkey: Christian Schools Shut Down for Distributing Bibles to Muslim Refugees from Syria
Turkish authorities recently shut down Christian schools belonging to the Association of Churches of Jerusalem. Schools in several districts of the southeastern city of Gaziantep, where many refugees from Syria had fled, and in three other regions, were closed. Although providing much needed humanitarian relief, the Christian schools were found giving Bible and other … [Read more...]
Iran: Eighteen Apostates to Christianity Sentenced to 24 Years Total
Iran’s revolutionary court sentenced 18 Christian converts on charges that include evangelism, propaganda against the regime, and creating house churches to practice their faith. The sentences totaled almost 24 years (the lack of transparency in Iran’s tightly controlled judicial system does not allow for a breakdown of individual sentences). The defendants were also barred … [Read more...]
Muslim Convert to Christianity Told to Murder Pastors ‘or Else’
On April 25, police raided a Christian worship service in Asella just south of the capital, Addis Ababa. The Church of Asella had just baptized 40 new converts to Christianity, prompting mass arrests. One of those imprisoned, a former Muslim who converted to Christianity known only as “Palus Ejigu,” said, “We were gathered for sharing and encouraging each other with the Word … [Read more...]
Muslims Destroy Church, Beat Christians for ‘Proselytism and Conversions of Muslims’ in Pakistan
On May 28, in Chakwal city south of Lahore, Muslim men destroyed a Protestant church and beat six Christians, including the pastor. Some of those wounded were hospitalized with minor injuries. Pastor Suhail Masih and five other Christians were in the church when armed men entered the holy place, instigated by a local imam. They abused and beat those present, escaping before … [Read more...]