These articles were first published in our October edition of the newspaper, click here for more.
A pastor in Vietnam has been jailed for seven and a half years for “undermining the national unity policy”.
Christian Solidarity Worldwide reports that the pastor is alleged to have led and supported various religious initiatives, in person and online for over 20 years, and raised funds to form another religious organisation for ethnic minority groups in the Central Highlands. He has also been associated with someone living in the US who is alleged to support separatist activities.
Two church leaders in Sudan have been freed along with relatives in the Nuba Mountains region after a handover meeting involving other local church leaders.
Morning Star News reports that they are believed to have been kidnapped by breakaway members of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-North (SPLA-N) in a further sign that attacks on church leaders are increasing in the area.
Seven Christians involved in an unregistered house church in Wenzhou, China have been arrested and their whereabouts and physical condition remain unknown.
The founder and senior pastor of Wenzhou’s Purpose Driven Church (also known as Biaogan Church) and its financial administrator were among those detained. Christian Solidarity Worldwide reports that the congregation has allegedly refused to join the Three-Self Patriotic Movement, which is state-controlled, or officially register with the authorities. The church has called for prayer for its members.
A pastor in Indonesia has been jailed for two years after a rushed trial found him guilty of breaking blasphemy and hate speech laws. Dedi Saputra, a convert from Islam, has been behind bars since February when he was arrested following discovery of his criticism of Muhammad in a TikTok video.
Morning Star News reports that Saputra’s criticism centred around Muhammad’s taking of several wives after declaring himself a Muslim prophet.
Two Christians have been kidnapped during an overnight border raid from Nigeria into Cameroon by Boko Haram. The victims belonged to different churches in Mahoula, a village in the Mayo-Sava area, in a hotspot of activity by such groups operating on the border between the two nations.
A church leader from a neighbouring village detailed the constant turmoil facing Christians in the area in an Open Doors report, speaking of “regular kidnappings and sexual assaults,” as well as the destruction of church property.
Criminal gangs in Haiti have killed 47 people in one night in the commune of Kenscoff, including 22 people sheltering in a church. The attackers are believed to be linked to the notorious Viv Ansanm alliance of gangs, which also set several homes on fire and attacked 60 others.
Evangelical Focus reports that the authorities have not been able to identify the perpetrators, who have contributed to a tumultuous period of violence across the nation, with more than 3,000 believed to have been killed during the first half of this year.
An Anglican bishop in Venezuela has been released after spending five years in jail on charges relating to terrorism, criminal association and conspiracy after the authorities accused him of trying to destabilise the state through his social ministry work.
Christian Solidarity Worldwide reports that the charges levelled against Jylman Red Jurado Farfán were false and that he was jailed despite no conclusive evidence being presented against him in court. He suffered from ill health while in prison, likely exacerbated by torture he experienced while inside, such as the removal of his toenails.
Churchgoers in western India are being asked to sign forms declaring that they voluntarily go to prayer meetings under “no pressure, inducement, temptation, lure or threat of any kind” to safeguard against new anti-conversion laws. The move follows recent disruption of such meetings in churches by Hindu groups, which claim conversions were forced.
Premier Christian News reports that new legal provisions stipulate that state officials can intervene where illegal conversions occur, while those planning to convert must give two months’ notice to their district magistrate.
The number of abductions by extremists in Nigeria was 153% higher in the final quarter of 2025 than in the previous year, according to new Open Doors research. A total of 3,415 are reported to have been
kidnapped in late 2025, up from 1,352 in 2024, with civilian killings also up by just over half in the same period.
The Nigeria at the Crossroads report highlighted that Fulani attackers were the main perpetrators, and that such violence will likely continue until the authorities show “sustained resolve” to deal with militants decisively.
Two Christians in Pakistan have been arrested on blasphemy charges which could result in execution. Samuel Arif is accused of slandering Muhammad and his wife, and harassing a man’s daughters, but his family members deny the allegations.
Morning Star News reports that another believer Amir Masih has also been charged for blasphemy after comparing Jesus and Muhammad. His family are believed to be in protective custody while he faces the charges, according to a pastor aware of the situation.
Luke Randall
A warehouse in Ukraine used as a launchpad for aid trips to the frontline and Christian initiatives has been destroyed in a Russian strike as the war between the two nations rages on. The facility, run by Campus Crusade for Christ International, served as a “hub for over 1,000 volunteers from churches and charities,” according to a spokesperson.
As reported by Premier Christian News, Russian sources claim the warehouse stored equipment which could be used in Ukraine’s war effort. A care home next to the warehouse was also hit in the strike, with 29 residents believed to have been killed.
Luke Randall