INDIA: Call for Death Penalty for Coercive Religious Conversions

Source: VOMC
Sources: International Christian Concern, The Hindu, Catholic News Agency, Mission Network News

Mohan Yadav, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh. Photo: India Prime Minister's Office (GODL-India)

The Chief Minister for the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh has publicly announced plans to impose the death penalty on those convicted of forced or fraudulent religious conversions. In a public meeting for International Women's Day on March 8th, Mohan Yadav equated such conversions with child molestation, stating that both crimes warrant the imposition of capital punishment. Later that evening, the state government released a statement affirming the announcement made by Mohan.

The state's Religious Freedom Act, which came into effect in 2021, is intended to protect people from being forcefully or fraudulently converted from one religion to another. Similar anti-conversion laws are also presently being enforced within ten other states throughout India. Unfortunately, such laws have been widely abused. Militant groups have stirred up violent mob attacks against Christians, falsely claiming that the believers were involved in bribery and other ways of tricking people into converting.
For more information, including reports concerning the numerous incidents of persecution that have taken place against those allegedly accused of coercive conversions, see our country profile.

• Pray that this intended change to Madhya Pradesh's legislation will not be instituted, and that followers of Jesus will no longer be falsely accused under India's anti-conversion laws.
• Ask the Lord to intervene on behalf of believers who are currently facing legal challenges due to false allegations, praying that they will be cleared of all charges.
• May the country's governing leaders come to respect the constitutional rights of all India's citizens, which includes permitting religious freedom to adherents of Christianity.
• Despite the threat of opposition and false charges, may our Christian brothers and sisters throughout this South Asian nation receive guidance, courage and strength as they endeavour to continue living in ways that please the Lord.

PAKISTAN: Brutal Attack on Christian Worker

Source: VOMC
Sources: CLAAS-UK, Aid to the Church in Need, UCA News, Morning Star News

Waqas Masih. Photo: HARDS Pakistan via Morning Star News

A 22-year-old Christian man was brutally attacked by his supervisor at a paper mill in Sharaqpur, Punjab, when he refused to renounce his faith in Christ. Having sustained severe injuries to his throat on March 21st, Waqas Masih was hospitalized in Lahore where his condition has been reported as critical but stable.

According to the young man's father, Waqas encountered pressure to convert to Islam for over a month. Throughout this time, he repeatedly refused to give up his Christian faith and continued to quietly perform his work duties. "Muslims often invite Christians to [convert to] Islam, and we simply don't respond," stated Waqas' mother, Bushra Bibi.

On the day of the attack, a supervisor named Zohaib Iftikhar called Waqas into a room at the mill. While there, he demanded to know why the Christian believer refused to accept Islam. When Waqas stood firmly for his beliefs, Zohaib pulled out a utility knife and slashed the young man's neck before fleeing the scene.

After collapsing, Waqas was rushed to a local hospital and then transferred to Lahore for surgery. When the attacked believer later regained consciousness, he was able to write a statement explaining that he had been falsely accused of desecrating an Islamic textbook by touching it with "unclean" hands (a term often used in Pakistan to reference those belonging to other religious groups). Following the violent incident, the manager of the factory filed a police report, and Zohaib has since been arrested. The factory owner denies that there was any desecration of Islamic texts or photographs.

Regrettably, blasphemy accusations are often used to justify violence against Pakistani followers of Jesus. Recently, VOMC's Minister-at-Large, Greg Musselman, travelled to Jaranwala – a community located 90 kilometres from Sharaqpur – where mob violence in August 2023 resulted in the destruction of hundreds of homes after two Christian brothers were falsely accused of blasphemy.

View the video-recorded testimonies of those who were affected by this devastating mob attack. For other reports on the persecution of Christians in Pakistan, go to our country profile.

• Pray for Waqas' complete physical healing, also asking that this faithful young man and his family would tangibly sense our Heavenly Father's peace, love and comforting presence with them.
• In the aftermath of the attack, prayerfully ask God to guide the authorities in their investigation so that justice will be upheld.
• Continue to remember Christians throughout this nation who have been falsely accused of blasphemy, praying that these traumatized believers will receive needed support, protection and emotional healing.

 

INDONESIA: Churches Encounter Community Opposition

Source: VOMC
Sources: Morning Star News, International Christian Concern, Tribunnews.com, Telisik.id

A church in Indonesia.

Churches in Indonesia frequently receive opposition from hostile community members and local leaders, particularly when they are seeking to build or utilize a worship facility. Christians in at least three separate communities are presently facing opposition for these reasons.

In the village of Paccerakkang, South Sulawesi Province, the Toraja Christian Church of Lanraki had been meeting in the home of a congregation member for two years. Due to the growth of this church, the believers applied for an official permit to build a facility that would accommodate their expanding congregation. Initially, the permit process was going well. However, on February 4th, a banner was installed in the community declaring that nearby residents were strongly opposed to the construction – along with all other religious-related activities in the area. Despite the opposition, leaders of the church remain determined to continue meeting with local residents in order to obtain approval for the construction.

In Bandung, West Java, a protest was held against members of a Catholic church on March 5th, opposing the use of a particular building for worship services. When the facility was first built, the congregation did not have a church permit – a process that can take months or years to complete. Therefore, the building was designated as a multi-purpose facility that would be used not only for worship but other community activities as well. However, local protestors are now demanding that the building not be used for worship, even though it is owned by the Catholic church and the official permit application is currently in process.

Another separate incident took place on March 10th, when community leaders were meeting to discuss an application for the construction of a church building in Wakatobi, Southeast Sulawesi Province. During the meeting, a demonstration involving community members who were opposed to the construction plans resulted in near chaos. Ultimately, the application was rejected for allegedly failing to meet Ministry of Religion regulations. Furthermore, the opposing community leaders asserted that, since the Wakatobi police occasionally provided a place for Christians to hold their worship services, the construction of the church building was unnecessary.

The registration process for churches in Indonesia can be onerous. For one church in Bogor, it took more than 15 years to receive approval from the government (read more).
For other reports on the challenges facing Christians in Indonesia, go to our country profile.

• Pray that the members of these three churches, and others throughout Indonesia who are likewise experiencing opposition, will officially be permitted to gather together for worship and fellowship.
• In each case, may God touch the hearts of the opposing community leaders so that they would realize their need to support those who are seeking ways to rightfully practise their faith.
• Pray that the Christians residing within these communities would seize every opportunity they receive to share the love and grace of Jesus with those around them, so that many more spiritually needy people will come to faith in Him.

CHINA: Non-Compliant Catholic Bishop Rearrested

Source: VOMC
Sources: AsiaNews, ChinaAid, FSSPX, International Christian Concern

Bishop Shao Photo: ChinaAid

Peter Shao Zhumin, a Catholic priest who was appointed by Pope Benedict XVI as an auxiliary bishop, became the bishop of the Diocese of Wenzhou in 2016. However, over the years, Bishop Shao has stood in opposition to the dictates of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Not acknowledging its authority over the church, he refused to join the state-controlled Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association. In response, the official association appointed a different bishop to replace him; however, many members of the diocese do not recognize the association's appointment.

Bishop Shao has been arrested on at least two prior occasions because of his refusal to yield to the Chinese Communist Party. The most recent incident arose after he publicly celebrated mass on December 27th. Authorities of the CCP imposed a fine of 200,000 yuan (around $40,000 CAD) which the church leader challenged, insisting that no laws were violated. In response, police officials from the Public Security Bureau arrested him on March 7th, claiming that the arrest was for his own safety.

In recent years, opposition from Chinese security officials against unregistered religious groups has intensified. Plain clothes officers regularly attend unregistered churches to ban children and teenagers from entering, or to prevent services from taking place altogether. In recent social media posts, the CCP has publicly celebrated its increase in governmental persecution of religious minorities throughout 2024, referencing the party's "intensified efforts to dismantle cult organizations." The term "cult" is used to describe beliefs deemed anti-government or those that fail to comply with the principles of the CCP. Based on recent trends, this increased persecution is expected to continue during 2025.
To learn more about the various trials facing Chinese Christians, and/or to review previously posted Persecution & Prayer Alert reports, see our country profile.

• Please prayerfully uphold Bishop Shao as he now deals with this most recent incident of persecution, asking the Lord to advocate on his behalf.
• In the midst of governmental opposition, may this faithful church leader – along with the many other arrested/fined Christians throughout China – remain strong in their resolve to honour God in both word and deed.
• Pray for a spiritual awakening to take place among CCP leaders and local officials who actively oppose Christianity, so that they too would yield to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

PAKISTAN: Resignation of Judge Implicated in Blasphemy Entrapment

Source: VOMC
Sources: Morning Star News, The Nation

Lahore High Court Photo: Wikipedia / MariyamAftab (cc)

On March 6th, Justice Chaudhry Abdul Aziz of the Lahore High Court unexpectedly resigned from his judicial post as a court official, effective immediately. The judge cited "personal issues" as the reason for his resignation.

While highly praised by many, allegations have arisen that Chaudhry had links to a group suspected of exploiting blasphemy laws for personal gain. An anonymous Muslim lawyer believes that mounting international pressure over the blatant human rights violations may have forced him to step down.

Some defence lawyers have reportedly expressed relief over the recent news of his resignation due to the pressures he placed on individuals who were victimized during the blasphemy trials. An investigation in 2024 alleges that organized groups (including those involving lawyers) have been intentionally entrapping Christians, leading to allegations of blasphemy.
Further information addressing this concern is available here.

• Pray that Pakistan's judicial officials would uphold justice, fairness and impartiality when assessing the various cases brought before them.
• May the police and other local authorities likewise exercise wisdom, discernment and prudence as they initially evaluate situations warranting their intervention.
• As God's Holy Spirit continues to work through His followers in Pakistan, pray that the "Good News" of the Gospel will reach many who are in need of His eternal salvation and hope.

UZBEKISTAN: New Religion Law Takes Effect

Source: VOMC
Sources: Forum18, The Times of Central Asia, World Evangelical Alliance

Uzbekistan Parliament Photo: Wikimedia / Davide Mauro (cc)

For the past several months, members of the Uzbek parliament have been deliberating over revisions to their existing religion laws. On June 26th, 2024, a draft law was published. Recently, as of February 21st, this new law officially came into effect.
For more information, see this page.

Proponents of the new law proclaimed that it would promote religious tolerance, prevent discrimination, strengthen national unity, and ensure freedom and equality for all citizens. Authorities stated that, after receiving more than 480 public submissions, "most citizens backed the initiative, recognizing its timely development and potential benefits for the country."

Major concerns have since been raised by religious groups regarding the new restrictions placed on the religious education of children. These new restrictions impose fines or jail terms for parents who allow or arrange "illegal" religious education for youth under the age of 18. Defenders of the legislation allege that the new law is designed to keep children from the influence of terrorist groups; in particular, those who promote militant Islamic viewpoints. However, the implications of the new law actually apply to parents representing all religious groups, including adherents of Christianity, who wish to teach their children about their faith.

As a result of this new legislation, police have been targeting children who attend night prayers during Ramadan. Human rights defenders have also expressed concerns that parents could even be punished for instructing their children at home, which would be a clear violation of the country's constitution.

• On behalf of parents who are endeavouring to raise their children in the ways of the Lord (Deuteronomy 6:6-8), pray that they would receive His wisdom and direction.
• Intercede for Uzbekistan's governing leaders, praying that they would be willing to reevaluate the newly implemented religion law and make necessary changes to the forementioned restrictions to ensure freedom of belief and conscience for all.

IRAN: Three Christians Facing Lengthy Prison Sentences

Source: VOMC
Source: Article18

Left to right: Abbas Soori, Narges Nasri, and Mehran Shamloui. Photos: Article 18

Three Christian converts, including a woman who is pregnant with her first child, have been sentenced to lengthy prison sentences on charges relating to their religious beliefs and worship meetings. The Iranian believers were sentenced by Judge Iman Afshari at a Revolutionary Court on March 8th.

Narges Nasri is 37 years old and halfway through her first pregnancy. She received the stiffest sentence among those of the three accused Christians: ten years for "propaganda activities contrary to Islamic law," five years for membership in an "opposition group," and an additional year for "propaganda against the state." The charges allegedly stem from a social media post that Narges had made.

Abbas Soori likewise received a sentence of ten years for "propaganda activities contrary to Islamic law" and an additional five years for membership in an "opposition group." Abbas had been previously accused of distributing propaganda in 2022. As a result of these former charges, rather than being sentenced to prison, the believer received ten years of "deprivation of social rights," which carries numerous restrictions relating to areas such as employment, health care and education. (For more information on this previous incident, go to this report.) The third Christian sentenced on March 8th was Mehran Shamloui who received a term of eight years for spreading propaganda and 30 months for membership in an "opposition group."

All three followers of Jesus were arrested during concurrent raids on their homes in Tehran on November 3rd. At least ten other Christians were arrested on the same day through coordinated raids across the country. 

For additional reports on the persecution experienced by our Christian brothers and sisters in Iran, go to our country profile.

• Remember these three believers in your prayers, along with the many other Iranian Christians who are presently being detained because of their faith in Christ, asking that all charges against them will be dropped.
• Pray that our imprisoned Christian brothers and sisters in Iran would rest in the assurance that Christ's presence is abiding with them. As a result, may they experience His sustaining peace, comfort and encouragement.
• Prayerfully ask God to also provide greatly needed comfort to these detained believers' families, friends and fellow church members.

INDIA: Large Mob Attack at Pastors' Gathering

Source: VOMC
Sources: VOM Australia, VOM Contacts

Pastors and church leaders in India. Photo: VOMC

On February 19th, a group of pastors had gathered in Kusumba Village, a town located in the Jalgaon District of Maharashtra, India. As the meeting was taking place, a mob of approximately 400 Hindu nationalists suddenly attacked, brutally assaulting many of the pastors. As a result of the violence, two of the church leaders were left in critical condition.

In addition to the physical assaults, the Hindu militants destroyed various furniture items belonging to the Christians, along with six motorcycles. Shortly thereafter, police arrived at the scene and managed to bring the situation under control. Despite having committed the violence, the attackers were all allowed to leave, while 28 pastors were detained for questioning before being released that evening. According to local reports, the violent incident has deeply affected all of the Christians in the community.

In India, mob attacks against Christians are common, particularly by those determined to make the country a Hindu nation.

For more details on the violent opposition inflicted against followers of Jesus in this South Asian country, go to our country report.

• Pray for the complete physical and emotional healing of all those who were injured in this most recently occurring assault.
• May the Lord also minister needed peace and courage to their families, as well as others in the surrounding Christian community who were indirectly affected by the incident.
• Pray that such acts of violence would not be overlooked by the authorities. Instead, may necessary measures be taken to ensure all perpetrators are held accountable.
• Despite the strong opposition against our Christian family in India, may the ongoing ministry of the Gospel continue to shine the light of God's eternal salvation and hope throughout the nation.

PAKISTAN: Needed Freedom from Kidnapping

Source: VOMC
Sources: UCA News, Pakistan Christian Post, Morning Star News, ICR Canada, CLAAS-UK, ECSPE

Saba Shafique and her mother. Photo: Christian Daily International-Morning Star News

On January 5th, 12-year-old Saba Shafique was abducted from her home in Lahore, Pakistan, and forced to convert to Islam before being married to her abductor. This devastating incident occurred despite the country's laws prohibiting child marriage.

The man responsible, Muhammad Ali, was a Muslim neighbour who became friends with Saba's family. On the day of the kidnapping, Muhammad took the Christian girl to the bazaar. However, rather than returning to her home afterwards, they travelled by bus to the city of Sialkot where a cleric fabricated a certificate claiming that Saba had converted to Islam. The cleric then falsely stated that Saba was 18 years old before marrying them. A few days later, fearful that he would be discovered by the authorities, Muhammad fled the area – taking Saba with him – and travelled to a village in Sindh Province.

While initially it appeared as though the police were not adequately investigating the case, Lahore authorities had conducted a raid on March 5th in conjunction with police from Sindh Province. Thankfully, following the arrest of her abductor, Saba was recovered and then safely returned to her family the next day.

In a separate incident, a 14-year-old Christian girl named Saneha Sharif was lured from her home in Sialkot on January 9th. The young teen was forced into a van by a group of seven individuals, one of whom was identified as her neighbour.

(Further information on this kidnapping incident is available here.)

Although an eyewitness was able to identify those responsible for the abduction, Saneha remained missing for weeks. Finally, the police recovered the girl on February 19th. However, rather than returning Saneha directly to her family, she was placed in a government shelter. Due to the trauma of the incident, the young teen was unable to articulate clearly what had happened to her. After multiple court hearings, she was finally able to express her desire to return home on March 6th. At that point, she was finally released by the government and rightfully placed in her parents' custody.

Following Saneha's release, Nasir Saeed, who serves as the director of CLAAS-UK, condemned the situation, stating: "Forced conversions and abductions of underage Christian and Hindu girls have become a pattern in Pakistan; and despite court orders, justice is often delayed. Saneha's case is a rare victory, but many others remain unheard."

For previously published reports addressing the severe challenges facing Christian women and girls in Pakistan, and/or to view informative video interviews, visit our country profile.

• Praise God for the safe return of these two girls to their concerned families!
• As Saba and Saneha now go through the recovery process, may the Lord to minister greatly needed psychological and physical healing in each of their lives.
• Pray that those responsible for the girls' abductions will ultimately be brought to justice.
• Intercede on behalf of the many other victimized girls and young women who have yet to be released from their abductors, asking the Lord to divinely intervene in each of their situations.
• May great measures be taken in Pakistani society to ensure the protection of vulnerable minorities, so that such incidents of kidnapping and violence will no longer take place.

Christians in Syria Slaughtered in Their Homes

Stand for Israel  |  March 10, 2025

The Christian community in the Syrian capital celebrates their holy feast every year. December 24, 2024. (Photo: Asaad Syria/ Flash90)

We’ve seen a drastic rise in violence in Syria in just the last few days. Minority groups, like Christians, have been targeted – and we pray for their safety and stand with all Christians who are vulnerable to persecution.

Recently, thousands of Syrian religious minorities were slaughtered under the new leadership, and the US is unwaveringly standing with the innocent who were murdered simply because of their faith. News Nation tells us more:

The United States is condemning the murder of religious minorities in Syria, as reports circulate online that more than a thousand innocent civilians have been killed by Islamic terrorists.

On X, Senator Marco Rubio condemned the violence, saying, “The United States stands with Syria’s religious and ethnic minorities, including its Christian, Druze, Alawite, and Kurdish communities.”

In recent days, graphic videos of the alleged killing of Christians in western Syria have emerged.

According to Asia News, a Vatican-affiliated news agency that reports on Christian communities, more than 800 people, including women, children and priests, were slaughtered in their homes solely because they were Christian.

Please pray for Christians in Syria who are targeted by violent religious persecution – and thank God for Israel, the country in the Middle East that offers religious freedom to all its citizens.

Prayer for the Persecuted - March 10, 2025 @ 7 PM

1. Open in Prayer

2. Scripture:  Psalm 31:5 NIV 
Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, Lord, my faithful God.

Stephen, the first Christian martyr, as described in the Book of Acts in the Bible. 

Before he was stoned to death, Stephen quoted Scripture and spoke words of faith. In Acts 7:59-60, he prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit," echoing Psalm 31:5, and then said, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them," showing remarkable forgiveness.

3. Worship Video: Only A Holy God - CityAlight
                                  Precious Lord Take My Hand 
                       I Asked the Lord that I Might Grow 
                       Jews & Arabs worship together in Nazareth, Israel.

4. Video: Pastor Gideon's Story of Unspeakable Tragedy and Extraordinary Forgiveness

5. SOMALIA: Attacked Christian Loses Ability to Speak

6. Video: Ukraine - Persecution Of Christians You Haven't Heard About

7. OCCUPIED UKRAINE: Orthodox Priest Transferred to Russian Labour Camp

8. Christians in Syria Slaughtered in Their Homes

9. IRAN: Two Pardoned Pastors Rearrested

Praise Reports

EGYPT: Prisoners Released After Years of Detention
INDIA: Christian Couple Released on Bail
PAKISTAN: Acquittal for Christian Brothers
PAKISTAN: Court Calls for Inquiry into Blasphemy Cases

Jews & Arabs worship together