IRAN: Potential Seizure of Historic Church Complex

Source: VOMC
Sources: Article18, Hengaw, Iran International, Israel365 News

St. Peter Evangelical Church Photo: Wikipedia / Herbert Karim Masihi (CC)

A historic Christian compound in Tehran, which was established in 1876 and home to Iran's oldest Protestant church, is facing possible confiscation by the country's government. The recent threat marks the culmination of a long-standing legal battle that started over 25 years ago.

St. Peter Evangelical Church was built by American missionaries on 10 hectares of land granted by the Persian monarch. The complex now consists of a church building, two schools and dozens of residential homes. For nearly 150 years, it has served Tehran's Assyrian and Armenian Christian communities.

In 1998, authorities ordered that the land be transferred to the Islamic government, along with several other church properties across the country. However, the ruling was not enforced at that time. In 2008, the Council of Evangelical Churches learned of the decision and protested, but all appeals were ultimately rejected. Given the substantial size and location of the complex in central Tehran, the property has significant value.

Recently, governing authorities ordered 20 families living within the compound to vacate their homes within two weeks. Members of the congregation have also been informed that they must find another church to attend. (In order to identify members of the congregation, security personnel reportedly attended a recent worship service.)

St. Peter Evangelical Church is one of the last remaining Protestant congregations in the city. Its potential closure is viewed as another indication of the shrinking space afforded to minority religious communities within the country.
More information concerning the persecution of Iranian Christians may be reviewed at our country profile.

• Pray that this historic church facility will be allowed to remain open to Christians in the community, and that the families residing on the property would be permitted to stay in their homes.

• In the event that the relocation orders are enforced by Iranian authorities, please pray that the affected families and church leaders will receive God's divine peace, provision, clear direction, as well as the ongoing reassurance that He will meet their every need.

• Intercede on behalf of other congregations throughout Iran that are facing similar forms of intimidation, pressure and oppression, asking the Lord to strengthen their faith and sustain them in their witness to others who need hope and eternal salvation – including those who oppose them.

• Continue to remember the many ministries and outreach initiatives that are faithfully shining the light of Jesus amid the darkness of this war-torn, oppressive nation.

CHINA: Pastor Jin Freed from Prison

Source: VOMC
Sources: ChinaAid, The New York Times, BBC

Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri Photo: ChinaAid

In a sudden and unexpected turn of events, Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri from the Beijing Zion Church was released from prison on July 3rd and allowed to reunite with his family in the United States. Arriving in Los Angeles the next day, the pastor has since been warmly welcomed by his family – including a newborn grandson.

Pastor Jin was arrested following a raid on his church in October 2024. As a result of the incident, along with the government's ensuing crackdown on the congregation, 18 church leaders were charged. Less than a month ago, it was announced that nine of those believers were released, while charges against the remaining detainees – including Pastor Jin – were increased to include fraud and "illegal business operations."
(Review a previously posted Persecution & Prayer Alert regarding the situation.)

According to reports, Pastor Jin's release is the result of direct discussions between the presidents of the United States and China. The decision was presented as a goodwill gesture coinciding with American Independence Day celebrations. In a statement issued by Pastor Jin's family, gratitude was expressed to both President Trump and President Xi. Rejoicing over the news, they stated, "We truly witnessed a miracle, and we are feeling so overwhelmed with joy!"

While Dr. Bob Fu of ChinaAid also welcomed this encouraging development, he urges that there be continued advocacy for the many believers remaining imprisoned today, including Pastor Jin's eight coworkers. "Freedom for Pastor Jin is a tremendous victory," Dr. Fu added. "But our work is not finished until every prisoner of faith is free."
For other reports addressing the persecution of Christians in China, visit our country profile.

• Let's join with Pastor Jin, his family, church congregants and other Christians around the world in thanking the Lord for this joyous answer to prayer!

• At the same time, please be mindful to prayerfully uphold the many other Chinese believers who remain imprisoned because of their faith in Christ, asking Him to not only strengthen, encourage and sustain each of them, but to also provide such needed ministry to their concerned loved ones.

• Pray that God will continue working on their behalf through international efforts and diplomatic discussions to bring about greater religious freedom in China, and thus enable all of our Christian brothers and sisters to worship openly and without the fear of governmental interference.

IRAN: Appeals Denied for Sentenced Christians

Source: VOMC
Sources: Article18, HRANA

L to R: Nasser Navard Gol-Tapeh, Joseph and Lida Shahbazian, and Aida Najaflou. Photo: Article18

In December 2025, it was announced that five Iranian Christians had received lengthy prison sentences. Although the charges against them officially involved "collusion" and "propaganda," they were imprisoned merely for engaging in typical Christian activities, such as gathering for worship, prayer, and the observance of communion and baptismal ceremonies. (Further details on the believers' convictions are available at this report. For security reasons, one of the accused believers' names was withheld from that initial report.)

Although the convicted Christians appealed their sentences, the court announced on June 22nd that the original verdicts would continue to stand. This decision was made without any hearings or opportunities for the accused believers to present their cases.

• As these believers presently face the possibility of lengthy prison sentences, pray that they will deeply sense God's comforting presence each day, giving them renewed strength, peace and unwavering hope through the indwelling work of His Holy Spirit.

• May the Lord continue to comfort, encourage and sustain the family members and friends of these imprisoned Christians, reminding them of His great faithfulness and attentive loving care as well.

• In general, please prayerfully uphold all followers of Christ throughout Iran who are encountering some form of persecution for their faith. May they too receive the strength, encouragement and empowerment to faithfully share the love of Jesus with those around them, so that many more hearts will readily experience His salvation and the resulting spiritual transformation only He can provide.

KAZAKHSTAN: Congregants Charged Following Police Raid

Source: VOMC
Source: Voice of the Martyrs USA

Several church members have been charged by police. Photo: VOM USA

A church in Semey, a bustling historical city situated in the eastern part of Kazakhstan, was raided on May 24th after police received a call that unregistered religious activities were taking place. Shortly following the notification, about 10 officers arrived at the scene during the Sunday church service.

When the service ended, all attendees – except mothers with children – were ordered to stay within the facility. Officers then explained to the remaining Christians that they were breaking the law by "performing religious rites." Charges were subsequently laid against 15 of the church members, including the pastor.

Legal restrictions, along with the mandate for church communities to receive official registration from the government (a lengthy process that often leads to denial of the required documentation), have resulted in significant difficulties for Christians throughout the country.
For a general overview of the challenges encountered by believers in this Central Asian nation, and/or to review previously posted Persecution & Prayer Alerts further addressing this particular concern, go to our country profile.

• Please prayerfully uphold the pastor of this recently raided church in Semey, as well as the accused congregants, asking the Lord to grant them wisdom and guidance as they now deal with the charges laid against them.

• As these believers navigate their way through the imposed governmental requirements, may a favourable resolution be found so that the church can continue its ministry within the community.

• In the interim, pray that the members of this church – and those belonging to other congregations in Kazakhstan – will receive the strength, grace and resilience required to victoriously overcome the oppressive challenges they are presently facing.

PAKISTAN: Acquittal of Charges for Blind Christian Man

Source: VOMC
Sources: UCA News, AsiaNews

Naseem (centre) with his representing lawyers. Photo: Christian Daily International-Morning Star News

A Pakistani court has recently acquitted Naseem Masih, who was initially charged with blasphemy. According to findings based on substantial evidence, the judge presiding over Naseem's case ruled that the allegations against the accused were fabricated and that the prosecution "miserably failed to prove its case." The June 22nd ruling thankfully brings an end to 10 enduring months of wrongful imprisonment for the innocent businessman whose blindness (since birth) further compounded the suffering he experienced throughout his detainment.

In August 2025, Naseem was drawn into a dispute with two Muslim men who kept pressuring him to abandon his business. When he refused, they falsely accused him of blasphemy – something that happens far too frequently in Pakistan. As a result, Naseem was charged on allegations that he had insulted the prophet Muhammad; a sentence that also happens to carry the death penalty.

Along with the difficulties of having to navigate through the prison institution without eyesight, his mother stated that Naseem had also been beaten in an attempt to force a confession. "As a mother, it was heartbreaking to see him suffer in that way," she recounts. However, with much relief over the recently occurring acquittal, she is now able to say, "God has heard the prayers of a desperate mother and delivered my son from the shadow of death."
To learn more about the persecution of Christians in Pakistan, visit our country profile.

• Let's join Naseem's mother in praises of thanksgiving to God for answering all the heartfelt petitions that were prayed on her son's behalf.

• Pray that Pakistan's blasphemy laws – and all other related legal regulations – will be justly amended to prevent such false allegations from being used for vindictive purposes.

• Continue to pray that Christians throughout this South Asian country, who are likewise facing similar difficulties – or at risk of other forms of persecution – will be able to stand firm in their faith as they await the Lord's righteous intervention and the resulting vindication.

CHINA: Uyghur Pastor Faces Possible Church Closure

Source: VOMC
Source: International Christian Concern

A scene from the Xinjiang region. Photo: Wikimedia / Hiroki Ogawa (CC)

A pastor serving in China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region is facing possible closure of his church after authorities imposed burdensome requirements on him. The pastor, identified only as "Pastor A," leads a small house church among the Uyghur people. This particular Turkic population group is predominantly Muslim and has been subjected to significant ethnic opposition over the years. Many organizations, including the United Nations, have accused the Chinese government of human rights violations and crimes against humanity because of their persistent abusive actions against the Uyghur people.

In recent months, governing officials have increased their pressure on the congregation, placing several church members under surveillance. Local authorities also ordered extensive documentation regarding the church's religious activities, along with a large "compliance deposit" – with threats to demolish the worship facility if the demanded money was not paid in due time.

Members of the pastor's family have also encountered forms of personal opposition. Not only has the church leader's adult son been detained and interrogated about his faith, but restrictions have since been applied to the young man's daily activities and movement. In addition, the pastor's wife was summoned and pressured to sign a pledge that she would no longer participate in any religious activities.

While Christians throughout China have generally encountered increasing restrictions under the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party, the challenges facing Uyghur Christians fall within the context of severe repression – a means through which the people of this ethnic group have suffered horrific acts of violence and other abusive actions.
To access previously posted Persecution & Prayer Alert reports addressing the broader persecution of Christians residing in this East Asian nation, visit our country profile.

• Pray for this faithful pastoral leader and the members of his ethnic congregation in the coming days, as they face the possibility of increased action by the authorities.

• Ask the Lord to mightily intervene on their behalf, allowing the church in this remote region of China to continue ministering to the spiritual and humanitarian needs of the Uyghur people.

• In the meantime, may they experience the blessed hope, peace and confidence of God's abiding presence, knowing that His higher Kingdom purposes will assuredly prevail (Matthew 16:18).

INDIA: Christians Injured in Church Attack

Source: VOMC
Sources: Christian Solidarity Worldwide, International Christian Concern, Catholic Connect

A village in Chhattisgarh. Photo: Flickr / United Nations Development Programme (CC)

More than 25 Christians – including children and elderly believers – were injured when a worship service was violently disrupted by Hindu nationalists on May 31st. The attack occurred in the village of Sadrapal, which is located within Chhattisgarh State, as more than 60 Christians gathered for worship. Among those injured were Pastor Hunga Mandavi and his pregnant wife. During the assault, the attackers demanded that the congregants renounce their faith in Christ.

Following the violent incident, the assaulted believers attempted to register a formal complaint with local police. However, the officers on duty at the time initially refused to file the report, contributing to delays in the provision of necessary medical treatment for several injured Christians. The complaint was eventually registered on June 5th. Authorities then arrested 12 suspected perpetrators on June 7th before releasing them three days later. Although the accused individuals maintain that the violence stemmed from a land dispute, the Christian community firmly denies this claim.

According to local sources, Christians in Sadrapal have been subjected to long-standing discrimination. For example, many were denied access to the village's water source, forcing them to travel long distances for their supply. Reports also indicate that attacks against Christians within the state have significantly increased since the passing of the revised anti-conversion laws in March 2026. "Almost every other day, we hear of such incidents in the state," noted a spokesperson for the Progressive Christian Alliance.

Christians in many areas of India continue to encounter ongoing hardships, frequently marked by hostility and false accusations.
To review other published reports concerning the increase of persecution in this South Asian nation, visit our country profile.

• In the aftermath of this most recently occurring attack, pray that God will minister needed healing and comfort to those who are now recovering from the trauma – strengthening them physically, emotionally and spiritually.

• May the Lord also surround these believers with His divine protection and peace, making it possible for them to receive the help they need when confronted with any future threat of resistance.

• Lift up Christians throughout India, praying that they too would experience God's reassuring presence in tangible and meaningful ways, so they will be further encouraged to remain steadfast in their faith amid oppositional challenges.

NIGERIA: Four Convicted in Deadly Church Shooting

Source: VOMC
Sources: Christian Solidarity Worldwide, BBC

Photo: Pixabay

Four years ago, the Pentecost Sunday service at St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Nigeria, was suddenly interrupted by gunshots and explosions. As worshippers fled the building, they were confronted by armed attackers. By the time the situation was brought under control, at least 40 congregants had been killed and dozens more injured.
(Additional details about this devastating incident are available here.)

Following an extended investigation, five men were charged in connection with the attack. On June 3rd, the Federal High Court convicted four of the accused – sentencing them to death – while the fifth man was acquitted due to insufficient evidence. While the defendants pleaded not guilty, each of them had given voluntary confessions. They further stated that their leader (who remains at large) had instructed them to carry out the attack, alleging that the Catholic church had committed blasphemy. The assailants were reportedly under orders to kill the priest, who survived the attack. The convicted men also claimed their affiliation with al-Shabaab, an Islamic terrorist group primarily based in Somalia.

Following the convictions, prosecutor Ayodeji Adedipe stated, "Justice has been served; justice has been done to the deceased who were murdered in cold blood." The defence counsel representing the convicted men, however, indicated that an appeal will be filed against the sentences.

• In light of these sobering convictions, please pray for all those who continue to be impacted by this tragedy, asking the Lord to provide the victims and their loved ones comfort, healing and the continued reassurance that their suffering has not been forgotten.

• Also taking into consideration the many other cases of violence that have likewise impacted the country's Christian communities, ask the Lord to protect, strengthen and comfort those who live under the threat of unprovoked attacks from hostile terrorist groups.

• Lift up the perpetrators of such senseless attacks against our fellow members of humanity, in hopes that they would be convicted of their sin by the Holy Spirit and thus turn in faith to Christ – who offers eternal life to all who willingly receive His gift of salvation.

• As you uphold this troubled West African nation before the throne of God, pray that His righteousness and justice will ultimately prevail.

CHINA: Nine Zion Church Leaders Released as Others Face Prosecution

Source: VOMC
Source: ChinaAid

Eight of the Christians facing charges. Photo: Zion Church via ChinaAid

On November 18th, Communist authorities formally arrested 18 church leaders (pastors and other staff members) of the Beijing Zion Church, charging them with "illegally using information networks." These charges were part of the officials' ongoing campaign to target the church and its various campuses.
(Learn more about these arrests by reviewing this previously posted report.)

After spending more than eight months in detention, nine of the leaders were freed on June 18th. Their releases occurred after public security authorities exhausted the maximum period allowed for investigative detentions. When the family members of the discharged believers finally received the good news regarding the recent releases, they rushed to Beihai to welcome their loved ones after months of separation.

The remaining nine leaders – including the church's lead pastor, Ezra Jin Mingri – have since been transferred to the procuratorate for prosecution. In the interim, the charges against them escalated to "illegal business operations" and "fraud." At the time of publishing this Persecution & Prayer Alert, the church's lawyers have not yet been granted full access to the prosecutor's files.

Reports indicate that Chinese authorities are increasingly using economic crime allegations against churches, often in an effort to deflect accusations of systemic religious persecution.
Further reports addressing the ongoing oppression of our Christian brothers and sisters in China are available at our country profile.

• Praise God for the safe release of the nine Christian leaders who were recently reunited with their families! May they now experience His ministry of reconciliation and restoration following their time in detention.

• Please prayerfully uphold the remaining church leaders who are still in custody, asking the Lord to sustain them and their concerned loved ones with His unwavering presence.

• Remember the many other believers throughout China who are faithfully carrying out their ministry work in the midst of opposition, praying that they will also be further encouraged and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

ETHIOPIA: Orthodox Villages Attacked by Militant Muslims

Source: VOMC
Sources: VOMC Contact, Open Doors, Addis Standard, Al Jazeera

Orthodox worshippers in Ethiopia. Photo: Unsplash / Abanezer Shewaga

For more than 1,400 years, the Ethiopian Orthodox Church has coexisted with Muslim communities in a unique truce with only occasional tension between them. (This long-standing relationship traces back to the year 615, when the King of Aksum granted asylum to a group of early Muslims.) Any subsequent religious opposition in Ethiopia has primarily been between adherents of one of these two religions and those belonging to other groups, including evangelical Christians. In recent months, however, there has been a troubling shift. Militant Islamic groups have reportedly begun targeting Orthodox Christian communities, particularly in areas of the country that are now primarily Muslim.

In late February, armed Islamic attackers carried out coordinated assaults in the East Arsi zone. More than 20 Orthodox Christians were killed, including a priest who was murdered inside his church building. Homes, churches and other buildings were looted and destroyed. In March and April, additional attacks were reported.

Beginning on May 30th, several more villages came under attack. Local reports suggest that as many as 40 people may have been killed in these attacks, and hundreds of others displaced. During the most recently occurring assaults, a century-old church building in Teleta Gebriel was reduced to ashes. According to local sources, the attackers had given advance warning of their plans. It appears that members of the Orthodox church were specifically targeted and, according to reports, dozens of them had been forcibly converted to Islam.

One Ethiopian source described the violence as "very disturbing," noting that this is the first time he has heard of such widespread intense attacks against Orthodox Christian communities. While the exact cause of the violence from Islamic groups remains unknown, various factors may have contributed. In 2022, an ambush by unidentified armed men killed 20 Muslim worshippers in the northern region of Amhara. In addition, several militant groups in neighbouring Somalia – including the al-Qaeda-affiliated organization, al-Shabaab – remain active within the region.
To review more details on the persecution of Christians in Ethiopia, and/or to watch informative video reports, go to our country profile.

• Pray that God will minister greatly needed peace to the members of these targeted communities, putting an end to the violent attacks by softening the hearts of the perpetrators, so that fear and hostility will give way to understanding, tolerance and reconciliation.

• Uphold those who are mourning the recent loss of their loved ones, as well as the victims who have lost homes and livelihoods, praying that they would experience God's caring presence, comfort and provision in the midst of their sorrow.

• Ask the Lord to specifically provide the displaced victims with protection and shelter, guiding them to places of safety and raising compassionate support to meet their practical and spiritual needs.

CHINA: Further Raid Against Early Rain Covenant Church

Source: VOMC
Sources: ChinaAid, Voice of the Martyrs Korea

Police raid at the Early Rain Covenant Church. Photo: ChinaAid

The Early Rain Covenant Church has experienced significant and sustained governmental pressure, particularly since a major raid took place in December 2018, resulting in a nine-year prison sentence against Pastor Wang Yi. Despite ongoing opposition, the church has remained steadfast in its commitment to continue gathering for worship and ministering in the community.

On June 14th, congregation members faced their latest challenge when dozens of police officers and governing officials stormed the venue during a Sunday morning gathering. Church leaders report that 33 believers were detained, including Elder Yan Hong and Elder Wu Wuqing. After several hours of interrogation, all the detained members were released. However, the following day, the two mentioned elders were sentenced to 14 and 15 days of administrative detention.

According to Dr. Bob Fu of ChinaAid, "This raid is another stark reminder that the Chinese Communist Party continues to treat peaceful Christian worship as a threat to state control."
Previously posted Persecution & Prayer Alerts concerning Christian persecution in China, including those specifically addressing the earlier actions taken against the Early Rain Covenant Church, are available at our country profile.

• May God further empower these long-suffering church members by His Holy Spirit so they will courageously persevere in the midst of opposition.

• Also pray for the continual protection, strengthening and empowering of their imprisoned church leader, Pastor Wang Yi, and now also the recently detained elders.

• Remember the many other congregation members who have been affected by this most recent raid – including the children who were present during the detainment interrogation – asking the Lord to calm every anxious heart with comfort, reassurance and a deep sense of His abiding presence.

• Pray that, through these temporary earthly trials, the Early Rain church family would increase in both love and unity, watching over one another with utmost care and standing firmly together with enduring faith and hope.

IRAN: Enforced Disappearance of Christian Convert

Source: VOMC
Sources: Amnesty International, Middle East Concern, Open Doors

Mary Mohammadi Photo: Article18

Mary Mohammadi was initially arrested at the age of 19 after converting from Islam to Christianity at a house church meeting. The young Christian woman was subsequently imprisoned for six months in Tehran's Evin Prison. Following her release, she was convicted again in 2020; this second time, receiving a suspended sentence – along with 10 lashes – on charges of "disturbing public order." Despite the ongoing persecution from Iranian authorities, Mary has remained steadfast in her faith. In 2023, she was honoured with the St. Stephen's Award for Persecuted Christians in recognition of her courage and selflessness.

In a recent disturbing turn of events, Mary mysteriously disappeared in late February while travelling from Tehran to Ahvaz. All communication with her family and friends was cut off, and authorities have refused to answer any questions regarding her whereabouts. According to information obtained by Amnesty International, she was initially held by the Ministry of Intelligence before being transferred to an undisclosed location on April 2nd.

Sadly, Mary's situation is not uncommon. Iranian authorities frequently refuse to disclose the whereabouts of detainees, leaving families in distressing uncertainty and raising serious concerns about the potential abuse of imprisoned victims.
More information on the difficulties facing Christians in Iran may be reviewed at our country profile.

• Pray that Mary's whereabouts will be made known, and that she would be safely released from enforced captivity.

• In the interim, may the Lord strengthen, protect and encourage this young Iranian woman throughout every moment of her incarceration, allowing His light to shine brightly through her dedicated Christian life, so that the hearts of all those around her – including Iran's officials and prison guards – will be touched by His tremendous love for them and His provision of eternal salvation.

• Also prayerfully uplift Mary's family and others who are facing similar uncertainties in Iran, asking that they too would be comforted and sustained, in hopes that justice, compassion and meaningful change will take place within their war-torn nation.