(SRN NEWS)-( ) An unexpected side effect of the recent protests in Iran is that the government has eased its persecution of Christians. According to a report from International Christian Concern, the Islamic leadership is so busy trying to quell the general uprising that it doesn’t have the manpower to go after believers as aggressively. ICC […]
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RELIGION HEADLINES THR 1-29
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(SRN NEWS)-( ) An unexpected side effect of the recent protests in Iran is that the government has eased its persecution of Christians. According to a report from International Christian Concern, the Islamic leadership is so busy trying to quell the general uprising that it doesn’t have the manpower to go after believers as aggressively. ICC warns that this will probably be a temporary situation as the government considers Christians a major target. To follow Christ in Iran is to be considered a “threat to national security”. Iran is ranked number 10 on the Open Doors US 2026 World Watch List of countries where it’s most dangerous to be a Christian.
( ) Persecution of Christians in Mexico is on the rise and the nation’s powerful drug cartels are the problem. International Christian Concern has issued a report saying “Believers fear violence and intimidation from local cartels who extort churches and commit attacks of violence against Christ followers for speaking against their activities.” The Observatory for Religious Freedom in Latin America says churches are targeted by the cartels as a source of revenue. Large congregations that tithe generously are often victimized by drug lords who want their money. In rural areas of Mexico, local pagan groups also persecute Christians.
( ) Authorities in Hungary have filed charges against Budapest’s liberal mayor over his role in organizing a banned Gay Pride event in the capital last year. Gregori Karasony (care-uh-SOH-nee), who has led Budapest since 2019, had been the subject of a police investigation following the march on June 28th. The event was a violation of a national ban imposed by Hungary’s conservative government. The Budapest Chief Prosecutor’s Office says the mayor has been charged for organizing the unlawful assembly despite a prohibition order and it recommends he should face a fine without trial. The ban on Gay Pride events was passed in the spring of 2025.
( ) The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom is blasting China for a recent rash of detentions. The Communist Party has been rounding up pastors across the country, along with some of their parishioners. The clergymen lead house churches — groups of believers who meet for worship in private homes. The USCIRF says “With these arrests, the CCP once again has demonstrated its utter contempt for religious freedom. We call upon the US government to pressure China until it releases all those who have been detained for practicing their faith.” It is illegal in China to worship outside of a state controlled church.