World Watch Monitor

• Court case hangs over Indonesian pastor

  Pastor says he was the victim, as human rights group questions police logic

• Italian priest still unaccounted for in Syria

  Conflicting reports are emerging about the whereabouts and welfare of an Italian Jesuit priest who went missing almost one month ago.

• What caused Syria's civil war?

  Throughout its history, ancient and modern, Syria has played host to ethnic and religious minorities living together very much in harmony.

• Nigeria: Boko Haram under investigation for crimes against humanity

  International Criminal Court report blames Islamic sect for 1,200 deaths

• How many Christians are in the Middle East? Reliable numbers are elusive

  This much seems certain: Christians are leaving the birthplace of Christianity in large numbers.

• Algerians stage picnics in protest against 'forced' fasting

  Hundreds controversially break Ramadan fast in northern Algeria

• Chinese house church leader Samuel Lamb dies

  One of the most well-known Christian leaders in China, Pastor Samuel Lamb, died on Saturday (Aug 3) in Guangzhou, aged 88.

• Madhya Pradesh awaits decision on stricter 'anti-conversion law'

  Madhya Pradesh state in central India awaits the outcome of proposed amendments to its 'anti-conversion law', which would lengthen prison time and fines for anyone convicted of forcing someone to change their religion.

• Wave of violence hits Guinea

  Judicial authorities in Guinea are investigating an outburst of deadly violence two weeks ago that left 95 people dead and 130 wounded.

• Bombs in Nigerian Christian district kill at least 12

  Islamist militant group Boko Haram suspected

• After 12 years, Turkey closes the door on American church volunteer

  Pastor detects an official 'discomfort with foreign Christians'

• Iranian Christians continue to face arrest, imprisonment

  Eight Christians jailed in Shiraz, two more await sentencing in Tehran