World

Italian court blocks referendum on assisted suicide

Catholic bishops in Italy have welcomed an intervention by the country's constitutional court that prevents a referendum being held on physician-assisted suicide.

'They kept pushing us to renounce Christ' - Nigerian teenager's abduction, escape and rejection by her family

Agnes John was kidnapped as a teenager but managed to escape. However, she did not receive the homecoming welcome she had expected...

New Zealand votes to ban conversion therapy

Engaging in gay conversion therapy is to become a criminal offence in New Zealand after legislation received near unanimous support from lawmakers.

Gay conversion therapy ban comes into effect in Australia

A ban on gay conversion therapy that critics say could lead to Christian parents being jailed came into force in the Australian state of Victoria on Thursday.

Things are only getting 'worse' for Pakistan's Christians after young man killed

A 25-year-old man was killed in Pakistan after being set upon by a mob of extremists, human rights groups have said.

Trial of Finnish MP targets public expressions of faith

The trial of a Finnish MP and bishop concluded on Monday, with a judgment expected to be handed down in March.

The United Arab Emirates is restoring Christian life in the Persian Gulf

The UAE's promotion of tolerance presents a clear alternative to the violent ideology and nihilism of the Islamic State group.

'Hero of the faith' Eritrean patriarch dies after 15 years under house arrest

Christians have expressed their sadness after the death of the legitimate patriarch of the Eritrean Tehwado Orthodox Church.

'They are killing the souls of our children' - Afghan artist describes life under the Taliban

"All signs of colour, life and hope have been erased - painted over and replaced with Taliban slogans."

10 Christian converts forced to take Islamic re-education classes in Iran: report

Intelligence agents in Iran's Khuzestan Province have instructed 10 Christian converts who had been cleared of all charges to participate in "re-education" classes led by Islamic clerics, according to a watchdog report.

Cardinal Joseph Zen and Hong Kong churches accused of inciting protests

A Chinese state-owned newspaper has accused churches and Catholic Cardinal Joseph Zen of inciting Hong Kong's pro-democracy student protests in 2019, and the Chinese Communist Party may consider restricting religious freedom in the city.

Truth about persecution must be told during Beijing Olympics, say Christian groups

"We're calling for prayer, that the international spotlight on China will highlight the day-to-day reality facing many who are suffering for their faith, and that fresh pressure will be applied to finally allow full religious freedom for all China's citizens."