persecution
Pope Francis tells Muslim leaders in Egypt to fight violence in God’s name
By Christopher Lamb — April 28, 2017
CAIRO (RNS) "'No!' to every form of violence, vengeance, and hatred carried out in the name of God,” the pontiff told top Sunni authorities at the start of a momentous two-day trip.
Displaced Iraqi Christians await return to Mosul with bated breath
By guest — October 21, 2016
BAGHDAD (RNS) As Iraqi forces begin the long-awaited offensive to retake Mosul and neighboring towns from the Islamic State group, Iraqi Christians on the Nineveh plain hope their time in exile is soon coming to an end.
As Catholic priests are killed in Mexico, questions and tensions rise
By David Gibson — October 3, 2016
GUADALAJARA, Mexico (RNS) Is the church under attack? Or are the clergy just collateral damage in a wider wave of violence?
Another priest slain in Mexico as Pope Francis appeals for end to violence
By Josephine McKenna — September 26, 2016
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The body of yet another cleric was discovered on Monday, and now at least 15 Catholic priests have been murdered in the past four years in the violence-plagued nation.
Activists: West is ignoring genocide of Middle East religious minorities
By Lauren Markoe — September 8, 2016
(RNS) The plight of Christians in the Middle East is all but ignored, say their advocates.
UN experts urge Bahrain to halt ‘persecution of Shiites’
By RNS staff — August 16, 2016
(Reuters) Experts urged Bahraini authorities to halt what they said were 'arbitrary arrests' based on religion and release those detained for free speech and assembly.
Growing concern for German churches: Muslim refugees harassing Christians
By Tom Heneghan — June 3, 2016
(RNS) Accounts of Muslim migrants ganging up on Christians and other minorities in refugee shelters are raising concerns.
Why I despair over Pakistan’s intractable blasphemy laws (COMMENTARY)
By Kimberly Winston — March 28, 2016
(RNS) Before leaving for Pakistan, I thought countries that enforce blasphemy laws would eventually catch up to the rest of the world. Now I'm not so sure.
British bishop declares solidarity with persecuted atheists
By Adelle M. Banks — March 8, 2016
(RNS) “History has shown time and time again that when one minority group is oppressed with impunity, others soon face the same fate,” wrote Bishop Declan Lang.
Donald Trump plays the persecuted Christian card
By Jonathan Merritt — February 26, 2016
When Donald Trump insinuates the federal government is mistreating Christians, many conservative religious voters say "amen."
Morocco summit pushes Muslim clerics to improve the lot of religious minorities
By Aida Alami — January 27, 2016
MARRAKESH, Morocco (RNS) Participants unveiled the Marrakesh Declaration, an updated bill of rights for religious minorities, inspired by the the Prophet Muhammad's Charter of Medina.
On Religious Freedom Day, stand for the persecuted abroad (COMMENTARY)
By Robert P. George — January 15, 2016
(RNS) Standing for the persecuted is not just a moral imperative; it is a practical necessity for any country seeking to enhance stability and protect its security and that of its citizens.
Eritrean gospel singer Helen Berhane was tortured for her beliefs. Now she’s speaking up.
By Rosie Scammell — December 29, 2015
ROME (RNS) Berhane spoke recently at a Rome conference on Christian persecution in the hopes others might learn of the grievous human rights violations in her native land.
Pakistan Christian TV station is back, after suspicious fire
By Tanveer Ali — December 17, 2015
LAHORE, Pakistan (RNS) The station’s equipment was lost in the fire, but the owner says he has borrowed equipment to continue broadcasting concerts, prayers and church services during the busy Christmas season.
North Korea sentences Canadian pastor to hard labor for life
By Reuters — December 16, 2015
SEOUL (Reuters) Hyeon Soo Lim, the head pastor at a Toronto church that is one of Canada's largest, has been held by North Korea since February.
