Lent

This week marks the beginning of Lent, a period when Christians prepare themselves spiritually for Easter. For many people, this takes the form of giving something up as a reminder of the time Jesus fasted in the desert, and thinking about how we can serve others.

Pakistán

Shahbaz Bhatti, the Minister for Minorities Affairs and long-time Christian human rights activist who campaigned tirelessly for the rights of religious minorities in Pakistan, was assassinated on 2 March 2011. His loss is still mourned by the many who worked with him. But amid all the significant problems facing Pakistan today including an energy crisis, political corruption, and high unemployment religious intolerance is one that permeates Pakistani society.

Indonesia

Indonesia, the worlds largest Muslim-majority nation, has a long history of respecting other faiths. Sadly, the recent rise of militant Islamists is eroding this proud tradition, and many of the nation’s minority faiths are suffering the consequences.

Tanzania

The government has been slow to respond to rising religious violence in Tanzania, causing the gradual emergence of a culture of impunity where the perpetrators increasingly believe they can get away with further attacks.

México

Mexico is a secular state, but local conflicts have often led to religious minorities being persecuted. In some parts of Mexico, we’ve seen people having their power and water cut off, being forced from their homes, or threatened with violence if they don’t convert.

Siria

In July, a Catholic priest was executed by Islamist forces and in August, rebel gunmen killed 11 Christians in a driveby shooting as they celebrated a feast day. More recently, reports are emerging of 30 dead bodies being found in mass graves in the Christian city of Sadaad after forces from jihadist group al-Nusra invaded the town in October.

Christian Unity

This week is the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. CSW works with Christians of all denominations and backgrounds, so the importance of unity cant be overstated. Egypt has seen a tumultuous few years since the revolution in January 2011. But a landmark moment for unity in the Egyptian Church occurred that November, when 70,000 Christians from the various denominations met to pray together.

Cuba

The right to enthuse others peacefully about your beliefs is regularly violated in Cuba, despite government statements guaranteeing freedom of religion for all. At the end of February 2013, the Full Gospel Church in Havana Province was forcibly closed. Cuban authorities closed the church and confiscated everything inside it, leaving more than 200 people without a place of worship.

Egipto

Egypt continues its turbulent journey to democracy following the fall of President Hosni Mubarak in 2011, after 30 years in office. Since then, widespread protests and harsh crackdowns by successive regimes have left thousands dead or injured. Christians and other religious minorities have experienced increasing harassment and violence at the hands of Islamist extremists, particularly following the removal of President Morsi.

Indonesia

Indonesia is the world’s largest Muslim nation and has a history of tolerance of other faiths. But in recent years militant Islamists have pushed through a number of measures which could have serious, long-term implications for religious freedom and minority rights.

Irán

Iran recently elected a new president, Hassan Rouhani. He is seen to be more progressive and reformist than his predecessor, and has expressed a wish to improve the country’s international image. While there are grounds for being cautiously optimistic that the dire situation for religious minorities may improve, power to bring about change still lies in the hands of Iran’s Supreme Leader.

Eritrea

John is an Eritrean Christian refugee. He was completing his compulsory military service when he was found worshipping in the desert along with eight others. He was arrested, sentenced to six months in a military prison, and finally released. The military police told him they would only let him live if he left his faith. He was also warned not to sing, gather with other Christians, or read the Bible, and asked to sign a letter attesting to this. But John refused to do so.