After failed rape attempt and beating, police charge victim and her husband, sources say. By Our Southern India Correspondent HYDERABAD, India, July 20, 2018 (Morning Star News) – Pratibha Stephen was immersed in worship at the house church her husband pastors in Tamil Nadu state, India when a man suddenly burst through the back door, shouting angrily. The intruder interrupted an … Read More
Pastor in Hiding from Hindu Extremists – and Police –after Attack on His Church in India
Families terrorized in assault on congregation built on healing ministry.By Our India Correspondent NEW DELHI, July 19, 2018 (Morning Star News) –Brandishing hockey sticks and a gun that was fired on house-church grounds, masked Hindu extremists assaulted Christians in Uttar Pradesh, India. After the July 2 assault that terrorized families and sent nine of about 50 injured Christians to the hospital for … Read More
Turkey: Judge refuses to release Andrew Brunson
Today (18 July) there was a court hearing for American pastor Andrew Brunson in Turkey. This was the third hearing, following hearings on 16 April and 7 May. Despite hopes for Andrew’s release, the judge ordered that he remain imprisoned as the trial process continues. Andrew faces charges related to terrorism and espionage that could result in a 35-year prison … Read More
Authorities in Algeria Seal Shut another Church Building
Sober reminder that harassment policy still in force.By Our Algeria Correspondent TIZI-OUZOU, Algeria, July 17, 2018 (Morning Star News) – Church leaders didn’t get an explanation for why the seventh worship building to be closed in Algeria since November was sealed last week, but they suspect lack of registration was the pretext. It is virtually impossible to register a church in … Read More
Turkey: Pastor Brunson will remain in Jail
Hearing was held on 18 July for American pastor Andrew Brunson in Turkey. Court has ordered Pastor Brunson back to prison. Please continue to pray. The next hearing is not until October 12. Andrew faces charges related to terrorism and espionage that could result in a 35-year prison sentence. This is the third hearing, following hearings on 16 April and … Read More
Arson Attacks Hit Churches in Tamil Nadu, India
Hindu extremists suspected. By Our Southern India Correspondent HYDERABAD, India, July 16, 2018 (Morning Star News) – Three church buildings were set ablaze in six weeks in the state in southern India with the most attacks against Christians this year, sources said. In one case, a church building in southern India’s Tamil Nadu state was burned to ashes after Christians refused to donate … Read More
Iran: Pastor’s son receives verdict
Ramiel Bet Tamraz and a friend have each been sentenced to four months’ imprisonment for “acting against national security” by joining house churches. Judge Ahmadzadeh oversaw the hearing on 18 June and delivered the verdict on 11 July. There is likely to be an appeal, with Ramiel’s lawyer asking for the sentence to be reduced or cancelled. On 26 August … Read More
Islamist Violence against Christians in Uganda Injures Pastors, Stops Church Services
Threats compel pastor to send his children to another village.By Our East Africa Correspondent NAIROBI, Kenya, July 13, 2018 (Morning Star News) – In further anti-Christian hostilities in eastern Uganda, Muslims knocked a pastor unconscious at a debate and Islamist threats in another village put a halt to worship services. Threats by Muslims in Mazuba village, Namutumba District, stopped worship services … Read More
Sudan Returns Church Building Closed Four Years Ago
A rare reversal amid demolitions and closures.By Our Sudan Correspondent JUBA, South Sudan, July 12, 2018 (Morning Star News) – Authorities in Khartoum, Sudan have handed back a church building that they had padlocked four years ago and threatened to seize, Christian leaders said. A Sudanese church leader involved in the return of the Khartoum Christian Center building, owned by the … Read More