Christians persecuted

In a landmark ruling, Uttar Pradesh’s High Court ruled against revoking the privileges guaranteed to members of tribal groups in the event of religious conversion or interfaith marriage. The case arose from a land dispute. For Archbishop Thakur, this is “an objective and true observation”.

Local authorities in Maharashtra razed the “Jesus Is Lord Church” to the ground shortly before a court was due to hear the case. Congregation members denounce a “vindictive policy” designed to appease right-wing voters, following the criminalisation of conversions. Bulldozers and 700 officers were deployed during the night.

Leo XIV met with Latin bishops from Arab regions, in Rome for their annual meeting. The fruitfulness of Christian communities "is not measured in numbers" or in "solving problems," but in fidelity "to the Gospel and to the people." Migrants, martyrs, and different rites are a treasure and the priority of the mission.

Starting today, the first day of the academic year, schools remained closed due to Israel’s failure to renew entry permits for school staff. The Jewish state's measure affects more than 70 teachers and non-teaching staff, as well as 8,500 students. Various Christian Churches are united in protest, a repeat of what occurred last Christmas.

Amir Masih was arrested on 11 August 2026, Pakistan’s National Minority Day, following a complaint filed against him regarding allegedly offensive remarks and a video he supposedly shared on social media. The NGO Human Rights Focus Pakistan, which is following the case, said the allegations need to be independently verified. Fears for other Christian families remain.

Three years on from the most serious wave of violence against Christians in Pakistan in recent years, the community in Faisalabad has taken to the streets once more. In July, a man was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment after footage showed him demolishing churches. However, the majority of the suspects remain at large.

A Joint Parliamentary Committee is set to review a bill amending the rules affecting many NGOs. The All India Christian Council is urging lawmakers to heed schools, hospitals, and charities. Cardinal Gracias speaks out against the risks the bill poses for many NGOs.

The body of Billal Hossain, who went missing on 8 August, was found buried near an indigenous Catholic village. Nineteen people were held for questioning, but the circumstances of the murder remain unclear. Meanwhile, several Garo families were attacked and their homes ransacked.

In Lahore, Christian artist Alyas Rahmat has been using community performances to speak out about women's rights, early marriage, minorities, and peace for 25 years. But in Sindh and Quetta, he has also faced threats and pressures.

Almost six months since the United States and Israel waged war on Iran, Bishop Berardi talks about the life of the Church and the people in the Gulf as well as about the future of the mission and the Christian presence in the region. Despite joblessness among migrants, no priest has asked to leave.

Arun Pannalal, 75, president of the Chhattisgarh Christian Forum, is accused of offending Hindu religious sentiments. Human rights groups slam the political use of laws against religious incitement. Meanwhile, pressure is mounting on the Christian minority in the state.

Father Bashar tells AsiaNews that he welcomes “any measure” to “protect our people” as long as it is useful and does not affect Christians. Yesterday, Israel’s military blocked entry to non-residents, a step that applies “only to Israelis, not to Palestinians”.