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2017-09-21

• Separate Education Denied for Christian Children
  
  Shiraz, Iran

  This September, children from families belonging to the Church of Iran denomination in the cities of Rasht and Shiraz have been told they must either study Shi'a Islam, or leave school. Originally, these children -- the majority of whom are second-generation Christians, and thereby recognized by the Iranian constitution to be part of a minority faith community -- were granted access to religious instruction designed by members of the Christian community and approved by the Ministry of Education.

• Church Members' Possessions Taken

  

  A pastor and several church members in a southeastern Tanzanian village had all of their belongings and cash confiscated after refusing to contribute towards a ceremony involving witchcraft. Village leaders, who entertained fears of "curses" being placed upon the area, called upon witch doctors to remove them. As part of their chosen requirements, everyone in the community was told to make a donation prior to the enactment of the ceremony. However, because the ceremony involved witchcraft, the Christians refused to participate.