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Religious rights advocates are raising serious concerns regarding the increased level of control that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is presently exerting over the Roman Catholic church in China. As a result of a 2018 agreement between the Vatican and the Chinese government, state officials have already been given the authority to appoint bishops – ensuring that the church's leadership remains amenable towards the policies of the CCP.

For the past 10 years, South Sudan has struggled under the weight of unrest and civil war. This upheaval has led to ethnic tensions, political instability, and the ongoing trauma that accompanies prolonged conflict.

A Christian family residing in a tribal village of Chhattisgarh state has been denied permission to bury a relative who passed away, unless they first convert to Hinduism. Local villagers claim that allowing a Christian burial would defile their land and anger their deities.

A Christian leader in Indonesia was arrested on February 18th following the online comments he made about Muhammad. According to reports, Dedi Saputra allegedly referenced the Muslim prophet's multiple wives on his TikTok account. Before being removed, Dedi's video was viewed almost two million times and sparked widespread backlash.

On January 24th, a Catholic priest travelling by motorcycle near Negombo was suddenly stopped by police officers while wearing his clerical attire. After asking for the church leader's identification, one officer reportedly remarked that people who dressed in such robes were "harming the country." The officers then allegedly assaulted the priest and left him injured at the roadside.

In both Russia and areas of Ukraine that are currently occupied by Russian troops, unregistered churches have been experiencing increasing pressures. Officials have forced some congregations to close, while threatening others with penalties if they continue to gather for worship.

In both Russia and areas of Ukraine that are currently occupied by Russian troops, unregistered churches have been experiencing increasing pressures. Officials have forced some congregations to close, while threatening others with penalties if they continue to gather for worship.

In the city of Rostov-on-Don, Pastor Oleg Volkov was recently fined for "unlawful missionary activity" due to his involvement with an unregistered church. Prosecutors have since sought to ban the church itself because its members refuse to undergo state registration.

Courts have issued bans on at least ten congregations belonging to the Council of Churches Baptist denomination. Despite these restrictions, many believers continue to meet, often in private homes. However, a new bill has been introduced by Russia's parliament which would outlaw public worship services and any religious ceremonies in residential buildings. Debate on the bill is scheduled for May 2026. If passed, the legislation would directly affect many congregations. More information on the oppression of Russia's Christians can be accessed here.

Similar actions have occurred in Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine. On January 25th, Russian police and military officers raided worship services in Krasnodon, as well as those of a church located in a nearby village. The officers ordered all men to stand while they recorded the identities of everyone present. One church leader, Pastor Rytikov, was taken to the police station for interrogation, where officials warned that if his congregation continued to refuse registration, police would disrupt every future service.

For many years, official registration has been rejected by groups such as the Council of Churches Baptist due to concerns over governmental control. For further reports addressing the challenges experienced by churches in occupied Ukraine, go to this page.

• Continue to pray for followers of Christ in Russia and Russian-occupied Ukraine who are being subjected to intense opposition, asking God to spiritually strengthen them, protect their gatherings, and provide His divine wisdom for every decision they must make.
• May the Holy Spirit move mightily within the hearts and minds of Russia's governing leaders, prompting meaningful changes in policies and attitudes towards religious freedom.
• Pray for the churches' ongoing outreach efforts, asking that – despite the present challenges – multitudes more will powerfully encounter the truth of the Gospel and, as a result, experience God's saving grace.

VOMC's primary mission is to respond to the needs of Christians in countries where persecution is prevalent. However, we also remain alert to potential threats to our religious freedoms here in Canada – including those that hinder the proclamation of the Gospel. One of the more recent concerns relates to proposed amendments to Bill C-9, which is currently under review by members of the Canadian Parliament.

A pastor in Liberia is facing ongoing legal challenges following a dispute with Muslim community members over his ministry activities. According to a local source, the situation began in 2023 when Pastor Sylvester led two individuals to faith in Christ. Following their conversions, he has been accused by opponents of preaching against Islam, praying loudly, and playing musical instruments early in the morning.

On February 13th, 2017, Pastor Raymond Koh was abducted from his car by 15 masked men in the Malaysian city of Petaling Jaya. The incident, which was captured on security cameras and took only 40 seconds to unfold, appears to have been executed by professionally trained individuals. From the beginning, there were strong indications of official government involvement in the kidnapping. More than nine years have passed since the abduction with no news of the pastor's whereabouts. (For previously published reports on this situation, including video footage of the kidnapping, see this list.)