🔥🕊️ Major Increase in Christian Imprisonments in Iran

GOOD MORNING.

The European Parliament has passed a resolution condemning the escalating attacks against Christian communities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

The motion highlights the alarming increase in violence, including killings, abductions, and destruction of property by extremist groups in the eastern provinces.

Notably, on February 13, 2025, 70 Christians were abducted in Mayba and later found dead in a church in Kasanga, an attack attributed to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF).

The resolution calls for immediate action to protect religious freedoms and ensure the security of vulnerable populations in the region.

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EMERGING TRENDS

Iran Sees Six-Fold Surge in Christian Imprisonments

In a disturbing escalation of religious repression, Iran has witnessed a six-fold increase in the imprisonment of Christians over the past year, signaling a deepening crackdown on religious minorities—particularly evangelical converts from Islam.

According to new data from human rights monitors, 96 Christians were sentenced to a total of 263 years in prison in 2024, a dramatic spike from 22 individuals sentenced to 43.5 years in 2023. Most of those imprisoned were converts from Islam, often accused of vague national security offenses such as “acting against the state” or “membership in illegal groups.” Apostasy—renouncing Islam—is not explicitly codified in Iranian law but can still carry harsh penalties, including the death sentence.

IRGC Intensifying Crackdown

These arrests have been largely carried out by intelligence agents linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), known for targeting civil society groups, religious minorities, and political dissidents. The wave of prosecutions reflects a broader trend of state-sponsored persecution designed to silence and intimidate Christians practicing their faith outside state-sanctioned churches.

Iran’s government continues to deny international accusations of religious persecution, but advocacy groups warn that the situation is rapidly deteriorating. The increase in legal action, long prison terms, and extrajudicial pressure against Christians highlight the regime’s intolerance of religious pluralism and its fear of the growing underground Christian movement.

As global calls for religious freedom grow louder, Iran’s rising tally of Christian prisoners serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by those who dare to convert—and the urgent need for international attention and advocacy.

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REGIONAL THREATS

AFRICA

• KWAMHLANGA, SOUTH AFRICA - On March 30, 2025, at approximately 2:30 a.m., three armed men wearing balaclavas stormed a church during a night prayer service. After firing a gunshot and forcibly entering, they robbed congregants of cash, mobile phones, and church offerings. The assailants spoke Sesotho and fled the scene immediately after the robbery. No injuries were reported.

• BAMBUI, CAMEROON - On April 1, 2025, Brother Huub Welters, an 83-year-old British missionary with the Mill Hill Missionaries, and his assistant, Henry Kang, were abducted by armed men while en route to a project site for building classrooms for underprivileged children in Ilung. The abduction occurred in Cameroon’s conflict-affected Northwest region, and as of now, their whereabouts remain unknown.

• NABIGANDA, UGANDA - On March 16, 2025, Doreen Nairuba, a six-month pregnant Christian woman, and her husband, Jackson Wampula, died after consuming poisoned food prepared by their neighbor, Hanifa Hamiyat. Hamiyat’s 18-year-old daughter, Marriam Kapisa, who unknowingly ate the same meal, also died. Hamiyat allegedly targeted the couple for introducing her daughter to Christianity and taking her to a church service. She has been detained and confessed to poisoning the food.

• LOA, SOUTH SUDAN - On March 26, 2025, soldiers from the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) attacked Our Lady of Assumption Parish in Loa, Eastern Equatoria State, opening fire without warning. The assault resulted in the death of one civilian, whose body was taken by the soldiers and remains missing, and another individual was wounded. The rectory sustained damage from gunfire, and church staff, aid workers, and local residents were intimidated and interrogated during the incident.

MIDDLE EAST & CENTRAL ASIA

• BAGHDAD, IRAQ - Security forces arrested a Syrian Salafist extremist who attacked a Christian heritage procession with an axe during Babylonian New Year celebrations in Baghdad, injuring three people. The victims were taken to the hospital and are reported to be in stable condition. The attacker is currently in custody and under investigation.

• PESHAWAR, PAKISTAN - On March 29, 2025, 56-year-old Hindu sanitation worker Nadeem Nath was fatally shot near his home in Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, after reportedly refusing to convert to Islam. This incident has ignited widespread concern among Pakistan’s religious minorities, including Christians, who are questioning the authorities’ ability to protect them from such targeted violence.

SOUTH & SOUTHEAST ASIA

• KAKINADA, INDIA - Christians in Kakinada organized a rally demanding justice for a pastor who was allegedly assaulted. The demonstrators called for prompt action against the perpetrators and emphasized the need for safeguarding minority rights.

LATIN AMERICA & CARIBBEAN

• CRICIÚMA, BRAZIL - A replica of Criciúma’s first Catholic church was destroyed by fire on March 31, 2025, around 7 p.m. in the Mina Brasil neighborhood. The building, approximately 100 square meters in size, suffered total structural collapse, including walls, flooring, and roof. Authorities suspect vandalism, as the site had previous issues with trespassing and lacked electrical and gas connections. An official investigation is underway to determine the exact cause.

NORTH AMERICA

• SENECA, KANSAS – On April 3, 2025, Father Arul Carasala, 57, was fatally shot outside the rectory of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church. Authorities arrested 66-year-old Gary Hermesch of Tulsa, Oklahoma, on suspicion of first-degree murder; the motive remains under investigation.

EUROPE

• No current updates.

AUSTRALIA & OCEANIA

• SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – On the morning of April 4, 2025, St Charbel’s College in Punchbowl received an anonymous bomb threat around 8:20 a.m., leading to the evacuation of students and staff to nearby Roberts Park. NSW Police conducted a thorough search of the premises, declared the site safe by 10:00 a.m., and allowed everyone to return. No explosives were found, and there is no ongoing threat to the community. Investigations are continuing.

• SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – On April 2, 2025, a fire—believed to be a deliberate arson attack—broke out at St. Anthony and St. Paul Coptic Orthodox Church in the Guildford area. The blaze caused significant damage to the building’s interior before being brought under control. Authorities are investigating the incident as suspicious, and the Coptic community has called for increased protection of religious sites amid rising concerns over targeted attacks.

PRAYER REQUESTS

Please join us in praying for the urgent situation involving Brother Huub Welters, an 83-year-old British missionary, and his assistant, Henry Kang, who were abducted by armed men in Bambui, Cameroon, on April 1st.

They were en route to Ilung to work on building classrooms for underprivileged children when they were taken.

Brother Huub has significant health concerns, including multiple joint replacements and a back operation, making this situation especially critical.

We ask for prayers for their immediate and safe release, for comfort and strength for their families and colleagues, and for wisdom and compassion for those working towards their freedom.

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