Christians call for end to India's forced conversion laws

Burnt Bibles from the attacks on Christians in Manipur. (Photo: Open Doors) Release International, a UK-based Christian ministry, has used India’s national elections to renew calls for an end to anti-conversion laws, saying they have led to an increase in arrests of Christians and violence against believers. Almost a billion people will vote during India’s … Read more

SC upholds interim bail for university vice-chancellor in alleged forced religious conversion case

Central Wing of the Supreme Court of India where the Chief Justice’s courtroom is situated. (Photo: Subhashish Panigrahi/Wikimedia Commons) In a significant ruling, India’s Supreme Court on Monday dismissed an application filed by the State of Uttar Pradesh seeking to recall the interim bail granted to Dr Rajendra Bihari Lal, the Vice-Chancellor of Sam Higginbottom … Read more

Pakistani Christian teen released on bail in blasphemy case amid allegations of forced conversion

(Photo: Unsplash/Solen Feyissa) A Christian teenager arrested last week under Pakistan’s blasphemy law was released on bail yesterday, 14 March 2024, informed sources. The Attock police arrested 18-year-old Ashbeel Ghauri from his home, after his former classmate filed a complaint against him alleging that he disrespected Islam in Pakistan’s Punjab Province. “We praise God and … Read more

Forced marriage of Christian women becoming 'concerningly common' worldwide: Open Doors

(Photo: Unsplash) In a sobering yet vital recognition ahead of International Women’s Day, persecution watchdog Open Doors has released its annual Gender Report, revealing that forced marriage is becoming a “concerningly common practice” impacting Christian women worldwide.  The 2024 Gender Report, compiled by Open Doors’ global research team, draws attention to the marginalization of Christian women who … Read more

Two Christians' forced conversion and torture widely condemned in Pakistan

Lahore, Pakistan. (Photo: Unsplash/Adeel Shabir) An egregious incident of the forced conversion and torture of two Christian brothers in Pakistan’s Sialkot District has drawn widespread condemnation and outrage from the Christian community and human rights groups across the country. Azam and Nadeem George Masih, Christian brothers from Sialkot, Punjab, were abducted, beaten and forcefully converted … Read more

Supreme Court of Pakistan addresses forced conversion and child marriages amidst growing concerns

(Photo: Unsplash/Mohamed Nohassi) The Supreme Court of Pakistan has issued a directive urging the government to respond to a petition aimed at halting the forced conversion and marriage of minority girls, often used to disguise instances of child rape. The move follows a petition challenging the Lahore High Court’s decision to send Nayab Gill, a … Read more