Religious freedom Archives

“A critical moment for the future of faith in Ireland”: Court challenge must continue as Ireland announces partial lifting of worship ban

Ireland will no longer be the only place in Europe to have completely prohibited public worship – so announced the government on 29 April, signalling a partial lifting of the disproportionate ban as of 10 May.

ireland let us worship Religious freedom

Russian authorities prohibit use of church building

A Christian church is challenging Russian authorities at the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) for seizing the congregation’s property and leaving the community to gather outside in a tent.

Bak Lidia Rieder Religious freedom Russia Vitaliy Bak

Missionary forced to leave home in Turkey for preaching

David Byle, a Christian evangelist living in Turkey, was forced to leave the country he had called home for 19 years, where he had raised his children and had become a close-knit member of the community – simply because he shared his faith.

David Byle ECHR Lidia Rieder Religious freedom Robert Clarke turkey

Russian pastor may be forced to tear down his house for hosting religious services

Vitaliy Bak, the leader of a Baptist community in Southern Russia, may soon be forced to demolish his house for holding allegedly illegal religious worship services there.

Bak Felix Böllmann Religious freedom Russia Vitaliy Bak

Authorities sealed off place of worship – Case against Russia filed at European Court

Amidst reports of increasing religious persecution in Russia and in the run up to Christmas, an international human rights organization has brought a case alleging violations of freedom of religion before the European Court of Human Rights.

Bak Felix Böllmann Religious freedom Russia Vitaliy Bak

Trump stands up for religious freedom

President Trump isn’t known as a champion of human rights, but on Monday he became the first American president to convene a meeting at the United Nations on religious freedom. He kicked off the U.N. General Assembly’s annual session with a “Global Call to Protect Religious Freedom.

Kelsey Zorzi Religious freedom US

Asia Bibi free at last: hope for others suffering under blasphemy laws

Today, Asia Bibi arrived in Canada, according to her lawyer. Late last year, her death sentence for blasphemy was overturned by the Pakistani Supreme Court in a landmark ruling, sparking violent protests. Despite her acquittal and significant international criticism, Bibi was kept in custody and not allowed to leave the country.

christian persecution Paul Coleman Religious freedom