Christian worship and prayer gatherings are often opposed in Indonesia.
Mar. 19, 2026 | Indonesia

Church Holds Service Despite Ban

On Dec. 24, 2025, Muslim leaders insisted on an official ban and pressured a local pastor in West Java province to cancel his church's planned holiday worship services. Religious and government leaders cited the potential for attacks from radical Islamist groups but could not identify a specific threat. While a public announcement was made that the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day celebrations were canceled, the 70-member church decided to continue their services as planned. "I was indeed under pressure in the video [announcing the ban]," said Pastor Irianto Budy. Read More.

Officials in an Arab nation have arrested roughly 50 Christians since the start of 2026.
Mar. 19, 2026 | Middle East

Christian Leaders Arrested

Since the beginning of 2026, more than two dozen Christians, including converts and church leaders, have been arrested and detained without any charges in a Middle Eastern nation. "Family members haven't been able to contact them," said a front-line worker, adding that at least three Christians disappeared without anyone knowing what happened to them. "The situation is bad. Families are struggling." Read More.

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