October 4, 2025

Chiles v. Salazar: This case questions whether Colorado's ban on conversion therapy violates the free speech rights of Christian therapist Kaley Chiles. The Court will decide if the state's justification—preventing a dangerous practice—outweighs a counselor's ability to discuss issues like "unwanted same-sex attraction" with adult clients.

Olivier v. City of Canton: The Court will hear the case of Gabriel Olivier, an evangelist who was banned by a local ordinance from sharing his faith in a public park. This will test the limits of free speech rights for Christians engaging in open-air evangelism and public religious expression.

First Choice Women’s Resource Centers v. U.S. DOJ: This case involves a Christian nonprofit that provides free medical services and support to pregnant women, challenging the government's attempts to limit their ability to seek justice in federal court. The outcome will impact the legal standing of faith-based crisis pregnancy centers nationwide.

Evangelical Leaders Urge Support for Israel’s Claims

A coalition of 200 US evangelical leaders is publicly urging the Trump administration to back Israel's claim to its "biblical heartland." This advocacy reinforces Christian support for Israeli sovereignty amid ongoing tensions and peace negotiations.

Religious Liberty Commission Addresses Anti-Christian Bias

President Trump's Religious Liberty Commission held hearings to examine alleged government hostility and anti-Christian bias in public institutions. Testimony focused on reported refusals to accommodate religious convictions and marginalized religious students and staff.

Iranian authorities have upheld prison sentences for five Christian converts, a significant example of state-sponsored religious persecution. This action highlights the ongoing danger faced by Christians in Iran who are forbidden from practicing their faith outside of officially recognized institutions.

Persecution Rises Globally to Record Highs

The Open Doors 2025 World Watch List reports a record number of Christians—over 380 million—facing high levels of persecution and discrimination globally. This increase is driven primarily by rising violence in Central Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Nigerian Christians Remain Under Extreme Attack

Nigeria continues to be a global epicenter of targeted violence against Christians, with jihadist groups and Fulani militias relentlessly attacking communities. An estimated 90% of Christians killed worldwide for their faith last year were Nigerian nationals.

Chinese Crackdown Detains Christian Church Members

Over 70 Christians were recently detained in a major crackdown targeting house churches in China. This latest move reflects the Chinese government’s increasing authoritarian restrictions on religious groups operating outside state-controlled, compliant institutions.

Archbishop Faults UN Nations on Persecution

A leading Archbishop has publicly faulted UN member nations for "turning a blind eye" to escalating Christian persecution globally. The statement argues for greater international intervention and diplomatic pressure to protect vulnerable Christian communities.

Digital Tools Transform Global Missionary Efforts

Missionary work is rapidly embracing new digital strategies, utilizing AI for Bible translation and social media for outreach. This technological shift breaks down geographical barriers but simultaneously faces monitoring and disruption by hostile foreign governments.

Global South Churches Lead "Reverse Mission" Trend

The center of Christianity is shifting, with churches in the Global South (Africa, Asia, Latin America) increasingly sending their own missionaries. This "reverse mission" revitalizes secularizing regions in Europe and North America with new evangelistic efforts.

Christian Altar Boy Faces Death Penalty in Pakistan

A Christian altar boy in Pakistan is reportedly in hiding and may face the death penalty over a false blasphemy allegation. This highlights the severe danger faced by religious minorities under Pakistan's strict blasphemy laws and societal hostility.