Category: News

Officials investigate wave of anti-Christian incidents across India on Christmas week

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TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

Multiple incidents targeting Christmas celebrations were reported across India on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, according to Christian organizations and local authorities. Known incidents occurred in Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Assam, and Delhi.

The reports come amid findings by monitoring groups, including the United Christian Forum for Human Rights, which documented more than 700 anti-Christian incidents across India during 2025.

In what the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) described as a particularly shocking case, a Christmas programme in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, reportedly saw a visually impaired woman subjected to public verbal abuse and physical harassment. A video cited by the CBCI allegedly shows Anju Bhargava, identified as the BJP’s city vice-president, carrying out the harassment. The CBCI said it was “particularly shocked” by the video from Jabalpur and by the broader pattern of incidents targeting Christians, and demanded the immediate dismissal of Anju Bhargava from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), citing “egregious and dehumanizing conduct.”

In Nalbari district, Assam, members of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal allegedly entered St. Mary’s English School in Panigaon village on Wednesday, December 24. According to reports, they vandalized and burned Christmas banners, posters, and decorations while chanting slogans praising Hindu gods. The group also reportedly damaged or burned Christmas-related items at nearby shops, stating that they were protesting celebrations of festivals they described as being of “non-Indian origin.”

At Magneto Mall in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, a mob armed with sticks—described by sources as being linked to right-wing groups—stormed the premises and destroyed Christmas decorations and installations. The attack occurred during a statewide bandh called by some Hindu groups protesting alleged religious conversions in Kanker district. Videos shared online reportedly show chaos and slogan-chanting during the incident. Police later registered an FIR against unidentified individuals in connection with the attack.

In Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, protests and disruptions were reported outside churches during the Christmas period. In several locations across Madhya Pradesh, Christian prayer meetings were reportedly interrupted.

In Odisha, roadside vendors selling Santa caps were allegedly harassed and accused of selling “Christian items” in what the perpetrators described as a “Hindu country.” In Lajpat Nagar, New Delhi, women wearing Santa caps were reportedly confronted by men described as being linked to a Hindu vigilante group and accused of attempting religious conversion. Vendors selling Christmas-related items were also reportedly threatened in multiple locations, although specific city names were not always provided.

Christian organizations and human rights groups urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to ensure strict enforcement of law and order and to provide protection for Christian communities.

Chinese police detain more than 100 house church members in six-day crackdown

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WEI ZHANG, SPECIAL FOR TEXAS GOSPEL

More than 100 house church members were reportedly detained and arrested during a six-day police operation in Taishun County, Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province, according to reports from local witnesses. The crackdown took place between December 13 and December 18.

Reports describe an ongoing campaign by Chinese authorities targeting members of unregistered house churches in the region, with witnesses sharing accounts through social media and other networks.

During the operation, witnesses reported seeing multiple police checkpoints and roving patrols throughout the area. Authorities reportedly posted notices offering cash rewards for the capture of house church leaders and asked the public to provide information leading to arrests of Christians. Monetary rewards were specifically offered for information related to Christians accused of disputing land seizures and the removal of Christian symbols and crosses, according to the reports.

The crackdown followed months of reported tension between local authorities and house church leaders. Authorities had reportedly been enforcing the removal of Christian symbols, including crosses, while simultaneously seeking to install Communist symbols in churches. A new government-driven education policy was also reportedly being enforced in churches during this period.

The operation specifically targeted house churches not affiliated with state-sanctioned religious organisations, including the Catholic Patriotic Association and the Three-Self Patriotic Movement. These state-led religious institutions are characterised in reports as serving government messaging purposes. The Chinese government, which is led and controlled by the Chinese Communist Party, reportedly views Christianity as a threat to state authority, according to the report.

Church firebombed in Jenin as Christmas celebrations resume

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TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

Arsonists damaged the Holy Redeemer Church in Jenin this week, along with attacks on a Christmas tree and the Nativity Grotto in the West Bank city. The Christmas tree was set ablaze by three Palestinians on Monday, drawing sharp condemnation from both local church leaders and Israeli officials.

Father Amer Jubran, pastor of the Holy Redeemer Church, condemned the attack in a Facebook post, describing it as a “deliberate and fabricated act carried out by outlaws.” He emphasized that the violence does not reflect authentic Palestinian or Christian culture, which he said is based on love, tolerance and coexistence. Jubran stressed that the incident does not represent the values of the people of Jenin or undermine communal unity.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry responded the following day, stating that under the Palestinian Authority there is “growing hostility towards Christians.” The ministry condemned the attacks on Christian sites and symbols, especially ahead of Christmas.

The attacks come as Christmas celebrations in Palestinian Authority-controlled areas have been subdued for the past two years due to the war in Gaza. Following a U.S.-brokered ceasefire, the Palestinian Authority allowed fuller Christmas celebrations this year. However, Christian residents of Beit Jala and Nablus are reportedly avoiding public celebrations due to fear of local Muslims.

Christmas in the Shadows: Millions of Christians Celebrate in Secret

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JEFF TURNER

For millions of Canadians, Christmas is a public and joyful time. Streets are filled with lights, churches welcome everyone to services, and families gather freely. Around the world, however, there are Christians who experience Christmas very differently. In many countries, celebrating the birth of Jesus can lead to arrest, prison, or even death. As a result, countless believers are forced to celebrate Christmas in secret, if they can celebrate at all.

Those living in high-persecution areas often keep their Christmas joy hidden. Singing carols, decorating a tree, or attending church can be dangerous. For these believers, faith is something practiced quietly, behind closed doors, where safety comes before celebration.

In some countries, Christmas is completely banned. North Korea is one of the harshest examples. The government sees Christianity as a direct threat to its leadership. All Christmas worship and holiday displays are illegal, and even owning a Bible is considered a serious crime. Since 2016, citizens have been ordered to honour Kim Jong-suk, the dictator’s grandmother, who was born on December 24, instead of celebrating Christmas. Any attempt to recognize the birth of Jesus can result in severe punishment, including forced labour or worse.

In Somalia, public Christmas celebrations have been illegal since 2015. The country’s ministry of religion has instructed police and national security forces to actively stop Christmas events. Christians who attempt to gather openly face danger not only from authorities but also from extremist violence, making Christmas a time of fear rather than joy.

Other countries allow Christmas only under strict legal limits. In Brunei, public Christmas displays have been banned since 2014. The government says the ban is meant to protect Muslims from being influenced away from Islam. Christians are allowed to celebrate privately in homes or churches, but public celebrations are forbidden. Muslims who take part in Christmas activities, such as wearing Santa hats or joining festivities, can face up to five years in prison. It is also illegal for Christians to share their faith with Muslims.

In some places, Christmas is permitted only if the government tightly controls it. In China, celebrations are limited to government-approved churches and groups, and the rules vary by region. People under the age of 18 are legally banned from attending church services, including those held at Christmas. Churches are also pressured to include communist ideology in sermons and worship, reshaping religious messages to match state values.

In Iran, Christmas gatherings are allowed only in registered churches and approved areas. Unregistered house churches, especially those made up of converts from Islam, are often raided. In November 2025, two Christian converts were sentenced to two years in prison after authorities broke up a Christmas planning meeting. Church services are not allowed to be held in Farsi, the country’s main language. Instead, they must use minority languages such as Armenian or Assyrian, a rule designed to limit the spread of Christianity.

In other regions, the main threat comes not from laws but from violence. In northern Nigeria, Christian communities are frequently targeted by ISWAP, an extremist group linked to the Islamic State. Kidnappings and executions are common, especially around major Christian holidays. These attacks create constant fear and make public Christmas worship extremely dangerous.

Despite all of this, many Christians continue to mark Christmas in quiet and personal ways. Some meet secretly in small groups. Others pray alone in their homes. Many remember the meaning of Christmas without decorations, music, or public worship.

For Canadians, these stories are a reminder that freedoms often taken for granted. For millions around the world, Christmas still comes, but it arrives quietly, behind closed doors, and at great personal cost.

New restrictions on items entering Nicaragua include Bibles

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JEFF TURNER

A major international bus company has warned passengers about new items that are no longer allowed to enter Nicaragua, according to a report from CentroAmerica360. These rules come from instructions given by Nicaraguan authorities to transportation companies working across the region.

Along with items that have long been restricted, such as guns, knives, and food that can spoil, the list now includes drones, magazines, printed newspapers, and Bibles. This change has caused worry among travellers and groups that follow human rights conditions in the country.

Notices explaining the rules were posted at bus terminals in Costa Rica, where trips to Managua begin. The company said it is required to follow the rules shared by Nicaraguan officials. Staff at the terminals have been told to stop passengers who are carrying banned items or prevent them from boarding.

The restriction on Bibles has drawn special attention. While religious activity has faced growing limits in recent years, there has been no earlier case of sacred texts being blocked at the border. Many see this as a new step in the control of religious life.

Since 2018, religious freedom in Nicaragua has steadily weakened. Many Catholic priests have been arrested, sent into exile, or kept under close watch. Religious orders and groups have been forced to leave the country. Church leaders have reported that schools, care homes, radio stations, and other church services have been taken over or closed. Church bank accounts have also been shut down.

Evangelical churches have faced pressure as well. Several leaders have been arrested on claims of plotting against the state or mishandling funds. Churches and faith-based groups involved in community support have been closed or placed under government control.

The bus company did not explain the exact laws behind the new rules, but confirmed they were officially delivered by authorities. Passengers have shared concern about how wide these limits are, especially when it comes to printed material and religious items.

In earlier actions, the government banned professional cameras and filming tools. Travellers’ social media accounts have been checked, and content creators and journalists have been denied entry. These steps add to fears about tighter control over information and belief.