Red Wednesday: Support for Persecuted Christians

Prominent buildings around the world were illuminated in red on Red Wednesday to support persecuted Christians. The event is organized by the Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) to raise awareness about anti-Christian persecution. The campaign focuses on displaced Christian children and young people in Africa, the Middle East, and elsewhere. The report highlights worsening Christian persecution worldwide, with a shift of militant Islamist violence from the Middle East to Africa. Various countries participated in Red Wednesday, emphasizing the importance of religious freedom as a fundamental human right.

UCLA ordered to ensure Jewish students' access to campus activities

UCLA ordered to ensure Jewish students' access to campus activities after being blocked by pro-Palestinian 'encampment'; judge criticizes exclusion of Jewish students and denies UCLA's request for a stay on the order

France's Ban on Athletes Wearing Hijab at Paris Olympics

France faces criticism for banning athletes from wearing hijab at Paris Olympics, sparking debate on religious freedom and discrimination in sports.

Oklahoma Supreme Court Blocks Faith-Based Charter School

The Oklahoma Supreme Court blocked plans to open the first faith-based publicly funded charter school in the country, ruling that it violated the state constitution and the Establishment Clause. The school planned to evangelize the Catholic faith as part of its curriculum while sponsored by the State.

Louisiana law requiring Ten Commandments in public school classrooms

The View co-hosts criticize new Louisiana law requiring Ten Commandments in public school classrooms and target Christian voters who support former President Trump. They argue that public schools should not promote religious beliefs.

Supreme Court case on free speech protections for artists

Jack Phillips, owner of Masterpiece Cakeshop, discusses his experience with a Supreme Court case involving free speech protections for artists and the importance of not being forced to express messages he does not believe in.

Christian Shore Town Opening Beach on Sunday Mornings

Ocean Grove, New Jersey, will open its beach on Sunday mornings for the first time in 155 years after ongoing pushback from the state of New Jersey. The Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association (OGCMA) is challenging the order to preserve their property rights and religious freedom.

Maryland School District Upholds Policy on Gender Identity and Sexuality Curriculum for K-5 Children

A federal court upheld a Maryland school district policy that does not allow parents to opt their K-5 children out of curriculum about gender identity and sexuality. The court ruled that the policy did not violate parents' rights to direct their children's education based on religious beliefs.

Satanic Temple advocates for equal representation in public schools

Conservative lawmakers in Florida and Texas allowed religious chaplains in public schools, leading to the Satanic Temple advocating for equal representation. The Temple, recognized as a religion by the IRS, uses satire to make a point about the encroachment of religion on public life. They have faced opposition and threats but continue to grow in numbers, especially due to the rise of Christian nationalism. Legal battles have shown the effectiveness of the Temple's strategy in gaining access to public spaces intended for other religions.

Violation of Religious Freedom in Prison

Rastafarian man's dreadlocks were forcibly shaved by prison guards in Louisiana, violating his religious freedom. Despite a court ruling condemning the treatment, he was not allowed to sue for damages. He is now seeking Supreme Court intervention to clarify the matter.

Debate over Military Exemptions for Ultra-Orthodox Israelis

Calls for Israel to end military exemptions for full-time religious students have been prompted by the war in Gaza. Ultra-Orthodox Israelis have long been exempt from compulsory military service, but recent events have sparked debate on this issue.

Chibok Schoolgirl Abduction by Boko Haram in Nigeria

Nearly 300 Chibok schoolgirls were abducted by Boko Haram in 2014, with 91 still missing. Families marked the 10-year anniversary with ongoing trauma and devastation. Reports show the girls faced sexual violence and coerced marriages, leading to children. International organizations rank Nigeria as the most dangerous place for Christians due to ongoing terrorist threats. President Joe Biden removed Nigeria from the list of countries of particular concern for religious freedom in 2021, sparking outrage.

Muslim Women's Rights Violation Lawsuit in New York City

New York City agrees to pay $17.5 million in a class action lawsuit led by two Muslim women who say their religious rights were violated when police forced them to remove their hijabs for mugshots after they were arrested.

Ban on Catholic Holy Week Processions in Cuba

The Communist Party of Cuba has reportedly banned Christians from celebrating traditional Catholic Holy Week processions in various regions of the country in anticipation of Easter. The ban is believed to be motivated by fear of protests against the regime.

Legal Battle Over Church's Homeless Meal Service in Oregon

A federal judge rules against a city in Oregon for attempting to shut down a church's homeless meal service, citing violation of religious freedom rights. The church sued the city for an ordinance restricting meal services to two days a week, and the judge sided with the church.

Military Chaplains seeking relief from Department of Defense policies on COVID-19 vaccine mandate

A group of military chaplains is urging the Supreme Court to stop the Department of Defense from enforcing policies punishing those who filed religious objections to the COVID-19 vaccine mandate. The chaplains allege adverse personnel actions due to religious accommodation requests.

Challenges Faced by Chinese Pastor After Prison Release

Chinese pastor released from prison faces challenges in accessing basic services in China due to lack of legal documentation; dedicated his life to spreading Christianity in China; faced imprisonment for organizing missionary work in Burma; now unable to obtain a national ID card in China, hindering access to essential services.

Pastor John Cao's Struggle in China

Pastor John Cao, recently released after serving seven years in a Chinese prison, is now stranded in China without legal documentation to access basic services. Despite his release, he faces challenges due to restrictions on his freedom and lack of proper identification.

USCIRF Visit to Saudi Arabia

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom terminated a visit to a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Saudi Arabia after USCIRF Chairman Abraham Cooper, an Orthodox rabbi, was asked to remove his kippah head covering. Cooper refused to comply, citing his religious beliefs.

American Diplomatic Trip to World Heritage Site in Saudi Arabia

An American diplomatic trip to a World Heritage site in Saudi Arabia was cut short when authorities demanded a Jewish member of the group remove his religious head covering, which he refused to do, leading to discussions about religious freedom and antisemitism in the Kingdom.

Hulu Reverses Decision on Church Ad

Hulu initially rejected a local church's ad for promoting Thursday services, citing 'religious indoctrination,' but reversed the decision after a demand letter from First Liberty Institute.

Increase in Attacks on Churches in the United States

Attacks on churches in the U.S. have increased by nearly 800% in less than six years, with 436 incidents reported in 2023 alone, double the number from the previous year. Most incidents are vandalism, arson, and bomb threats, with unknown motives but some with political or Satanic overtones. The rise in attacks may be connected to a larger societal hostility towards Christianity and religious beliefs.