Christian Persecution News Roundup: March 25–April 1, 2026

Newsroom reporting BREAKING NEWS: MAJOR EARTHQUAKE STRIKES with staff at computer monitors.

Christian persecution made headlines this Holy Week, with violent attacks in Nigeria dominating coverage alongside targeted incidents in South Asia and restrictions in the Holy Land. Advocacy groups like International Christian Concern (ICC), Open Doors, and Aid to the Church in Need highlighted ongoing patterns of violence, mob attacks, and surveillance. Here are the key verified developments from the past seven days:

Nigeria: Palm Sunday Massacre in Jos

  • Gunmen attacked the predominantly Christian community of Angwan Rukuba (Ungwan Rukuba) in Jos North, Plateau State, on Palm Sunday (March 29–30). Reports confirm at least 30–53 Christians killed in the assault, which targeted villagers near a market/church area; some accounts mention machetes and gunfire. This fits a pattern of repeated attacks on Christian farming communities. persecution.org +1
  • The incident is part of escalating violence in the region, with ICC and Open Doors noting it as one of the deadliest Holy Week events. A U.S. senator (Ted Cruz) publicly warned that Nigerian officials are enabling such persecution through inaction and Sharia policies, stating Washington has identified enablers and has sanction tools ready. punchng.com
  • Local bishops described Holy Week as “not history, it is reality” for Nigerian Christians amid ongoing killings, church attacks, and displacement. churchinneed.org

Nepal: Hindu Mob Attacks Christians

  • On March 23 (reported March 31), a Hindu mob in Rautahat district confronted three Christians sharing the gospel, dragged them to a police station, and accused them of proselytizing. The incident underscores rising hostility toward religious minorities in Nepal. persecution.org

Pakistan: Christian Man Dies After Alleged Torture

  • A 22-year-old Christian man was found dead at a farmhouse in Punjab on or around March 27. Reports allege torture; the case has fueled concerns over systemic mistreatment of Christians in the country. persecution.org

Jerusalem (Holy Land): Restrictions on Palm Sunday Worship

  • On March 30 (Palm Sunday), Israeli forces denied Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa entry to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, preventing him from celebrating Mass. The International Christian Justice and Peace (ICJP) condemned it as religious persecution and an affront to freedom at one of Christianity’s holiest sites. Similar tensions were noted in Gaza and Syria. icjpalestine.com

Iran: Ongoing Pressure on Converts

  • Open Doors reported continued arrests, surveillance, and “propaganda against national security” charges against Christian converts. At least 48 believers remain imprisoned, with digital monitoring intensifying amid regional conflicts. opendoorsus.org

Other Regional Notes

  • DRC (Ituri Province): Recent attacks by Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) killed around 50 people and displaced over 31,600 in mid-March; news broke widely this week with calls for prayer. opendoorsuk.org
  • Broader context from Open Doors and ICC: Over 388 million Christians face high persecution globally (1 in 7), with sub-Saharan Africa seeing extreme violence. No new full World Watch List update this week, but Holy Week reports emphasized prayer for the persecuted church. thecommonsense.co.za

These stories reflect persistent patterns of violence (especially in Africa), mob intimidation (South Asia), and official restrictions. Advocacy organizations continue to call for international attention and support. For full details, refer to the primary reports from ICC, Open Doors, and local outlets. Developments can evolve quickly, particularly in Nigeria.

Source: Grok on X

There is none holy like the LORD: for there is none besides you; there is no rock like our God.
1 Samuel 2:2

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Denver police arrest suspect accused of stealing statues outside church

police officer putting handcuffs on another, person arrest

Police in Denver arrested a suspect wanted in connection with stealing statues outside a downtown Denver church earlier this month. A parish leader says the theft happened at Holy Ghost Catholic Church on California Street, the first week in March. 

Source: Denver police arrest suspect accused of stealing statues outside church – CBS Colorado

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age.
Titus 2:11-12

Statues at 2 Queens Catholic churches vandalized. Here’s reaction from each parish.

hand of a person spraying black paint on concrete wall

The statue of St. Francis of Assisi in front of St. Rita’s Roman Catholic Church still had traces of blue paint on it Wednesday after being defaced early Saturday morning. Police said an arrow was spray painted on the statue’s pedestal — coming from the word “pagan” painted on the sidewalk. 

Source: Statues at 2 Queens Catholic churches vandalized. Here’s reaction from each parish. – CBS New York

Then Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road.
Mark 10:52

Acts 8:1-8, Persecuted Church

middle east
crowd of people

Saul was consenting to his death. A great persecution arose against the assembly which was in Jerusalem in that day. They were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except for the apostles. Devout men buried Stephen and lamented greatly over him. But Saul ravaged the assembly, entering into every house and dragged both men and women off to prison. Therefore those who were scattered abroad went around preaching the word. 

Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ. The multitudes listened with one accord to the things that were spoken by Philip when they heard and saw the signs which he did. For unclean spirits came out of many of those who had them. They came out, crying with a loud voice. Many who had been paralyzed and lame were healed. There was great joy in that city.


God turns suffering into mission. What was meant to silence the church became the means of spreading the gospel. Persecution scattered believers, but it also carried hope into new places. Philip’s obedience brought healing, deliverance, and great joy too Samaria. When hardship disrupts your life, remember this truth: God is never wasting it. He can use trials to advance His purposes, deepen faith, and bring light and joy where darkness once ruled.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, protect me from deception and ground me in your truth. Help so that I do not believe everything that makes me feel good. Help me to always be able to discern what is truth and what is deceptive. In Jesus Name Amen.

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