Evangelical representatives from France, Austria and Italy took part in an OSCE meeting held in Rome. Julia Doxat-Purser, from the European Evangelical Alliance, expressed concern about how evangelicals are portrayed in a ‘toxic atmosphere’ that increasingly fuels hatred towards ‘the other’.

Canada has made international news recently for two pieces of legislation aimed at curbing the spread of hatred. Faith leaders have raised concerns about how these laws might limit religious expression.

The Supreme Court’s conviction of the Finnish politician and doctor could set a “troubling precedent for freedom of expression and religion across Europe”, says the European Evangelical Alliance.

Finland’s Supreme Court has ruled by three votes to two that a booklet on human sexuality published 22 years ago constitutes hate speech against LGBT people. The Christian politician is “profoundly disappointed” but her case may be brought to the European Court of Justice.

Human rights violations against Iranian Christians include “imprisonment, exile and forced labour”, says a new report.

A major survey shows that hate speech online, personal privacy and societal polarisation also concern a vast majority of citizens in EU countries.

France just passed a bill banning social media for under-15s, and the Spanish president announced a similar measure. “Our children's brains are not for sale”, said Emmanuel Macron.

Beliefs are “not holders of fundamental rights”, says the government. Catholic, evangelical, Jewish and Muslim faith groups warn about growing insults and attacks against religious communities.

The film presents the provocative thesis that, beyond ideologies, flags and uniforms, even beyond anti-Semitism itself, lies the worship of the leader.

Places of worship in the southwestern German state suffered damage worth over a million euros. The figures are “stable overall”, says the government.

The Observatory on Intolerance and Discrimination against Christians in Europe also reports a rise “in legal restrictions affecting freedom of religion”.

The World Evangelical Alliance urges Turkey “to engage in structured dialogue wit Protestants” and warns of the growing hate speech against Christians.

Here are my thoughts about some of the things people are saying about the murder of Charlie Kirk.

A report of the Turkish Association of Protestant Churches also denounces that foreign Christians were deported, refused entry to Turkey or denied residence permits and visas in 2024.

We spoke in Berlin with Päivi Räsänen, the Finnish parliamentarian awaiting the outcome of a trial for publicly expressing her Christian beliefs. “I see a real threat to freedom. That’s why I always encourage Christians to make use of the rights we still have: freedom of speech, freedom of religion”.

A mob desecrated the grave of a recently deceased Christian. Believers are continually attacked, while the Parliament debates taking action against churches, says Middle East Concern.

To be a disciple of Jesus asks much of us, but we cannot fully describe how much we receive in the process. 

Anti-Christian acts drop by 10% in a context in which antisemitic attacks continue to be on the rise, says a territorial intelligence report.

Although the offences against Christians have significantly grown in the past two years, for the federal government, “there is no increased threat to Christians”.

A panel discussion at the EU Parliament analyses the challenges of religious freedom in Europe. The European Prayer Breakfast was held before with around 450 guests.

The Observatory on Intolerance and Discrimination against Christians in Europe reports at least 2,444 anti-Christian hate crimes in 35 European countries in 2023.

The Swedish, European and World Evangelical Alliances sent a joint report on asylum seekers, conscientious objection, and hate speech, among other issues.

After 4 years, the proceedings against pastor Olaf Latzel for hate speech are dropped. He paid a fine of 5000 euros and publicly apologised.

The initial “prayers” lead to a deeper reflection on polarisation in the public space, hatred, and the need for a biblical vision to change the direction of the country.

After a murder attempt that left the prime minister seriously injured, Christians share their reflections from the ground.