The Unamuno Prize was given to philosopher and university professor José Luis Villacañas, for “his brave defense of the memory of Protestantism as an integral part of the history of Spain”.

The 2006 law requires non-Muslim worship buildings to be licensed, but all applications to do so have remained unattended. “We all know that these laws are only there to muzzle Christians and other religious minorities”.

There has been 40% more Christian candidates than four years ago. Despite a dificult campaign, “God has a long-term plan”, they say.

Many hope their effort will inspire a new generation of political representatives with a strong Christian faith. “God has a long-term plan”.

Growing pressure on Christians in China, Algeria, Burkina Faso, according to the 2020 Open Doors World Watch List. Christians face severe persecution in 73 countries.

The traditional evangelical event in the Spanish city was held in a central theatre of the city.

The Prime Minister resigns after large demonstrations against political corruption and the precarious economic situation. More than 400 people died in the last 2 months.

As part of a larger prison sentence delivered in 2013, Ebrahim Firoozi, 33, was sentenced to two years in exile in Sarbaz, a frontier town on the Iranian-Pakistani border known for its isolation and prevalence of Islamic militant groups.

Since 2006, news website Protestante Digital gives the award to non-Protestant Spaniards who work for religious freedom and coexistence.

The Luhansk People's Republic (Ukraine) has banned all Protestant worship, and believers try to meet in small gatherings. Uzbekistan raids worship services that have not been approved by the authorities.

Police use force to eject Christians resisting in protest. The closures this week bring to 15 the number of worship buildings sealed since the government launched a campaign againt churches.

Peaceful demonstrations call authorities to “stop closure of worship places”. Churches re-organise themselves in houses as the government threatens to close more buildings.

Turkey attacks Kurdish territories after the withdrawal of US forces. The move could lead to “one more tragedy to the Christian presence in Syria”.

“The government has passed laws that blatantly violate religious freedom”, Swiss Christian NGO HMK says. Christian natives and foreigners have been arrested because of their faith.

The place of worship in the city of Boghni was used by two Protestant communities. Around 380 members are affected.

Finnish MP Päivi Räsänen shares her thoughts about the police investigation opened against her for quoting the Bible on homosexuality. She is “amazed” that “so many are praying for me and my country”.

The Prime Minister resigned after Matteo Salvini’s vote of no confidence. “We have seen the worsening of the quality of public discourse”, the Italian Evangelical Alliance says.

Local authorities in the state of Hidalgo “prohibit the entry of Protestants”. Those who refuse to fund Catholic festivities are threatened with big fines and water cuts.

Christians were dragged to the village leaders and forced to sit and bow to the goddess idol. Police decline to act, sources say.

In the Chhattisgarh state, villagers attacked the homes of three Christian families, leaving 25 people homeless. Death threats are followed by reconversion rituals.

“Nones” are a majority but cities are now more religious than rural areas, analysts say. Evangelicals grow to 1.6% of the population.

“Modi’s government has closed its eyes when minorities have been attacked”, says the Evangelical Fellowship India.

The release of Asia Bibi is “extraordinarily good news”, but blasphemy laws “should be repealed once and for all” to protect faith minorities.

“If Prime Minister Modi wins again, the persecution of Christians in India will continue to grow”, says Vijayesh Lal, General Secretary of the Evangelical Fellowship of India. Voting will finish on May 19.

All of them served in Turkey. Former church leader in Izmir Andrew Brunson thanks all those who prayed for him during his two-year imprisonment.