The government often uses this accusation against converts instead of the charge of apostasy, in an attempt to avoid international scrutiny.

The bill could be approved after the summer. A state agency would actively promote LGBT ideology in schools, workplaces, sport events and media. Anyone accused of discrimination will have to prove their innocence.

“Any restriction of freedom of worship, conscience, or expression would impoverish the nation spiritually and intellectually, and affect evangelical Christians who publicly testify to their faith”, says CNEF representative Thierry Le Gall.

A letter distributed on social media asks for the “attacks against the church” to stop. Twenty-five buildings are set to be demolished, but Christians in the country are “very resilient”, a source says.

One minor was held for 25 days, another is  still in custody, along with five adult volunteers.

“Belief-based intolerance and discrimination of refugees is a pan-European problem”, Christian organisations said during a hearing at the European Parliament. 

“The image of Christians as a persecuted minority is not completely right”, says Egypt’s Bible Society Director Ramez Atallah in an interview with Evangelical Focus. He analyses the coexistence with Muslims and the role of the evangelical community. 

Indonesian police have named the leader of the Islamic Defenders Front as a suspect. Rizieq Shihab mobilised thousands to put pressure on judges in a ‘blasphemy’ trial against Christian politician ‘Ahok’.

“Religious expression must not be repressed in the private sphere”, the new President of France said. Édouard Philippe is named Prime Minister.

Former Minister of Culture and Socialist Party leader in Madrid, Ángel Gabilondo, thanks Protestants for their contribution to the advance of “freedoms.”

“Except for a few Orthodox extremists, I do not hear a single voice expressing approval for the prohibition of the Jehovah’s Witnesses”, says Russian church historian Constantine Prokhorov.

Hassan Taour and Abdulmonem Abdumawla had been accused of espionage. Czech aid worker Petr Jasek received a presidential pardon in Februrary.

“We believe Bhatti is innocent and will be freed by the high court, but it will take several years for his case to be heard by the high court”, an advocate says.

Since 2014, 27 places of worship have been closed, affecting around 40 Christian communities. Some “bought a premise with a loan, remodeled it, but cannot use it”, says pastor Daniel Magnin.

The New Testament writers tell us that God’s honour is not something so fragile that it needs to be protected by legal restrictions.

The canton of Zurich calls its cities to prohibit the Salafist campaign “Read!” because it makes an apology of radical Islamism.

The European Jewish Congress says it is “the greatest assault on Jewish religious rights in Belgium since the Nazi occupation.” Denmark and Switzerland already prohibit this kind of slaughter.

Freedom of conscience, freedom of speech and religious freedom are battles that are worth fighting. 

‘Ahok’ is sentenced to two years of prison. The judges say the Christian politician “has caused anxiety, hurt Islam and divided Muslims.” Islamic radicals increase pressure on Christians.

Friends and church leaders supported the two children of the “exemplary” mother in the funeral. The police talks about a probable “religious motivation” of the Muslim attacker.

The man and his wife were selling girls for over 10 years.

The criminalization of the Jehovah’s Witnesses in Russia is a mistake, says the Italian Evangelical Alliance. Freedom of worship should be guaranteed for everyone, “even for those who, in our view, are completely wrong.”

Mobs led by Buddhist monks threat church members in several areas of the country. The homes of pastors have been attacked and new legal measures reduce the constitutional right to freedom of worship. 

The government will close down the central offices of the religious organisation. The pressure on non-Russian Orthodox groups makes evangelical Christians wonder who will be targeted next.

Conversion from Islam is impossible in many places and in the few locations where it is possible legally, there are social and cultural impediments to change.