In Finland, the Christian Democrats are key to the negotiations for a new government. Päivi Räsänen (“thankful and happy” about her re-election) tells Evangelical Focus about the current socio-political moment.

In the Central European country, bans on worship lasted longer than elsewhere. Jan Figel’ brings a challenge to the European Court of Human Rights.

Well-known actress Ana Obregón resorts to surrogacy at 68 and sparks an intense political and media debate.

Xi Jinping is introducing “more intrusive Party control of the two main components of the country’s nervous system: money and the Internet”, says expert Massimo Introvigne.

“We are not against sanctions but for human rights”, says the World Evangelical Alliance representative at the UN Human Rights Council.

Three Christian voices comment on the UN Climate Conference in the United Arab Emirates at the end of 2023. “It is vital that we end the fossil fuel industry’s influence over climate policy”.

A survey by Forum 18 shows that “violations of the human rights have increased since fraudulent presidential elections and the regime's support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine”.

A large majority refuses the initiative of the AfD party saying it would criminalise Muslims and is based on “wrong” data.

The Independent Expert on Sexual orientation and gender identities speaks of “religious narratives” which “repress sexual and gender diversity and promote heteronormative norms”. Religious freedom groups warn against using SOGI policies to shape faith doctrines.

There is “extreme persecution” in 10 countries in Africa and the Middle East, says Open Doors. Elsewhere, worrying trends are observed in key geopolitical actors such as India, Saudi Arabia and China.

The Federation of Evangelical Religious Entities of Spain analyses the challenges and achievements of evangelical churches in 2022.

Local authorities accused the Christian leaders of “tricking new members and disuniting the Bulgarian nation”. The religious freedom of the pastors was violated with “pejorative and hostile language”, says the European Union Human Rights court.

After 3 years of doubts, the European Commission finally elects a new Special Envoy for the Promotion of Freedom of Religion or Belief.  

Not everyone is able to worship with the same freedom in the country hosting the 2022 football World Cup. Open Doors UK and Ireland asked believers in Doha.

Charles Malik helped shape the post-war international order based on respect for human rights. His Christian faith guided his global stateman’s career.

The organisation asks authorities “to allow any religious organization to operate peacefully, free from monitoring and interference”.

Other 20 Iranians could face death sentences soon. Around 320 have died in clashes with the Iranian security. Christians support the prostests.

Professor John Wyatt gives a perspective on key bioethical issues of our time.

After 36 years of pastoring churches in Turkey, Carlos Madrigal was labelled a threat to national order and is no longer allowed to enter the country. He and his wife Rosa share lessons to be learned about Christian work in non-Western countries.

A Christian broadcaster in the Middle East is giving embattled Iranian women a voice after government officials shut down the nation’s internet amid mass protests that have turned deadly.

For evangelicals in Western Europe, the most tangible problem is not one of freedom, but rather of public participation.

Both Spain and the Netherlands have reached agreements with the Northern African country. “Moroccan Christians are excluded from many areas”, says a believer.

At the 52^nd General Assembly of the Organisation of American States, Christian speakers called politicians to leave aside “ideological impositions” to address poverty and a quality education.

As everything gets ready for the largest football event, Christians pray to see a change in the absolutist emirate.

Amid a complicated diplomatic situation in Algeria, evangelicals call on the EU to “push for increased freedom of religion” in the country.