Reported abuses range from arrests over online posts and private messages to long delays in church registration, along with weak police and court responses to attacks on Christians.

David Bogosian with the Alliance for the Unreached says the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is calling for the U.S. to increase scrutiny. “The recommendation [by USCIRF] is that Egypt be made a country on our Watch List,” he says. A U.S. Special Watch List designation would heighten State Department attention and could increase diplomatic pressure on Egyptian authorities.

There is also growing influence from Islamic clergy. That influence is often associated with Al-Azhar, a major center of Sunni Islamic authority based in Cairo, and with how blasphemy laws are interpreted and enforced.

St Simon the Tanner Monastery (Coptic), Cairo (Photo courtesy of Kerollos Atef AL- Mansy via Pexels)

Authorities can move quickly when they believe Islam is being criticized. This has increasingly included online activity.

“Anything that is viewed as disruptive, anything that might be negative of Islam, or put it in a bad light, they’re going to be prosecuted,” Bogosian says.

According to rights monitors, in recent months security forces have arrested dozens of people over social media posts expressing religious views that do not align with state-sanctioned beliefs, or for participating in online groups discussing atheism, agnosticism, or criticizing Islam.

Bogosian recalls a friend who was imprisoned and tortured for his faith in Egypt. After Christians around the world began writing letters to the prison, the man was released and later received asylum in the United States.

“So it does make a difference when we make our voices heard!” Bogosian says.

Even with pressure and persecution, Gospel work continues in Egypt — partly because the Coptic Church has endured hardship for centuries. “So Egypt is actually the epicenter for evangelism in the entire Middle East. This is very significant,” adds Bogosian.

Yet the need remains enormous: millions of Egyptians still haven’t heard about Jesus.

Pray Egyptian believers won’t give in to hate or fear. Pray the church will be strengthened and keep a powerful voice. Be part of Christ’s global rescue plan! Visit the Alliance for the Unreached to learn more.

Header photo: Five persons riding camels beside Pyramid of Egypt (Photo courtesy of Simon Berger via Unsplash).

In a unique occasion, victims of the August 2023 Islamist attacks on Christians in Jaranwala ended an unprecedented 17-day protest on September 2.

Nehemiah from FMI says, “Protest wasn’t just about property damage or compensation; it was about justice, accountability, and being heard. The community felt neglected by those claiming to advocate for them.”

More than 25 churches and 85 Christian homes were damaged or burned, yet despite such massive destruction almost nothing was done. Clear clues pointed to the attackers, but the investigation stalled for two years as perpetrators were freed and victims remain helpless.

The Victims Committee Jaranwala was created to advocate for those affected.

Jaranwala railway station (courtesy of Fahads1982 via Wikimedia Commons)

“They can file complaints,” says Nehemiah, “and pursue prosecution, even though in many cases arrests or prosecutions have been inadequate. And negotiation committees, including women, are meeting with federal institutions and using local religious press to raise awareness and public pressure.”

Women joined this protest despite greater danger, playing a significant role. “They joined the protest,” he adds, “leaving daily chores, fasting, and making their voices heard.”

Unlike Western protests, these demonstrations are tightly controlled by the government. Nehemiah explains:

“They allocate you one specific spot where Christian community is allowed to sit and file their record as a protest.” Sometimes it’s only two hundred square feet that you can’t leave.

Yet, it was a significant event.

“It marked the first time Christians in their area collectively protested for their rights in such an extended and visible way,” says Nehemiah.

The Victims Committee Jaranwala led the protest saying: “Insaf, Aman, Masih Ke Naam!” meaning “Justice, Peace, in the Name of Christ!”

Restricted space kept many from joining, but another goal was achieved: “To register their protest, or simply let the international community know what is happening in Pakistan with Christians.”

Their plea has reached you!

Pray for justice for Jaranwala victims. Pray that as the protestors boldly intercede for their rights, they will be wise and protected — especially the women.

Pray for FMI Pakistan who serve in this challenging environment and bring hope to the hopeless.

Header photo courtesy of The Voice of the Martyrs USA.

The acquittal is worth celebrating — but there’s more to the story. Ankwar Kenneth had already spent 23 years on death row under these blasphemy charges.

Mob attack in recent years (Photo courtesy of FMI)

What’s more, Nehemiah with FMI explains that acquittals like this are extremely rare in Pakistan. He refers to those caught in these cases as “blasphemy accused.”

“Right now [as] I’m talking, there [are] over 700 blasphemy accused sitting in the prison without any hearing in the court — because the judges are being harassed by the religious extremist organizations in Pakistan, and then lawyers or law firms are being harassed and threatened.” 

It’s not just Christians. Muslims and Hindus are also accused of blasphemy. Nehemiah explains that the vague language of Pakistan’s blasphemy laws allows people to use accusations to settle personal scores or seize property.

Nehemiah says mob culture plays a terrifying role. 

“In many cases, individuals accused of blasphemy are killed by angry mobs before their case is even heard. These extrajudicial killings are fueled by religious extremism and a culture of fear and silence,” he says.

“Law enforcement agencies often [stand] by passively, either out of fear or sympathies [for the mobs]. Over the past decades, dozens of people have been lynched or burned alive, including mentally ill individuals and children.”

This culture of violence has become the norm in Pakistan. Yet Christians living under these pressures remember someone else who was falsely accused. 

“Even Jesus was blasphemy accused Himself,” says Nehemiah. (Matthew 26:57–68) 

Please pray

FMI supports church planters in Pakistan in both spiritual and practical ways — from prayer to physical aid to legal assistance to relocation help.

Pray for God to give strength, courage, faith and endurance to the Pakistani Church. Pray for boldness for FMI church planters under severe persecution.

“[Pray] that they will continue to proclaim Christ boldly — not with fear, but with compassion and truth even under the threat of arrest or violence or death threat. Pray that their work would bear much fruit: new believers, disciple[d] leaders, and strong underground churches,” says Nehemiah.

And who do Pakistani believers pray for in the midst of “hopeless” circumstances? 

“[As] Christians, we cannot have any enemy, because Jesus says, ‘Love your enemies,’” Nehemiah says with a laugh. “So the only hope is Jesus and we just keep loving and praying for our Muslim brothers in Pakistan.”

Header photo of Pakistan church group (Photo courtesy of FMI)

In Pakistan, for example, Christians know one wrong step could lead to a charge of blasphemy against Islam. Such accusations result in mob violence, imprisonment, long legal battles or worse, with little protection. Just last month, four people were sentenced to death under these laws. 

“It’s a huge challenge for our partners in places like Iran and Mauritania, Afghanistan [and] Pakistan, because the punishment of blasphemy in those countries is death,” says Greg Kelley with Unknown Nations.

Pakistan courts have issued many death sentences for blasphemy, even when evidence is scanty. But so far it has never carried one out. Often, vigilante justice from Pakistan’s majority Muslim population keeps things out of the courts entirely. Kelley says minority Christian villages can quickly become targets. 

“In one case, recently, over 20 churches were burnt down, houses destroyed, people’s vehicles and motorcycles torched, police standing by allowing it to happen,” he says. 

Yet Christ stands with His people in every injustice. He even saves others through their witness.

“One of the main differences between Islam and Christianity is Jesus said, ‘The world’s going to hate you, but be encouraged because they hated Me before they hated you — and furthermore, love your enemies. Pray for those who persecute you,’” says Kelley. (See John 15:18–19 and Luke 6:27–28.)

“That’s the the Christian message, and that softens the heart — the Holy Spirit uses that to soften the heart of the most radical.”

Now that you know more, please pray for gospel advance where blasphemy laws rule. Pray the Christians will faithfully endure through terrible circumstances. Then, learn more.

“As the body of Christ, we need to be praying. We need to understand these issues. We need to educate ourselves about what’s going on in these countries [where] if you share the gospel that we take so freely here in the US, you literally could be killed,” says Kelley.

To understand more and pray for persecuted Christians around the world, connect with coverage by Morning Star News ands persecution.org.

Finally, pray also for resources to build up the local churches. Kelley says, “Training is critical in [these] parts of the world, especially the leaders, to give them opportunities to grow and strengthen in their faith.”

Learn more here about how Unknown Nations comes alongside believers under fire. 

Header image is a representative stock photo courtesy of Abyan Athif/Unsplash.

But is there a, quote, “blasphemy business group” behind it? On February 2, a high court in Pakistan advised that a commission to investigate the question.

Asia Bibi spent 8 years on death row in Pakistan on blasphemy charges. She was acquitted in 2018. (Photo courtesy of Voice of the Martyrs, Canada)

“It appears that what’s happening is that they’re enticing certain people to make what would appear blasphemous statements against Islam or against the Prophet Muhammad online, and then accusing them of blasphemy,” says Floyd Brobbel with Voice of the Martyrs Canada. 

He says the blasphemy law is easy to take advantage of, with no consequences for the accuser. 

“So the law states that any derogatory remark in respect to the Holy Prophet Muhammad, either spoken or written or by visible reputation or by any imputation, innuendo or insinuation, directly or indirectly, shall be punished with death or imprisonment for life, and also shall be liable for a fine,” says Brobbel. “The way it’s written… anything can be turned into a blasphemy case.”

Religious freedom and human rights groups have been pushing against Pakistan’s blasphemy laws for years. Now it’s in the spotlight again. Pray for God to work justice through the commission’s investigations. Pray that it will move forward rapidly — according to this article, hundreds of people are trapped in court cases now. Pray that the blasphemy law itself will be addressed and changed in the future.

“There’s enough cases out there for them to see that there’s a real issue with the blasphemy law and how it’s being used and how it’s defined, and how it really is targeting religious minorities in Pakistan,” Brobbel says. “So there is no real freedom of religion or belief as a result of the blasphemy law.”

Pray also that Christians at risk or already under blasphemy accusations will keep sharing the gospel. Pray that God will use this for their good and encourage them even through these sufferings (see Romans 5:3-5).

Look for more to this story in part 2 coming later this week.

Header photo of Lahore, Pakistan courtesy of Syed Bilal Javaid via Unsplash.

Last weekend in Manchester, England, a man was arrested after allegedly burning a copy of the Quran. According to one report, he claimed to be doing it in honor of Salwan Momika. 

Who was Salwan Momika? He was an Iraqi-born critic of Islam charged with burning copies of the Quran in 2023. The verdict to his criminal trial was scheduled for yesterday, February 6, 2025. But last week, January 29, someone took justice into their own hands and killed Momika in his home in Sweden. (Read this insightful article to consider the message Momika’s killing sends.)

Salwan Momika in 2023 (Photo courtesy of Frankie Fouganthin via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0)

Both of these men were taken to court over burning the Quran. But here’s the question: should those actions be considered crimes or as expressions of free speech? It’s a question England appears to be wavering on. 

Greg Kelley with Unknown Nations says it’s natural for followers of Islam to take that question seriously. 

“When they’re coming in [to other nations] and they’re bringing their religious practices, they bring what they know. Half of the world’s Muslim countries have variations of blasphemy laws,” he says. 

Pakistan, Afghanistan and Mauritania are among those Muslim countries with blasphemy laws. Kelley says that in Pakistan, for example, these laws have devastating effects on Christians and religious minorities. It often devolves into vigilante justice, not unlike what Salwan Momika tragically experienced last week. 

England itself had blasphemy laws on the books until 2008, protecting certain Christian beliefs. Those laws were abolished in 2008 with the Criminal Justice Act. Yet what will England, Sweden and other nations say today about what should happen when someone insults Islam?

“What we’re seeing is with this blasphemy [issue], it’s a push from the [Muslim] leadership to really establish an Islamic culture in these communities, and it’s only going to grow,” Kelley says. “The only thing that the UK can do is their government can step in and not allow that. But they’re caving to it because it’s a loud voice. [The Muslim community is] a minority now that’s growing, but it’s a loud, aggressive voice.” 

Yet other voices recognize these two cases in Europe as endangering free speech. Read the perspectives on these events from Free Speech Union and an editor at spiked.

Find your place in this story

Watch and pray over these religious freedom/freedom of speech conversations in Europe. This is a critical topic facing many nations today.

As you pray, don’t forget that bringing Muslims to Europe is part of God’s divine plan. He’s working these complex situations together for good. Pray for justice and freedom that will allow more people to know Christ and be saved. 

Finally, if you live in a country where you can speak about Christ more freely than most, thank God and “[make] the most of every opportunity, for the days are evil” (see Ephesians 5:15-16).

Header photo of a copy of the Quran is a representative stock photo courtesy of GR Stocks via Unsplash. 

According to a report from the Pakistani-based Center for Social Justice, at least 103 new people were accused of blasphemy in the first six months of 2024. Hundreds of others remained imprisoned as of June. 

Darrel Templeton with MegaVoice shares the response of their field partners in Pakistan: “They’re becoming more frightened. They’re trying to become more cautious and in a way to avoid being prosecuted, because the situation is getting worse. But on the flip side, we see others that are becoming bolder, and it’s like they are saying, ‘Well, you know, they can’t arrest us all. So let’s be bold in our faith.’”

Pakistan is 96.5% Muslim and 3.5% Christian, Hindu or other religions. Source: CIA Facebook (Photo by Hassan Wasim on Unsplash)

The conviction of Shagufta Kiran will likely be overturned on appeal by superior courts; most cases like hers are, because of scanty evidence. But these intimidation tactics used against minority faiths in Pakistan must not be overlooked by the global Church. 

Templeton says it’s exciting to see that God is at work in the midst of persecution. In places like Pakistan, “all of a sudden there will be a growth spiritually, a revival in the area, and quickly thereafter it is followed by increased persecution.” 

“Many of these accusations seem to be false in the sense that they’re not blaspheming against the other faith. They’re just simply standing up for their faith in Jesus Christ,” Templeton continues. “But the problem is [that in Pakistan], when they do, [it] just goes to court, and then people don’t have the legal [or] financial means to fight it.”

In the midst of these challenges, MegaVoice has seen increased requests for their audio Bibles.

Image of audio Bible unit courtesy of MegaVoice.

“We know God is at work when people are hungry for His Word, pleading and begging to be able to have God’s Word in a way that they can hear it and understand it and engage with it,” he says. 

Believers facing the threat of legal battles need your support in prayer. Templeton says believers are not asking for prayer for an end to persecution but rather for boldness. 

“Pray that they will be strong in their faith, that they will be true salt and light in the midst of this increased persecution. But we do need to pray for justice,” Templeton says, “that they (state and local governments) will be just and right and not [only] applying these blasphemy laws as a weapon to try to dissuade church leaders.”

Header photo courtesy of TRAVELERGEEK via Unsplash.

The 27-year-old believer allegedly shared a photo of a damaged Quran on TikTok following widespread attacks on the Christian community last August. Even though the young man did not create the image, the court said it was blasphemous and worthy of a death sentence.

Todd Nettleton with The Voice of the Martyrs USA says, “The blasphemy laws are unjust. There’s a presumption of guilt instead of a presumption of innocence.”

Believers accused of blasphemy often face mob justice before they ever step into a courtroom. More about that here. Such was the case of an elderly Christian businessman beaten to death by a mob in May.

“Thankfully, the police arrested members of the mob and were trying to hold them accountable. But then you have rallies in support of more vigilante violence against religious minorities,” Nettleton says.

“There needs to be some kind of a change to these blasphemy laws and the way they’re enforced, and a return to the rule of law instead of the rule of the mob.”

At least 103 people have been charged with blasphemy between January and June of this year, according to the Pakistan-based Center for Social Justice (CSJ).

Ask the Lord to strengthen and encourage persecuted believers in Pakistan. Find more ways to help here.

Nettleton says, “We can’t go to them. We can’t necessarily comfort” the individual believers and families mentioned above, but “we can certainly pray for them, and for other Christians in Pakistan, who live constantly under this oppression and second-class citizenship status.”

Header image is a representative photo courtesy of visuals/Unsplash.

Todd Nettleton with The Voice of the Martyrs USA says Pakistan’s notorious blasphemy laws frequently lead to violence against Christians.

“The rumor of blasphemy is enough to gin up one of these mobs to attack Christians in Pakistan. It doesn’t require evidence; it certainly doesn’t require proof,” Nettleton says.

“Someone tosses out an accusation, and the mob swings into action. Christian homes are burned. People are beaten.”

That’s precisely what happened at the end of May when radical Muslims accused an elderly Christian man of burning pages of the Quran. A vigilante mob beat the man unconscious, and he succumbed to his injuries a few days later.

Vigilantes burn a Christian home and small business. (Photo courtesy of FMI)

Plus, in August 2023, “there was an attack where 50 churches were destroyed in addition to Christian homes and businesses,” Nettleton adds.

Legal and political responses to blasphemy law fallout, like the National Assembly of Pakistan’s resolution, are typically quite rare. In 2011, the governor of Pakistan’s Punjab province, Salman Taseer, was assassinated by his bodyguard for speaking out against the blasphemy laws.

“It’s very difficult to find people who will publicly stand up and say, ‘Hey, we need to do something different here,’” Nettleton notes.

“We have had people speak out against the blasphemy law at the airport as they were fleeing the country because they know they’re painting a target on their back.”

Nonetheless, hope remains. A conference in Lahore last week connected blasphemy laws to recent mob violence and called upon the Pakistani government to form a Commission of Inquiry to investigate factors driving vigilante justice.

More importantly, the Gospel is making inroads. “One of the miracles of the Gospel is the fact that people respond,” Nettleton says.

“Even radical Muslims are drawn to that message of a loving Savior who sacrificed Himself on their behalf, instead of demanding that they sacrifice on His behalf.”

Pray for Saul-to-Paul conversions among radical Muslims in Pakistan. Find tangible ways to help persecuted Christians through VOM USA.

Header image is a representative stock photo courtesy of Aleem Yousaf via Wikimedia Commons.

FMI’s Nehemiah says, “This Christian man, Aziz, had a very small shoe factory, and there were Muslims in the same area who didn’t like it. So, they accused this person [of blasphemy], and they become a mob, and they wanted to kill him; they’re trying to stone him to death.”

Piles of shoes and other material burn outside the Christian shop.
(Photo courtesy of FMI)

The mob looted and burned the shoe shop, and it torched the Christian man’s home. The angry mob also attacked the Christian man’s elderly father, accusing him of burning pages of the Quran.

“74-year-old Nazir was transported to the hospital and admitted [into] the intensive care unit [where] he’s being arrested by the police and handcuffed [to] a hospital bed,” Nehemiah says.

In Muslim-majority Pakistan, mobs often use the country’s blasphemy laws as an excuse to attack Christian communities. Last August, radical Muslims burned more than 200 homes and two dozen churches after accusing believers of desecrating the Quran.

Nehemiah says the mob’s intent was crystal clear on Saturday. “This mob wanted to lynch the Christian men. They were armed with sticks and stones; they gathered in front of this house and attempted to break into it,” he says.

“This is a very easy target for any Muslim – to blame Christians and accuse them of blasphemy to set up some private gains.”

Ask the Lord to give FMI church planters safety and wisdom as they share the hope of Christ throughout Pakistan. “You don’t know where you will be attacked or be accused of blasphemy, or a mob will come in and try to kill you,” Nehemiah says, speaking from personal experience.

Connect with FMI here to learn how you can support church planters in Pakistan.

Header and story images courtesy of FMI.