17th July 2026

Recently published research by the Pew Research Center in the United States found that 55 countries recorded high or very high levels of religion-related social hostilities in 2023, the latest year for which data are available. This was up from 45 countries in 2022. Countries recording the highest levels of social hostilities involving religion included Nigeria, India, Israel, and Bangladesh. Pew said that Israel moved into the “very high” category after the 7 October attacks. Bangladesh also entered the category after riots targeting Ahmadi Muslims in the north of the country.  Pew estimated that 78% of the world’s population live in countries experiencing high or very high levels of government restrictions on religion, or religion-related social hostilities, or both. “At a global level, this suggests that governments have been clamping down on religious beliefs and practices in more ways than they were in 2007, at the beginning of the study, while the number of countries with social hostilities has tended to rise and fall with events,” the researchers said.  The report highlights that in 2023, Christians and Muslims faced physical harassment as well as verbal and other nonphysical harassment in more countries than other groups. Christians were harassed by government officials or nongovernmental actors in 165 countries in 2023, and Muslims were in 143 countries.

You can read the full report here.

Loving God, we pray for all who seek to love and serve you and for all who proclaim Christ as Lord and Saviour. We ask your protection for all harassed or persecuted for their faith. Strengthen their faith and grant them the strength to resist retaliation. May the Holy Spirit support them in living their lives according to your will and that by doing so others will be drawn to you. We pray for the growth of your Kingdom across the world. In the name of Jesus we pray.  Amen.  

The first case of Ebola this year in Uganda was confirmed in May. It was brought by a man who had travelled for treatment from neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo, the epicentre of the epidemic where almost 800 people have died. In Uganda there have been 20 confirmed cases, mostly among visitors from DR Congo, and two deaths. However, Health Minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi described it as "a moment of joy" when he was able to announce that the last patient being treated for Ebola had been discharged from hospital, leaving the country with no active confirmed cases of the deadly disease. A 42-day countdown has now begun before Uganda can officially be declared Ebola-free, provided no new infections emerge. 

A prayer based on Psalm 34

With all my heart,

I will always praise you Lord.

When I asked you for help,

you saved me from all my fears.

I honour you, Lord

I trust you, Lord.

You watch over me and answer my prayers.

You listen to your people.

All who are discouraged and have given up hope.

you rescue from their troubles,

Praise and thanksgiving be to you heavenly Father.

Amen.