Vice and virtue police gain foothold in war-torn Syria
BEIRUT (RNS) Religious police units enforce a strict form of Islamic rule in parts of Syria, such banning alcohol sales and requiring conservative dress for women.
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Religious leaders push for kidnapped bishops’ release
JERUSALEM (RNS) Religious leaders are pressing for the release of two Orthodox bishops who were kidnapped outside war-torn Aleppo, Syria, saying their plight reflects the insecurity of Syria’s Christian population.
Armenia struggles to absorb Christian refugees from Syria
YEREVAN, Armenia (RNS) An estimated 7,000 of Syria’s Christian-Armenian community have arrived in Armenia since the start of the uprising against Syrian President Bashar Assad, and cash-strapped Armenia is struggling to help them.
Africa rises, China falls on Christian persecution list
(RNS) The persecution of Christians “vastly rose” in Africa in 2012 as a result of power gains by radical Islamists, according to Open Doors, a Christian missionary organization which publishes an annual list of offending nations. By Lauren Markoe.
