Global Scans · Religion · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: Huge growth is expected over the next several decades as the world's Muslim population grows faster than every other major religious demographic, and as urbanization and rising incomes in developing countries with large Muslim populations mean more will be buying, rather than producing their own food.

• [New] Christian Aid is warning that the taste of the British cuppa is under threat from climate change, with rising temperatures and extreme weather in Kenya, India and Sri Lanka, threatening the chemistry of tea leaves. Religion Media Centre
• [New] Sunni citizens in Iran, despite limited formal recognition in certain legal contexts, face widespread restrictions in access to senior administrative positions, employment opportunities, religious activity, and freedom of religious expression. NCRI
• [New] For decades, international policy toward Iran has oscillated between two failed approaches: appeasement of the ruling religious dictatorship and the threat or reality of foreign military confrontation. NCRI
• [New] In a desperate bid to maintain power and instill fear following the nationwide January uprisings, the religious dictatorship in Iran has resorted to brutal repression. NCRI
• [New] Christianity in Europe is gradually declining, with numbers projected to fall further in the coming decades. Hope 103.2
• [New] Global Christianity is growing and shifting, with new challenges and opportunities shaping how believers live out their faith today. Hope 103.2
• [New] North America's Christian population, currently estimated at 275 million, is shrinking with an annual decline of 0.16% to an estimated 262 million in 2075. Vision Christian Media
• [New] All who are Christian, and many who are not, hope for a redemptive increase in Christian influence in American society. Providence - A Journal of Christianity & American Forei
• [New] There has been strong growth in Bible translation, with the New Testament now available in over 2600 languages, opening access to Scripture for more people than ever before. Hope 103.2
• [New] Christianity will continue to grow, but mostly in Africa, while steadily declining in its traditional hubs. Vision Christian Media
• [New] A new study forecasts Islam will be on the brink of overtaking Christianity in 50 years. Vision Christian Media
• [New] Defending Afghanistan was a national and religious obligation and they would respond to any aggression or threat.
• [New] Fear of Islam became routine, and it was quickly associated with fear of migrants, a dual fear that continues to paralyse Europe and the Americas. Tricontinental: Institute for Social Research
• Every faith-based organization before us-on behalf of thousands of members - and every clergy and devout plaintiff agree that Louisiana must not pick and post specific scripture that the state commands will confront children in state classrooms. Techdirt
• In Somalia, the Christian community is tiny and under constant threat. Global Christian Relief
• Israel's strikes in majority-Christian and Sunni areas, including on hotels or apartments reportedly rented by people displaced by fighting, have stoked fear and division in a country where sectarian tensions have previously ended in bloodshed.
• U.S. officials could push Iran to allow for greater social freedoms and to end the persecution of religious minorities-steps that would reduce anti-regime sentiment within Iranian society. Foreign Affairs Magazine
• Religious conditions inside a nation, like the proverbial canary in the coal mine, provide an early warning of new dangers to global security. Canopy Forum

Last updated: 18 May 2026