https://ijrf.org/index.php/home <p>The International Journal for Religious Freedom (IJRF) is published twice a year and aims to provide a platform for scholarly discourse on religious freedom in general and the persecution of Christians in particular. It is an interdisciplinary, international, peer reviewed journal, serving the dissemination of new research on religious freedom and contains research articles, documentation, book reviews, academic news and other relevant items.</p> <p>The IJRF is listed on the South African Department of Higher Education and Training “Approved list of South African journals” as effective from 1 January 2012.</p> <p>Manuscripts submitted for publication are assessed by a panel of referees and the decision to publish is dependent on their reports.</p> <p>The IJRF subscribes to the National Code of Best Practice in Editorial Discretion and Peer Review for South African Scholarly Journals.</p> <p>The IJRF is available as a paid print subscription, and released later as a free online version on 1 March and 1 September respectively (www.iirf.global), as well as via SABINET and EBSCO.</p> <p><a title="Leitet Herunterladen der Datei ein" href="https://iirf.global/wp-content/uploads/IJRF//dhet_accreditation.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Accreditation</a></p> <p><a href="https://ijrf.org/index.php/ijrf/information/authors" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Guidelines for authors</a></p> International Institute for Religious Freedom en-US The International Journal for Religious Freedom (IJRF) 2070-5484 <p>Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CC BY 4.0</a>)</p> https://ijrf.org/index.php/home/article/view/342 <p class="p1">The genesis for this special issue on Christian missions and Freedom of Religion or Belief was a symposium at Fjellhaug International University College in Oslo, Norway, in September 2023. Many of the students at Fjellhaug are training to be missionaries, so the topic was of great interest to both faculty and students. A rich variety of papers was presented, and only a small sample have made it into this issue.</p> Janet Epp Buckingham Copyright (c) 2025 Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ 2025-05-16 2025-05-16 18 1 v–vii v–vii https://ijrf.org/index.php/home/article/view/343 <p class="p1">A theology of risk is different from a theology of suffering. Developing a holistic and comprehensive approach to risking for gospel advancement requires developing risk literacy, leading to shrewdness when ministering in circumstances hostile to the gospel.</p> Anna E. Hampton Copyright (c) 2025 Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ 2025-05-16 2025-05-16 18 1 9–20 9–20 10.59484/KKPF5795 https://ijrf.org/index.php/home/article/view/344 <p>Throughout history, believers have faced ostracism, imprisonment, and other persecution when their only punishable activity was to give their allegiance to God priority over other gods or earthly powers. Present-day believers face similar injustices when the powers of their context force them to adhere to systems that violate their allegiance to God. This paper considers a current dilemma in Southeast Asia, looks at three examples from Scripture where believers similarly faced trials of faith, highlights three encounters that test a believer’s missional focus, and closes by suggesting a theological framework that is foundational for responding to adversity that honor God.</p> Amy C. West Copyright (c) 2025 Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ 2025-05-16 2025-05-16 18 1 21–30 21–30 10.59484/YKFU8926 https://ijrf.org/index.php/home/article/view/345 <p class="p1">A significant focus of Christian missions currently is to share the good news of Christ with non-believers in restricted countries, which often puts both missionaries and new converts at risk of persecution. This article examines the international legal framework for religious freedom and how it is applied or circumvented. It then discusses enforcement mechanisms for religious freedom in the UN system, along with who is currently engaged in advocacy for Christians at the UN. The article also considers what training is available for missionaries to difficult countries and how sending agencies can appropriately prepare missionaries for the realities of persecution.</p> Janet Epp Buckingham Copyright (c) 2025 Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ 2025-05-16 2025-05-16 18 1 31–45 31–45 10.59484/EOIV7983 https://ijrf.org/index.php/home/article/view/346 <p class="p1">While some observers see the 2019 Catholic-Sunni Document on Human Fraternity as a powerful message against Islamist extremism, others regret the exclusion of central points of conflict. This article outlines the context of the document and compares some of its key points with the positions of the two main Muslim protagonists in the internal Islamic discourse on freedom of religion (and expression), conversion, and apostasy. The consequences for Christian missions could be great should an understanding of dialog prevail that tacitly makes peaceful coexistence dependent on largely ignoring central differences of faith and renouncing mutual missionary witness.</p> Carsten Polanz Copyright (c) 2025 Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ 2025-05-16 2025-05-16 18 1 47–63 47–63 10.59484/EWMT5190 https://ijrf.org/index.php/home/article/view/347 <p class="p1">This study examines the origins of discrimination against Christians in Turkey and explores appropriate Christian responses. Based on a case study of Turkish media, it identifies historical, political, and socio-psychological factors shaping negative perceptions. The paper highlights the enduring impact of Islamic and nationalist narratives, political strategies, and deep-rooted prejudices. Drawing on biblical teachings, particularly 1 Peter, it suggests responses such as embracing Christian identity, ethical engagement, mission commitment, and exemplary conduct. While persecution persists, a biblical understanding of suffering and mission can help Christians navigate challenges while maintaining faithfulness and integrity in Turkish society.</p> Wolfgang Häde Copyright (c) 2025 Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ 2025-05-16 2025-05-16 18 1 65–75 65–75 10.59484/GCCU1645 https://ijrf.org/index.php/home/article/view/349 <p class="p1">This article explores the feasibility of creating a mission hostility index based on the data of the World Watch List regarding discrimination and persecution of Christians. Using Jordan as a case study, clusters of questions on (1) social risk of individual Christian witness and (2) obstructions of collective Christian witness are found to be sufficient to establish such an index. Questions on (3) conversion and (4) anti-Christian activities have complementary value. Extensive critical considerations mark the way for further phases in exploring a mission hostility index.</p> Christof Sauer Copyright (c) 2025 Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ 2025-05-16 2025-05-16 18 1 93–114 93–114 10.59484/GJFX5370 https://ijrf.org/index.php/home/article/view/348 <p class="p1">To understand and criticize the state with regard to totalitarianism and religious freedom, one must have a standard by which to evaluate the current situation. The Lutheran Reformation, by providing a theological rationale for the limits of the state in relation to religion and the family, gives us a tool for such an evaluation. By showing how this theological understanding of the state was used in the resistance to Nazism in Germany and Norway, the article argues that the same theology is useful today in critiquing the totalitarian features of the modern welfare state, such as in Finland.</p> Torbjörn Johansson Copyright (c) 2025 Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ 2025-05-16 2025-05-16 18 1 77–92 77–92 10.59484/QXAP3357 https://ijrf.org/index.php/home/article/view/350 <p class="p1">The noteworthy items are structured in five groups: annual reports and global surveys, regional and country reports, specific issues, films, and courses. Though we apply serious criteria in the selection of items noted, it is beyond our capacity to scrutinize the accuracy of every statement made. We therefore disclaim responsibility for the contents of the items noted. The compilation was produced by Janet Epp Buckingham.</p> IIRF Copyright (c) 2025 Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ 2025-05-16 2025-05-16 18 1 115–124 115–124 https://ijrf.org/index.php/home/article/view/351 <ul> <li>Christianity and Criminal Law (Mark Hill QC, Norman Doe, RH Helmholz, John Witte)</li> <li>When Christians Face Persecution: Theological Perspectives from the New Testament (Chee-Chiew Lee)</li> <li>Religious Conversion: Indian disputes and their European origins (Sarah Claerhout, Jakob de Roover)</li> <li>Religious Pluralism and Law in Contemporary Brazil (Paula Montero, Camila Nicácio, Henrique Fernandes Antunes)</li> <li>Islam, Religious Liberty and Constitutionalism in Europe (Mark Hill KC, Lina Papadopoulou)</li> <li>Religious Freedom and Populism: The Appropriation of a Human Right and How to Counter It (Bernd Hirschberger, Katja Voges)</li> <li>Who Lost America: Why the United States Went “Communist” and What to Do about It (Stephen Baskerville)</li> </ul> IIRF Copyright (c) 2025 Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ 2025-05-16 2025-05-16 18 1 125–140 125–140