Three people were shot when armed suspects stormed a prayer meeting at a church north of Durban on Tuesday night. Private security firm Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) said it responded to reports of a shooting at about 7:49pm. RUSA reported that around 35 congregants were gathered when a gunman entered and attempted to rob them.

According to RUSA, church members tried to overpower the assailant, after which two additional armed men entered and opened fire. The suspects fled without taking anything and were reported to have left in a vehicle described as either a Suzuki Ertiga or a Toyota Avanza. RUSA said the injured victims were taken privately to a medical facility before first responders arrived, and their condition was unknown.

The incident comes amid wider concern from faith leaders: earlier in 2025, the South African Community of Faith-based Fraternals and Federations (SACOFF) warned of regular targeting of churches and other places of worship across South Africa. SACOFF cited an Mpumalanga church robbery in which congregants were robbed of cellphones, cash, and car keys.

What this means: The attempted robbery during a prayer meeting reinforces that church gatherings can be exposed to opportunistic armed crime, aligning with SACOFF’s stated concern about violent robberies in places of worship.

Who's at risk: Congregations and Christian ministries hosting services or prayer meetings—especially gatherings of dozens of people like the ~35 congregants reported in this incident—face elevated risk of harm if confronted by armed robbers.

Outlook: With SACOFF highlighting an “escalating trend” of violent robberies in churches, stakeholders should watch for additional reporting of similar incidents and for any follow-on updates about the victims’ condition and suspect identification.

ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA – An attack was reported at St. Andrews Anglican Church in Anambra State, Nigeria. No details on casualties, perpetrators, or damage were provided.

IBADAN, NIGERIA – A pastor’s daughter was kidnapped in IBADAN, OYO STATE, Nigeria.

KISII COUNTY, KENYA – A man was found dead under unclear circumstances inside a church bathroom in Kisii County, Kenya.

No current updates.

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BILLINGS, UNITED STATES – Mayflower Congregational Church in Billings, Montana was vandalized in a hate-crime incident, targeting a Christian church.

STOCKTON, UNITED STATES – A woman was found dead outside a church in Stockton, California, and police opened an investigation. The incident occurred at a church property, affecting a Christian site and its community.

CAPE CORAL, UNITED STATES – Arson incidents damaged facilities in Cape Coral, including church property. The fires caused property damage affecting a Christian stakeholder site.

HIGHLANDS, UNITED STATES – A church, daycare, and school in Highlands, North Carolina were locked down following shooting and bomb threats. No injuries or casualties were reported in the provided information.

BRANTFORD, CANADA – Air conditioning units at a church in Brantford, Ontario, were damaged.

SANTA FE, UNITED STATES – A burglary was reported at a church facility in Santa Fe, United States. No additional details on suspects, damages, or injuries were provided.

KANSAS, UNITED STATES – Racial slur graffiti was written targeting a church congregation in Kansas.

BEAVER COUNTY, UNITED STATES – A burglary was reported at Grace Lutheran Church in Beaver County. The incident involved a Christian place of worship.

CLEVELAND, UNITED STATES – Multiple vehicle break-ins targeted cars parked at churches in Cleveland while Sunday services were underway. Church attendees were affected as thieves broke into vehicles during worship gatherings.

MISSISSIPPI, UNITED STATES – Gunfire and threats were directed at a church in Mississippi. The incident targeted a Christian congregation; no further details on injuries or arrests were provided.

ERBACH, GERMANY – During the Christmas market in Erbach, animals in a nativity scene were assaulted and a Protestant church was desecrated. The incident involved vandalism targeting Christian religious displays and a church.

COLEORTON, UNITED KINGDOM – Historic stained glass was vandalised during a burglary at St Mary’s Church in Coleorton. The incident damaged church property at a Christian place of worship.

BASILDON, UNITED KINGDOM – A church site in Basildon was repeatedly vandalized and hit by a suspected arson attack while it was in the process of being purchased. The incident targeted a Christian property and disrupted the church’s acquisition process.

No current updates.

As we approach the Christmas season—a time meant to proclaim peace, hope, and the coming of Christ—we ask the global Church to pray in response to a troubling rise in hate-driven vandalism, threats, and attacks targeting Christian churches and communities across the United States, Canada, and Europe.

Recent incidents include churches defaced with racial slurs, acts of arson and burglary against places of worship, threats involving gunfire and explosives, desecration of nativity scenes and historic church property, and intimidation of congregations during worship services. These events have affected Christian communities in multiple U.S. states, Canada, Germany, and the United Kingdom, reflecting a broader pattern of hostility toward Christian spaces in the days leading up to Christmas.

Please pray for the Lord’s protection and peace over churches, congregations, and church leaders as they gather to worship and proclaim the birth of Christ.

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