Muslim extremist group Boko Haram is continuing its reign of terror in northern Nigeria, with dozens more Christians killed as churches are relentlessly targeted.
Following the landslide victory of India's right-wing BJP party in May, fears have been mounting about the fate of religious minorities across the country.
Despite reports that Sudanese Christian Meriam Ibrahim will be freed as early as this week, Sudanese government authorities have now denied this is certain.
The US State Department appeared reluctant to acknowledge the Christian focus of Boko Haram's attacks across Nigeria in a recent exchange with political leaders.