April 2025 has been a pivotal month for religious liberty worldwide. From landmark court cases in the United States to escalating tensions in Nigeria and India, the past 30 days have highlighted both the resilience and fragility of religious freedom. This article recaps five significant developments that underscore the ongoing challenges and debates surrounding this fundamental human right.
1. Supreme Court Considers Religious Charter School Funding
The U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear a case concerning Oklahoma’s proposed St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School, which would be the nation’s first publicly funded religious charter school. The Oklahoma Supreme Court previously ruled against the school’s approval, citing the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. Proponents argue that denying funding infringes upon the Free Exercise Clause, referencing past rulings favoring religious institutions. The Supreme Court’s decision, expected by early summer, could redefine the boundaries between public funding and religious education across the U.S. (Can public money flow to Catholic charter school? The Supreme Court will decide) (Should Taxpayers Fund Religious Charter School)
2. VA Launches Task Force on Anti-Christian Bias
Veterans Affairs Secretary Douglas A. Collins announced the formation of a task force to address perceived anti-Christian bias within the agency, following President Trump’s February executive order emphasizing religious freedom protection. Collins urged employees to report instances of anti-Christian discrimination, including denial of religious accommodations or adverse actions against staff for adhering to Christian beliefs. The initiative includes reviewing informal agency policies and examining alleged retaliation against Christian chaplains and employees. This move has sparked concern among VA staff and religious freedom advocates, fearing it may privilege one faith over others and marginalize non-Christian groups. (Veterans Affairs secretary asks staffers to report anti-Christian bias)
3. Escalating Religious Violence in Nigeria
In April 2025, northern Nigeria experienced a dramatic surge in rural violence, resulting in over 150 deaths and thousands displaced, particularly in Benue and Plateau states. This violence, rooted in long-standing conflicts over land and resources between nomadic Muslim herders and sedentary Christian farmers, has been exacerbated by climate change and a burgeoning arms influx. Compounding the crisis, a Boko Haram splinter group also launched attacks, further destabilizing the region. President Bola Tinubu faces mounting criticism for inadequate progress in addressing the crisis. The religious dimension of the conflict has garnered attention from U.S. conservatives pushing for Nigeria to be redesignated as a violator of religious freedoms. (Nigeria’s spiralling rural violence heaps pressure on president)
4. Murshidabad Violence Erupts Over Waqf Amendment Act
In April 2025, the Murshidabad district of West Bengal, India, witnessed violent protests following the enactment of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. Critics argue that the amendments infringe upon religious freedoms and minority rights, particularly affecting Muslim communities. The unrest led to multiple deaths, injuries, and widespread damage to property. In response, additional security forces were deployed, internet services were suspended, and the Calcutta High Court ordered the deployment of central forces to restore order. The violence underscores the delicate balance between legislative reforms and religious sensitivities in India. (Murshidabad violence)
5. Supreme Court Hears Case on Parental Rights and Religious Beliefs
The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Mahmoud v. Taylor, a case involving parents who wish to opt their children out of LGBTQ-themed storybooks in public schools, citing religious objections. The court will review whether the schools’ policy violated the parents’ right to free exercise of religion under the First Amendment. The outcome could have significant implications for the intersection of educational content, parental rights, and religious freedoms in public schools. (Mahmoud v. Taylor)
Conclusion
The events of April 2025 reflect the complex and often contentious landscape of religious freedom globally. From legal battles in the United States to violent unrest in Nigeria and India, the challenges to religious liberty are multifaceted and deeply rooted in broader societal, political, and cultural contexts. As these issues continue to unfold, the commitment to upholding and protecting religious freedoms remains a critical endeavor for governments, institutions, and individuals worldwide.
Steve Bowcut is an award-winning journalist. He is an editor and writer for Religious Freedom Under Fire as well as other security and non-security online publications. Follow and connect with Steve on Twitter, Substack, and Facebook.