Across much of the Western world, freedoms once considered foundational, including religious liberty, freedom of assembly and freedom of conscience, are increasingly constrained. Governments now exercise heightened scrutiny over faith-based communities, and Christian churches that adhere to biblical teaching are often treated with suspicion. What was once associated with authoritarian regimes is now emerging within democratic societies, where state power is increasingly used to pressure or intimidate believers.
A recent report by CBN News highlights a striking example in Germany, where a rapidly growing Christian congregation in Duisburg has faced government obstruction, public suspicion and violent police action, even as its membership continues to expand.
A Bible-Believing Church Under Scrutiny
Bible-believing congregations in Germany are often portrayed as dangerous or extremist, particularly when they experience rapid growth. In a nation where only a small fraction of the population regularly attends church, a thriving congregation can quickly draw suspicion from authorities and critics alike.
The church, known as Wera Forum, grew into the largest congregation in the city, offering services in both German and Russian and drawing hundreds each week for extended worship and fellowship. Its size and influence prompted accusations that it functioned as a cult and exerted psychological pressure on attendees, claims the church publicly rejected by emphasizing transparency, accountability and voluntary participation.
Obstructed at Every Turn
As the congregation outgrew its original building, leaders sought land for a new facility. Their efforts were repeatedly blocked. Authorities denied permits to build a church, banks refused to provide financing and the land eventually identified for construction was declared contaminated, a designation that would have required costly remediation.
Rather than abandoning the project, church members gathered to pray and sought a second environmental assessment. That evaluation concluded the soil was free of toxins, allowing construction to proceed. With no bank loan and no formal church permit, members built the structure themselves after registering as a tax-free religious organization.
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Armed Raid on the Pastor’s Home
The most severe incident occurred after a former attendee falsely claimed the pastor possessed an illegal firearm. Based on that accusation, police launched an early-morning SWAT-style raid on the pastor’s home.
Dozens of masked officers forced entry by blowing off the front door and stormed the residence with automatic weapons. The pastor was physically assaulted during the raid, suffering a broken nose and internal bleeding to his eye. He was thrown to the ground while injured and restrained.
The pastor later said the scale and violence of the operation led him to believe the attackers were criminals rather than police.
Family Intimidation and Religious Mockery
During the raid, officers pointed weapons at the pastor’s wife, who later required hospitalization due to medical complications triggered by the encounter. As the pastor cried out to Jesus while being beaten, one officer reportedly mocked his faith, telling him that Jesus would not help him.
Despite the aggressive operation, no firearm was found.
Church Targeted and Property Seized
Following the home raid, police extended the operation to the church itself. Armed officers entered the building, broke down doors and searched offices and classrooms. Computers and equipment were seized and later returned after authorities found no evidence of criminal activity.
Nevertheless, the pastor was charged with resisting police. No apology was issued for the injuries, damage to property or trauma inflicted on the family, and no compensation was provided for medical expenses. Authorities declined to offer an explanation for the raid.
Pressure That Strengthened the Church
The pastor, who previously lived under Soviet rule, said the treatment he experienced in Germany was the worst persecution of his life. Yet the attention surrounding the raids drew new visitors to the church, accelerating its growth rather than diminishing it.
Church leaders say the sustained pressure has deepened their faith and reinforced their dependence on God rather than human institutions. What was intended to intimidate has instead strengthened the congregation.
The case serves as a warning that Christian persecution is no longer confined to distant or openly hostile regions of the world. Increasingly, it is unfolding in the heart of the West, where believers are learning that religious freedom can no longer be taken for granted.
James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a background in journalism from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and the LA Dream Center. A Marine Corps and Air Force veteran, he is the author of The Revelation of Jesus: A Common Man’s Commentary and a contributor to Charisma magazine.
