Important characteristics for Christians include being open to change while firm in faith, says Pope Francis. But that is not the same as being rigid and unwilling to bend out of compassion for another. Speaking to a crowd in St Peter’s Square before reciting the Angelus on Sunday, he said God is love and “the Read more
A Pulitzer Prize-winning American novelist known for her compelling Christian characters has urged Christians to engage fearlessly and generously with a world “enthralled by contentiousness.” “There’s something very, very wrong when so many people who claim to be religious act as if they have to hide out, as if their understanding of things couldn’t support Read more
Muslims are helping Catholics, despite the constraints of the coronavirus pandemic, to rebuild a church building in northern Iraq, once ruled by the Islamic State. Islamic State that ruled Mosul from 2014 to 2016, damaged or destroyed every church in the city including the 19th century built “Our Lady of the Hour” Church, popularly called Read more
In Pakistan, descendants of lower-caste Hindus who converted to Christianity centuries ago still find themselves marginalized, relegated to dirty jobs and grim fates. Before Jamshed Eric plunges deep below Karachi’s streets to clean out clogged sewers with his bare hands, he says a little prayer to Jesus to keep him safe. The work is grueling, Read more
On 6 December, Donald Trump officially recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. “It has been the capital of the Israeli people since ancient times,” said the President. “It’s undeniable, it’s just a fact.” Christians in Bethlehem responded to the news by burning photos of the American president. They held signs saying: “Jerusalem, Palestine’s heart, is not Read more
Jerusalem was formally recognised by the United States (US) as the capital of Israel on Wednesday. At the same time, President Trump announced plans to eventually relocate the US Embassy to the holy city. Pope Francis responded to the change in US policy, saying he wants the “status quo” to remain. He says he is Read more
UK supermarket chain Tesco is fighting off online bigotry after including Muslim families in its pre-Christmas advertising. Some customers have threatened to boycott Tesco because of advertising scenes showing a Muslim family exchanging gifts. Others say the Muslims’ inclusion is “very wrong”. Those who support the “Everyone’s Welcome” ad are using social media to explain Read more
The Israeli prime minister says Christian communities are Israel’s best friends. Benjamin Netanyahu was speaking to a group of Christian media professionals at the Christian Media Summit in Jerusalem. His comments and the event itself reflect the close ties and staunch support for Israel in the evangelical world. Read more
Iraqi and Syrian Christians have fled their homelands in huge numbers since 2011. About half of them have have left so far, says a report released by Christian advocacy groups Open Doors, Served, and Middle East Concern. Read more
Conservative Christians in America are enjoying fresh winds of political favor. In his first month in office, President Trump upheld his promise to nominate a conservative Supreme Court justice. Last week, his administration rescinded former guidelines allowing transgender students to use the public school bathrooms of their choice. And evangelical leaders report having direct access Read more