Christian converts from Islam are among migrants from countries hostile to Christianity who have been deported from the United States – initially to Panama, where they are isolated before possible deportation to their home countries, according to The New York Times.
The risk tolerance of Christians appears to have shifted from a generation ago. We are now far more reluctant to take risks and instead seek to mitigate against suffering or discomfort. A Lebanese leader questions the implications for God's mission.
While some parts of the world experience horrific terrorism and abuse of Christians, churches have the opportunity to make the biggest difference for religious freedom in the world today. In this second part of a series on religious freedom, our attention turns to North Africa and the Middle East.
Bethlehem remains a symbol of hope, resilience, and God’s enduring promise. The Palestinian Christian community are reflecting Jesus' light to those around them: comforting the hurting, loving the broken, and proclaiming peace where there is strife; so that the light that shone from the manger in their city, Bethlehem, will continue to shine through them to the world.
Let us all remember our Syrian brothers and sisters in faith this Christmas. Pray with them in solidarity, that their hope will be strengthened as they endure immense challenges.
Negotiators from Israel and Hamas have reached an agreement on a 42-day cease-fire and hostage release in Gaza, U.S. President Joe Biden and other officials announced Wednesday. The deal raises hopes for an end to over a year of war that has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and devastated the region.
A video circulating on social media depicted a Christmas tree engulfed in flames in the central square of Suqaylabiyah, a predominantly Christian town in central Syria, according to media reports. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the primary Islamist faction responsible for overthrowing President Bashar al-Assad, stated that foreign fighters had been detained in connection with the incident. Representatives of HTS have vowed to protect the rights and freedoms of Syria's religious and ethnic minoritie
Christians in Syria confront an uncertain and perilous future under the control of Islamist-led rebel forces, a human rights group has warned. The city’s minority Christian population, significantly diminished by years of civil war, now grapples with fears of escalating threats and restrictions.
On Sunday, Russia’s Foreign Ministry announced that President Bashar al-Assad had resigned and left Syria, marking a shocking downfall for the longtime ruler who had relied on support from Moscow and Tehran to resist rebel forces for years, according to reporting by the New York Times and other media.
Authorities in Türkiye have ordered the deportation of a Christian refugee back to Iran, where the pregnant mother would be in serious danger after having fled her country due to arrests for participation in church, sources said.
Three Christians in Iran were tortured before their release on bail on Nov. 17 amid charges of propagating religion contrary to Islam, a religious rights group reported.
Children around the world experience all kinds of trauma in their contexts, no more so than those in conflict zones. Help children to heal from trauma is a much needed ministry. Specialist care is best but if it is not available here are some basic practices that can be of great benefit.
