DAILY NEWS
World News
Surge in Online Church Engagement Amid Easter Celebrations The Church of England’s website AChurchNearYou.com has recorded a sharp rise in activity, sharing over 11,000 church services and events on social media. Page views climbed from 128.1 million in 2023 to 198.6 million in 2024. This surge coincided with Holy Week, traditionally one of the busiest
Researchers Uncover Ancient Inscriptions at the Cenacle A multinational team from the Austrian Academy of Sciences and the Israel Antiquities Authority uncovered nearly 40 medieval inscriptions and drawings at the Cenacle in Jerusalem. Known as the Room of the Last Supper, this site has long been revered as where Jesus dined with his disciples before
Christian Publishers Relieved as Bibles Avoid Trump Tariffs Christian publishers received reassuring news after weeks of uncertainty. US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) confirmed that Bibles and other religious books are exempt from both reciprocal tariffs and China-specific tariffs initiated by President Donald Trump’s administration. Although initially unclear, CBP clarified that religious literature would not
New Restrictions Target Foreign Religious Influence China has announced new restrictions banning foreign missionaries from preaching or establishing religious organizations. The rules, effective May 1, bar non-Chinese citizens from founding religious schools, distributing religious literature, or recruiting Chinese nationals as followers without government approval. Preaching Now Requires Official Invitation and Content Approval Foreign clergy may
A Personal and Historic Decision Pope Francis, aware of his declining health, long expressed his desire to be buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. This fifth-century Roman church, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, held deep personal significance for him. He visited it after each of his more than 100 foreign trips, praying and
As traditional religious affiliation declines, many are turning to art as a new means of engaging with spiritual questions. This shift opens space for visual creativity to function as a theological language, potentially unveiling new dimensions of spiritual insight. Art, both in its creation and reception, may serve as a meaningful alternative or complement to
Death Announced by Cardinal Farrell At 9:45 AM on April 21, 2025, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, announced the death of Pope Francis. He passed away at 7:35 AM in the Casa Santa Marta. Cardinal Farrell praised the late pontiff’s lifelong dedication to service, compassion for the marginalized, and fidelity to
U.S. Vice President JD Vance will travel to Italy and India from April 18 to 24, his office confirmed on April 16. The announcement followed days of speculation, including the appearance of the trip on Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s official schedule. Vance is expected to meet with both Meloni and Vatican Secretary of State
Senate Hearing Draws Protest and Scrutiny Mike Huckabee, former Arkansas governor and evangelical leader, faced a tense Senate confirmation hearing on March 25 as protesters repeatedly interrupted proceedings. Opponents criticized his support for Israeli settlements and disregard for Palestinian statehood. Huckabee clarified that he would represent President Donald Trump’s views, not his own, if confirmed
Faith Leaders Demand Return of Ukrainian Children Taken by Russia A coalition of faith-based organizations has issued a strong call for Russia to return nearly 20,000 Ukrainian children taken since its 2022 invasion. Spearheaded by Myal Greene of World Relief, the appeal emphasizes the urgent need to prioritize the children’s return in peace negotiations. Broad
Enoch Burke’s Dispute Over Gender Policy Sparks Legal Battle Enoch Burke, an Evangelical Christian teacher from Ireland, is at the center of a legal and cultural controversy. Burke was suspended from his role at Wilson’s Hospital School in Westmeath after objecting to the school’s support of a student’s gender transition. The dispute began when Burke
A Bishop’s Final Journey North Bishop David Parsons has begun his farewell tour after leading the Anglican Diocese of the Arctic for 12 years. Inukjuak, a remote village in northern Quebec, was one of the stops. At 70, Parsons has reached the Anglican Church of Canada’s mandatory retirement age. Known for his evangelical zeal and
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