Originally published in Times of Israel Despite warnings that the pope may be targeted by Islamic State-aligned terrorists, the Vatican has said that Francis will not be changing his plans to visit Albania, which has a majority Sunni Muslim population. “There is no reason to change the pope’s itinerary,” Vatican […]
World
Pastors in Iran could face death penalty
Originally published in Morning Star News Three pastors in Iran are facing charges that could lead to the death penalty for activities in the house-church movement in an unprecedented crackdown on converts from Islam, according to human rights groups. Iranian authorities recently filed charges against Silas Rabbani, assistant pastor in […]
Meriam Ibrahim says faith was her only weapon after receiving a death sentence for Christianity
Originally published in The Christian Post After almost being martyred in Sudan for refusing to renounce her Christian faith a few months ago, global Christian icon Meriam Ibrahim, 27, is breathing easier now and smiling. “Faith means life. If you don’t have faith, you are not alive,” said Meriam Ibrahim […]
ISIS beheads British aid worker in ‘message to allies of America’
The Muslim terrorist group ISIS, or the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, has released a third beheading video, this time executing a British aid worker who had been providing humanitarian assistance in Syria. The video, which was labeled “a message to the allies of America,” begins with footage of UK […]
Ian Paisley, firebrand N Ireland Protestant leader turned peacemaker, dies
Once hardline Protestant leader, Rev Ian Paisley, who later in his life opted for an alliance with bitter Catholic rivals helping to bring Northern Ireland peace, died Friday at the age of 88, his family said. “My beloved husband, Ian, entered his eternal rest this morning,” a statement announcing his […]
Ukraine is flowing with blood, say bishops, warning worse could come
Originally published in Ecumenical News Ukrainian Greek-Catholic bishops from around the world, meeting in Lviv for their annual Holy Synod, have appealed to the international community to help restore peace in Ukraine. “Ukraine is flowing with blood!” the bishops began, noting the “direct military intervention” in Ukraine by Russia, Vatican Radio reported […]
Thousands gather in Germany to rally against anti-Semitism
Originally published in NPR.org In Berlin, thousands of people gathered at the Brandenburg Gate on Sunday to demonstrate against a wave of harassment and attacks against Jews in Germany. Many blame the rising anti-Semitism there and across Europe on tensions over the Gaza conflict. Chancellor Angela Merkel, who attended the […]
Hindu nationalist groups seek to “cleanse” Christian population in India
Originally published in Aleteia The watchdog group International Christian Concern (ICC) said in a press release that nationalist groups have been directing hate speech toward Christians and leading attacks on pastors and churches in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh. Believers are reportedly worried that radical Hindu nationalism and persecution […]
Appeal for blasphemy victim postponed for 7th time
Originally published in Persecution.org The appeal in the Lahore High Court, of Pakistani Christian mother, Asia Bibi, who had been sentenced to death for alleged blasphemy, was postponed once again until October 16, 2014 but this time at the request of Bibi’s husband. This will be the seventh time the […]
Almost 900 doctors sign Dublin Declaration, affirm abortion is not maternal health
Originally published in Life Site News Almost 900 medical professionals have now signed the Dublin Declaration on Maternal Health, launched in 2012 to declare that abortion is not needed to save women’s lives. Unveiled at the International Symposium on Maternal Healthcare in Dublin, Ireland, the Declaration states: “As experienced practitioners and researchers […]