World

Iranian prisoner releases spark hope and cynicism

In its most symbolic conciliatory gesture yet, the new Iranian regime released at least 11 political prisoners this week, including two renowned human rights advocates, according to government sources. The move, likely intended to signal a new, moderate approach from Tehran, comes just before new President Hassan Rowhani’s upcoming address […]

Egypt bans 55 000 mosque preachers

Originally published in WND Around 55,000 unlicensed clerics in Egypt will be barred from preaching in mosques, the country’s minister of religious endowments said on Tuesday. The move is the latest against supporters and sympathizers of deposed Islamist President Mohammad Morsi. The minister, Mohammad Mokhtar Gomaa, said the clerics lack […]

Pastor taken hostage in Philippines rebel attack

By World Watch Monitor A pastor has been taken hostage and several Christians are among the many injured in an attack by a rebel group in the Philippines. The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) is suspected of carrying out the attack this morning (September 9) in Zamboanga, Mindanao province, which […]

Christian leaders in Middle East largely opposed to US military strike in Syria, says WEA

Originally published in Christian Post Christian leaders in the Middle East believe that a US military intervention in Syria will have a “detrimental effect” on Christians in the region, Geoff Tunnicliffe of the World Evangelical Alliance said in a statement to the White House on Thursday. Tunnicliffe, who serves as […]

Syrian Christians attacked by Al-Qaeda-linked group, churches shelled, orphans flee to caves

Originally published in Christian Post An Al-Qaeda-linked Syrian rebel group has attacked the small, historically Christian village of Maaloula on Wednesday. Early Wednesday morning, a suicide bomber blew himself up at a government checkpoint entrance to the village. The fighter was believed to be a member of the Jabhat al-Nusra […]