World

Iran declining help in aftermath of quakes

Originally published in Baptist Press Iran is declining offers of assistance from other countries after twin earthquakes devastated rural villages in northwest Iran Saturday (Aug. 11), killing at least 306 people, most of them women and children. “Our prayers go out for those affected by these earthquakes. We are asking […]

Spanish government plans to ban abortion

Originally published in Hurriyet Daily News (via Contact Online Blog) Spain’s conservative government plans to ban abortions, overturning a two-year-old law allowing terminations on demand, a justice ministry source told Reuters, in a move likely to galvanize support among its core voters. The previous Socialist government passed a law in […]

Egypt’s Islamist president reneges on promise of inclusive government

Originally published in barnabasaid Church leaders in Egypt have criticised Islamist President Mohammed Morsi’s new government, saying that is fails to fairly represent the country’s sizeable Christian minority. Following his election in June, Morsi had promised an inclusive administration, saying that his ministers would represent a cross-section of society. He […]

Los Angeles bans marijuana shops

Originally published in news 24 The Los Angeles City Council has voted to ban marijuana shops outright until it has clearer guidance from the state’s highest court, after being unable to rein in the hundreds of medical marijuana dispensaries that have cropped up across the nation’s second largest city. Doctors […]