World

Religious freedom continues to deteriorate in Nicaragua
A report on human rights and religious freedom in Nicaragua warns that conditions in the central American state are continuing to deteriorate.

Velázquez's portrait of nun and Michelangelo's bronze Christ corpus to be displayed together for first time
A portrait by Diego Velázquez of the devout Mother Jerónima de la Fuente, painted in 1620, will be exhibited alongside a 25cm bronze cast of Christ, thought to have been modelled by Michelangelo.

Life as an army chaplain in Ukraine
A priest in Ukraine has given an account of his role in offering spiritual support to soldiers on the frontline of the current conflict.

Hindu leader calls for rape and murder of Christians, says religious freedom group
A Hindu leader in Chhattisgarh State, India, has been condemned by for allegedly calling for a violent pogrom against Christians in the state.

Faith leaders call for year of Jubilee for world's poorest
Faith leaders from around the world have called for the G20 to take “meaningful” action to help end a debt crisis affecting countries all over the world.

Evangelical Alliance CEO opposes international aid cuts
The CEO of the Evangelical Alliance has criticised the government’s plan to boost defence spending by cutting back on international aid.

Latest research findings on Christianity in America reveals an enduring but evolving faith
A major new study by the Pew Research Center has revealed that Christianity remains the dominant faith in the United States, even as religious affiliation continues to shift.

New Syrian regime keeping promises to respect Christians - so far
When the government of Bashar al-Assad fell in December last year, many Christians were concerned that the new regime, dominated as it is by al-Qaeda offshoot HTS, could spell trouble for Syria’s religious minorities. Two months in however, the signs are generally positive.

Moldova appeals to clergy for solidarity on Ukraine
“Do not remain silent. Tell the world the truth. The aggression is not just a fight for territory, it is the destruction of shrines.”

Equality law change risks religious liberty in Northern Ireland
The Christian Institute (CI) has warned that attempts to unify decades of equality legislation in Northern Ireland may have unforeseen consequences for religious liberty in the province.

Pastor charged with violating abortion buffer zone thankful for support
A retired pastor has thanked his worldwide supporters for standing by him as he faces prosecution for preaching in an abortion buffer zone.

Church body condemns Hamas display of human remains amid ongoing Gaza conflict
"Such actions are a grave violation of human dignity."

Christian in Pakistan jailed for 17 months wins bail
Now 18, Akash Karamat was accused of blasphemy in three cases.

Christian convert's desperate immigrant journey to escape Iran
For Artemis Ghasemzadeh, a 27-year-old Iranian woman, embracing Christianity was both a spiritual awakening and a life-threatening choice.

Church leaders call for peace three years after Russian invasion of Ukraine
Christians are praying for a lasting peace in Ukraine on the third anniversary of Russia's invasion.

EU bishops call for urgent action to protect Syrian Christians and build lasting peace
EU bishops have released a statement conveying deep concern over the ongoing suffering of the Syrian people, particularly the plight of Christian communities.