More stories in world

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  160 Christians massacred over Christmas in Nigeria

  Christian Daily International, Morning Star News | Wed 27 Dec 2023 12:58 GMT

  Terrorists massacred 160 people, many of them preparing for church Christmas programmes, Saturday night through Christmas Day in coordinated attacks on predominantly Christian areas in Plateau state, Nigeria, sources said.

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  Pope Francis makes Christmas Day plea for peace

  Duncan Williams | Tue 26 Dec 2023 11:17 GMT

  In his Christmas message, Pope Francis expressed deep concern over the loss of innocent civilian lives resulting from Israel's bombardment of Gaza.

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  Europe on high alert as Christmas terror plots foiled in France, Germany, Austria

  Anugrah Kumar | Mon 25 Dec 2023 10:50 GMT

  Several Muslim suspects have been arrested in France, Germany and Austria for allegedly planning Christmas terror attacks, according to reports, which say there's a "very high level of terrorist threat" from Islamic terrorists in France. Spain is also on alert.

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  New date, same traditions: Ukraine's first Christmas on December 25

  Iryna Voloshyna | Mon 25 Dec 2023 10:23 GMT

  Traditionally, Orthodox Christians in Ukraine have celebrated on January 7, in keeping with the Julian calendar that most branches of the Orthodox Church use to determine fixed-day religious celebrations. The decision to switch dates for Christmas and other holidays is one more way to assert Ukraine's cultural and political independence from Russia since Moscow's troops invaded the country in February 2022.

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  A 'sombre' Christmas in the Holy Land

  Staff writer | Mon 25 Dec 2023 9:59 GMT

  Months of war between Israel and Gaza are taking a "terrible" toll on the entire region, with devastating consequences for people in the West Bank and Bethlehem who rely on tourism.

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  Jerusalem church leaders appeal for ceasefire in meeting with Israeli president

  Staff writer | Sun 24 Dec 2023 10:38 GMT

  Jerusalem church leaders have met Israeli President Isaac Herzog to appeal for "an immediate and permanent humanitarian ceasefire".

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  Five countries and their Christians to pray for this Christmas

  Open Doors UK and Ireland | Fri 22 Dec 2023 13:32 GMT

  While in the West Christmas is a time for celebrating the birth of Jesus with our families and loved ones, many Christians around the world must mark the season against a backdrop of oppression and uncertainty. Here are five countries where Christians need our prayers this Christmas.

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  Fear and desperation in Gaza

  Christian Today | Wed 20 Dec 2023 8:11 GMT

  Christian Today speaks to Jamie Eyre, Embrace the Middle East's Director of Programmes, Partnerships and Advocacy, about the crisis in Gaza and how Christians are supporting those in need.

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  Sudan military occupy Coptic monastery

  Raymond Powell | Wed 20 Dec 2023 8:07 GMT

  Concerns have been raised about the welfare of residents at a Coptic Christian monastery in Sudan after it was taken over by members of a special military unit with a poor human rights track record.

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  Pope condemns 'terrorism' after Gaza church attack

  Staff writer | Mon 18 Dec 2023 11:53 GMT

  Pope Francis has spoken out against "terrorism" in Gaza after two Christian women were reportedly killed by Israeli military at the only Catholic church in the territory.

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  Church leader 'heartbroken' after Christian women killed at Gaza church

  Staff writer | Mon 18 Dec 2023 9:52 GMT

  The head of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, has expressed his "horror" after reports that two Christian women were killed inside a Gaza church compound on Friday.

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  Christian mother of 5 released on bail after 19 months in Nigerian prison

  Nicole Alcindor | Sun 17 Dec 2023 8:45 GMT

  After being imprisoned for over 500 days in Nigeria, a Christian mother of five has been released on bail and awaits a trial that could land her up to five more years behind bars if she is found guilty of "blasphemy."