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American Detained by North Korea after Reportedly Leaving Bible in Hotel
North Korea released information today that it is holding American citizen Jeffrey Edward Fowle for "hostile activities" after Fowle reportedly left a Bible in his hotel room. According to the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Fowle violated his visa regulations.
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Top 10 Christian Persecution Countries Released: Nigeria, Syria Top List
Open Doors International, the "world's largest outreach to persecuted Christians in the most high-risk places," released a top 10 list, comprised of countries in which Christians have experienced the most violent incidents for their faith in Jesus Christ. The report, based on persecution incidents that have occurred between November 1, 2012 and March 31, 2014, is topped by Nigeria and Syria.
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Tendency to Interpret Bible Literally, Word for Word Decreasing; 75% of Americans Still Believe Bible Is ‘Word of God’
According to a recent Gallup poll, 28% of Americans view the Bible as "the actual word of God, to be taken literally, word for word," down 2% from 2012 and almost 10% from the 1970's and early 1980's; yet 75% of all Americans "believe the Bible is in some way connected to God."
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Supreme Court Declines to Hear Case Opposing Islamic Center Mosque Expansion in Murfreesboro, Tenn.
On Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear the case of a group in Murfreesboro, TN vehemently opposed to the expansion of The Islamic Center of Murfreesboro and mosque in the city. The Center was established in the early 1980's, but conflict ensued when Rutherford County officials approved expansion plans in 2010.
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Mental Illness and Medication, Science According to Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC)
Ed Stetzer, President of the LifeWay Research Division and contributing editor for Christianity Today, recently referred to articles written by Heath Lambert, executive director of the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC), to debunk myths surrounding ACBC's beliefs on mental illness, medication, and science. Stetzer has shown special interest in the subject and is "currently engaged in some significant research" on the topic, which will be completed this fall.
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[10th CCOWE] Hong Kong International Churches See 37% Surge as Youth Seek Cultural Shift
The surge in English-speaking international churches in Hong Kong—driven by returnees and youth seeking cultural relevance—contrasts with declining Cantonese congregations, not because the gospel changes, but because church culture must evolve to foster belonging, relational warmth, and intergenerational empowerment.
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Anglican Communion Launches 10-Year Initiative to Plant and Revitalize 1 Million Churches
Anglican leaders launch "Vision36," a decade-long initiative to plant or revitalize 1 million churches and gain 20 million new believers by 2036, with Africa playing a central role and discipleship as its foundational pillar.
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Bible Society in Taiwan Launches Full Sign Language Translation Project
The Bible Society in Taiwan has launched a full chapter-by-chapter translation of the Bible into Taiwan Sign Language, following the completion of 70 biblical story videos.
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[10th CCOWE] Rick Warren Calls for Global Church Unity at Closing of 10th CCOWE Conference
At the 10th Chinese Congress on World Evangelization, Rev. Rick Warren called for global Chinese churches to pursue unity in mission—not uniformity—grounded in five biblical foundations, emphasizing that collaboration is essential for fulfilling the Great Commission and witnessing to the world.