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Christian Owners Of New York Venue Who Refused Lesbian Wedding Lost Second Court Appeal
Owners of an Albany, N.Y., wedding venue who refused to host a lesbian wedding two years ago were fined $13,000 for violating the state's anti-discrimination law, and now had their second appeal rejected by a state court on Thursday. The owners' law team indicate it's a shame "farmers can't obey their faith in their own backyard."
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Humans Inhabited Arctic 15,000 Years Earlier Than Thought, Russian Researchers Claim
Russian researchers contributing to the journal Science state humans were in the Arctic region as early as 45,000 years ago, which is up to 15,000 years earlier than researchers always have assumed. Distinctive injuries on a frozen mammoth carcass in Siberia now represent the first known human presence in the area.
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Pray 'God-Sized Prayers' and Dare to Ask Big in 2016, Encourages Pastor Joel Osteen
"How you pray will determine what kind of life you live," says pastor Joel Osteen in his recent sermon series about God-sized prayers this month. The native Texan and pastor of Lakewood Church heads one of America's largest and fastest-growing churches.
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Al Sharpton: Reverend Blasts Film Industry For Lack of Racial Diversity in Oscar Nominations
Because no minorities were nominated in the acting categories of the 88th Academy Awards this week, Rev. Al Sharpton took to the air waves Thursday to claim the situation shows the industry's "fraudulent image of progressive and liberal politics and policies." He announced he is convening a Hollywood Summit in February to highlight those studios and others in the film industry who aren't "living up to their obligations."
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Terrified Young Brothers Miraculously Escape ISIS, Beaten Daily for Not Being Child Soldier
Children who refuse to fight for ISIS are being bullied, beaten and killed in Northern Iraq, cites multiple officials. Recent accounts point to 600-plus child abductions, however nearly 200 have managed to escape alive. Recent media coverage is now trying to help reveal how much psychological assistance the children refugees need.
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Qatar Evangelical Alliance breaks ground on worship center, witnessing Christ in a Muslim nation
A worship center for evangelical churches has commenced construction in Qatar, marking a significant spiritual milestone in the history of evangelicals in the country.
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Hong Kong's deadliest fire in a Century: churches mobilize and pray to support the community
On 26 November, a severe level‑five fire broke out at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po. Early reports said at least 13 people died and 23 were injured. Local churches mobilize to support the community and pray.
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Christians gather in Hong Kong to pray for victims of Tai Po Hong Fu Court fire
More than 1,000 Christians gathered in Hong Kong on Dec. 5 for a united prayer service commemorating the victims of the five-alarm fire that devastated Hong Fu Court in Tai Po on Nov. 26, destroying thousands of homes and killing 159 people.
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Faith and freedom: USCIRF Chair Vicky Hartzler shares insights on China’s religious landscape
As China continues to update its religious regulations, changes in the country’s faith environment and space for religious practice have drawn increased global attention. In this interview, USCIRF Chair Vicky Hartzler responds to questions about religious policy, human rights, and faith, offering her perspectives on China’s current situation and sharing words of support and encouragement for Christians facing challenges.
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U.S. Congressional hearing highlights religious freedom challenges facing Chinese Christians and other faith communities
A recent U.S. congressional hearing cast a spotlight on religious freedom conditions in China, with witnesses sharing firsthand accounts of pressure faced by Christian, Muslim, and Tibetan Buddhist communities.
