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New Jersey Pension Deemed Not 'Tax-Exempt Church Plan' by Federal Court, Starts New National Litigation
A pension plan established by New Brunswick, N.J.- based Saint Peter’s Healthcare System does not qualify as a “church plan” that is exempt from the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, ruled a U.S. federal appeals court ruled this week. ERISA is the federal pension law that requires such plans to be fully funded, and provides employees with certain rights related to benefit entitlements. St. Peter's employs more than 2,800 people through 27 centers and facilities.
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'Duck Dynasty's Reed Robertson, Son of Jase and Missy Robertson, Proposes Marriage to Girlfriend
As the ninth season of Duck Dynasty is about to start Jan. 13, the life of one of the famed family members is now destined to change. Jase and Missy Robertson’s eldest son, Reed, proposed to his longtime girlfriend, Brighton Thompson, while on a Christmas trip to New York City. Reed is 20 years old, and Brighton is 19.

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Oxygen's 2016 TV Series 'Preachers Of Atlanta' Spotlights Mega-Pastors In Extreme Daily Struggles With Duties to God
Atlanta is home to fast cars, mansions, the southern elite, and a "new generation of up-and-coming preachers who are superstars of the pulpit," proclaims producers of the new "Preachers of Atlanta" television show that premieres Feb. 3. This third installation from the popular "Preachers" franchise documents the lives of the city’s young, elite mega-pastors as they focus on daily struggles and triumphs as husbands, wives, fathers, mothers and friends, while also maintaining their duties as men

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Pope Francis' Message For New Year 2016: 'How Long Will Human Evil Sow Violence, Hatred in Our World?'
In Pope Francis' New Year's homily Friday, he highlighted the need to "let ourselves be reborn, to overcome the indifference which blocks solidarity, and to leave behind the false neutrality which prevents sharing." He recommended cooperation as the way to build an "ever more just and fraternal world, a world in which every person and every creature can dwell in peace," reports Fox News.

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New Book 'The Power of Worshipping God’ Answers Four Questions Of Christian Life
Nigerian author and daughter of missionaries Stella Okoronkwo offers a new book she said contains powerful biblical teachings and true testimonies about worship and praise to "transport believers to a higher dimension in all areas of life." She promises her new manuscript "The Power of Worshipping God" gives readers the key to transform lives for the better.

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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.
