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Christian Health Care Employees Should Be Forced To Perform Abortions, ACLU Lawsuit Asserts
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) representatives stated in a lawsuit that employees of a Michigan-headquartered Catholic hospital group should be required to perform abortions, even if that procedure violates their religious views. Trinity Health, which operates 86 health clinics in 21 states, was sued by the ACLU in October, when the union claimed the group was “denying appropriate emergency care to women.” Alliance Defending Freedom attorneys asked a federal court this month to allow a gr

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Transgender, Privacy Issues Abound For Public Restrooms, Facilities after New 'Gender-Equality' Law From Washington
A new statewide law about gender-segregated public bathrooms, facilities and businesses, which went into effect Dec. 26 in Washington, is raising questions about privacy and safety of everyone involved. This first-of-its-kind law created by the Washington State Human Rights Commission is part of the recent push to frame gender-segregated bathrooms as an affront to "equality," stated Joseph Backholm in a blog for Family Policy Institute for Washington.

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ISIS Violence Against Christians in Middle East Is 'Genocide,' Says DNC Presidential Candidate Hillary Clinton
Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton on Tuesday referenced the killing of Christians, Iraqi Yazidis and other religious minorities in the Middle East as “genocide.” She previously had been reluctant to use that term regarding Islamic State violence. However, it is impossible to ignore that Islamic State has targeted and killed a significant number of members of the Yazidi religion, one of the oldest in Iraq, along with Christians and other religious minorities in the region it contr

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Controversial 'Jesus Sign' in East Texas Prompts Showdown of Christian Versus First Amendment Rights
After leaders of a small Texas town were faced with a lawsuit from Freedom From Religion Foundation over a religious-themed greeting sign to the city of Hawkins, other communities rallied to support the concept that Jesus is welcome in East Texas. Now city officials are on the path to sue church representatives who believe they took over the property on which the sign was erected. Which entity that holds a clear title to the property is still in question.

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Philippine's Priest Scolded for Performing From Hoverboard During Mass, See Rare Video
After Rev. Albert San Jose sang a song while riding and twirling a hoverboard personal transporter throughout pew aisles during Christmas Eve Mass, Philippine Roman Catholic Church officials reprimanded him, reports Associated Press. The Diocese of San Pablo, south of Manila, said the priest apologized for his action, which was videoed by congregants and widely shared on YouTube.

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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.
