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Christian Pastor, Family Detained In China After Contacting U.S. Consulate, Journalists
China authorities in Zhejiang incarcerated a pastor, his wife and son on Tuesday for contacting U.S. Consulate officials in Shanghai and foreign journalists, according to reports from China Aid, a Christian international human rights organization based in Texas.

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Mother Who Lost Daughter at 25th Week Pregnancy Starts Clothing Business, Donates 25 Percent of Proceeds to Families of Infant Loss
After Heather Bienz's second daughter, Reagan, suddenly passed away during the 25th week of pregnancy due to Turner Syndrome on May 28, 2015, she launched a U.S. faith-based clothing business that donates 25 percent of proceeds to other families who have lost infants. Purchasers also get the blessing of an added prayer cast over the order before shipping.

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Colorado Ruling Upholds Baker Cannot Cite Religion To Refuse Same-Sex Customers
Colorado Supreme Court judges refused Monday to accept the case of a suburban Denver baker who would not make a wedding cake for a same-sex couple, letting stand a lower court's ruling that the Masterpiece Cakeshop owner cannot cite his Christian beliefs or free-speech rights in refusing service.

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God, Jesus Can Be Witnessed in Wild California Deserts Now Preserved for First Time
Christians may hear the still voice of God in the wild of Californian deserts, says Mary Ann Swenson, bishop of the United Methodist Church, now that U.S. President Barack Obama designated the following 1.8 million acres of wild California desert as national monuments: Mojave Trails, Sand to Snow and Castle Mountains.

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Passover 2016 Lateness and Early Easter Set By Ancient Lunar, Sun Calendars
Religious holiday timing depends on which calendar used: Jewish, Gregorian or Julian. Many people this weekend are wondering why the Jewish holiday of Passover started Friday, April 22, when Easter for many Christians this year came "early" a month ago. The answer actually lies in the moon and the sun.

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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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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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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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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.
