• United Methodist Church to Decide if LGBT Members Can Be Part of the Clergy

  The United Methodist Church is set to make a “declaratory decision” as to whether or not an LGBT person can serve as an ordained minister.

  

• Religious Persecution in China Has Intensified Since 2012, But Believers Have Responded with ‘Surprising Degree of Resistance,’ Says Report

  The persecution of Christians in China has “intensified” since Pres. Xi Jinping took hold of the Chinese Communist Party’s leadership in 2012. However, it has failed to curb the growth of churches in the country, a report said.

  

• Ahok Concedes Defeat to Muslim Rival in Jakarta Governor Election

  After a divisive election campaign rocked with protests and a blasphemy trial, Jakarta’s “quick count” election results show Christian governor Ahok trailing behind Muslim candidate Anies Baswedan.

  

• Pastor Raymond Koh’s Abduction Raises Fears of Religious Vigilante Groups in Malaysia

  More than two months after his disappearance, Pastor Raymond Koh remains missing, his whereabouts or abductors still unknown, and people are wondering if religious vigilante groups are behind his abduction.

  

• Theresa May Emphasizes Need for People to Freely Speak About Their Faith in Christ

  British Prime Minister Theresa May, during her Easter message, talked about religious freedom and said people should be able to freely talk about their faith, including their faith in Jesus Christ.