The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a lower court decision allowing a century-old cross and Nativity display to remain in Los Angeles’ El Pueblo district. The court rejected atheist plaintiff Jack Gerritsen’s request for removal, citing the displays' historical significance since 1929. Attorney Andrea Butler of Becket represented local merchants, arguing that religious symbols are part of the nation's cultural heritage. The case references the Supreme Court’s 2019 American Legion ruling. The matter now returns to the district court for a final determination on the Establishment Clause challenge.
Franklin Graham, president of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, addressed thousands at Manchester’s Co-op Live in England. During his God Loves You Tour, he used the biblical story of Sodom and Lot to urge attendees to repent and trust in Jesus Christ. Graham emphasized that personal faith is required for salvation, warning against complacency in sin. He also offered forgiveness to those burdened by guilt, including women with past abortions, and invited the audience to respond publicly to his message. The event took place in the United Kingdom.
Pope Leo XIV called for an end to the war between Russia and Ukraine during a flight back to Rome from France on September 28. Speaking to journalists, he urged leaders of both nations to sit down and dialogue rather than continue a conflict he described as meaningless. The Pope emphasized that the Church must promote human dignity and advocate for peace, noting that resources spent on weapons could instead address global hunger and housing issues. He reiterated the Church's responsibility to invite political leaders to seek solutions through conversation instead of violence.
Authorities in China have detained multiple pastors and workers from an independent house church operating for over two decades. A prominent church aid founder expressed urgent concern for their safety and legal rights. This action is part of a wider campaign against unregistered churches, following similar raids on other congregations in various cities. While some detainees face charges like fraud, others were recently released after years of harsh detention. Meanwhile, a lawyer fled to escape pressure on her firm. These events highlight the intensifying restrictions on religious freedom in the region.
Religious organizations and international environmental groups held a conference on October 1 at Ewha Womans University in South Korea. The event focused on achieving a just transition away from fossil fuels. Participants criticized government plans to use liquefied natural gas to power new AI and semiconductor industries. Organizers urged the state to prioritize renewable energy and protect vulnerable communities. The gathering included representatives from Christian, Buddhist, and other faith-based groups. Attendees prepared a joint declaration calling for the phased end of fossil fuel use and the expansion of clean energy sources. The event highlighted the public responsibility of religious institutions in addressing climate change and industrial energy demands.
Pope Leo XIV spoke on October 3 at the Vatican to the community of the Teutonic College of Santa Maria in Campo Santo, marking its 150th anniversary. He stated that unity among believers is essential for the credibility of their witness to Christ. The Pope highlighted the institution's role in forming priests to address modern challenges and its historical ties to the Holy See. Established in 1876 during the German Kulturkampf, the college served as a refuge for priests. The Pontiff encouraged the community to practice this unity, reflecting the prayer of Jesus for his disciples.
The Vatican Museums are hosting an exhibition titled 'Celestial Religions' in the Anima Mundi gallery, featuring three hand-woven carpets from Azerbaijan. The display, supported by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, highlights Islamic, Christian, and Jewish traditions through intricate wool and silk designs. According to the outlet, First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva presented the works to Pope Leo XIV in October 2025. Museum Director Barbara Jatta and Sister Raffaella Petrini emphasize that the carpets serve as bridges for religious dialogue, reflecting the Pope's call for conversation as a transformative lifestyle. The exhibition aims to foster cultural encounter through art.
Translated from 한국어Also reported by 1 other outlet
A federal judge in Oklahoma has ruled that the National Ben Gamla Jewish Charter School Foundation can continue its legal challenge against state laws barring religious organizations from operating publicly funded charter schools. Judge David L. Russell stated that the nonsectarian provision in the Oklahoma Charter Schools Act violates the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment by discriminating based on religious character. The foundation, established by Peter Deutsch, seeks to launch a statewide online school. This development follows a previous unsuccessful attempt by a Catholic virtual school in 2023.
Muslim residents in Surabaya, Indonesia, are opposing the construction of a church in the CitraLand housing complex, citing a discrepancy between the address on the official building permit and the actual site. The dispute centers on procedural issues rather than religious intolerance, according to local officials. Attorney Hartony Edi stated that the permit remains valid despite the administrative error. District Head Zainuddin Fanani attributed the resistance to a misunderstanding and emphasized efforts to resolve the conflict through dialogue. Meanwhile, religious freedom advocates and local residents criticized the opposition as inconsistent with Surabaya's reputation for tolerance.
The World Evangelical Alliance called on Israel to halt settler violence and settlement expansion in the West Bank during a United Nations Human Rights Council session. Markus Hofer delivered the statement, urging protection for Palestinian civilians, including Christians, and accountability for attackers. The group highlighted repeated incidents in Taybeh, described as the last predominantly Christian village, citing property damage and new outposts. Rev. Jack Sara emphasized that violence against communities and places of worship demands global church attention, asserting that injustice cannot be justified by religion or nationalism.
A major Christian broadcasting network in South Korea marks its 70th anniversary with events extending through the year, highlighting decades of radio outreach. Reports indicate programs reach listeners in neighboring regions, including areas in North Korea, China, Russia, and Mongolia. The broadcaster claims its signals cover North Korea and parts of Siberia, noting that some residents there have secretly listened via hidden radios. Founded by an American missionary, the station expanded significantly in the 1970s. Led by its current chairman, the organization operates multiple stations within South Korea. Anniversary activities include concerts and a final thanksgiving service held in a major city. (68 words)
Pope Leo XIV addressed the crowd at St. Peter's Square on September 30, 2026, reflecting on his recent apostolic journey to France. He described the event as a sign of faith revival, pointing to the restored Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris as a symbol of rebirth and cooperation between the church and state. The Pope also praised young people for their spiritual enthusiasm during a vigil at the Stade de France and noted a rise in adult baptisms. His trip included a pilgrimage to Lourdes to support victims of abuse and a visit to Metz to promote peace and interreligious dialogue. The Vatican News outlet reported these events as signs of hope for the universal church.
Religious facilities in Geoje, South Korea, were excluded from government disaster relief funds following severe flooding in August. Officials cited reasons including non-profit status and lack of residential use, despite the area being declared a special disaster zone. Churches and temples faced significant damage, with repair costs estimated at hundreds of millions of won. The exclusion stems from regulations listing specific eligible structures, which do not include religious sites. While the law allows for exceptions, no such cases have been confirmed. Local leaders argue that religious institutions are part of the community and deserve support, but current administrative interpretations prevent them from receiving aid.
A Wheatley Institute study at Brigham Young University reveals that 76% of Americans have experienced or witnessed a miracle. Based on 2,005 respondents, the survey indicates that religious importance remains high, with 43% thanking God multiple times daily. Even among the religiously unaffiliated, many believe in a higher power rather than strict secularism. Researchers note that spiritual practices often occur privately outside of traditional church settings. The findings suggest that gratitude toward the divine is a primary outlet for many, challenging assumptions about widespread secularization in the United States.
Valor Christian High School in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, has baptized 96 students through its '5th Quarter' events since launching in fall 2024. These gatherings occur twice per academic year following home athletic competitions, drawing hundreds of attendees including students, parents, and community members. Assistant Athletic Director Jessika Caldwell initiated the program after being inspired by a university revival, aiming to provide spiritual opportunities within sports settings. School officials report that the events facilitate worship and testimonies, with recent gatherings resulting in multiple baptisms. The school, which enrolls over 1,100 students, views these initiatives as effective tools for faith development among Gen Z athletes.
The U.S. Department of Justice is supporting the Internal Revenue Service in an appeal regarding an agreement that limits enforcement of the Johnson Amendment against specific religious groups. The Trump administration filed a brief with the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in the case National Religious Broadcasters et al. v. Scott Bessent et al. The Johnson Amendment prohibits tax-exempt organizations from intervening in political campaigns. The DOJ argued that the lower court overlooked an exception to the Anti-Injunction Act. The lawsuit was originally filed by National Religious Broadcasters and other groups in 2024. A federal judge dismissed the case in March, citing jurisdictional issues under the Anti-Injunction Act and the Declaratory Judgment Act. The IRS had previously agreed not to enforce the amendment against certain political endorsements by pastors.
In Vietnam's Central Highlands, Christians are enduring severe persecution, including physical attacks and forced evictions. Voice of the Martyrs Korea reports that a woman named Sister T suffered broken bones after refusing to renounce her faith. Another man, Brother O, was attacked with a weapon after paying extortion money to avoid leaving his village. These incidents highlight the ongoing pressure on ethnic minority believers. The US Commission on International Religious Freedom has recommended designating Vietnam as a Country of Particular Concern. Organizations continue to document these abuses and support affected congregations.
Two United Nations special rapporteurs have demanded that Iran explain the confiscation of a historic Protestant church in a major city. The experts sent a formal letter regarding the seizure of the property, which includes homes and schools. Approximately 50 Assyrian and Armenian Christian families were displaced. The rapporteurs stated this incident reflects a decades-long pattern of persecution against Persian-speaking Christians in Iran. They noted that no Protestant churches currently offer services in Persian, as previous locations remain closed. Iran has not responded to the inquiry, and regime forces now guard the site.
A Connecticut Superior Court judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by parents challenging the state's elimination of religious exemptions from school vaccine mandates. The plaintiffs argued that mandatory vaccinations violated their religious beliefs regarding fetal cell lines and animal-derived components. The court ruled that the 2021 legislation and subsequent laws clarifying that religious exemptions are not protected under the state's Religious Freedom Restoration Act are valid. This decision concludes four years of litigation, following a 2024 Connecticut Supreme Court ruling that rejected other constitutional claims. Connecticut is one of several U.S. states that do not permit religious exemptions for school vaccines.
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