Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry signed two new laws to protect churches from service disruptions. House Bill 294 allows pastors and security personnel to order trespassers to leave and use reasonable force if they refuse. House Bill 68 expands the definition of disturbing the peace to include interference with religious services. These measures follow high-profile protests, such as the January incident at Cities Church in Minnesota, where activists interrupted a sermon. The Minnesota case led to criminal indictments and a civil lawsuit. Similar legislation is also being considered in Alabama to classify such disruptions as felonies.
Approximately 9,000 people attended the Open Doors Days event in a German city. The gathering featured firsthand accounts of faith under persecution from speakers representing Indonesia, Burkina Faso, North Korea, Mexico, and Central Asia. A North Korean pastor shared his escape from labor camps, while an Indonesian survivor described a church bombing. The Open Doors Germany Director announced a new support initiative for African Christians. The event included youth programs and prayer activities, highlighting the global reach of the nondenominational aid organization. Attendance matched previous years, demonstrating continued interest in these testimonies.
CyLife Church in Cypress, Texas, has started a $22 million expansion to address rapid growth. Executive Pastor Hugh Ansley stated the congregation grows 25 to 30 percent annually, necessitating more space. The project includes a new 2,000-seat sanctuary, soccer fields, and a community outreach center. Construction is expected to finish by fall 2027. The church, which became independent in 2019, funded the initial phase through member pledges and land sales. This development aims to support its mission as a disciple-making community while providing enhanced athletic and worship facilities for attendees.
Cornerstone Chapel Senior Pastor Gary Hamrick will speak at the Rededicate 250 event on the National Mall in Washington, US, on May 17. The gathering marks the nation’s 250th anniversary and is expected to be the largest religious assembly in over 50 years. Hamrick plans to address gender ideology and call for national repentance and a return to biblical values. He argues that the country has drifted from its founding principles regarding marriage and gender identity. The event features other speakers, including House Speaker Mike Johnson and several prominent pastors. Organizers describe it as a historic call for the nation to rededicate itself to God.
The Church of Scotland reported a significant increase in new Christian conversions in 2025, with 820 individuals affirming their faith, nearly double the 2021 figure. According to official data presented at the General Assembly in Edinburgh, 27% of congregations welcomed new members. Church leaders described this trend as encouraging, attributing it to renewed spiritual interest and the efforts of the Faith Action Leadership Team. However, total membership continues to decline, dropping 5% to approximately 229,000 due largely to deaths. The denomination, Scotland’s national Presbyterian church, noted growing engagement among young adults despite the overall numerical decrease.
Evangelist Franklin Graham addressed crowds exceeding 30,000 people over two nights at the Chizhovka Arena in Minsk, Belarus. The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association reported that approximately 15,000 attendees gathered each evening for the Festival of Hope. Graham urged listeners to seek spiritual rebirth through Jesus Christ, emphasizing salvation and forgiveness. Organizers stated that nearly 700 evangelical churches collaborated for the event, which included a large choir and orchestra. Graham thanked Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko for permitting the large-scale gathering. The outreach is described as unprecedented in the country's history, with thousands more listening in overflow areas and outside the venue.
Translated from 한국어Also reported by 1 other outlet
Voice of the Martyrs Korea is asking Christians worldwide to send encouragement letters to Pastor Tae-yeon Park, who has been detained in Khabarovsk, Russia, since January. The organization states that while local believers are providing permitted personal items, the detainee needs spiritual support. Hyun Sook Foley, a representative, explained that letters must be in Russian and provided templates on their website. Park faces immigration charges with a potential 17-year sentence, and his first court appearance is expected in May. The group has submitted petitions to Russian and international authorities regarding his arbitrary detention.
The Southern Baptist Convention expects nearly 20,000 attendees for its annual meeting in Orlando, US, from June 7 to 10. Held at the Orange County Convention Center, the event draws church leaders and members nationwide. Convention Manager Lynn Richmond noted that hotel demand exceeded expectations early on. Dr. Richard Land attributes the high turnout to growing optimism regarding baptisms and recent leadership elections. Jonathan Howe stated this will be the largest gathering since 2021. The denomination uses this assembly to conduct business and elect leaders, with Josh Powell and Willy Rice expected to be nominated for president. This reflects the group's significant scale and ongoing organizational activities.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is investigating over two dozen public school districts to ensure compliance with Senate Bills 10 and 11. These laws require schools to display the Ten Commandments and hold votes on designated prayer times. Paxton stated he is defending students' religious freedom and moral foundations. The inquiry covers districts in major cities including Houston, Dallas, and Austin. Some districts, such as Conroe and Galveston, have faced legal disputes regarding these mandates. Officials are requesting records to verify if school boards have voted on prayer policies and if campuses are displaying the required religious materials. The investigation aims to enforce state regulations on religious expression in public education.
The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention delivered its 100th ultrasound machine to Mercy House Pregnancy Resource Center in Elizabethtown, North Carolina. The dedication event took place on Friday, attended by local pastors and community members. Mercy House Executive Director Megan Knight expressed gratitude, noting the equipment supports their ministry to women. The Psalm 139 Project, which began in the early 2000s, aims to help pro-life centers secure medical resources. Rachel Wiles, the project director, stated that additional machines will be dedicated in Virginia, Tennessee, and Michigan soon. The initiative also supports mothers in pro-choice states through an expanded program.
Pro-life organizations in the United States have strongly criticized the Supreme Court's recent order allowing abortion pills to be mailed nationwide. The decision temporarily permits distribution while legal challenges, led by Louisiana, proceed through federal courts. Leaders from Live Action, the Family Research Council, and the National Right to Life Committee argue the ruling undermines state laws and endangers women. They urge the FDA to suspend the drug and halt mail deliveries. The order drew dissents from Justices Alito and Thomas, who opposed protecting providers from financial losses. Advocates warn of political consequences for Republicans if the policy remains unchanged. (Source: Kidok Ilbo)
Apologist Justin Peters announced he is the new pastor of Grace & Truth Community Church in Laurel, Montana. The congregation was established to provide doctrinally grounded preaching west of Billings. Peters stated the church began gathering on December 28, 2025, and currently meets in a local furniture store. The ministry emphasizes expository preaching and theological soundness. Peters holds degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and leads Justin Peters Ministries. Notable conservative Christian leaders, including Phil Johnson and Jim Osman, serve as elder advisers to support the new church plant. The group says this structure aims to shepherd the local community through rigorous biblical teaching. This development marks a significant addition to the religious landscape in the region.
Russian authorities in the occupied Luhansk region of Ukraine are attempting to deport Vladimir Rytikov, a 67-year-old pastor, for conducting unregistered Baptist ministry. According to Hyun Sook Foley of Voice of the Martyrs Korea, Rytikov was arrested in January after officials raided his church in Krasnodon. He was told his residency permit was canceled and he must leave within two weeks or face execution. Although his wife’s status remains unchanged, prosecutors filed a nine-page indictment citing missionary activities. A preliminary hearing occurred in late April, with a final verdict expected on May 20. This case highlights ongoing religious persecution against unregistered churches in the region.
Kingdom Faith Fellowship Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is developing an 181-unit senior housing complex on its property. The project, created in partnership with Scott Crawford Inc., targets residents aged 55 and older. According to the outlet, 80 percent of the units will be market-rate, while 20 percent are designated as workforce housing for middle-income individuals. The development includes various unit sizes and amenities such as a fitness room and walking trails. The team is currently navigating the city's rezoning process. Church leaders state the initiative fulfills their mission to serve the community and provide spiritual opportunities for seniors.
The Jackson-Madison County School Board in Tennessee unanimously approved a proposal for Union Academy, a faith-based Christian charter school, during a special meeting on April 28. Superintendent Marlon King stated the initiative originated from discussions with Union University leadership. The school plans to serve 206 students in grades K-5 starting in the 2027-28 academic year, with expansion goals up to 12th grade. Alliance Defending Freedom Senior Counsel Mark Lippelmann supported the decision, arguing it provides more educational choices and avoids unconstitutional discrimination. This approval contrasts with recent legal setbacks for similar religious charter efforts in Oklahoma.
The Los Angeles Unified School District in the United States reversed its decision to exclude a Christian student group from school announcements. Following a demand letter from Liberty Counsel alleging viewpoint discrimination, the district agreed to allow the Faith and Fellowship Club at the Arts and Entertainment Virtual Academy to promote its activities during weekly webinars. The legal group argued that excluding the club while promoting other holidays constituted unequal treatment. District officials initially cited the club's student-led nature as a reason for exclusion but ultimately permitted the promotional slides. Liberty Counsel reported that student participation in the club doubled immediately after the policy change.
Religious persecution intensified in a city in southern China recently. Police raided a local church, resulting in the immediate deportation of an American missionary couple who had served there for decades. On the same day, two Chinese Christians were arrested for distributing Christian literature. One was charged with illegal business operations, a claim disputed by organizations as a pretext for suppressing faith-based activities. Senior church leaders attribute these simultaneous events to a broader government strategy to eliminate foreign religious influence and enforce the sinicization of religion in the region. Local authorities have not issued an official statement regarding these incidents.
A survey by RMG Research indicates strong US support for voluntary off-campus religious instruction during school hours. Commissioned by LifeWise Academy, the poll found 86% of parents and 93% of educators favor moral education in public schools. When informed about constitutional released-time programs, 69% of parents and 73% of educators viewed them as beneficial. Respondents cited positive outcomes like improved behavior and attendance. The findings emerge amid growing concerns over student mental health, with many teachers reporting high levels of student anxiety and bullying. The legal basis relies on the Zorach v. Clauson Supreme Court decision.
A representative from Voice of the Martyrs USA reports that ongoing conflict in Iran has created unexpected opportunities for underground Christian ministry. Despite raids and instability, believers have formed resilient communities, with some holding outdoor worship sessions. Many Iranians are questioning life and death, leading to increased evangelism in cafes and homes. Although Iran remains a high-risk environment for converts, contacts report optimism and a refusal to flee. The group describes the crisis as a spiritual turning point. According to Open Doors, Christians face severe persecution, yet local leaders remain committed to their faith and mission.
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