Professor Musa Xulu resigned as chair of the CRL Rights Commission’s Section 22 Committee in South Africa, citing a toxic process and a predetermined agenda to regulate the Christian sector. Speaking in Johannesburg, Xulu accused CRL chair Thoko Mkhwanazi-Xaluva of usurping his role and pushing unconstitutional state control over churches. He cited procedural irregularities, exclusion of dissenters, and racist remarks against Michael Swain. Christian leaders supported the resignation, with some calling for the committee’s dissolution. The ACDP welcomed the move, questioning the legitimacy of the appointment. The CRL plans to hold a press conference to address these claims.
Freedom of Religion South Africa (FOR SA) has demanded an independent investigation into the CRL Rights Commission’s Section 22 Committee following the resignation of its chair, Professor Musa Xulu. Xulu cited a toxic environment and alleged state control over religious bodies as reasons for stepping down. FOR SA supports these claims, noting contradictions with the commission’s neutral role. The organization urges the suspension of the current process and transparency regarding membership and governance. This development raises serious concerns about constitutional accountability and freedom of religion in South Africa.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar addressed a large delegation of evangelical Christian leaders in Israel this week, stating that support for the Jewish state is vital amid rising global antisemitism. The group, organized by the US-based Eagles’ Wings movement, included figures from 18 countries who toured sites related to the October 7 attacks. Officials briefed visitors on wartime challenges and diplomatic pressures. Bishop Robert Stearns warned that misinformation campaigns threaten Israel’s historic Christian allies, urging leaders to counter negative narratives. The visit coincided with the 2025 Ambassador Summit and included meetings with Druze community leaders to discuss minority persecution in the region.
Bethlehem, in the Palestinian territories, held its first public Christmas tree lighting in three years on Saturday night. Thousands of residents and visitors gathered in Manger Square for the ceremony, which marks the symbolic start of the holiday season. Mayor Hanna Hanania described the event as a testament to the city's resilience after public festivities were suspended due to regional instability and the war in Gaza. Church leaders and international dignitaries attended, while pilgrims visited the Church of the Nativity. Local vendors reported a return of tourism, with city officials planning further activities through the end of the month to signal a return to stability.
Channel 4 is airing a two-part documentary titled See No Evil, focusing on serial abuser John Smyth. The program features testimony from victims and family members, including Smyth’s daughter and son. Smyth, who ran Christian camps in Britain and Africa, abused hundreds of boys starting in the 1970s but died in 2018 without facing justice. The broadcast follows the Makin Review, which revealed that former Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby failed to report Smyth’s crimes to police, leading to Welby’s resignation. The documentary aims to highlight the institutional failures and the trauma experienced by survivors. It airs on December 10 and 11.
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Armenian businessman Gagik Tsarukyan is overseeing the construction of the world’s tallest Jesus statue in Armenia. The 33-meter sculpture will sit on a pedestal atop Mount Hatis, near Yerevan, potentially reaching nearly 100 meters in total height. Designed by architect Armen Samvelyan, the project aims to surpass Brazil’s Christ the Redeemer. Although Tsarukyan claims the monument brings hope, it has faced opposition from the Armenian Apostolic Church and archaeologists concerned about nearby Bronze Age ruins. Government authorities granted environmental approval in 2025, allowing construction to proceed with specific protective conditions.
Reports indicate significant growth in underground Christianity within Iran as the country faces ongoing mass protests against its theocratic government. A study by a Netherlands-based institute suggests that hundreds of thousands of Iranians may have converted to Christianity, despite official state claims of a predominantly Shia Muslim population. This surge occurs alongside violent crackdowns by authorities, with reports citing hundreds of deaths. The article attributes this religious shift to dissatisfaction with the regime and theological overlaps with Shia beliefs. Western observers note a lack of solidarity from leftist groups regarding the Iranian struggle for freedom.
A Sudanese archbishop warned of a severe humanitarian crisis during a visit to a UK institution. He stated that the ongoing civil war has displaced millions and caused significant deaths. The archbishop described widespread atrocities in various regions, noting that media coverage remains insufficient compared to other global conflicts. While local pastors distribute aid using digital transfers, he urged international pressure on specific groups to secure a ceasefire. He emphasized that the suffering is silent and demands immediate global intervention to prevent further loss of life, highlighting the urgent need for attention to this overlooked crisis.
Cape Pulpit 729 AM has resumed broadcasting in South Africa's Western Cape province after a nine-month silence due to financial difficulties. The Christian radio station, which relocated to Bible Society House, attributes its return to faith and community support. Listeners can now tune in via AM radio or the Cape Pulpit App for live streaming and podcasts. The station also acknowledged Radio Disa for simulcasting its breakfast show during the break. Leadership expressed gratitude to donors, volunteers, and the community for sustaining the ministry. The return marks a new chapter for the station's mission to share Christian content across the region.
The Nigerian Federal Government secured the release of students abducted from a Catholic school in a northern region. The children were transported to a regional capital and received by the state governor. While the release method remains unclear, many students and staff members remain in captivity. A US congressman praised the rescue as a positive step for security. This event occurs amid a broader security crisis in Nigeria, including recent abductions in various states, highlighting ongoing threats to civilians and religious groups across the country.
Religious groups in Namibia held their sixth Annual Family Conference in Windhoek on December 10 to address substance abuse. Organizers including Youth One Africa Ministries and the Alliance of Christian Churches in Namibia focused on strengthening families against alcohol and drug addiction. Police representatives warned that young adults aged 19 to 35 face the highest arrest rates, urging parents to report illegal activities rather than shield users. Social workers and mental health experts highlighted trauma and peer pressure as key drivers of abuse. Speakers emphasized the Church's role in providing spiritual support and biblical counseling to help addicts heal and restore family stability.
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Christian Harb on UnsplashGood news
Actor Jonathan Roumie, known for portraying Jesus in The Chosen, told The View that two lifelong atheists converted to Christianity after watching the series. Appearing on the program, Roumie explained that the show sparked their interest in the Bible and led them to attend church. He also discussed his recent meeting with Pope Leo XIV, noting the pontiff's charm and his intention to watch the show. Additionally, Roumie described filming the upcoming sixth season, which depicts the crucifixion, as an emotionally and physically intense experience that deepened his spiritual connection to the role. (Gateway News)
Phil Cunningham, a Cape Town-based director and producer, discusses his animated musical film 'David' ahead of its December 19, 2025 release in South Africa and the US. The film, produced in Cape Town, has garnered over six million YouTube views for its trailers and achieved US presales exceeding six million dollars. Cunningham, born in Zimbabwe, drew inspiration from a 30-year-old vision to portray the biblical king’s adventurous life and musical talent. The movie aims to inspire audiences by highlighting themes of authenticity and faith. Empire Entertainment is distributing the film across various cinemas in South Africa and East Africa. According to the outlet, the project represents a significant milestone for African animation.
YouVersion announced that Isaiah 41:10 received the highest international engagement on its Bible platform during 2025. This marks the fourth time in six years that the verse has topped global rankings. CEO Bobby Gruenewald stated the verse resonates because it addresses universal needs for assurance and strength amid anxiety. The platform also celebrated its billionth download and record daily usage, particularly during Global Bible Month in November. While Isaiah 41:10 led globally, UK users favored Jeremiah 29:11. Engagement grew significantly across all regions, including Sub-Saharan Africa and North America, indicating a broad increase in spiritual interest worldwide.
Mpho Thulo, a Christian minister based in East London, South Africa, discusses her transition from Sangoma training to leading a deliverance ministry. She argues that spiritual freedom requires understanding biblical authority rather than relying solely on ritualistic prayer. Thulo, who launched Mpho Thulo Ministries last year, emphasizes teaching to combat misconceptions about demonic influence. She warns that compromising with traditional practices hinders true freedom and plans to minister across the country in 2026. Her work addresses fears surrounding deliverance and encourages believers to apply Scripture for spiritual maturity.
Bobby Gruenewald, founder and CEO of YouVersion, explains why the Bible app company refuses to monetize its platform despite an estimated valuation in the billions. The organization, which has nearly one billion installs globally, remains free of ads and does not sell user data. Gruenewald states that the mission is to provide accessible Scripture without commercial barriers, funded solely by donations. He emphasizes that success is measured by spiritual impact rather than financial profit, aiming to help individuals find hope and peace through the text.
Relentless jihadist violence continues to target Christian communities across Africa, with recent incidents reported in Nigeria, Mozambique, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In Nigeria, masked gunmen abducted over 300 people from a Catholic school, while attacks in central Nigeria killed two and abducted 38. Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces face ongoing insurgency, causing thousands of deaths and displacing over one million people. In the DRC, the Islamic State Central Africa Province claimed responsibility for beheading 18 Christians. The US has designated Nigeria a country of particular concern, drawing global attention to the crisis.
A report by Amsterdam & Partners alleges that Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s government is persecuting the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church. Authorities have imprisoned bishops, including Archbishop Mikayel Ajapahyan, and jailed prominent philanthropist Samvel Karapetyan for defending the Church. The outlet states the crackdown follows the 2023 Nagorno-Karabakh defeat, with the government blaming the Church for political failures. The report claims these actions violate the constitution’s recognition of the Church’s unique spiritual role. The article urges Western nations to demand the release of detainees and protect religious freedoms in the region.
The pro-life organization 40 Days for Life announced that its campaign has prevented at least 26,109 abortions worldwide since 2007. The group, which holds vigils in 1,800 cities, cited increased participation following the recent assassination of activist Charlie Kirk. Campaign Director Steve Karlen highlighted the closure of several abortion facilities in states like California, Colorado, and New York, including a Planned Parenthood in New York City. President Shawn Carney noted that the tragedy motivated more people to join the movement. The organization also shared stories of individuals changing their views after interacting with protesters.
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