Bible sales reached historic highs in the United States and the United Kingdom in 2025, according to industry data. In the US, sales climbed to 19 million units, a 21-year high, driven by a search for hope and community. UK physical Bible sales more than doubled since 2019, rising 106% to reach record levels. Publishers attribute this surge to renewed spiritual curiosity, particularly among younger adults seeking stability during uncertain times. The trend reflects a broader cultural shift toward faith-based resources as people navigate global challenges and mental health crises.
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Tonia Kraakman on UnsplashGood news
New analysis by Lifeway Research using Pew data suggests US religious decline has paused, with 62% of adults identifying as Christian. While overall affiliation remains stable since 2020, Generation Z born between 2003 and 2007 shows deeper commitment than older cohorts. This group reports higher rates of daily prayer and monthly service attendance compared to those born 1995 to 2002. Although young adults still leave Christianity more often than they join, those who remain are more devout. Researchers advise faith leaders to focus on retaining this committed minority, as Gen Z’s engagement levels are closer to national norms than previously assumed.
Louie Giglio, pastor of Passion City Church, addressed thousands of young adults at the closing session of Passion 2026 in Arlington, Texas, on January 3. He urged attendees to view the event as a commissioning for God's glory, citing Isaiah 26:8 as the movement's long-standing theme. Giglio shared his personal struggle with severe anxiety and depression to illustrate how the gospel shapes the future rather than just the past. He emphasized that Jesus came to heal the brokenhearted and restore access to God through the cross. The conference, held from January 1 to 3, featured other speakers including Cliffe Knechtle and Jackie Hill Perry.
New research from the Church Pulse Check Panel indicates that weekly church attendance in Australia has recovered to 89 percent of its 2001 levels. Surveying 1,005 congregations in late 2025, the study estimates that 1.35 million Australians attend services each week. This data, compiled by NCLS Research, highlights a steady but incomplete post-pandemic rebound. The initiative aims to provide long-term metrics on congregational health as churches adapt to cultural shifts. A comprehensive report detailing faith commitment and community engagement is expected soon.
Landon Thurman of Testimonies of God was temporarily detained by Dallas police on December 18 outside the American Airlines Center. The incident occurred during a Dallas Mavericks game when officers responded to noise complaints. Thurman stated that he and Will Dieterich were handcuffed after refusing to leave the public sidewalk. Police described the event as a temporary detention for officer safety, while the ministry claims the arrest was for preaching. The group argues the action violates free speech protections and has shared video footage of the encounter online.
Iranian authorities have detained several Christian converts for engaging in peaceful religious activities. One individual began serving a five-year sentence in a prison in the northern region for promoting teachings contrary to Islamic law. Two brothers started their four-year terms in a central province after attending a Christmas gathering. Another believer was temporarily released from a capital city prison due to health concerns following a spinal fracture. These cases highlight the severe penalties, including imprisonment and fines, faced by believers in Iran who practice their faith peacefully.
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Florencia guerra on UnsplashPersecuted church
A federal judge in Texas has rejected a motion by Americans United for Separation of Church and State to intervene in a lawsuit challenging the Johnson Amendment. The group sought to join the case alongside the IRS to defend the rule, which restricts political activity by tax-exempt churches. Judge J. Campbell Barker ruled that the organization lacked the specific legal standing required for intervention, noting its interests were too generalized. The underlying lawsuit, filed by the National Religious Broadcasters and others, argues the amendment violates constitutional free speech rights. The ruling prevents the watchdog from exercising full procedural rights in the ongoing litigation.
Following a US military operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, evangelical leaders in the country have urged calm and prayer. Pastor José G. Piñero of the Evangelical Council of Venezuela expressed concern for citizens facing uncertainty and reaffirmed confidence in God's sovereignty. Meanwhile, Aristóteles López, founder of March for Jesus in Venezuela, described the event as divine justice that could impact other socialist regimes in the region. Other leaders, including Carlos Vielma and José Rivero, highlighted the chaotic immediate aftermath and the need for continued spiritual guidance during this complex transition.
Syrian authorities say they foiled an Islamic State plan to attack churches and public gatherings during New Year’s Eve celebrations. The Interior Ministry stated that intelligence revealed militants were preparing suicide operations, particularly in a northern city. One security officer was killed and two others injured in that city when a suspect detonated explosives during an arrest attempt. Consequently, heightened security measures, including patrols and checkpoints, were implemented around places of worship. This incident follows a deadly bombing at a church in the capital earlier this year. Syria joined the U.S.-led coalition against the group in November, as analysts warn of regrouping efforts by the extremist organization.
Erika Kirk has become the new CEO of Turning Point USA in the United States following the September 10 assassination of her husband, Charlie Kirk, at Utah Valley University. In a Fox News interview, the 37-year-old widow stated she is relying on her faith to guide her through grief while continuing her late husband's mission. She emphasized that she seeks only to align with God's will and expressed that holding onto anger would prevent her from fulfilling her purpose. Kirk, who raises two young children, described her spiritual approach as asking God to use her and heal her heart during this difficult transition.
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Maria Che on UnsplashPersecuted church
A federal appeals court ruled that the Union Gospel Mission of Yakima in the US can require employees to adhere to its religious beliefs. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals determined that Washington state cannot apply its nondiscrimination law to the ministry's hiring decisions. The court cited the Church Autonomy Doctrine, stating that government interference in internal religious hiring violates the First Amendment. The ministry, represented by Alliance Defending Freedom, argued that enforcing the state law would infringe on its constitutional rights. This decision upholds a previous injunction, allowing the organization to maintain its faith-based hiring practices for non-ministerial staff.
Atlanta-based Christian rapper nobigdyl, also known as Dylan Phillips, reported that Instagram restricted access to his music video in the United States. The artist stated on January 5 that the platform cited a violation of local law rather than community guidelines. The restricted content is a collaboration with KB titled Got a Reason, which features explicit Christian themes and lyrics referencing Jesus. Nobigdyl questioned the enforcement standards, contrasting this restriction with other controversial content that remains accessible. This incident highlights ongoing concerns among Christian artists regarding potential censorship by major social media companies.
A Ten Commandments monument has been reinstalled at the Kentucky State Capitol grounds, according to First Liberty. The legal organization announced the restoration on Wednesday, marking the end of a decades-long dispute. State lawmakers approved a resolution in March to revive the effort, which had been stalled since the 1980s when the original structure was removed. The project faced legal hurdles, including a federal appeals court ruling based on the Lemon test. However, the Supreme Court later repudiated that standard in recent cases, allowing the monument's return. Roger Byron of First Liberty congratulated Kentuckians on restoring this historical element.
Isabel Vaughan-Spruce, a British Catholic volunteer, became the first person criminally charged under the UK’s Public Order Act 2023 for silently praying near an abortion clinic in Birmingham. The law creates 150-meter buffer zones to prevent influence on abortion decisions. US officials, including Vice President JD Vance, criticized the prosecution as a violation of religious liberty and free speech. ADF International represents Vaughan-Spruce, arguing the law criminalizes belief. She is scheduled to appear in court in January 2026. The case highlights tensions between public order regulations and conscience rights, drawing international attention and diplomatic concern from Washington.
The First Liberty Institute sent a demand letter to Tucson, Arizona, alleging that city officials unlawfully restricted religious expression at the Winterhaven Festival of Lights. The group claims police pressured resident David Hoffman and his friends to stop sharing Christian beliefs, citing a solicitation policy. Authorities reportedly warned Hoffman of arrest if he did not move to a designated zone for messaging. First Liberty argues this isolates religious speech and violates the First Amendment. The organization seeks written confirmation that the city will cease forcing religious expression into restricted areas during public events. (Source: Kidok Ilbo)
Texas Justice of the Peace Dianne Hensley filed a federal lawsuit in Waco challenging the Supreme Court’s 2015 same-sex marriage decision. Represented by Jonathan Mitchell, Hensley argues that performing weddings constitutes speech and that state ethics rules violate her religious freedom. The suit targets the State Commission on Judicial Conduct, which previously sanctioned her for refusing to officiate such ceremonies. Although the Texas Supreme Court recently clarified that judges may decline weddings based on sincere religious beliefs, the commission maintains this does not allow selective officiating. Hensley has conducted only four weddings since 2015, citing her Christian faith as the reason for her refusal to perform same-sex unions.
Local Christians express growing anxiety over the lack of updates regarding a 48-year-old American missionary pilot abducted in a city in Niger. The pilot, who worked for a US-based organization, was taken near a prominent hotel despite heavy security. A priest noted the uncertainty causes fear among believers. While the US State Department prioritizes his release, strained diplomatic ties with Niger complicate rescue efforts. Colleagues report limited information about the kidnappers or the pilot's current whereabouts, highlighting the risks faced by humanitarian workers in the region.
Authorities in this country recently freed a group of detainees, including Christians, business figures, and political prisoners. However, seven prominent church leaders remain imprisoned without charge or trial for over two decades. The group confirmed that none of these specific leaders were among those released. Human rights organizations criticize the prison system for harsh conditions and lack of legal rights. A spokesperson welcomed the releases but emphasized ongoing concerns for those still detained. The seven leaders have been held for many years, with no access to family or legal counsel. The country officially recognizes only four religious groups, and no new registrations have been approved in recent years.
Religious freedom advocates warned of a possible new wave of mass violence against Christians in Nigeria around Christmas. Intelligence indicates coordinated militant movements near several states, potentially replicating past attacks. A researcher described the violence as genocide, citing thousands of deaths and church destructions since 2009. Participants included lawmakers and a nominee for international religious freedom. The group urges immediate intervention to prevent further atrocities against believers in the region.
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