A Central American nation has enforced a new rule prohibiting travelers from carrying Bibles, according to Christian Solidarity Worldwide. Warning signs at bus stations in neighboring countries list religious texts alongside prohibited items like cameras and drones. Staff in El Salvador and Honduras confirmed the ban applies to passengers heading to the capital. This measure reflects a broader crackdown on religious freedom, with authorities revoking registrations of thousands of civil society and religious groups since 2018. The government has also detained clergy and restricted public worship, targeting churches that criticize the president’s regime. CSW reports numerous cases of persecution, including forced service cancellations and police surveillance of religious leaders in 2024.
Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse, stated that a pilot of a hijacked aircraft told the assailant that God loves him. The incident occurred in South Sudan, when a man boarded a plane delivering medicine to a remote village. The hijacker threatened the pilot and demanded to be flown to a neighboring country. The pilot instead spoke calmly to the man, who then surrendered. The plane landed safely in a regional city, where security forces arrested the suspect. Graham praised the outcome, noting no one was seriously injured. The organization expressed gratitude for the swift action of local authorities.
Colombian authorities have charged a FARC dissident with executing eight Christian leaders in a remote region. Video evidence shows the victims were transported and killed by armed groups who mistakenly identified them as members of a rival rebel faction, a claim prosecutors later disproved. The victims, who had previously fled another area, were buried in a mass grave. Christian Solidarity Worldwide reported the incident, urging a full investigation into all involved parties in this case of religious persecution.
Elevation Church in North Carolina will launch Elevation College in fall 2026, partnering with Southeastern University in Florida. The program targets traditional college-aged students seeking ministry careers and accredited degrees. Students gain hands-on experience at the church while studying at the Assemblies of God-affiliated university. Southeastern University collaborates with over 200 churches nationwide to combine academic training with practical ministry work. The church withdrew from the Southern Baptist Convention in June 2023, a move some leaders linked to debates over women in pastoral roles. The new initiative aims to equip leaders through scripture interpretation and biblical context training.
A Barna Group survey of 5,003 U.S. adults reveals that the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk in Utah prompted increased spiritual activity, particularly among younger demographics. Conducted two months after the September 10 incident at Utah Valley University, the data indicates that 18% of respondents took spiritual actions, compared to 5% who engaged in political activities. Barna Group CEO David Kinnaman stated that while church attendance spikes were not directly confirmed by the research, the findings align with pre-existing trends of Millennials and Gen Z returning to faith. Many pastors reported temporary increases in young adult participation following the event.
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Alex Moliski on UnsplashPersecuted church
Pastor Robert Jeffress of First Baptist Dallas testified before the U.S. Department of Justice’s Religious Liberty Commission on Wednesday. He argued that the federal government has no authority to regulate pastoral speech, stating such oversight is none of the government's business. Jeffress recounted a 2021 IRS inquiry triggered by a complaint from the Freedom From Religion Foundation regarding remarks by Mike Pence and Ben Carson. Although the inquiry concluded in 2022 with no violations found, Jeffress criticized the Johnson Amendment. He claimed it allows misuse against churches, citing a similar case involving Christians Engaged founder Bunni Pounds. The pastor emphasized that agencies cannot distinguish between political speech and conviction.
A prominent American evangelist could not attend a revival event in a northeastern Indian region because his visa was approved after his scheduled departure. The organizing association stated the delay prevented his timely arrival for the gathering. Another speaker filled in for him. The incident drew criticism from a US representative and an Indian politician, who cited religious freedom concerns. The event proceeded as planned, honoring the legacy of a historic crusade in the region. (Source: Kidok Ilbo)
Canadian lawmakers are preparing to eliminate religious exemptions from hate speech statutes through Bill C-9. The ruling Liberal Party and the Bloc Québécois agreed to this change to advance legislation criminalizing Nazi symbols. Critics, including Conservative MP Michelle Rempel Garner and Christian groups, warn this could expose Christians to prosecution for biblical views on marriage and sexuality. The bill also removes the requirement for attorney general approval for hate propaganda prosecutions. Supporters argue the reforms are necessary to combat rising antisemitism following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel. Opponents fear the new definition of hatred is too vague and threatens freedom of religious belief in Canada.
A federal appeals court ruled that New York officials cannot prohibit pro-life pregnancy centers from discussing abortion pill reversal with patients. The Second Circuit upheld a lower court decision favoring Gianna’s House and Options Care Center against Attorney General Letitia James. The court found that restricting such information violates First Amendment rights. This decision counters James's previous fraud claims against similar groups. The ruling occurs amid increased scrutiny of pro-life centers nationwide following the Supreme Court's Dobbs decision, with similar legal challenges pending in other states.
Samaritan’s Purse confirmed that a Cessna Grand Caravan carrying humanitarian aid to South Sudan was hijacked on Tuesday. The aircraft, en route to Maiwut to deliver medicine, was forced to land in Wau after an armed man boarded unnoticed. South Sudan’s National Security Service detained the suspect, identified as Yasir Mohammed Yusuf, who reportedly demanded transport to Chad. The organization reported no serious injuries and thanked local security forces for their swift action. This incident adds to the known risks faced by the North Carolina-based nonprofit in the region, where staff have previously been abducted.
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Lisa Schmidt on UnsplashGood news
David Green, founder of Hobby Lobby, has donated $7 million to First Baptist Dallas to aid reconstruction efforts following a devastating fire. Senior Pastor Robert Jeffress announced the gift during a Sunday service in the United States. The donation supports the church's broader $95 million campaign to rebuild its historic sanctuary, which was destroyed in July 2024. Green initially proposed a matching grant but converted it to an upfront contribution after the church secured the matching funds. This financial support marks a significant milestone in the rebuilding process for the prominent Southern Baptist congregation, which plans to break ground on new facilities in early 2026.
The Christian Institute has introduced a Street Preacher’s Charter in the United Kingdom to protect public evangelism rights. The document outlines legal standards and best practices for preachers in England and Wales, urging responsible conduct and respectful engagement with authorities. It advises caution on sensitive topics and discourages confrontational behavior. The initiative follows the wrongful arrest of Scottish preacher Angus Cameron in 2022, whose successful lawsuit against Police Scotland highlighted the need for clearer guidelines. The charter aims to assist both evangelists and law enforcement in navigating public preaching while maintaining free expression principles. (Source: Kidok Ilbo)
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Samantha Fulnecky, a pre-med student at the University of Oklahoma, received a zero for an essay describing gender ideology as demonic. She filed a religious discrimination complaint against the teaching assistant who graded it. The university launched an investigation into the incident. Governor Kevin Stitt intervened, citing First Amendment concerns and academic freedom. The university stated it is reviewing the situation to ensure no academic harm occurred. The teaching assistant has been placed on administrative leave and replaced during the inquiry. The case has drawn national attention regarding free speech and religious expression on campus.
The Lilly Endowment, now America’s largest private foundation, announced $649 million in grants to 93 religious organizations. More than $416 million went to 45 seminaries in the US and Canada through the Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative. This program, launched in 2021, aims to strengthen theological education for future pastors. Vice President Christopher L. Coble emphasized the importance of collaboration among schools and congregations. Additionally, $232 million was distributed via the National Storytelling Initiative to highlight Christian faith and service. The foundation’s increased capacity stems from its ownership of Eli Lilly shares, which recently helped it surpass the Gates Foundation in size.
A statistical review by Ryan Burge of Washington University in St. Louis shows that weekly church attendance among US active-duty personnel increased from 21% to 28% between 2010 and 2024. This trend contrasts sharply with civilian data, where weekly attendance remained flat at 16% and the view of religion as very important declined. Burge attributes the military's higher religiosity to selection effects, noting that recruitment heavily draws from religious states like Alabama and Florida. The analysis highlights a growing divergence between the spiritual habits of service members and the broader secularizing American population.
A country is preparing for the 2000th anniversary of Jesus’ baptism by raising funds to build a historical-style village near a recognized baptism site. Government officials, including the tourism minister and a senator, stated that infrastructure is being enhanced and collaboration with global Christian leaders is underway. The initiative aims to boost the tourism sector, which significantly contributes to the national economy, while highlighting the nation’s role in preserving Christian heritage at this UNESCO-recognized location.
California regulators have dismissed all workplace safety citations against Calvary Chapel San Jose and Calvary Christian Academy in the United States. The dispute began in December 2020 when Cal/OSHA issued fines totaling $67,330 following complaints about mask usage. Legal representatives from Advocates for Faith & Freedom successfully argued that the inspection warrant lacked proper factual support, violating Fourth Amendment rights. Consequently, the Superior Court excluded the evidence, leading the agency to withdraw all charges. The institutions admitted no fault, and the resolution cannot be used against them in future proceedings. Attorneys described the outcome as a significant victory for religious freedom and due process in California.
The Hearts on Fire Student Conference drew more than 13,000 participants to the LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, on November 21–22. Founder Scott Carter reported that hundreds of students made decisions to follow Jesus Christ during the two-day event. Specifically, 290 attendees professed faith for the first time, 260 recommitted their lives, and 52 sought baptism. The gathering, which has been held annually since 1987, also raised over $19,000 for a local food bank. Carter emphasized that the ministry focuses on evangelism and provides follow-up resources for new believers to support their spiritual growth.
A US president has renewed criticism of the Nigerian government, urging decisive action against escalating violence targeting Christians in the country. During a radio interview, the leader expressed anger over ongoing massacres and called the situation a disgrace. The administration is pushing for a comprehensive strategy involving force, sanctions, and intelligence sharing. This diplomatic pressure follows recent attacks, including church storms and student abductions. The leader also vowed to restore the nation’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern due to continued Islamist violence. Data from Open Doors reports thousands of deaths and widespread church destruction in the region.
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