The US administration has demanded China release a pastor detained in a city in southern China. A senior US official criticized the arrest, citing restrictions on house churches. Around 30 others were also taken in various major cities. The pastor founded a large underground evangelical group. His daughter, a US citizen, reported the detention. Advocates describe this as a major crackdown on religious freedom in China. The situation highlights ongoing tensions between the US government and Chinese authorities regarding the treatment of Christian leaders and unregistered congregations.
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by José Castillo on UnsplashPersecuted church
Louis Geri, a 41-year-old New Jersey resident, was arrested on Sunday near the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in Washington, D.C. Authorities discovered approximately 200 explosive devices, including Molotov cocktails and bottle rockets, in a tent he had set up on the cathedral grounds. The incident occurred just before the annual Red Mass service, which is traditionally attended by U.S. Supreme Court justices. Police stated there is no ongoing threat to public safety. Geri, who had previously been barred from the site, faces charges including possession of explosives and unlawful entry. Court records indicate he held negative views toward the Supreme Court and various religious groups. He was held without bond.
The Religious Liberty Commission held a hearing in Washington, D.C., last week regarding religious freedom in public education. Panelists included Pastor Jentezen Franklin, who cited recent church shootings and rising attendance, and Joe Kennedy, whose Supreme Court case involved pre-game prayers. Law professor Nicole Stelle Garrett presented data claiming hundreds of state and federal laws discriminate against religion. Additionally, educators and administrators described legal pressures forcing changes to curriculum and hiring practices. The commission heard these accounts to examine perceived hostility toward Christian beliefs in American schools.
A U.S. District Court in Kentucky ruled in favor of Christian photographer Chelsey Nelson, allowing her to refuse services for same-sex weddings based on religious beliefs. The court sided with Nelson against Louisville’s nondiscrimination ordinance, citing First Amendment protections. This decision follows the Supreme Court’s precedent in 303 Creative v. Elenis. The ruling also awarded Nelson nominal damages. Her legal team, Alliance Defending Freedom, stated the victory upholds free speech and religious freedom against government compulsion. The case resolves a multi-year legal dispute between the photographer and city officials regarding service refusals.
Focus on the Family estimates that approximately 2 million students across the United States will participate in Bring Your Bible to School Day this Thursday. Emerson Collins, the Parenting and Youth Program Manager, stated that projections are based on current sign-ups, which suggest a significant increase from last year's 1.3 million participants. The event aims to encourage conversations about Scripture among students and adults in schools and churches. Collins noted that adult involvement is also expected to rise, potentially reaching 4 million people. The organization provides resources such as conversation guides and legal memos to support participants. This initiative seeks to foster connections regarding faith within educational settings.
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Shane Hoving on UnsplashPersecuted church
The Movement Church in Madison, Alabama, was vandalized with spray paint shortly after announcing a speaking event for Bryan Dawson of 1819 News. Authorities discovered the damage between Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning. Madison County Sheriff Kevin Turner requested public assistance to identify the perpetrators, emphasizing that all individuals deserve safety in places of worship. Pastor Seth Adgate stated the church would proceed with the event, citing increased security measures and noting the incident may be classified as a hate crime. This follows recent violence against Turning Point USA figures, including the shooting of Charlie Kirk in Utah.
A recent nationwide survey by the National Churches Trust suggests that up to 2,000 churches in the UK could close by 2030. The study, which gathered 3,600 responses across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, highlights financial struggles, maintenance costs, and declining attendance as primary drivers. Rural congregations and Methodist churches face the highest uncertainty, while Anglican churches, despite having the lowest risk percentage, still account for many potential closures due to their large numbers. The report notes that funding caps and regional disparities further threaten sustainability, with Wales experiencing significant historic closures. According to the outlet, this data underscores ongoing challenges for historic places of worship.
The U.S. Department of Transportation announced on Monday that the historic painting 'Christ on the Water' has been returned to its original location at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York. The artwork was moved to a basement in 2023 following pressure from the Military Religious Freedom Foundation. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated the restoration honors the academy's legacy and midshipmen's faith. Acting Superintendent Tony Ceraolo described the piece as vital to the institution's history. While academy leadership celebrated the move, Mikey Weinstein of the foundation condemned it as Christian nationalism and indicated potential legal action.
Christopher Yuan, a theologian and author, shared his faith with an ICU roommate named David after suffering a severe fall that left him paralyzed. According to Yuan’s official X account, the evangelism occurred around 2:00 a.m. while Yuan was recovering from emergency surgery in the United States. The post states that David listened for three hours and subsequently accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. A nurse witnessed the interaction. Yuan, who fell from an inversion table, is currently undergoing rehabilitation with the hope of regaining mobility. The incident highlights Yuan’s continued ministry despite his physical condition.
Armed men linked to Islamic business interests forcibly entered a Christian school in a city in Sudan, threatening displaced believers. A local church leader reported that intruders damaged the headmaster’s office and demanded control of the property. This incident occurs within the broader context of the civil war between rival military factions, which has displaced millions. The 2025 World Watch List ranks Sudan fifth for Christian persecution, noting increased attacks on believers. The U.N. reports tens of thousands of deaths and over 11.9 million displaced people since the conflict began in April 2023.
Texas legislators are demanding clarity from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport regarding chapel access after a pastor reported being denied entry. Tom Ascol, a Baptist minister, claimed he was barred from the Meadows Interfaith Chapel on September 26 while an Islamic prayer service was underway. Representative Chip Roy and Senator Mayes Middleton criticized the airport, arguing that taxpayer-funded public spaces must remain neutral and open to all faiths. In response, Greg McBrayer of the DFW Airport Interfaith Chaplaincy stated that the organization never restricts entry and that the overseeing Muslim cleric was unaware of the alleged incident until it was reported online. The lawmakers have requested detailed schedules and policy justifications from airport CEO Chris McLaughlin.
Wycliffe Bible Translators announced record-breaking translation milestones on September 30, releasing 118 new Bible or New Testament versions in one year. This effort has reduced the number of languages without any Scripture by 44 percent, down from 985 to 550. Consequently, 197 million people now have access to the full Bible in their native language, while 54 million have access to the New Testament. The organization highlights specific successes in Papua New Guinea and Uganda, where translations aid literacy and community development. Despite this progress, Wycliffe notes that approximately 1.5 billion people still lack access to Scripture in their heart language. (Source: Kidok Ilbo)
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Over 14,000 people attended the 'Festival of Hope' evangelism event in Brussels, Belgium, on Saturday night. Rev. Franklin Graham, president of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, delivered the keynote message at the ING Arena. The crowd exceeded the venue's capacity, with thousands watching via live stream in overflow areas. Organizers stated the message was translated into seven languages. David Vandeput of the Belgian Federal Synod described the turnout as extraordinary and a milestone for local evangelical churches. The BGEA reported that many attendees responded to the Gospel message.
According to Open Doors, more than 100 Christians were killed and 100 others kidnapped in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo over two days. On September 8, Allied Democratic Forces militants ambushed a funeral in a village, killing 70 people and burning homes. A second attack the next day targeted farmers in another area, resulting in 30 deaths. The violence has forced thousands to flee their communities. The group says the attackers aim to establish a caliphate in the region.
Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader presided over a special worship service at the National Palace to honor National Bible Day. The event, attended by Vice President Raquel Peña and First Lady Raquel Arbaje, was moved to September 18 to accommodate the president's attendance at the U.N. General Assembly. Milcíades Franjul, a government liaison, stated that Scripture provides guidance for the nation's economic and social challenges. Pastor Victor Tiburcio also spoke, describing the Bible as a tool against fear. The gathering reinforced the connection between the government and faith communities, emphasizing values of justice and unity. (Source: Kidok Ilbo)
Erika Kirk publicly forgave Tyler Robinson, the man who shot her husband Charlie Kirk, during a memorial service at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The event, attended by tens of thousands and watched globally, featured eulogies from President Donald Trump and other conservative figures. Erika Kirk cited Christ’s example on the cross to justify her forgiveness, stating that love is the answer to hate. She reflected on her late husband’s faith and submission to God’s will, noting that his death has inspired many to return to religious practices. The gathering emphasized Christian values and the revival of family life, which Charlie Kirk championed throughout his career.
Authorities in Ramona, California, arrested 22-year-old Joel Martin Dukes III for the fatal shooting of 40-year-old Pastor Felipe Ascencio. The incident occurred on September 7 when deputies responded to a call at Templo Monte Horeb. Ascencio died at the scene despite paramedic efforts. His family, including his wife Abigail and two children, chose to forgive the suspect, citing Christian teachings. A funeral was held on Friday, and a GoFundMe page has raised over $34,000 to support the surviving family. Police continue to investigate the motive behind the killing.
The European Evangelical Alliance has appointed Andreas Wenzel of Germany as its new president, succeeding Rev. Frank Hinkelmann after a 12-year tenure. The announcement was made during the organization's hybrid Members Meeting in Bar, Montenegro. Wenzel brings extensive experience from Word of Life Germany and Europe, having served in various leadership roles since 1990. EEA co-general secretaries Connie Main Duarte and Jan Wessels praised his biblical dedication and mission focus. The Alliance, founded in 1951, represents over 23 million Evangelicals across 35 countries and advocates for religious freedom and church unity.
Calvary Chapel Belfast in the US is appealing a federal court decision that dismissed its lawsuit against the University of Maine System. The church alleges the university cancelled a property sale due to religious hostility regarding its views on same-sex marriage. U.S. District Judge Stacey D. Neumann previously ruled there was no evidence of religious animus, citing cost-saving factors. The church’s legal team, including Daniel Schmid of Liberty Counsel, argues the government discriminated based on religion. They warn that rejecting the appeal could have broader implications for First Amendment rights and fair bidding processes for religious entities. The case is now before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit.
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