A federal appeals court in the US upheld Christian Brothers Automotive’s policy of granting franchises only to professing Christians. The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected a lawsuit from Evan Domanic, a Jewish applicant who claimed the policy constituted ethnic discrimination. The court ruled that the company’s requirement was based on religious affiliation, not ethnicity, noting that federal law prohibits racial discrimination but not religious discrimination in this context. The company, which operates over 250 locations, stated its mission is to glorify God through ethical service. The decision confirms that the policy does not violate civil rights laws.
The U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan resolution recognizing the 50th anniversary of Prison Fellowship, a Washington-based Christian nonprofit founded by Charles Colson in 1976. The measure honors the organization's work serving incarcerated individuals and their families, as well as its advocacy for criminal justice reform. Senators Christopher Coons and James Lankford co-sponsored the resolution, highlighting the group's impact on redemption and family restoration. Heather Rice-Minus, the organization's president and CEO, thanked lawmakers for the recognition, attributing the ministry's success to divine faithfulness. The resolution underscores ongoing support for restorative justice approaches in the United States.
A federal judge in Oklahoma has ruled that the National Ben Gamla Jewish Charter School Foundation can continue its legal challenge against state laws barring religious organizations from operating publicly funded charter schools. Judge David L. Russell stated that the nonsectarian provision in the Oklahoma Charter Schools Act violates the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment by discriminating based on religious character. The foundation, established by Peter Deutsch, seeks to launch a statewide online school. This development follows a previous unsuccessful attempt by a Catholic virtual school in 2023.
Muslim residents in Surabaya, Indonesia, are opposing the construction of a church in the CitraLand housing complex, citing a discrepancy between the address on the official building permit and the actual site. The dispute centers on procedural issues rather than religious intolerance, according to local officials. Attorney Hartony Edi stated that the permit remains valid despite the administrative error. District Head Zainuddin Fanani attributed the resistance to a misunderstanding and emphasized efforts to resolve the conflict through dialogue. Meanwhile, religious freedom advocates and local residents criticized the opposition as inconsistent with Surabaya's reputation for tolerance.
The World Evangelical Alliance called on Israel to halt settler violence and settlement expansion in the West Bank during a United Nations Human Rights Council session. Markus Hofer delivered the statement, urging protection for Palestinian civilians, including Christians, and accountability for attackers. The group highlighted repeated incidents in Taybeh, described as the last predominantly Christian village, citing property damage and new outposts. Rev. Jack Sara emphasized that violence against communities and places of worship demands global church attention, asserting that injustice cannot be justified by religion or nationalism.
The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a lower court decision allowing a century-old cross and Nativity display to remain in Los Angeles’ El Pueblo district. The court rejected atheist plaintiff Jack Gerritsen’s request for removal, citing the displays' historical significance since 1929. Attorney Andrea Butler of Becket represented local merchants, arguing that religious symbols are part of the nation's cultural heritage. The case references the Supreme Court’s 2019 American Legion ruling. The matter now returns to the district court for a final determination on the Establishment Clause challenge.
Franklin Graham, president of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, addressed thousands at Manchester’s Co-op Live in England. During his God Loves You Tour, he used the biblical story of Sodom and Lot to urge attendees to repent and trust in Jesus Christ. Graham emphasized that personal faith is required for salvation, warning against complacency in sin. He also offered forgiveness to those burdened by guilt, including women with past abortions, and invited the audience to respond publicly to his message. The event took place in the United Kingdom.
A Wheatley Institute study at Brigham Young University reveals that 76% of Americans have experienced or witnessed a miracle. Based on 2,005 respondents, the survey indicates that religious importance remains high, with 43% thanking God multiple times daily. Even among the religiously unaffiliated, many believe in a higher power rather than strict secularism. Researchers note that spiritual practices often occur privately outside of traditional church settings. The findings suggest that gratitude toward the divine is a primary outlet for many, challenging assumptions about widespread secularization in the United States.
Valor Christian High School in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, has baptized 96 students through its '5th Quarter' events since launching in fall 2024. These gatherings occur twice per academic year following home athletic competitions, drawing hundreds of attendees including students, parents, and community members. Assistant Athletic Director Jessika Caldwell initiated the program after being inspired by a university revival, aiming to provide spiritual opportunities within sports settings. School officials report that the events facilitate worship and testimonies, with recent gatherings resulting in multiple baptisms. The school, which enrolls over 1,100 students, views these initiatives as effective tools for faith development among Gen Z athletes.
The U.S. Department of Justice is supporting the Internal Revenue Service in an appeal regarding an agreement that limits enforcement of the Johnson Amendment against specific religious groups. The Trump administration filed a brief with the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in the case National Religious Broadcasters et al. v. Scott Bessent et al. The Johnson Amendment prohibits tax-exempt organizations from intervening in political campaigns. The DOJ argued that the lower court overlooked an exception to the Anti-Injunction Act. The lawsuit was originally filed by National Religious Broadcasters and other groups in 2024. A federal judge dismissed the case in March, citing jurisdictional issues under the Anti-Injunction Act and the Declaratory Judgment Act. The IRS had previously agreed not to enforce the amendment against certain political endorsements by pastors.
A major Christian broadcasting network in South Korea marks its 70th anniversary with events extending through the year, highlighting decades of radio outreach. Reports indicate programs reach listeners in neighboring regions, including areas in North Korea, China, Russia, and Mongolia. The broadcaster claims its signals cover North Korea and parts of Siberia, noting that some residents there have secretly listened via hidden radios. Founded by an American missionary, the station expanded significantly in the 1970s. Led by its current chairman, the organization operates multiple stations within South Korea. Anniversary activities include concerts and a final thanksgiving service held in a major city. (68 words)
Authorities in China have detained multiple pastors and workers from an independent house church operating for over two decades. A prominent church aid founder expressed urgent concern for their safety and legal rights. This action is part of a wider campaign against unregistered churches, following similar raids on other congregations in various cities. While some detainees face charges like fraud, others were recently released after years of harsh detention. Meanwhile, a lawyer fled to escape pressure on her firm. These events highlight the intensifying restrictions on religious freedom in the region.
Biltmore Church in North Carolina baptized 458 people on September 13, marking the largest event in its 137-year history. The outdoor ceremony took place at a private lake in Fletcher. Executive Pastor Devin Goins stated the turnout was humbling and represented lives changed by faith. The multisite church gathers annually to celebrate new disciples. Staff confirmed participants' readiness before the event and followed up with discipleship opportunities. This number exceeds the 279 baptisms recorded at the previous year's event.
Two United Nations special rapporteurs have demanded that Iran explain the confiscation of a historic Protestant church in a major city. The experts sent a formal letter regarding the seizure of the property, which includes homes and schools. Approximately 50 Assyrian and Armenian Christian families were displaced. The rapporteurs stated this incident reflects a decades-long pattern of persecution against Persian-speaking Christians in Iran. They noted that no Protestant churches currently offer services in Persian, as previous locations remain closed. Iran has not responded to the inquiry, and regime forces now guard the site.
A Connecticut Superior Court judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by parents challenging the state's elimination of religious exemptions from school vaccine mandates. The plaintiffs argued that mandatory vaccinations violated their religious beliefs regarding fetal cell lines and animal-derived components. The court ruled that the 2021 legislation and subsequent laws clarifying that religious exemptions are not protected under the state's Religious Freedom Restoration Act are valid. This decision concludes four years of litigation, following a 2024 Connecticut Supreme Court ruling that rejected other constitutional claims. Connecticut is one of several U.S. states that do not permit religious exemptions for school vaccines.
A new report by the Evangelical Alliance UK indicates that Evangelical Christianity is expanding among young adults, men, and ethnic minorities in Britain. Conducted by Whitestone Insight, the survey of over 8,400 adults found that 12.3 million people identify with or hold Evangelical beliefs. The data reveals that those under 35 are the most likely age group to identify as Evangelical, and men comprise nearly 60% of the demographic. Additionally, nearly 30% of Evangelicals come from ethnic minority backgrounds. The Alliance describes these findings as encouraging evidence that the movement is thriving despite broader religious decline in the UK.
Leaders of France’s two major Protestant organizations, the Protestant Federation of France (FPF) and the National Council of Evangelicals in France (CNEF), agreed to establish a standing dialogue forum. The agreement was reached during a two-day meeting in Sète on September 3-4. The groups now recognize each other as authentic expressions of French Protestantism, aiming to address shared concerns such as chaplaincy services and fundamental freedoms. This cooperation seeks to overcome past misunderstandings and build a relationship based on mutual respect for each body's distinct mission and vocation. The joint statement was signed by eight leaders and published on September 14.
Illinois officials agreed to a federal court order temporarily blocking the state from enforcing parts of its assisted suicide law against Catholic nuns and a pharmacist. The agreement, approved by U.S. District Judge Franklin Valderrama, protects the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago and Fitzgerald Pharmacy owner Luke Vander Bleek while their lawsuit proceeds. The plaintiffs argue the End-of-Life Options for Terminally Ill Patients Act violates their religious freedom and conscience rights. Mark Rienzi of Becket stated the law attacks religious liberty. The state consented to the temporary restraining order to allow litigation to continue without immediate penalties for the religious objectors.
Evangelist Michael Youssef is urging Christians to be bold in sharing their faith ahead of the AWAKE Houston gathering at the Smart Financial Centre in Sugar Land, Texas. Youssef, who founded the AWAKE America initiative, warns of growing Islamist influence in the state, citing concerns about Muslim communities and Islamic tribunals. The September 19 event features worship artist Chris Tomlin and former Muslim Ahmed Joktan. Youssef argues that political measures are insufficient and that spiritual revival is necessary to address these societal challenges. The gathering aims to unite Christians across denominations around the Gospel.
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