The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention delivered its 100th ultrasound machine to Mercy House Pregnancy Resource Center in Elizabethtown, North Carolina. The dedication event took place on Friday, attended by local pastors and community members. Mercy House Executive Director Megan Knight expressed gratitude, noting the equipment supports their ministry to women. The Psalm 139 Project, which began in the early 2000s, aims to help pro-life centers secure medical resources. Rachel Wiles, the project director, stated that additional machines will be dedicated in Virginia, Tennessee, and Michigan soon. The initiative also supports mothers in pro-choice states through an expanded program.
Kingdom Faith Fellowship Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is developing an 181-unit senior housing complex on its property. The project, created in partnership with Scott Crawford Inc., targets residents aged 55 and older. According to the outlet, 80 percent of the units will be market-rate, while 20 percent are designated as workforce housing for middle-income individuals. The development includes various unit sizes and amenities such as a fitness room and walking trails. The team is currently navigating the city's rezoning process. Church leaders state the initiative fulfills their mission to serve the community and provide spiritual opportunities for seniors.
Organizers are hosting a large-scale Christian prayer gathering called 'Rededicate 250' on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on May 17. The event marks the 250th anniversary of the United States and aims to unite faith leaders with public officials. Participants include House Speaker Mike Johnson, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and various prominent Christian pastors and bishops. The all-day program features worship, testimonies, and a national rededication to God. Organizers state the event reflects America’s spiritual history and future direction. Those unable to attend in person can join via livestreams provided by partner ministries. The gathering is free and open to the public.
A US congressional commission held a hearing focusing on North Korean human rights and the flow of external information. Co-chaired by representatives, the session featured testimony from experts who warned that restrictions in South Korea on defector-led activities and information broadcasts undermine efforts to expose the regime's abuses. The witnesses emphasized that external information is crucial for North Korean citizens and that current policies threaten the liberal democratic foundations necessary for human rights advocacy.
A federal judge in the US state of Washington has allowed a lawsuit to proceed, rejecting the state's motion to dismiss. Jennifer and Shane DeGross, a Christian couple, argue that the Washington Department of Children, Youth and Families denied them an unrestricted foster care license due to their religious beliefs regarding gender and sexuality. The couple claims the policy violates their First Amendment rights. Judge David G. Estudillo ruled that their free speech and religious exercise claims have merit, though some other arguments were dismissed. The case will continue with an amended complaint due by May 13.
The Jackson-Madison County School Board in Tennessee unanimously approved a proposal for Union Academy, a faith-based Christian charter school, during a special meeting on April 28. Superintendent Marlon King stated the initiative originated from discussions with Union University leadership. The school plans to serve 206 students in grades K-5 starting in the 2027-28 academic year, with expansion goals up to 12th grade. Alliance Defending Freedom Senior Counsel Mark Lippelmann supported the decision, arguing it provides more educational choices and avoids unconstitutional discrimination. This approval contrasts with recent legal setbacks for similar religious charter efforts in Oklahoma.
The Los Angeles Unified School District in the United States reversed its decision to exclude a Christian student group from school announcements. Following a demand letter from Liberty Counsel alleging viewpoint discrimination, the district agreed to allow the Faith and Fellowship Club at the Arts and Entertainment Virtual Academy to promote its activities during weekly webinars. The legal group argued that excluding the club while promoting other holidays constituted unequal treatment. District officials initially cited the club's student-led nature as a reason for exclusion but ultimately permitted the promotional slides. Liberty Counsel reported that student participation in the club doubled immediately after the policy change.
An Egyptian man who converted from Islam to Christianity is on trial in a city in Egypt for charges including insulting Islam and forming an unlawful group. According to Coptic Solidarity, he faces allegations related to his faith and efforts to change his religious ID. The convert is detained at a prison in the region, where reports indicate he has been subjected to physical abuse, including suspension in a crucifixion position. He was deported from Russia in 2024 despite UN refugee status. The case highlights ongoing restrictions on religious conversion in Egypt.
An evangelical aid agency strongly opposes a reported plan by a U.S. administration to relocate over 1,000 Afghan allies to a country in Central Africa. The proposal targets individuals currently housed in a Middle Eastern nation, including former interpreters and special operations members evacuated during a recent military withdrawal. The organization's president criticized the move as cruel and shortsighted, noting that these allies were promised protection. He highlighted the target region's ongoing conflict and poverty, arguing that sending more refugees there is morally wrong and ignores the humanitarian crisis already present in the area.
Israel has appointed George Deek as its first special envoy to the Christian world, aiming to repair strained relations following recent controversies. Deek, an Israeli Arab Christian and former ambassador to Azerbaijan, brings 18 years of diplomatic experience to the role. The Foreign Ministry stated the appointment addresses tensions involving incidents in Lebanon and disputes at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Deek expressed gratitude for the position, emphasizing his goal to build bridges between Israel and global Christian communities. The move has received praise from international figures and officials, marking a significant step in diplomatic outreach. (Source: Kidok Ilbo)
A survey by RMG Research indicates strong US support for voluntary off-campus religious instruction during school hours. Commissioned by LifeWise Academy, the poll found 86% of parents and 93% of educators favor moral education in public schools. When informed about constitutional released-time programs, 69% of parents and 73% of educators viewed them as beneficial. Respondents cited positive outcomes like improved behavior and attendance. The findings emerge amid growing concerns over student mental health, with many teachers reporting high levels of student anxiety and bullying. The legal basis relies on the Zorach v. Clauson Supreme Court decision.
A representative from Voice of the Martyrs USA reports that ongoing conflict in Iran has created unexpected opportunities for underground Christian ministry. Despite raids and instability, believers have formed resilient communities, with some holding outdoor worship sessions. Many Iranians are questioning life and death, leading to increased evangelism in cafes and homes. Although Iran remains a high-risk environment for converts, contacts report optimism and a refusal to flee. The group describes the crisis as a spiritual turning point. According to Open Doors, Christians face severe persecution, yet local leaders remain committed to their faith and mission.
Baptize California, led by Pastor Mark Francey, announced a worldwide baptism gathering titled “Baptize the World” scheduled for May 24. The initiative aims to expand from previous national efforts in the US to a global scale, with local chapters in countries like Denmark and Canada promoting the event under their own identities. Francey stated the goal is to reach non-believers and encourage immediate baptism. The ministry previously recorded over 12,000 baptisms in California in 2024 and approximately 28,000 nationwide in June 2025. Organizers expect tens of thousands of participants, though final numbers remain uncertain as many decide on the day of the event.
A recent Evangelical Alliance survey reveals that while most UK Christians feel free to practice their faith, nearly half find public expression increasingly difficult. The study, conducted in late 2025, indicates that cultural shifts regarding gender and sexuality, along with social media polarization, are key factors. Although 88% believe they can openly practice their religion, 41% have become more cautious in public settings. Many respondents feel ill-equipped for complex cultural conversations, and workplace interactions remain unpredictable. The report highlights a tension between enduring institutional influence and rising societal hostility, noting that visibility brings both opportunity and vulnerability for believers in Britain.
House Speaker Mike Johnson joined Christian leaders and celebrities at National Community Church in Washington, D.C., to launch a weeklong Bible reading marathon. The event, organized by Christians Engaged, will take place at the Museum of the Bible, featuring nearly 500 participants reading scripture daily. Johnson shared a personal testimony about his father’s survival to highlight the importance of biblical promises. Organizers state the initiative aims to encourage Americans to return to daily Bible reading for the nation's well-being. Speakers included actress Candace Cameron Bure and historian David Barton, who discussed the Bible's historical and spiritual significance.
Sales of high-end Bibles in the United States have risen significantly, with some luxury editions costing up to $400. Sky Cline of Schuyler Bible Publishers attributes this trend to a desire for physical, long-lasting items amidst digital fatigue. The market also saw spikes following the September 2025 shooting of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. Overall US Bible sales reached approximately 19 million units in 2025, a 21-year high. According to Circana’s Brenna Connor, this 12 percent increase over 2024 reflects a broader search for hope and community during uncertain times. The trend extends across Protestant and Catholic circles, driven by collectors and believers seeking stability.
Nearly 500 public officials, ministry leaders, and celebrities will participate in a weeklong Bible reading marathon in Washington, D.C., starting Sunday at the Museum of the Bible. Organizers state the event, titled “America Reads the Bible,” aims to encourage renewed national focus on Scripture ahead of the U.S. 250th anniversary. Participants will read from Genesis to Revelation over seven days, with more than 450 speakers including cabinet members and governors. Christians Engaged founder Bunni Pounds says the goal is to call Americans back to daily Bible reading for the country's well-being and to address leadership crises. The event is livestreamed nationally.
Pro-life activist Mark Houck has received a settlement exceeding one million dollars following a legal battle with the U.S. Department of Justice. The case originated from a 2021 incident in Philadelphia where Houck and his son were praying outside an abortion clinic. Although a jury acquitted Houck of criminal charges in 2023, he and his wife pursued a civil lawsuit alleging malicious prosecution and false arrest. The 40 Days for Life Institute of Law & Justice confirmed the resolution, with CEO Shawn Carney calling it a significant victory for free speech and the pro-life movement. The settlement occurs as reports suggest the DOJ is preparing findings regarding the use of the FACE Act during the previous administration.
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission filed a lawsuit against Blue Eagle Contracting, Inc., a Grass Valley, California trucking company. The agency alleges the firm violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act by refusing to accommodate a Christian driver who needed Sundays off for church. The driver initially covered a Sunday shift temporarily but was forced to remain on that schedule after a replacement was hired, despite his objections. He eventually resigned due to the conflict. EEOC officials state employers must explore accommodations unless undue hardship exists. This case aligns with broader federal efforts to protect religious liberty in the workplace, including recent initiatives by the Department of Labor and the White House Faith Office.
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