The World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) is celebrating its 180th anniversary this week. The international body traces its origins to a gathering in London on August 19, 1846, where approximately 800 to 1,000 Christian leaders met to demonstrate unity in faith. According to the organization, it now serves 650 million Christians through 164 national alliances and over 100 international organizations. To mark the occasion, the WEA organized an online celebration on September 23 featuring prayer and recognition. Secretary General Botrus Mansour addressed the group, discussing the balance between the call for unity and evangelical independence. The event was broadcast at different times to accommodate various time zones.
Translated from FrançaisAlso reported by 2 outlets
Read more →
Illustrative photo
Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Nick Castelli on UnsplashGood news
The Ecumenical Translation of the Bible (TOB) was officially launched on January 23, 1965, following an initiative by pastor André Morel and abbé Jean Starcky. The project aimed to create a shared French Bible for Catholics, Protestants, and Orthodox Christians. Although linguist Eugène Nida predicted a decade-long process, the New Testament was published by November 6, 1972. The article notes that a revision of the existing Bible of Jerusalem was abandoned because changes would have altered its identity. The initiative originated from fraternal meetings rather than church hierarchies, marking a significant step in Christian unity efforts in France.
Translated from Français
Read more →
Illustrative photo
Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Nico Miot on UnsplashGood news
The Protestant Aid association in Reims, France, marks its 120th anniversary by launching a wellness space project. Founded in 1906 to provide food assistance, the organization now distributes 34,000 meal packages annually. Director Élodie Franck explains that the association has expanded its services to include job search workshops, a clothing boutique, and laundry facilities. The new initiative, funded by a 4,000 euro grant from the Charles Gide Prize, will add a hair salon. The association relies heavily on volunteers, three-quarters of whom are former beneficiaries, fostering social reintegration and dignity for those in need.
Following backlash over Meghan Markle’s expensive Advent calendar, Reverend Daniel French in the UK promoted a £6 fair-trade chocolate alternative. The Meaningful Chocolate Company sold out its stock after the suggestion went viral. All proceeds support the La Mission Lèpre association, which aids people affected by leprosy. Despite criticism from Sussex supporters, the initiative received global support. Amanda Norman, director of La Mission Lèpre, praised the Reverend for highlighting the cause. The calendar includes a booklet explaining the Christmas story and Jesus’ birth, emphasizing solidarity over luxury.
For the first time in 89 years, residents of the Faroe Islands have access to a new New Testament translation in the Faroese language. This ecumenical project unites the national Lutheran Church and Free Churches, groups that previously used different versions. Led by former Lutheran bishop Hans Jacob Joensen, the initiative reflects local liturgical usage and vocabulary. The Universal Bible Alliance notes the edition includes explanatory footnotes and a glossary. This collaboration marks a significant step for the autonomous Danish territory's religious communities, who share a population of approximately 55,000 people.
For about ten years, the Pentecostal church in Bagnols-sur-Cèze, France, lacked a suitable public worship space due to safety regulations. Pastor Alexis Henry explains that congregants previously traveled to Orange or met in private homes. Since October 4, the United Protestant Church of Bagnols-Pont-Bourg has allowed these evangelicals to use its local temple. This arrangement permits monthly gatherings on the first Sunday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., resolving a long-standing logistical issue for the community. The decision was made by the local parish council to support the group's need for a dedicated venue.
The French association Familles en Action is launching a theater project to support migrant women in one of Europe's poorest neighborhoods. Adeline Brossard, the sector manager, explains that a new residents' committee identified needs for safety, school support, and women's activities. To build confidence, the group partnered with theater companies Duanama and Eloquentia. For one year, participants will attend weekly classes and perform their own stories. The initiative aims to help women overcome shyness and discover their potential. A recently awarded prize will fund the instructors and potentially a trip to Avignon, fostering social inclusion and personal growth.
The Argentine Christian Evangelical Alliance (ACIERA) held its first congress on childhood, adolescence, family, and education in Quilmes, Argentina, near Buenos Aires. Taking place on September 12 at the Ríos de Vida church, the event gathered approximately 500 pastors and ministry leaders. According to Christian Daily, the gathering addressed critical issues such as extreme poverty, suicide, sexual abuse, and neurodivergence affecting young people. Rubén Del Re, director general of the Argentine Bible Society, led a plenary session urging attendees to engage with adolescents and share Scripture. The event aimed to equip church leaders to better support families and youth facing these challenges.
The Salvation Army's William Booth Residence in France has hired two nurses, two psychologists, and a health mediator to better assist vulnerable individuals. According to the outlet, this initiative aims to prioritize human connection alongside medical care. Florence Bousquet, a coordinating psychologist, explains that staff spend time building trust before starting treatment plans. The team also helps residents attend medical appointments and organizes social workshops to foster familiarity. Additionally, the staff uses telephone interpretation services and other employees to overcome language barriers, ensuring that residents who do not speak French can understand their healthcare needs. This approach seeks to treat people as individuals rather than just their medical conditions.
From October 5 to 9, approximately 250 Christian leaders from 32 countries met in Golem, Albania, for the Hope for Europe 2026 event. Organized by the European Evangelical Alliance, the gathering focused on finding hope during uncertain times. The location holds symbolic weight, as Albania was once the world's first officially atheist state under Enver Hoxha. Jan Wessels of the Alliance highlighted the country's religious growth, noting an increase from roughly 20 believers in 1991 to 13,000 today across 300 churches. Alesio Sema of the Albanian Evangelical Alliance described the event as a significant testimony of faith for local believers.
Translated from FrançaisAlso reported by 1 other outlet
The Protestant Federation of France honored fifteen associations with the Charles Gide Prize during its national days in France. The jury, led by Gilles Camincher, selected projects addressing food insecurity, mental health, and social isolation. Winners include initiatives in Bordeaux, Grenoble, Rouen, Paris, and Nîmes. The prize, funded by 100,000 euros from the Charles Gide Circle, aims to support innovative social responses. The FEP notes that these projects empower vulnerable people beyond simple assistance. This fifth edition highlights the federation's role in uniting diverse charitable efforts across the country to tackle societal challenges through sustainable and inclusive actions.
France has launched a new initiative to welcome thirty exiled human rights defenders annually for three years. The project, called 'Femmes exilées engagées', was developed based on recommendations from refugee rights defenders in France. It involves a protocol signed by the FEP and FPF with the ministries of Interior and Foreign Affairs. These women, often journalists, lawyers, or artists forced to flee, will receive support from citizen collectives and associations. They will also undergo training with partners like La Ruche and Synergies migrations. The goal is to recognize their skills and allow them to continue their civic engagement in French society, moving beyond mere protection to active inclusion. The FEP is currently seeking volunteers in Île-de-France and across the country to join these citizen groups.
Eunice Rubio, a Honduran teacher, shares how child sponsorship changed her life. At age four, she joined the Peniel Child and Youth Development Center in Honduras, where she was sponsored by Linda and Robin. This support provided school materials and academic guidance, allowing her to continue her education without interruption. Today, Rubio teaches at Los Pinares Academy in Honduras, serving children from large families and adults who missed out on schooling. She highlights the stark contrast between her privileged background and the poverty, violence, and gang influence faced by many students. According to her account, sponsorship was essential for her academic success and personal development.
The Batwa Pygmies, recognized as one of the most vulnerable communities in Africa's Great Lakes region, are hearing the Gospel in Uganda for the first time. According to Minority Rights Group, these indigenous people have faced severe marginalization, including forced displacement from their ancestral forests. In 1992, the Ugandan government converted their habitat into a national park to protect mountain gorillas, leading to their expulsion. The article highlights their ongoing struggles with poverty, social exclusion, and loss of traditional resources, noting that they were previously considered the guardians of the forest before these changes occurred.
Representatives from the Protestant Federation of France (FPF) and the National Council of Evangelicals in France (CNEF) met on September 3 and 4, 2026, in Sète. The two groups held a seminar to strengthen mutual understanding and trust. The FPF aims to integrate evangelicals more deeply into its governance, while the CNEF seeks to build constructive relations. Participants acknowledged the diversity of French Protestantism and recognized each other as legitimate expressions of the faith. They agreed to move past past misunderstandings and establish a relationship based on respect for each other's missions.
The Protestant Federation of Mutual Aid (FEP) in France conducted a survey of its 65 authorized associations to analyze their food aid practices. The study, aimed at renewing national authorization in 2025, examines organizational methods, target audiences, and challenges. It highlights diverse approaches, including food distribution, communal meals, educational actions, and social support. The report emphasizes the vital role of volunteers and staff in maintaining daily operations. According to the outlet, the findings provide a comprehensive overview of resources mobilized and difficulties encountered by these associations across the country.
Revelation Media, in partnership with the International Mission Board (IMB), is producing an animated version of the Gospel of Luke in American Sign Language (ASL). The project, currently in production, features characters signing directly rather than using a bottom-of-screen interpreter. The initiative aims to reach the 70 to 400 million people with hearing impairments globally, a group that currently has only 2% access to the Gospel. Utilizing technology from the iBIBLE project, the producers hope to provide an immersive visual experience. The outlet reports that the goal is to make the Bible more widely known to this underserved community.
Paraguay's Chamber of Deputies approved a law designating the last Sunday of October as the National Day of the Evangelical Church. The measure passed with 42 votes in favor and 12 abstentions. Proponents, including Deputy Yamil Esgaib, argue the day recognizes the historical social, educational, and humanitarian contributions of evangelical groups, particularly in the Chaco region. Opponents like Raúl Benítez and Johanna Ortega criticized the timing, citing the country's urgent problems and constitutional secularism. The government clarified the initiative is an honorary tribute rather than a public holiday.
Since the beginning of the year, Humanitarian Corridors have organized numerous events across France, including in Paris, Lyon, Strasbourg, and Bordeaux. Associations and citizen groups hosted screenings, debates, and shared meals to raise awareness about refugee reception. Participants, including volunteers and refugees, shared their experiences to highlight the benefits of this safe access route. The film 'Humanitarian Corridors, path of hope' was shown at several gatherings. These meetings aim to strengthen local solidarity and encourage new housing proposals. According to the outlet, these initiatives have already led to some new solidarity housing offers emerging from citizen mobilization.
Translated from Français
Read more →
SermonWave writes its own short summaries and links to the original reporting. Every story belongs to the outlet that reported it. About World News · Our sources · RSS feed
