<b>The Associated Press</b> : Breaking Christian News: World, Business, and More

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Commission: Christian OK to Refuse Gay Video Copying

An Arlington businessman who had been ordered by a local government commission to duplicate videos of gay-rights marches that he found offensive won a reprieve after the commission rescinded its initi
Christian Businessman Ordered to Duplicate Gay Video Sues

A Christian businessman in Arlington is suing officials who ordered him to reproduce gay-themed videos or pay someone else to do it.
Senate to Tackle Same-Sex 'Marriage' Ban

President Bush and congressional Republicans are aiming the political spotlight this week on efforts to ban gay marriage, with events at both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue.
Bush Endorses Amendment to Protect Marriage

President Bush on Saturday backed a resolution to amend the Constitution to define marriage as a union between a man and a woman.
Faith-Based Prison Program Ruled Unconstitutional

A judge on Friday ruled that a Bible-based prison program violated the First Amendment's freedom of religion clause by using state funds to promote Christianity to inmates.
Bush to Promote Gay Marriage Amendment

President Bush will promote a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage on Monday, the eve of a scheduled Senate vote on the cause that is dear to his conservative backers.
Ga. High Court to Expedite Gay Marriage Appeal

Georgia's highest court said Tuesday it would expedite its review of a ruling that struck down the state's voter-approved ban on gay marriage. The court will hear arguments in the case on June 27.
Gay Marriage Goes to NY High Court

New York's highest court hears arguments today on behalf of 45 same-sex couples who were denied marriage licenses across the state. It is the last step before the court makes the ultimate judicial de
Religious Leaders Square Off in Marriage Battle

Religious leaders are lining up in opposing coalitions over whether to amend the U.S. Constitution to ban gay marriage.
Amnesty Int'l Condemns World Powers on Human Rights

Amnesty International said in a report released Tuesday that the relentless pursuit of security by the world's powerful nations had undermined human rights, draining energy and attention from crises
Robertson: God says storms, possibly tsunami, will hit US in 2006

Religious broadcaster Pat Robertson is saying that God told him storms and possibly a tsunami will hit America's coastline this year.
Immigrants Sue Salvation Army, Claim Fraud

A half-dozen illegal immigrants are suing the Salvation Army and two of its former local officials for consumer fraud, claiming the leaders took their money under false promises of helping them gain l
Over 345,000 Sign Petition against Ill. Gay 'Marriage'

SPRINGFIELD (AP) – Opponents of gay marriage submitted more than 345,000 signatures Monday in an effort to get an advisory referendum on Illinois ballots this fall, but Gov. Rod Blagojevich condemned
World Council Calls on Iran to Recognize Israel

The World Council of Churches called on Iran Thursday to halt its uranium enrichment program and recognize the state of Israel.
Pope Urges Muslims to Respect Christians

VATICAN CITY (AP) - Pope Benedict XVI urged Islamic countries to ensure religious rights for Christian migrants Monday while also saying Christians should continue welcoming Muslim immigrants with ope
Australia Invalidates Gay-Relationship Law

Conservative Prime Minister John Howard's federal government has invoked special powers to invalidate a territory's law that had been the first in Australia giving legal recognition to same-sex rela
China: Internet Cos. Must Obey Its Laws

China welcomes foreign Internet companies working in China, but they must respect and abide by the country's laws, including those on expression, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said Thursday.
India Puts on Hold on 'Da Vinci Code'

The Indian government on Tuesday put a temporary hold on the release of 'The Da Vinci Code' in India, saying it must address concerns raised by some groups before the film is screened at cinemas.
'Da Vinci Code' to Be Released in India

'The Da Vinci Code' will be released in movie theaters across India on Friday — one week late — after the censor board and its distributor reached an agreement to display statements saying the film
150 Gather Outside U.N. Office in Beijing

Some 150 Chinese seeking action from their government on various grievances demonstrated outside a United Nations office in Beijing on Saturday while U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan visited China.
Thai, Malaysian Churches Take Stances on 'Da Vinci Code'

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) - A leading Malaysian church organization voiced concerns Monday that the film The Da Vinci Code would distort religious teachings, but said Christians should make up their
America Observes Memorial Day

As he observes Memorial Day today, President Bush is expected to say more sacrifices may be needed in Iraq. At Arlington National Cemetery, Bush will lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns.
Pope names new Washington bishop

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Benedict XVI has named Pittsburgh Bishop Donald Wuerl to replace Cardinal Theodore McCarrick as archbishop of Washington, the Vatican said Tuesday.
28 Chinese Christians Detained In Raid On Service

Chinese authorities detained 28 Christians in a raid on a non-government-authorized church service at a private home, an overseas monitoring group said Friday.
Attack on Pentecostal Radio Station in Kenya Kills 1, Wounds 2

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) – Unidentified gunmen shot and killed one person, wounded two others and torched part of a Pentecostal church radio station during the broadcasting of a program.