-
Houston Passes Controversial Equal Rights Ordinance ‘HERO’, Led by Openly Gay Mayor Annise Parker
On May 28th, the Houston City Council, led by openly gay mayor Annise D. Parker, passed the controversial Equal Rights Ordinance (PDF here) with the stated intent to prohibit discrimination on the basis of certain protected characteristics. Parker said that Houston was one of the last major cities without an equal rights ordinance.
-
Pope Francis Urges Couples to Renounce ‘Culture of Well-Being,’ Raise Children Instead of Pets
He strongly criticized couples choosing not to have children, commenting that they've given in to a culture of "well-being" that values material wealth and comfort more than children.

-
NT Wright, 'World's Leading New Testament Scholar,' Addresses Homosexuality, Creation vs Evolution, Women Ordination
In an interview with Jonathan Merritt, senior columnist for Religion News Service, NT Wright, hailed by Newsweek as "the world's leading New Testament scholar," stated his position on several most controversial issues within the Church: sexuality, science, and gender. The interview is a follow up to Merritt's first discussion with Wright, covering the nature of the Bible and Wright's views on 'inerrancy.'

-
'Faithful' Christian Actress Ann B. Davis - ‘Alice’ from 'The Brady Bunch’ - Dies at 88
Ann B. Davis, known as housekeeper Alice Nelson in the popular television show "The Brady Bunch" and secretary Schultzy on "The Bob Cummings Show" died Sunday at the age of 88. Davis passed away unexpectedly after a fall in a hospital in San Antonio, Texas where she lived with a minister friend and his wife.

-
Sudan Retracts Statement to Free Meriam Ibrahim, Sudanese Christian Woman Sentenced to Death for Apostasy
A Sudanese official who stated that Meriam Ibrahim, a Sudanese woman sentenced to death for the crime of apostasy, would be "set free" has now retracted the statement, according to the American Center for Law and Justice. The case has been closely watched in the past several days since Ibrahim gave birth to a baby girl Wednesday while in prison. Meriam's husband told the Daily Telegraph that "they kept a chain on her legs" as she gave birth.

-
Qatar Evangelical Alliance breaks ground on worship center, witnessing Christ in a Muslim nation
A worship center for evangelical churches has commenced construction in Qatar, marking a significant spiritual milestone in the history of evangelicals in the country.

-
Hong Kong's deadliest fire in a Century: churches mobilize and pray to support the community
On 26 November, a severe level‑five fire broke out at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po. Early reports said at least 13 people died and 23 were injured. Local churches mobilize to support the community and pray.

-
Faith and freedom: USCIRF Chair Vicky Hartzler shares insights on China’s religious landscape
As China continues to update its religious regulations, changes in the country’s faith environment and space for religious practice have drawn increased global attention. In this interview, USCIRF Chair Vicky Hartzler responds to questions about religious policy, human rights, and faith, offering her perspectives on China’s current situation and sharing words of support and encouragement for Christians facing challenges.

-
U.S. Congressional hearing highlights religious freedom challenges facing Chinese Christians and other faith communities
A recent U.S. congressional hearing cast a spotlight on religious freedom conditions in China, with witnesses sharing firsthand accounts of pressure faced by Christian, Muslim, and Tibetan Buddhist communities.

-
Christians gather in Hong Kong to pray for victims of Tai Po Hong Fu Court fire
More than 1,000 Christians gathered in Hong Kong on Dec. 5 for a united prayer service commemorating the victims of the five-alarm fire that devastated Hong Fu Court in Tai Po on Nov. 26, destroying thousands of homes and killing 159 people.
