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Feast Feb. 2: Presentation of Child Jesus on #Candlemas
Feast of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple, or Purification of the Blessed Virgin, is being observed today (Feb. 2) by Christians around the world. While it is customary for Christians in some countries to remove their Christmas decorations on Twelfth Night (Epiphany Eve), those in other Christian countries historically remove them on Candlemas. On Candlemas, many Christians (especially Anglicans, Methodists, Lutherans, Orthodox and Roman Catholics) also take their candles to their local

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National Prayer Breakfast 2017: Pastor Rick Warren Says Election 'Really Divided America'
Pastor Rick Warren, of Saddleback Church in California, said this year's 65th annual National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C., on Thursday is particularly important due to how estranged Americans have become following the recent presidential election. More than 3,000 attendees are expected.

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God Will Determine Super Bowl 2017 Winner, Says 25% of Americans Polled by PRRI
While there may be significant disagreements by religious backgrounds among Americans about the function God plays in sports, one-quarter, or 25 percent, of Americans polled during last month by nonprofit PRRI believe God plays a role in determining the outcome of sporting events. However, 73 percent of the public polled disagreed with this concept.

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Jenna Bush Hager Condemns Immigration Travel Ban: 'This Is Not America I Know'
Former first daughter Jenna Welch Bush Hager shared her thoughts on President Donald Trump's controversial immigration ban on Tuesday, saying the face of terror is not the true faith of Islam. "That's not what Islam is all about. Islam is peace. These terrorists don't represent peace. They represent evil and war."

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Sally Yates, Veteran Attorney General, Fired by Trump Over Travel Ban Dissent
After acting attorney general Sally Yates issued a memo Monday ordering U.S. Justice Department lawyers not to defend President Trump's controversial immigration executive order, he "relieved" her of her duties," according to a White House statement late Monday evening. Yates, 56, a career official with a history of bipartisan support and former U.S. President Barack Obama appointee, said she was "not convinced" Trump's immigration order is "lawful" and that the Justice Department would not defe

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.
