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U.S. Naturalization Tests Changed from “Freedom of Worship” to “Freedom of Religion”
U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) staffers modified the wording about religious freedom in the country's naturalization study and test materials in response to a request from Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) to change the words "freedom of worship" to "freedom of religion" in relation to First Amendment rights.

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Zika Virus Is 'Scarier Than Initially Thought,' Billions Needed To Fight It Say U.S. Health Officials
A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention official said Monday the Zika virus is tied to more birth defects than the genetic abnormalities-related microcephaly, and the mosquitoes that can carry it are present in 30 U.S. states. Doctors from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health appeared before White House reporters Monday to press their case for Congress to approve $1.9 billion in emergency funding to fight the virus.

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Shameless Maya Asks 'Do You Believe in God?' As She Documents Growing Pains
Docu-web actress and vlogger "Shameless Maya" launched a YouTube channel for which she pondered what would happen if she shamelessly promoted herself for 365 days. What she started as a social media experiment became her lifestyle and job, and now her most recent video from Sunday poses questions about beliefs in God.

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Pope Francis Asks for Release of Captive Salesian Priest Tom Uzhunnalil From Terrorists
During Sunday's (April 10) Regina coeli prayer, Pope Francis appealed for the immediate release of Fr. Tom Uzhunnalil, SDB, who was taken captive on March 4 during the murderous terror attack on a home for the elderly operated by the Missionaries of Charity in Yemen. Uzhunnalil, 56, was a Catholic priest from India rumored to be heading toward crucifixion by radical Islamists on Good Friday. No one publicly has unequivocally stated his whereabouts.

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Phil Robertson, 'Duck Dynasty' VIP, Prays For 'Jesus Man in White House' Before NASCAR Race
Duck Dynasty's patriarch Phil Robertson asked for 'a Jesus man in the White House' during the pre-race prayer for the Sprint Cup Series' Duck Commander 500 NASCAR Race at Texas Motor Speedway on Saturday night. He gave the prayer because the family company, Duck Commander, is the title sponsor of the race.

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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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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.

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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.
