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Plan to Admit More Refugees Faces Stiff Opposition in U.S. Congress
Plans by President Barack Obama's administration to allow thousands more refugees into the United States faced stiff opposition on Monday in the U.S. Congress, where Republican lawmakers demanded the right to review, and reject, the effort, citing fears of terrorism.

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Volkswagen Shares Plunge on Emissions Scandal, U.S. Widens Probe
Volkswagen shares plunged more than 20 percent on Monday, their biggest one-day fall, after the German carmaker admitted it had rigged emissions tests in the United States, and U.S. authorities said they would widen their probe to other manufacturers.

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U.S. Issues Stern Warning to China before President Xi Jinping's Visit: Cyber Espionage Must Stop
U.S. national security adviser Susan Rice issued a stern warning to China on Monday ahead of President Xi Jinping's visit that state-sponsored cyber espionage must stop, calling it more than an irritant and a critical factor in the future of U.S.-China relations.

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World's Biggest Trade Deal: Germany's Merkel Urges Speedy Deal on Europe-U.S. Free Trade
The outline of a free trade accord between Europe and the United States should be ready by the end of 2015, Germany's chancellor said on Monday, trying to inject fresh impetus into stalled talks on what would be the world's biggest deal of its kind.

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Pope Francis Says Mass in East Cuba on Anniversary of His Calling from God
On a special anniversary for him, Pope Francis celebrated Mass in east Cuba on Monday on the last full day of a trip where he has been praised for aiding rapprochement between the communist government and the United States.

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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.
