Prayer News | Where Christians Pray Through the News

Prayer List: Covid-19 Global Menace

Cases of Covid-19, the Wuhan Coronoavirus, have been reported in more than 200 nations and more than 80,000 people have died. – Stats from Wikipedia

Orders to stay at home are preventing normal funeral services for the victims. Some families and friends of the deceased are experiencing deep depression.

Severe economic problems are also on the horizon for the unemployed.

Prayer List

  • Pray for the Holy Spirit to comfort the families and friends of people that have died from Covid-19.
  • Pray for a rapid recovery for those who are sick.
  • Pray for safety for doctors, nurses and family members caring for the sick.
  • Pray for financial needs to be met for people financially struggling after losing a job or receiving fewer work hours.
  • Pray for the spiritual needs of people to also be met.
  • Pray for opportunities to share God’s love and hope to people that are depressed from these circumstances.

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Assemblies of God News

  • newNCU Technology Students Impacting Nation
    North Central University's Institute for Digital Humanity has brought multiple institutions and organizations while making significant contributions in technology.
    - 7 hours ago 2 Dec 21, 9:00pm -
  • newA Beacon in the Delta
    Hope Church staff are optimistic about revitalizing in rural Arkansas.
    - 13 hours ago 2 Dec 21, 3:00pm -
  • newThis Week in AG History -- Dec. 2, 1956
    Charles W.H. Scott may not be a household name, but he and his wife, Gertrude, made significant ministry and leadership contributions to the Assemblies of God over multiple decades.
    - 15 hours ago 2 Dec 21, 1:00pm -
  • Back in the Saddle of Life
    Jasmine Daniels discovers God’s joy, despite paraplegia and amputation.
    - 2 days ago 1 Dec 21, 1:00pm -
  • A Zealous Missionary Convert
    Zippy Dirkes can identify with the down and out in Phoenix.
    - 3 days ago 30 Nov 21, 1:00pm -

Baptist Press

  • newEXPLAINER: What’s the status of the COVID-19 vaccine mandate?
    (AP) -- What's the status of the COVID-19 vaccine mandate in the U.S.? It's on hold indefinitely because of legal challenges, but employers can still require the shots.
    - 7 hours ago 2 Dec 21, 9:40pm -
  • newBluegrass band ‘Chosen Road’ collaborates with NAMB for church revitalization
    NASHVILLE (BP) – Chart-topping bluegrass band ‘Chosen Road,’ is passionate about using music to glorify Jesus, but also about finding practical avenues of ministry to serve the local church.
    - 7 hours ago 2 Dec 21, 8:56pm -
  • newFIRST PERSON: 4 actions to help reach younger generations
    BURLINGTON, Ky. (BP) – One of the strategic action goals of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Vision 2025 is to “turn around the ongoing decline in the SBC in reaching, baptizing and discipling those under the age of 18.” I think most pastors, churches and church members recognize the need to reach and disciple young people and are supportive of all such efforts. There is a difference between being supportive of an effort and being intentional about taking steps to make progress towards kingdom-minded objectives. 
    - 8 hours ago 2 Dec 21, 7:58pm -
  • newFIRST-PERSON: Love of neighbor must include justice for our littlest neighbors
    Christians are called to love their neighbor as themselves. Our faith must transform the totality of our lives, including reforming whom and what we love. Jesus, in the parable of the good Samaritan, answers the question, “Who is my neighbor?” After He responds, we aren’t left wondering who we are to care about and how we are to care about them.
    - 9 hours ago 2 Dec 21, 7:28pm -
  • newMission:Dignity gives thanks for $1 million in gifts on #GivingTuesday
    DALLAS (BP) – Generous donors ensured a record harvest for Mission:Dignity during the Nov. 30 national Giving Tuesday emphasis – more than $1.2 million was raised to provide financial assistance to retirement-age Southern Baptist ministers, workers and their widows struggling to meet basic needs.
    - 9 hours ago 2 Dec 21, 7:25pm -

Christian Headlines

Christian Newswire

  • newChristian Publisher Now Offers Evangelistic Material for Free
    Most Important Story Publications offers book in 109 languagesNEWS PROVIDED BYMost Important Story PublicationsDec. 2, 2021LOS ANGELES, Dec. 2, 2021 /Christian Newswire/ -- In a landmark move, Most Important Story Publications, known worldwide for the evangelistic print booklet "The Most Important Story," has changed strategy and is offering a PDF of the MIS book in 109 languages for free download which allows users to read or print for outreach."The Most Important Story" Source: The Most Important Story Publications
    - 6 hours ago 2 Dec 21, 10:34pm -
  • newPremier Productions and Matthew West Announce 'The Brand New Tour' 34-City Tour Features Matthew West with Guests Anne Wilson, CAIN, Jordan Feliz And Hannah Kerr
    NEWS PROVIDED BYEPIC AgencyDec. 2, 2021NASHVILLE, Dec. 2, 2021 /Christian Newswire/ -- Premier Productions announces Matthew West's The Brand New Tour with special guests Anne Wilson, CAIN, Jordan Feliz and Hannah Kerr. The tour will span 34 cities as audiences experience the excitement and energy of Matthew West's post-pandemic return to the stage."I am so excited to hit the road this spring on The Brand New Tour with an awesome lineup of talented artists and friends," sai Source: EPIC
    - 6 hours ago 2 Dec 21, 10:00pm -
  • newBMG-Global to Release DVD of Highest Theatrical Grossing Faith & Family Film of the Year 'THE GIRL WHO BELIEVES IN MIRACLES' on December 7
    Film Stars Academy Award® Winner Mira Sorvino, Austyn Johnson and Kevin Sorbo NEWS PROVIDED BYBMG-GlobalDec. 2, 2021PHOENIX, Dec. 2, 2021 /Christian Newswire/ -- BMG-Global is releasing THE GIRL WHO BELIEVES IN MIRACLES feature film starring, Mira Sorvino, Austyn Johnson, Kevin Sorbo, and Emmy Award® winner Peter Coyote on December 7th to DVD.THE GIRL WHO BELIEVES IN MIRACLES tells the inspirational story of young Sara Hopkins. Unlike most people, Sara is willing to take God at H Source: BMG-Global
    - 8 hours ago 2 Dec 21, 7:49pm -
  • newReelWorks Studios and Fathom Events Announce Release of Latest Film THE MULLIGAN
    New Inspirational Golf Film Featuring Eric Close and Pat Boone in Theaters This SpringNEWS PROVIDED BYEPIC AgencyDec. 2, 2021NASHVILLE, Dec. 2, 2021 /Christian Newswire/ -- ReelWorks Studios and Fathom Events announce the release of their latest film THE MULLIGAN featuring Pat Boone (JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH, STATE FAIR), Eric Close ("Nashville," AMERICAN SNIPER, "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit"), Tanya Christiansen (I STILL BELIEVE, THE HATE U GIVE Source: EPIC
    - 9 hours ago 2 Dec 21, 6:46pm -
  • newTelevision Evangelist James F. Linzey Releases Statement About the Passing Away of Marcus Lamb, Founder of Daystar Television Network
    Marcus Lamb, Founder and CEO of Daystar Television NetworkNEWS PROVIDED BYMilitary Bible AssociationDec. 2, 2021ESCONDIDO, Calif., Dec. 2, 2021 /Christian Newswire/ -- Marcus Lamb who, along with his wife Joni, established Daystar Television Network unexpectedly passed away on Tuesday, November 30, 2021. Television evangelist Jim Linzey releases the following statement:"I grieve the passing away of this dear brother in Christ. I had the privilege of becoming well acquainted with Source: Military Bible Association
    - 13 hours ago 2 Dec 21, 3:00pm -

Christian Post

Christian Research Network

  • newFacebook ‘Hate Speech’ Algorithm Found 90% of Hate Speech Directed at White People
    (Frank Salvato – CDN) Last week, the Washington Post reported that an April 2020 examination of Facebook’s anti-racism algorithm found that roughly 90 percent of the ‘hate speech’ subject to content takedowns were statements of contempt and disgust directed at White people and … Continue reading →
    - 8 hours ago 2 Dec 21, 8:04pm -
  • newCIA Files Say Staffers Committed Sex Crimes Involving Children. They Weren’t Prosecuted.
    “BuzzFeed News gained access to these documents after a decadelong pursuit, which included 13 public records requests and three separate Freedom of Information Act lawsuits.” (Jason Leopold and Anthony Cormier – Buzzfeed) Over the past 14 years, the Central Intelligence … Continue reading →
    - 11 hours ago 2 Dec 21, 5:42pm -
  • newFeminists Take Abortion Pills Outside Supreme Court to Kill Their Babies in Disgusting Publicity Stunt
    “Abortion drugs are dangerous for women as well as their unborn babies, and dozens of women have died. Recent studies found huge increases in emergency room visits in the U.S. and United Kingdom after women took abortion drugs.” (Micaiah Bilger – LifeNews) … Continue reading →
    - 11 hours ago 2 Dec 21, 4:56pm -
  • new‘Chinafication of Europe’: EU President Hints at Bloc-Wide Vaccine Mandate
    (Peter Caddle – Breitbart) European Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen has called for discussions regarding the implementation of forced vaccination throughout the entire EU, in a move that has been described as the “Chinafication of Europe”. Just hours after … Continue reading →
    - 12 hours ago 2 Dec 21, 4:29pm -
  • The Madness of Anthony Fauci
    (Julie Kelly – American Greatness) It’s nearly impossible to select the most maniacal comment made by Dr. Anthony Fauci in his nearly 70-minute interview with “Face the Nation” host Margaret Brennan that aired over the weekend. Joe Biden’s chief coronavirus advisor … Continue reading →
    - 1 day ago 1 Dec 21, 9:55pm -

Christian Sentinel

  • Charisma’s 25th Anniversary Hall of Shame (Repost from the year 2000)
    Charisma Magazine's 25th Anniversary edition looks at the legacy of those who have graced its covers.  The list is a Who's Who of people who have brought shame to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The post Charisma’s 25th Anniversary Hall of Shame (Repost from the year 2000) appeared first on The Christian Sentinel.
    - 42 days ago 22 Oct 21, 2:53pm -
  • Stephen Strang in the Pits (2006 article I wrote posted by request)
    Do you think Jesus would be happy with Mr. Strang, selling out the Church for the almighty dollar?The post Stephen Strang in the Pits (2006 article I wrote posted by request) appeared first on The Christian Sentinel.
    - 42 days ago 22 Oct 21, 2:25pm -
  • My Moriel Memories Part 5 – Open Letter to Jacob Prasch from Jackie Alnor
    I’m very happy to complete this series that pained me more than you know to write. To say no to the prompting of the Holy Spirit would have been a grave sin on my part.The post My Moriel Memories Part 5 – Open Letter to Jacob Prasch from Jackie Alnor appeared first on The Christian Sentinel.
    - 74 days ago 20 Sep 21, 3:54pm -
  • My Moriel Memories – Part IV by Jackie Alnor
    “Spiritual abuse is always a power issue. In order for abuse to happen, by definition, it has to come from a place of higher power…The post My Moriel Memories – Part IV by Jackie Alnor appeared first on The Christian Sentinel.
    - 76 days ago 17 Sep 21, 11:35pm -
  • My Moriel Memories Part III – by Jackie Alnor
    I’m looking through you, where did you go I thought I knew you, what did I know You don’t look different, but you have changed…The post My Moriel Memories Part III – by Jackie Alnor appeared first on The Christian Sentinel.
    - 78 days ago 15 Sep 21, 10:06pm -

Christianity Today

  • We’ve No Less Days to Sing God’s Praise, But New Worship Songs Only Last a Few Years
    A study finds an increasingly rapid turnover time for church music.Churches across the US and Canada sang, “Refiner’s fire / my heart’s one desire / is to be holy” for a full decade after Vineyard worship pastor Brian Doerksen released it in 1990.“Overcome,” written by megachurch worship leader Jon Egan in 2007, was just as popular. But North American churches only sang, “worthy of honor and glory / worthy of all our praise / you overcame” for about three years.Worship songs don’t last as long as they used to. The average lifespan of a widely sung worship song is about a third of what it was 30 years ago, according to a study that will be published in the magazineWorship Leader in January.For the study, Mike Tapper, a religion professor at Southern Wesleyan University, brought together two data analysts and two worship ministers to look at decades of records from Christian Copyright Licensing International (CCLI). The licensing organization provides copyright coverage for about 160,000 churches in North America and receives rotating reports on the worship music that is sung in those churches, tracking about 10,000 congregations at a time.Looking at the top songs at those churches from 1988 to 2020, the researchers were able to identify a common life cycle for popular worship music, Tapper told CT. A song typically appears on the charts, rises, peaks, and then fades away as worship teams drop it from their Sunday morning set lists.But the average arc of a worship song’s popularity has dramatically shortened, from 10 to 12 years to a mere 3 or 4. The researchers don’t know why.Marc Jolicoeur, who worked on the study, said the data confirmed what many music ministers have felt intuitively. It matches his experience as a Wesleyan ...Continue reading...
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  • Christianity Today’s 2021 Christmas Albums Roundup
    Here are our favorite new releases by Christian artists, including The Porter’s Gate, Chris Tomlin, and more.Last year at this time, my family was weighing decisions about whether to have Christmas gatherings. This year, we started celebrating earlier than usual, like we’re making up for lost holiday cheer. We have already decorated Christmas cookies and put the tree up before Thanksgiving. My Christmas 2021 playlist has been in the works since mid-October.Perhaps, like me, you have an annual Christmas playlist that is populated almost entirely with nostalgic favorites. Mine always includes Amy Grant’s Christmas albums and a collection of wintery orchestral pieces that my mom has played on repeat every November and December for as long as I can remember. It takes a lot for a new song or album to break into my Christmas rotation.This year, there are plenty of new Christmas releases with tracks that have already landed in my 2021 holiday playlist. Here are six fresh albums to accompany the season as you move through moments of joy, solemnity, excitement, solitude, and celebration.Advent Songs by The Porter’s GateAdvent Songs captures the somber hopefulness of the season in beautifully arranged originals that invite meditation and repose as we observe a period of waiting. I love festive, upbeat Christmas songs, but this year, The Porter’s Gate offers a welcome call to rest and seek quiet in the relentless holiday going and doing. Songs like “The Reign of Mercy” and “Isaiah (O Come)” reflect on the cosmic reality of the Word becoming flesh. Others, like “Mary’s Lullaby (Black Haired Boy)” and “Simeon’s Song,” are human and intimate, coaxing the listener to think about earthy, fleshly details of the Advent story.At Christmas by Brian Courtney WilsonGrammy-nominated ...Continue reading...
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  • Look for Your Next Leader in the Background, Not the Spotlight
    Yes, power corrupts some people. But maybe corruptible people seek power.This piece was adapted from Russell Moore’s newsletter. Subscribe here.A famous New Yorker cartoon depicts a flock of sheep grazing before a campaign billboard of a wolf—whose slogan is “I am going to eat you.” Under the frame, one sheep says to another, “He tells it like it is.”I wince with recognition whenever I think of that cartoon, knowing that Jesus probably did not have blind allegiance in mind when he called his followers sheep. Still, maybe the message of the cartoon helps explain why we end up with so many terrible people in church leadership.When evangelical Christians point out uncovered scandals or hidden abuse among church leaders, they often quote some version of this line attributed to Lord Acton: “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”But what if that perspective is wrong? A new book suggests it might be—and presents some findings that we as the church should carefully consider.In Corruptible: Who Gets Power and How It Changes Us, political scientist Brian Klaas argues it’s not so much that power corrupts but that corruptible people seek out power.Klaas invokes research showing how people in all kinds of leadership positions tend to express the “dark triad” of narcissism, psychopathy, and Machiavellianism. He argues that abusive people are the ones drawn to power in the first place.So how does this manifest itself in church leadership?Consider what many expect of pastors and other church leaders: the ability to be expert exegetes, social theorists, political practitioners, skilled CEOs, innovative entrepreneurs, as well as Christlike examples. Who looks at that list of qualifications and concludes, “Yep, ...Continue reading...
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  • Singleness Lessons I Learned from the Early Church
    The history of Christian celibacy is more complicated than we’d like to think.Lately, Christians have cast their minds and social media musings back to the early church on the topics of singleness and sexuality. Much of the conversation centers on past spiritual practices of celibacy and claims about what early church leaders taught about singleness.Some suggest that early church leaders enthusiastically ‘tore down’ the centrality of marriage within the church. Others argue that the way we understand the (so-called) “gift of singleness” today is a direct inheritance from apostles and the church’s earliest centuries.As a history nerd, practical theologian, and never-married Christian woman, I may not agree with every supposition, but I’m delighted by the revitalized discussion about how we can see ancient ideas about singleness in a new light. After all, church history is our history, and this ancient era is ripe with fascinating insights (and quite a few conundrums) about singleness—many of which are still relevant to discussions on faith and church life today.The lessons we can learn from the ancient church about singleness are many and mighty, but they are neither simple nor straightforward. In fact, early church leaders do not offer us a singular narrative about being single. However, when we examine the Christian history of celibacy on its own terms, the conversation yields something far more complex and interesting.So what does it look like for us to approach this past honestly?First, a proper historical methodology involves observing the details and nuances of the past, rather than painting it with broad brush strokes.We must keep in mind that the early church era spanned almost 500 years and multiple continents. In that time and space, there was a great ...Continue reading...
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  • Vaccine Debates Are Responsible for 2021’s Fastest-Growing Bible Search Term: Sorcery
    Does Scripture warn about Big Pharma? Endorse mask-wearing? Christians Googled for answers in 2021.As the pandemic first hit in 2020, Christians sought out Scripture about fear, comfort, and healing. A year later, their Bible searching habits reflect ongoing clashes around COVID-19 responses.The fastest-growing search term on Bible Gateway in the past year was “sorcery,” which drew 193 percent more queries than in 2020. The boost was inspired not by the recent rise in witchcraft but by arguments against the COVID-19 vaccine.“The increase in sorceries is related to heightened interest in the Greek word pharmakeia, which, according to the Mounce Concise Greek-English Dictionary of the New Testament means ‘employment of drugs for any purpose; sorcery, magic, enchantment,’” wrote Jonathan Peterson, content manager for Bible Gateway. Analysis of Bible Gateway’s annual trends came from Stephen Smith, senior director of digital projects on the site and the Bible tech guru behind OpenBible.info.Some Christians have brought up the term when claiming that Scripture prophetically warns against the vaccine and vaccine mandates, since it shares a root with the word pharmaceuticals.Pharmakeia is used in Galatians 5:20, Peterson noted, where it is listed among the “acts of the flesh” that Paul advises against. In the vaccine debates, Christians are more likely to point out its use in Revelation 18:23, where it’s translated as “magic spell” in a declaration made against Babylon: “Your merchants were the world’s important people. By your magic spell all the nations were led astray.”The pharmakeia argument tends to come up in among certain Christians with a focus on end ...Continue reading...
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Forum 18 News Service

  • KYRGYZSTAN: Jehovah's Witness book ban in court, criminal case, secret police ban request
    Jehovah's Witness teaching "is contradictory and oriented towards people who don't know the fundamentals of religion and the Bible" and based on "the personal views of the founders of the organisation who misinterpret the Bible", NSC secret police chief Kamchybek Tashiyev claimed to the General Prosecutor in July. He called for their literature to be banned and a ban on the entire organisation to be considered (while the NSC continues a criminal case). Without informing Jehovah's Witnesses, the General Prosecutor's Office lodged a suit to Bishkek's Pervomaisky District Court for 13 books and 6 videos to be declared "extremist". The case is due to resume in court on Thursday morning (2 December).
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  • UZBEKISTAN: Religious freedom survey, November 2021
    Freedom of religion and belief, with interlinked freedoms of expression, association, and assembly, remains severely restricted in Uzbekistan. Forum 18's survey analysis documents violations including: jailing and torturing prisoners of conscience whose only crime is to exercise their freedom of religion and belief; banning education and worship meetings without state permission; complete state control of all expressions of Islam; and religious literature censorship and destruction.
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  • RUSSIA: "I would like to believe" acquittal "is first of many"
    For the first time since the Supreme Court ban on Jehovah's Witnesses as "extremist" in 2017, a Vladivostok court yesterday (22 November) issued an acquittal. Dmitry Barmakin walked free after the Judge cited 28 October Supreme Court amendments which direct judges to ascertain a defendant's "specific actions", their motivation, and "the significance [of these actions] for the continuation or resumption of [a banned organisation]'s activities", rather than rely on generalised claims. The prosecutor could appeal against the acquittal. A 63-year-old teacher Nakiya Sharifullina risks being jailed if Tatarstan's Supreme Court on 17 December upholds the prosecutor's appeal against her suspended sentence for allegedly organising a "madrassah".
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  • RUSSIA: "Prior conspiracy" leads to eight-year jail terms
    Courts have jailed four Jehovah's Witnesses for eight years each so far in 2021 for exercising freedom of religion or belief, one in Blagoveshchensk and three in Astrakhan, equalling the term a Dagestan court handed to Muslim Ilgar Aliyev in 2018. Courts gave other Jehovah's Witnesses shorter jail terms. In Astrakhan, the judge cited as an aggravating circumstance "the commission of a crime as part of a group of persons, by prior conspiracy". Astrakhan Region Prosecutor's Office did not reply as to why prosecutors requested such long jail sentences, and why meeting for prayer and Bible reading should be treated as a criminal offence.
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  • BELARUS: "We, political prisoners, were not allowed to attend clubs, the church .."
    Prison officials finally allowed Catholic political prisoner Mikita Yemialyianau a pastoral visit on 3 November. He had just ended a three-week hunger strike in protest at the denial of a clergy visit since his transfer to Mogilev prison in 2020. Prison officials prevented him from renewing a subscription to a Catholic newspaper. Prison officials finally allowed Orthodox Christian Yelena Movshuk a clergy visit in October, her first since her August 2020 arrest. Prison officials prevented her attending a worship meeting in August 2021. "We, political prisoners, were not allowed to attend clubs, the church, the gym or places of study," a political prisoner freed in September declared.
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Get Religion

  • Holiday musings from Brazil: Is it time for missionaries to leave indigenous tribes alone?
    It’s that time of year again.We’re talking about The Holidays, the season when Thanksgiving and Christmas bookend America’s annual celebration of its history of Christian influences, even if today’s mass-media crush obscures that. It’s a season of family gatherings, annual notes to far-flung friends and acquaintances, garish holiday-themed sweaters designed to provoke smiles, and, for some, even a few religious services.It’s a big deal journalistically, too, of course. Editors/producers and reporters/content providers seek out warm-and-fuzzy, feel-good features meant to remind media consumers of the genuine goodness individual humans are capable of showing others, including strangers.We call it the holiday spirit and, except for the rampant consumerism, I appreciate the seasonal goodwill. And why not? Upbeat news is a welcome change from the disconcerting stories we’re usually fed. It’s good for the soul, and I need not subscribe to the traditional beliefs for it to warm my heart.It’s also a time when journalists seek to probe the theological aspects of our holiday narratives, often to the distaste of those news consumers who prefer the comforting familiarity of traditional tellings or even the more sobering messages of traditional Christian faith in Advent and Christmas.Such stories — here’s one example from a few years back that ran in the Guardian — are tricky, requiring solid sourcing and clear, even-handed and respectful explanations.Another category of holiday stories addresses the consequences of past Christian actions that a reporter can link to the season, even if the link is indirect at best. Take this recent Washington Post story — “This tribe helped the Pilgrims survive for their first Thanksgiving. They still regret it 400 years later” — on how the indigenous tribe, the Wampanoag, that first encountered the Pilgrims in what is now Massachusetts were decimated by the encounter. Here’s a large bite of it: Just as Native American activists have demanded the removal of Christopher Columbus statues and pushed to transform the Columbus holiday into an acknowledgment of his brutality toward indigenous people, they have long objected to the popular portrayal of Thanksgiving. For the Wampanoags and many other American Indians, the fourth Thursday in November is considered a day of mourning, not a day of celebration.
    - 8 days ago 24 Nov 21, 4:59pm -
  • Coverage of the Arlene's Flowers story may be over, but many more cases are on the way
    Last week, a famous set of court cases: Arlene’s Flowers v. State of Washington and Ingersoll and Freed v. Arlene’s Flowers, Inc., was settled, allowing both sides to retreat with some feeling of vindication.The case concerned Barronelle Stutzman, owner of a flower shop in eastern Washington state who was friends with a local gay male couple — but who refused to provide flowers for their same-sex wedding because of her traditional Christian beliefs about marriage.The gay couple sued her and then the state attorney general, Bob Ferguson, also sued her, saying she couldn’t discriminate on basis of religion. It wasn’t about discrimination, she said. After all, she’d served gay customers before and had employed gay florists in her shop. But her religious beliefs gave her no choice but to refuse to create floral arrangements for the wedding rite.The case went to the U.S. Supreme Court. The high court, which had just ruled on a similar Colorado case, Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission, remanded it back to Washington state for further consideration in light of their favorable decision on behalf of the owner of the cake shop. But, true to form for those of us living in this ultra-blue state, the Washington Supreme Court ruled again against Stutzman.The case returned to the U.S. Supreme Court, where Justices Neil Gorsuch, Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas agreed to take the case. However, that was one justice short of what was needed. (An essay at First Things asked questions about why certain other conservative justices bailed on taking this case).Now 77 and more than ready to retire, Stutzman settled this month, paying Robert Ingersoll, one of the two men, $5,000 and freeing herself of additional legal costs. You may remember that she raised some $174,000 through GoFundMe before the managers of the website rejected her beliefs and shut her down.Here's how the Tri City Herald, the local paper, covered the Stutzman’s finale:
    - 9 days ago 23 Nov 21, 4:59pm -
  • Complex doctrinal story or mere politics? Hmmm ... What shaped news about U.S. bishops?
    Let’s face it. This Baltimore meeting of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops was a classic example of what kind of stories drive front-page news in the mainstream press.For starters, you had a complicated story about a doctrinal, moral and institutional crisis in Roman Catholicism today — the collapse of Catholic beliefs and practice related to sin, confession, forgiveness and Holy Communion.Then you had a political story that, for journalists, pitted the satanic hordes of conservative bishops linked, somehow, to Donald Trump against the wise, progressive, nuanced shepherds who sympathize with ordinary Catholics like President Joe Biden.Guess which story framed most of the coverage? Consider this headline from the journalistic college of cardinals at The New York Times: “Catholic Bishops Avoid Confrontation With Biden Over Communion.” And here’s the overture: BALTIMORE — The Roman Catholic bishops of the United States backed away from a direct conflict with President Biden …, approving a new document on the sacrament of the eucharist that does not mention the president or any politicians by name. At issue was the question of which Catholics, under which circumstances, are properly able to receive communion, one of the most sacred rites within Christianity. For some conservative Catholics, the real question was more pointed: Should Catholic politicians who publicly support and advance abortion rights be denied the sacrament? For some of the most outspoken critics of Mr. Biden and other liberal Catholic leaders, the document represented a strategic retreat.OK, here is a blunt question about that last statement: Is there any evidence that ANY DRAFT of this document — "The Mystery of the Eucharist in the Life of the Church" (.pdf here) — included a single reference to Biden, the White House or the presidency? If conservatives drove the process that led to this document, as assumed in the news coverage, isn’t it logical that references of this kind would have made it into digital ink at some point?
    - 10 days ago 22 Nov 21, 4:59pm -
  • Plug-In: Minichurches and burned-out pastors -- four crucial COVID-19 trends to follow
    COVID-19 rages on.So does the pandemic’s big impact on American religion.From in-person attendance declining to pastors burning out, here are four related trends to watch:(1) Churches changed during the pandemic and many aren’t going back (by Janet Adamy, Wall Street Journal)“The number of churchgoers has steadily dropped in the U.S. over the past few decades,” Adamy reports. “But Covid-19 and its lockdown restrictions accelerated that fall. In-person church attendance is roughly 30% to 50% lower than it was before the pandemic, estimates Barna Group, a research firm that studies faith in the U.S.”(2) Why the minichurch is the latest trend in American religion (by Bob Smietana, Religion News Service)Smietana profiles a small church in Wisconsin, noting, “Cornerstone is part of the fastest-growing group of congregations in America: the minichurch. According to the recently released Faith Communities Today study, half of the congregations in the United States have 65 people or fewer, while two-thirds of congregations have fewer than 100.”(3) The pastors aren’t all right: 38% consider leaving ministry (by Kate Shellnutt, Christianity Today)“Pastoral burnout has worsened during the pandemic,” Shellnutt explains. “A Barna Group survey released (this week) found that 38 percent of pastors are seriously considering leaving full-time ministry, up from 29 percent in January.”See related coverage from the Washington Times, by former GetReligionista Mark A. Kellner.(4) Most churches find financial stability in 2021 (by Aaron Earls, Lifeway Research)“Emerging from the pandemic, most churches don’t seem to be underwater financially, but many are treading water,” Earls reports.
    - 11 days ago 22 Nov 21, 2:00pm -
  • From Off Broadway to movie screens: The complicated conversion story of C.S. Lewis
    While historians argue about what C.S. Lewis did or didn't say, it can be stated with absolute certainty that the Oxford don never patted down his rumbled, professorial tweed jacket before exclaiming, "Where's my phone?"That line occurs at the start of "The Most Reluctant Convert," as actor Max McLean enters a movie set preparing for the first scene. Seconds later, the camera follows him into the real Oxford, England, where Lewis was a scholar and tutor at Magdalen College.At first, the famous Christian writer explains how he became an atheist. When he walks into the real White Horse pub, he orders two pints of beer, with one for the viewer. Soon, scenes from his memories spring to life, with Lewis striding through them as a narrator."Lewis is in his imagination. He's personified in his thoughts. … I do think that the structure emerged out of the fact that Lewis had a lot to say," said McLean, laughing.Thus, director Norman Stone -- a BAFTA winner for BBC's "Shadowlands" -- let the "voice of Lewis articulate his struggle, his passion. He is one of those rare individuals where one's intellect, one's emotions and one's spirituality are completely intertwined," said McLean.All of this is second nature to McLean since the film covers much of the same territory as his own "C.S Lewis Onstage." This was a one-man show at the Fellowship for Performing Arts in New York City, an off-Broadway company McLean founded and guides as artistic director. It has staged other Lewis works, such as "The Screwtape Letters" and "The Great Divorce," drawing warm reviews from The New York Times and other major publications.The first-person narration, explained McLean, was primarily drawn from Lewis' autobiography, "Surprised by Joy," and the many volumes of his personal letters.The jump from stage to screen, of course, allowed the film's creators to seek permission to film in some of the most important sites linked to Lewis' life.
    - 11 days ago 21 Nov 21, 7:22pm -

ID the Future (Podcast)

  • Michael Denton Discusses The Miracle of the Cell
    New research keeps unveiling ever more ways in which this fine tuning exists, from the cosmos to the atoms of the periodic table, even to the subatomic level of quantum tunneling.
    - 12 Oct 20, 9:31pm -
  • Michael Denton: Remarkable Coincidences in Photosynthesis
    On this episode of ID the Future from the vault, we listen in on a few minutes from a lecture given by Australian biochemist Michael Denton, author of the brand new book The Miracle of the Cell. In this segment, Denton explains the “remarkable set of coincidences” that makes the creation of oxygen through photosynthesis possible. From the specific energy of visible light to the unique properties of water, this degree of fine tuning for life shouts intelligent design. For more on how the cosmos is designed for life, watch Discovery Institute’s documentary Priviledged Species, featuring Michael Denton.
    - 9 Oct 20, 7:16pm -
  • Dr. Michael Denton on Evidence of Fine-Tuning in the Universe
    On this episode of ID the Future from the vault, Casey Luskin sits down with Dr. Michael Denton, a Senior Fellow of the CSC who holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry. Denton is the author of Evolution: A Theory in Crisis, which has been credited with influencing both Phillip Johnson and Michael Behe, as well as Nature's Destiny: How the Laws of Biology Reveal Purpose in the Universe, which elaborates on the evidence of design in nature.
    - 7 Oct 20, 11:29pm -
  • The Demise of the Artifact Hypothesis
    Paleoentomologist Günter Bechly makes the case that recent findings have put the nails in the coffin of this “artifact hypothesis.” He goes on to argue that these findings are “not just a tiny problem but a fatal problem” for modern Darwinism.
    - 5 Oct 20, 7:28pm -
  • Scott Turner on Purpose in Nature, Part 2
    On this episode of ID the Future from the vault, Rob Crowther continues his conversation with J. Scott Turner, biologist at the State University of New York (SUNY), visiting scholar at Cambridge University, and author of the new book Purpose and Desire: What Makes Something “Alive” and Why Modern Darwinism Has Failed to Explain It. Turner critiques evolutionary biology’s bias toward mechanistic and gene-centric thinking, and contemporary biology’s failure to come to grips with the evidence of purpose and intentionality at many levels of biology. Viewing the brain as a computer, for example, obscures many things about the brain and the mind that exceed computers, both quantitatively and qualitatively.
    - 2 Oct 20, 8:55pm -

International Missions Board

Julie Roys Report

  • newPolice: Man Charged in Killing of Grandmother at Baltimore Church
    Baltimore police announced Thursday that they’ve charged a 62-year-old man in the killing of a grandmother at a church last month.Police said the warrant apprehension task force took Manzie Smith Jr. into custody Wednesday and he was charged with first-degree murder and several other offenses in the death of Evelyn Player on Nov. 16. Smith was identified as a suspect in the case based on evidence collected on the scene, Police Commissioner Michael Harrison said at a news conference. 
    - 4 hours ago 2 Dec 21, 11:50pm -
  • newLetter Reveals Florida Church Knew of Alleged Sex Abuse Months Before Youth Leader Arrest
    Only weeks ago, authorities arrested Florida youth leader, Ricky Torcise, and charged him with repeatedly molesting a teenage boy. Now, there’s evidence Torcise’s church was warned months ago about Torcise’s behavior—but did nothing.In a letter obtained by The Roys Report, the parent of an alleged victim of Torcise’s writes to Pastor Jordan Caldwell of New Beginnings Christian Fellowship in Homestead, Florida: “My son . . . has confided in me that when he was younger that Rick Torcise behaved inappropriately with him sexually in many ways.” The letter was dated June 18, 2021. 
    - 7 hours ago 2 Dec 21, 9:15pm -
  • newCornerstone University New President Under Fire for Pattern of ‘Faculty Purges’
    In March 2012, Katy Attanasi, then an assistant professor of religion at Regent University in Virginia, was at home feeding her newborn son when she heard a knock at the door. On her stoop, she found a snow-dusted FedEx envelope from the university. Inside was a letter informing her that her faculty contract would not be renewed. Attanasi, now a Methodist pastor in Kentucky, was one of eight faculty to receive a Fed-Exed termination letter that semester. 
    - 11 hours ago 2 Dec 21, 5:00pm -
  • Despite SBC Opposition To Women Pastors, Texas Baptists Celebrate Them
    The Baptist General Convention of Texas, one of few Southern Baptist groups that has not specifically excluded women from church leadership roles, passed a resolution at its 2021 General Convention earlier this month to “affirm and celebrate” the contributions of women in “advancing God’s kingdom.”“Be it resolved that the messengers of the 2021 Texas Baptists annual meeting affirm the ongoing efforts of Texas Baptists following Christ’s example of engaging, empowering, and entrusting women with the gospel,” the resolution said, acknowledging that women have served and continue to serve the denomination in “numerous and complex ways,” including being elected to church offices, serving on committees, doing local and foreign mission work, holding positions in higher education and working within local churches. 
    - 1 day ago 1 Dec 21, 10:30pm -
  • Liberty University Professor Charged With Sexual Battery, Kidnapping
    Liberty University has suspended a sign language professor that was recently jailed on sexual battery and kidnapping charges.Jail records show William Atwell, 58, was booked in the Lynchburg Adult Detention Center on Nov. 20 after Liberty University police arrested him on charges of sexual battery, a Class 1 misdemeanor, and kidnapping, a Class 5 felony.He was released Nov. 29 on $3,000 bond and is due back in Lynchburg General District Court on Jan. 
    - 1 day ago 1 Dec 21, 8:20pm -

Life News

  • newJustice Sotomayor is Wrong: Science Confirms Unborn Babies Feel Pain
    Justice Sonia Sotomayor incorrectly claimed during Wednesday’s Dobbs oral arguments that the existence of fetal pain before 24 weeks is only believed by a “small fringe of doctors,” seeming to ignore modern peer-reviewed studies that have influenced the work of Dr. Stuart Derbyshire, one of the world’s leading neuroscientists, who writes that fetal pain is possible “from […]The post Justice Sotomayor is Wrong: Science Confirms Unborn Babies Feel Pain appeared first on LifeNews.com.
    - 5 hours ago 2 Dec 21, 11:37pm -
  • newPro-Life Attorney Says It’s Likely Supreme Court Will Overturn Roe v. Wade
    The days of abortion on demand could be numbered. The Supreme Court heard oral arguments Wednesday in a case in which the high court could overturn its 1973 decision in Roe v. Wade and send power back to the states to determine their own abortion laws. “I feel like the Supreme Court right now has […]The post Pro-Life Attorney Says It’s Likely Supreme Court Will Overturn Roe v. Wade appeared first on LifeNews.com.
    - 5 hours ago 2 Dec 21, 11:10pm -
  • newFederal Appeals Court Agrees to Hold Hearing on Tennessee Law Banning Abortions When Baby’s Heart Starts Beating
    In an encouraging sign for unborn babies’ rights, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals agreed Wednesday to reconsider its decision to block a Tennessee heartbeat law. The pro-life law, which Gov. Bill Lee signed in 2020, bans abortions once an unborn baby’s heartbeat is detectable, about six weeks of pregnancy, and has the potential to save […]The post Federal Appeals Court Agrees to Hold Hearing on Tennessee Law Banning Abortions When Baby’s Heart Starts Beating appeared first on LifeNews.com.
    - 5 hours ago 2 Dec 21, 10:48pm -
  • newWhoopi Goldberg Slams Pro-Life Men: You Don’t Get to Have an Opinion About Abortion
    Actress Whoopi Goldberg launched into a bizarre rant against pro-life men Thursday on The View, claiming men do not get to have an opinion about abortion because they have “no idea what a fetus wants.” Goldberg “went off” on her pro-abortion rant after the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a Mississippi case that directly […]The post Whoopi Goldberg Slams Pro-Life Men: You Don’t Get to Have an Opinion About Abortion appeared first on LifeNews.com.
    - 6 hours ago 2 Dec 21, 10:13pm -
  • newDoctor Slams Sotomayor: “To Compare an Unborn Child to a Brain-Dead Person is Wholly Ignorant”
    Doctors and scientists corrected U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonya Sotomayor this week after she compared unborn babies to brain dead people and claimed they cannot feel pain until at least 24 weeks of pregnancy. Dr. Grazie Pozo Christie, a radiology specialist and senior fellow with The Catholic Association, said the justice’s statements were “wholly ignorant” […]The post Doctor Slams Sotomayor: “To Compare an Unborn Child to a Brain-Dead Person is Wholly Ignorant” appeared first on LifeNews.com.
    - 7 hours ago 2 Dec 21, 8:54pm -

Mennonite Central Committee

  • Three ways to increase the impact of your Christmas gifts
    This Christmas, give your loved ones gifts that make a difference in the world.MCC can help you do that through the Christmas Giving guide, where every single gift provides food, water, medical care and other community supports.
    - 2 days ago 1 Dec 21, 5:00am -
  • Squeals of joy for MCC Christmas Giving
    If you’re looking for 11-year old Owen Atwell, you’ll probably find him spending time outdoors, tending pumpkins and sunflowers in his garden or taking care of his pigs.
    - 4 days ago 29 Nov 21, 5:00am -
  • Three ways you can make a difference this Christmas
    This Christmas season, you and your family can celebrate in ways that are not only festive, but life changing.
    - 11 days ago 22 Nov 21, 5:00am -
  • IVEP Welcome: Despite many challenges, we continue
    It’s been over a year since our last IVEP newsletter, but that doesn’t mean we’ve been idle. As COVID-19 hit the U.S. in early 2020, it affected the ability of our 34 IVEPers to go to work, attend retreats and return home.
    - 18 days ago 15 Nov 21, 5:00am -
  • IVEP Participant Insight: Fulfilling my calling
    I would like to begin by sharing a little about how I came to participate in the IVEP program. In Mexico, I was studying international business because my calling is to help financially support missionaries.
    - 18 days ago 15 Nov 21, 5:00am -

MinistryWatch

  • newFundraising Fees Remained Steady During Pandemic
    Fees to for-profit fundraising firms working with charities in New York have remained steady and even declined slightly since 2017.
    - 7 hours ago 2 Dec 21, 9:22pm -
  • newCornerstone University’s New President is under Fire. His Former Colleagues See a Pattern.
    Attanasi, now a Methodist pastor in Kentucky, was one of eight faculty to receive a Fed-Exed termination letter that semester. Hers was signed by Gerson Moreno-Riaño, dean of Regent’s School of Undergraduate Studies. No warning had been given and no explanation followed. 
    - 7 hours ago 2 Dec 21, 8:58pm -
  • newMINISTRY SPOTLIGHT: American Bible Society
    American Bible Society (ABS) began in 1816 with a mission “to make the Bible available to every person in a language and format each can understand and afford, so all people may experience its life-changing message.”
    - 14 hours ago 2 Dec 21, 2:25pm -
  • newTurkey’s Only Christian Magazine Turns 10 Years Old
    Publisher Gökhan Talas recalled the early days of his Miras magazine when he took a finished issue of Turkey’s only Christian periodical to an advertiser to collect payment. One pastor had not only bought an advertisement but also written a piece for the fledgling magazine.
    - 14 hours ago 2 Dec 21, 2:14pm -
  • Lawsuit Claims Abuse, Threats at Church Farm in Pennsylvania
    A federal lawsuit filed this month claims boys and young men at a church-related farm business in Pennsylvania were subjected to forced labor and punishment that included dragging chains and breaking up rocks with a hammer.
    - 1 day ago 1 Dec 21, 7:44pm -

Religion News Service

Trinity Foundation

  • GoFundMe Campaign! Seeking Funding for New Investigative Project
    Photo: November 30th is National Giving Day. Trinity Foundation joins a host of non-profit organizations raising funds on this day. Please check out our GoFundMe page.   (New video about why we investigate televangelists) Recently we initiated a new project that will captivate national news media, and attempt to send shock waves through America’s church […]
    - 3 days ago 30 Nov 21, 1:55am -
  • Philippine Televangelist Charged With Sex Trafficking, Operated Church as Business
    (Photo: Apollo Quiboloy is identified as the “Appointed Son of God” during a TV broadcast of his Sunday sermon.) Apollo Quiboloy, the Philippines’ most popular televangelist (1.2 million followers on Facebook), was recently charged with sex trafficking. The Associated Press reported, “The indictment accuses Quiboloy and others of recruiting women and girls, typically 12 to […]
    - 3 days ago 29 Nov 21, 11:22pm -
  • Religious Leaders More Likely to Die in Plane Crash Than Receive Federal Prosecution
    A couple of months ago, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) published the Audit Technique Guide for Religious Organization. Could this signal the IRS is intending to take stronger action against churches and ministries abusing their tax-exempt status? For the past 15 years, the IRS rarely audited religious organizations or prosecuted pastors for financial crimes. Prominent […]
    - 3 days ago 29 Nov 21, 11:08pm -
  • Just How Broken Is the Bible Translation Industry?
      By Warren Cole Smith, President of MinistryWatch OPINION—At a recent meeting of Bible translation organizations in Newport Beach, Calif., one of the speakers stood at the podium and asked the 50 or so leaders there a series of simple questions:  How long does it take to translate the Bible?  And how much does it […]
    - 31 days ago 2 Nov 21, 2:56pm -
  • Have You Been Defrauded by a Church or Ministry?
    * Have you donated after receiving personalized emails or letters from a televangelist promising to pray for you? * Has a telemarketer pressured you into donating to a ministry while  claiming that you would receive financial blessing or physical healing if you donate? * Have you purchased products through a ministry website but never received […]
    - 35 days ago 28 Oct 21, 4:22pm -

United Methodist News Service

  • newChurches advised to oppose BSA bankruptcy plan
    A United Methodist legal team is still negotiating but says the current Boy Scouts of America bankruptcy plan doesn’t adequately protect churches that sponsored Scouting troops and could be liable in sex-abuse claims.
    - 10 hours ago 2 Dec 21, 6:37pm -
  • newAU theology graduate returns to serve in East Congo
    The United Methodist Church in the East Congo Conference recently welcomed home the first student from the conference sent to Africa University for theological studies.
    - 12 hours ago 2 Dec 21, 4:31pm -
  • Kenyan orphans find hope in vocational education
    Participants, ages 17 to 22, learn life skills to support themselves financially and overcome poverty and insecurity.
    - 1 day ago 1 Dec 21, 4:44pm -
  • Spanish-language hymnal turns 25
    Mil Voces Para Celebrar was no mere imitation of the United Methodist Hymnal, offering new tunes, texts and rhythms for worship.
    - 2 days ago 30 Nov 21, 7:53pm -
  • Inspiration, expertise for Black churches
    Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century will offer tips on innovative ministries and better use of technology at its 2021 conference in Houston, which will be a hybrid live and virtual event.
    - 4 days ago 29 Nov 21, 3:40pm -

The World And Everything In It (Podcast)

  • new12.2.21 Russia threatens Ukraine, the omicron variant, and Pilgrim worship
    Jill Nelson reports on Russia’s latest threats toward Ukraine; Mary Reichard talks to pharmacist Zach Jenkins about the omicron variant; and Sarah Schweinsberg returns to Plymouth to find out how the Pilgrim’s worshipped. Plus: commentary from Cal Thomas, a critical reserve, and the Thursday morning news.
    - 20 hours ago 2 Dec 21, 8:15am -
  • 12.1.21 Washington Wednesday, World Tour, and giving books
    On Washington Wednesday, Mary Reichard talks to Robert Wilkie about the Iran nuclear agreement negotiations; on World Tour, Onize Ohikere reports on elections in Honduras and a transfer of power in Barbados; and Emily Whitten recommends gift options for the book-lover on your Christmas list. Plus: commentary from Janie B. Cheaney, monumental love, and the Wednesday morning news.
    - 2 days ago 1 Dec 21, 8:15am -
  • 11.30.21 Inflation and giving, Religious liberty, Abortion case and Whitney Williams commentary
    Rising prices hit ministries that serve low-income families; religious liberty waivers for faith-based foster care agencies; and preparing to make a case for the unborn at the Supreme Court. Plus: commentary from Whitney Williams, and the Tuesday morning news.
    - 3 days ago 30 Nov 21, 8:16am -
  • 11.29.21 Legal Docket, Moneybeat, and History Book
    On Legal Docket, Jenny Rough details oral arguments in a Supreme Court case about eligibility for disability benefits; on the Monday Moneybeat, Nick Eicher talks to financial analyst David Bahnsen about the latest economic news; and on History Book, Katie Gaultney recounts significant events from the past. Plus: a failed driver’s test, and the Monday morning news.
    - 4 days ago 29 Nov 21, 8:20am -
  • Truth be Told: Due Penalty
    WORLD Senior Correspondent Kim Henderson continues her investigation into a shocking case involving a minister who thinks he’s above the law
    - 6 days ago 27 Nov 21, 2:08pm -

World Magazine