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No churches or Christian schools remain in Afghanistan, according to the U.S. State Department. “There is no longer a public Christian church,” reads a State Department report on religious freedom. “[Private] chapels and churches for the international community of various faiths are located on several military bases, PRTs [Provincial Reconstruction Teams], and at the Italian…

The mysterious death of South Korean pastor Patrick Kim in China is being blamed on North Korea. “On a Sunday evening in August, a middle-aged South Korean pastor collapsed suddenly near a taxi stand in Dandong, a Chinese city on the Yalu River overlooking North Korea,” reports Barbara Demick in the Los Angeles Times. Kim,…

Most U.S. pastors feel strongly that Mormons are not Christians, according to a survey by LifeWay Research. In a poll of 1,000 American Protestant pastors, a response was asked to the statement: “I personally consider Mormons (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) to be Christians.” Three-quarters — 75 percent — said they disagree…

The final verdict for condemned Christian pastor Yousef Nadarkhani is now in the hands of Iran’s Supreme Leader, the Ayatollah Khamenei, according to the French news agency Agence France-Presse. “The ayatollah has ultimate authority in the Islamic Republic of Iran,” reported the Christian Messenger. “The move to involve him in the case could mean a…

An Israeli soldier held for five years by the armed wing of Hamas will be released in exchange for the release of 1,000 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, according to Israeli Army Radio. Israel Defense Forces soldier Gilad Schalit was kidnapped inside Israel in June 2006 by Palestinian militants after they tunneled into the Jewish…

After a strong opening weekend, the church-produced movie “Courageous” was still in the top ten at the box office for weekend two. It had debuted in the number four spot nationally, making more than $9 million nationwide — more than four times what it cost to make. Made on a $2 million budget by a…

At least 24 have died and 200 have been injured after street protests turned into violent clashes between the Egyptian army and unarmed protesters of Egypt’s Coptic Christian minority. The were protesting a lack of government response when mobs torched a number of churches. They were also calling for the repeal of a law that makes it illegal to repair or expand churches…

In its push to legalize abortion on demand worldwide, is the United Nations trampling religious rights? Are UN bureaucrats bullying small countries into violating their cultures, beliefs and sovreignty? “The UN believes in freedom of religion; at least, it passed the Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on…

“God heard my prayers!” says Philippine Army Master Sergeant Elpidio Tavelisma, husband of rescued hostage Evangeline Tavelisma — who says he “bombarded heaven” with prayers on behalf of his wife. The midwife — held  two months by Abu Sayyaf terrorists demanding a $350,000 ransom — was unexpectedly released by fleeing insurgents when trapped by police troopers and local militia…

Producers of legendary Gospel singer Mahalia Jackson’s upcoming Hollywood film are reportedly irked after the film’s star, American Idol winner Fantasia Barrino, concealed her pregnancy by a married boyfriend. The family of the squeaky-clean Mahalia — the Queen of Gospel — is said to be aghast. Rapper Missy Elliott and fellow American Idol finalist Mandisa Hundley have been mentioned as possible replacements.…
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