• Tue-12-2024
Explained: India’s controversial Places of Worship Act (December 13, 2024, BBC)

The Supreme Court's ruling on the law will be crucial to the fate of dozens of religious structures, especially those of Muslims, that are contested by Hindu groups. Critics also point out that the historical nature of the sites will make it hard to conclusively establish divergent claims, leaving scope for bitter inter-religious battles and violence.

  • Tue-12-2024
Concerns Raised Over New Libya “Morality” Measures (December 9, 2024, Barnabas Aid)

Concerns have been raised about the impact of the introduction in Libya of a Public Morality Protection unit, also referred to as the “morality police.” Christians are among those who may be at risk from greater repression and more extensive application of sharia (Islamic law).

  • Tue-12-2024
Christians Fleeing Iran Struggle to Prove their Faith in Nearby Georgia (December 6, 2024, International Christian Concerns Persecution.org)

After becoming a Christian, Jalal Darzi experienced persecution and was forced to flee Iran. Now he’s having trouble obtaining asylum in nearby Georgia because he can’t prove that he’s Christian.

  • Tue-12-2024
Another bleak Christmas in Bethlehem as Christian families quit West Bank (December 2, 2024, Reuters)

Tourists usually pour in, but Gaza War keeps them away. Manger Square is largely deserted, no plans for tree. Local families are looking to emigrate as the situation worsens.

  • Sun-12-2024
China’s Churches Go Deep Rather than Wide at Christmas (December 11, 2024, Christianity Today)

For Robert Wang, observing Advent is a new Christmas tradition. In the past, his house church would hold large Christmas gatherings with around 60 first-time visitors in attendance. Because the Chinese government passed tighter religious regulations in 2018, the 150-member church has split into several smaller churches, one of which is pastored by Wang. Today, Wang has changed how the congregation celebrates Christmas, not because of government restrictions but out of a desire to better integrate Christmas into the life of the church.

  • Sun-12-2024
What One Chinese Pastor Can Teach You About Suffering Faithfully (December 4, 2024, The Gospel Coalition)

Recently, an aged house-church pastor died in one of China’s global cities. Unlike the many famous Christians whose obituaries you read, you’ve never heard this pastor’s name. But his name is known by the Lord who gave him life, called him to ministry, and has now welcomed him into eternity.

  • Tue-12-2024
How Should Chinese Urban Churches Confront Anxieties in Today’s Era (December 10, 2024, Chinese Church Voices)

Over the past forty years, China has undergone tremendous historical transformations. Amidst the sweeping tides of history, individuals have struggled to discern the direction of social progress, and anxiety has become a collective mentality in China’s society. Reflecting on the development of Christianity in China during this period, it is evident that anxiety has had a profound impact on the church.

  • Tue-12-2024
Insights into the Sojourn of Chinese Returnees (December 9, 2024, ChinaSource)

Having been on a sojourn implies having been in a place long enough to learn something about the new location, and perhaps even absorbing some of the values of a place. A sojourn abroad almost always changes people in some way. Maybe they learn new ways of eating or speaking. Maybe they learn new ways of thinking. As you will see in the articles in this issue, many Chinese people encounter Christ during their time as sojourners.

  • Tue-12-2024
Xiamen: Financial Pressure, Spiritual Distraction (December 9, 2024, China Partnership)

We’ve noticed many brothers and sisters talking about their financial pressures. Some are unemployed and having a hard time finding suitable work. This has impacted their spiritual state, shifting their attention to basic necessities. It is harder to get people involved in ministry because they are working longer hours to earn more – or are afraid of losing their jobs if they don’t. Spiritual pursuits have been pushed lower on the priority list.

  • Tue-12-2024
A New Dawn for Chinese Theology: The Inauguration of the IASCC and the Biola Research Initiative for Chinese Theology (December 6, 2024, ChinaSource)

On November 14, 2024, nearly 80 Chinese pastors, church leaders, theologians, and educators from around the world gathered at the picturesque Biola University. Together, they celebrated the historic establishment of the Institute for Advanced Studies of Chinese Christianity (IASCC) and the Biola Research Initiative for Chinese Theology.