Christian News

Pastor Apologizes For Banning Bikinis At Christian Camp 

Washington youth Pastor, Bryce Brewer, is under fire for issuing an ultimatum to girls when it came to the swimsuits they chose. Now Brewer has apologized for banning girls at his youth summer camps from wearing bikinis, admitting that it was wrong to lay ‘the weight of purity’ on the girls but not hold boys responsibly for being ‘gross. He went on to say, “I am sorry that we have deemed a young woman’s body as something that “needs to be covered” and let young men’s bodies be OK to be seen.” Read more about his change of heart here.

Archeologists Discover New Section Of Jerusalem’s Ancient Wall

In an exciting discovery, archeologists have uncovered a section of Jerusalem’s outer city wall, built in the 8th century BC. The Israel Antiquities Authority announced Wednesday that the recent discovery of two stretches of stone bulwark from the Iron Age “unequivocally” prove a huge wall once protected the entire eastern flank of ancient Jerusalem. A stone Babylonian stamp seal and a bulla, or a clay impression of a stamp seal, bearing a Judaean personal name, “Tsafan,” were also found near the wall. Read more about the discovery here.

Faith Leaders Focus On Persecution Of Minorities

Today winds up the the first ever International Religious Freedom Summit. The three-day summit featured speakers from all faith communities advocating for religious freedom around the globe. Christians and other religious minorities are facing real persecution around the world, and the 2021 IRF Summit will bring light to these realities and challenge people to become involved by becoming part of the movement to change these realities for persecuted people. The International Religious Freedom summit will bring survivors of severe persecution together with lawmakers and advocates. Read more about the summit here.

Quanesha Burks Held On To God’s Promises While Going From MacDonald’s To Olympics

While working at McDonald’s, Quanesha Burks won 11 state championships and set seven school records, earning a full-ride scholarship to the University of Alabama. Burks became the first in her family to go to college, where she continued to dominate, earning the 2015 NCAA outdoor long jump title as well as the 2016 NCAA indoor long jump title. Now competing in the Tokyo Olympics, Burke says,  “Becoming an Olympian is a promise God made to me before the trials or injuries, I held on to that promise through the good and bad! Being an Olympian is great but it could never be as fulfilling as the joy of knowing how my faith was tested beyond measures and I held on to Gods promise with all the trust I had, and He never left my side.” Read  more about this remarkable athlete here.

Capital Hill Baptist Church and D.C. Settle Religious Liberty Lawsuit

In another win for houses of worship shut down over covid restrictions, the District of Columbia has agreed to pay $220,000 in legal fees in a settlement with Capitol Hill Baptist Church. The settlement comes nine months after a federal court ruled the government could not prohibit the Southern Baptist congregation from meeting outdoors with proper safety measures in place during the COVID-19 pandemic. The settlement agreement followed an October 2020 decision by federal judge Trevor McFadden to block enforcement of D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s restrictions on religious gatherings. Read more about the lawsuit here.

A New Tower Of Babel Attraction Planned In Kentucky

Answers In Genesis, is the ministry behind The Ark Encounter, a Bible-themed attraction in Kentucky that features a 510-foot-long wooden Noah’s ark. And now there is planning to begin fundraising for an expansion. The Ark Encounter said that it would take about three years to research, plan and build a “Tower of Babel” attraction on the park’s grounds in northern Kentucky. The hopes are that new attraction will “tackle the racism issue” by helping visitors “understand how genetics research and the Bible confirm the origin of all people groups around the world.” Read more about the project here.

Activists drape “God Bless Abortions” Banner On Christ Of The Ozark’s Statue

In a disgusting act of protest, a group draped a 65-foot-tall message on the Christ of the Ozarks statue in Eureka Springs to protest anti-abortion legislation in Arkansas. An activist art group called “In Decline” hung the banner reading, “God Bless Abortions.” In Decline says a team disguised as a construction crew slipped onto the property and put the sign up just before sunrise. The group also created “God Bless abortion shirts,” with all proceeds going to Arkansas Abortion Support, a non-profit organization that provides clinic escorting and funding for abortions in the state. Read more about the protest here.

First African American Wins Spelling Bee

For the first time in the Scripps National Spelling Bee’s 96-year history, an African American has taken home the top prize. Zaila Avant-garde, 14, an eighth-grader from Harvey, La., won the prestigious competition and $50,000. She is the competition’s second Black champion. “It made me feel really proud,” she said after clinching the victory. “I’m really hoping lots of little brown girls all over the world and stuff are really motivated to try out spelling and stuff because it’s really a fun thing to do and it’s a great way to kind of connect yourself with education, which is super important.” Read more about her win here.

Ohio Governor Signs Bill Protecting Doctors Who Care On Morel Grounds

Ohio healthcare providers can now refuse to treat or pay for a medical service if it violates their moral beliefs. Governor Mike DeWine signed House Bill 110 that says doctors, health care workers, hospitals, and insurers can “decline to perform, participate in, or pay for any health care service” which violates their consciences. It also gives healthcare providers civil, criminal and administrative immunity for refusing care. DeWine said in the budget unveiling press conference he does not foresee an issue with the clause. Read more about the bill here.

Pastor David Jeremiah Encourages Parishioners To Take Kids Out Of Public School

Author and Pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church in El Cajon, Calif., David Jeremiah, had an ear opening message for his congregation. He urged parents of school age children to consider pulling their kids out of public schools in order to save them from a progressive and atheistic ideology that will “steal” their faith. “It’s time to rethink Christian education,” Jeremiah said Sunday. “… I’m now at the conclusion that the schools that are taking the state’s programs are no longer a fitting place for Christian young people to be because they will be so brainwashed by this.” Read more of Dr. Jeremiah’s message here.

Hobby Lobby Under Fire For Fourth Of July Ad 

Arts and crafts giant, Hobby Lobby, faced backlash after it ran a full-page advertisement on July 4th in several newspapers across the U.S. that critics declared a call for a Christian-run government. The ad was titled “One Nation Under God,” and included Psalm 33:12, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people He chose for His inheritance.” The company has been placing similar advertisements on U.S. holidays since Hobby Lobby founder David Greene felt “commissioned” by God to make them in 1995. Read more about the backlash here.

Jimmy And Rosalynn Carter Celebrate 75 Years Of Marriage

Former President Jimmy Carter and former first lady Rosalynn Carter marked 75 years of marriage on Wednesday, a union that spans decades of public service from rural Georgia to the White House and beyond. “We’ve survived this long together because first of all, we give each other plenty of space to do our own thing,” said President Carter. Another part of the couple’s connection is reading the Bible together every night for the last 60 years, even when they’re apart from one another And trying not to go to bed feeling angry at each other. Read more about this milestone anniversary here.

140 Nigerian Students Kidnapped by Gunmen

When a Nigerian boarding school was stormed by gunmen, 140 schoolchildren were abducted. Established by Bethel Baptist Church in Kaduna, a member church of the Nigerian Baptist Convention (NBC), the school was attacked after kidnappers overcame security personnel, sources said. An epidemic of kidnappings for ransom has increasingly ensnared students in Africa’s most populous nation. The alleged kidnappings were the fourth armed attack on an educational institute in Kaduna state in the past five months. Read more about the attack here.

Israel Data Shows Drop In Pfizer Vaccine Protection Against Delta Variant

Just as Israel began to relax corona virus mandates, the Health Ministry released data showing the Pfizer vaccine effectiveness in preventing both infection and symptomatic disease fell to 64% since June 6. Yet at the same time, the vaccine was 93% effective in preventing hospitalizations and serious illness from the coronavirus. Data scientist Eran Segal of Israel’s Weizmann Institute of Science said it was fine to “continue with life back to normal and without restrictions” while stepping up measures like vaccination outreach and ensuring testing for Israelis returning home from abroad. Read more about the latest data here.

75% Of Christians Plan to Return To In Person Church Services

Research shows Christians are eager to return to their places of worship. About three-quarters of Americans who attended religious services in person at least monthly before the pandemic say they are likely to do so again in the next few weeks, according to a recent AP-NORC poll.  Those findings are in line with a Pew Research Center survey of U.S. residents last summer. It found that 92% of people who regularly attend religious services expected to continue at the same or higher rate, while 7% say they will attend in-person services less often. Read more about the poll here.

Conservative talk Show host Meghan McCain Leaving The View

Meghan McCain is departing ABC’s “The View” after four tumultuous years of doing what could arguably be the toughest tv job around. Being the only conservative on the show couldn’t have been an easy task. “This was not an easy decision, it took a lot of thought and council and prayer and talking to my family and friends,” said McCain, who explained that her choice to leave was influenced by the coronavirus and becoming a mother and how those things have effected her priorities. Here’s to wishing Meghan success on her next venture in life. read more about her departure here.

Nepal Churches Struggling To Serve

Covid – 19 has caused death and devastation around the world. and the country of Nepal has been hit hard. Now Nepal churches are struggling to serve the area. “In the month of May, pastors were dying almost every day,” said B. P. Khanal, a pastor, theologian, and leader of the Janajagaran Party Nepal. “I have never seen something like that.” Reports show that from February 2021 to today more than 500 pastors and their families have contracted the coronavirus, which multiple times has taken the lives of fathers and sons who co-led churches together. Read more about how churches are responding ton the crisis here.

Christian Track Star Sydney McLaughlin Breaks 400 Meter Hurdle Record

Canadian Churches Burning

Fundraiser held for Young Man who Walks 17 Miles To Work Each Day

When it comes to dedication, you don’t have to look any further than Donte Franklin. To make it to his shift as a Buffalo Wild Wings cook, Donte Franklin was leaving for work three hours early each day and trekking more than eight miles on foot to arrive on time. At the end of the day, the 20-year-old Oklahoman reversed his journey to walk home. Inspired by the young man’s grit and determination, a GoFundMe page was set up in his name so he could buy a car. So far, close to $52,000 has been raised. Read more about this remarkable young man here.

Jim Baker And His Church Settle Covid Lawsuit

Controversial Pastor Jim Baker is in the news again. This time it’s because Missouri Attorney General, Eric Schmitt, sued Bakker and his church, Morningside. During the pandemic, Baker  peddled a health supplement, falsely claiming it could cure COVID-19. The pastor along with his church settled the lawsuit agreeing to pay restitution of $156,000. The settlement agreement calls for refunds to people who paid money or gave contributions to obtain a product known as “Silver Solution”. Read more about the lawsuit here.

European Parliament Declares Abortion Access A Human Right

The European Parliament on Thursday passed a controversial resolution proclaiming the safe access to abortion is a human right. The resolution, which passed by 378 to 255 votes, also refers to abortion as an “essential health service”. And it also seeks to redefine conscientious objection as a “denial of medical care” and declares that violations of “sexual and reproductive health and rights” are “a form of violence against women and girls.” Read more about the resolution here.

Christian Musician Deletes Controversial Music Video

Popular Christian singer, Matthew West, thought his new song, “Modest Is Hottest”, was a good nature way of making fun of overprotective dads. West released the song about dads convincing their daughters of the age-old phrase used by Christian parents to encourage their daughters to keep necklines high, shorts lengths long and belly buttons covered. But instead the song was met with intense backlash online. some felt the song placed the responsibility of remaining pure on girls while either absolving men of any responsibility, blaming the victims. In response west deleted the video. Read more about the controversy here.

Blood Test That Can Detect over 50 Types Of Cancer

A new “all-in-one” blood test can detect more than 50 different types of cancer. In a new report, researchers with the European Society for Medical Oncology say the new screening test, which takes 10 days to process, often detects cancer before symptoms appear. It can even pinpoint where in the body a cancerous tumor is located. Lead author, Dr. Eric Klein, chairman of the Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, says, “These data suggest that, if used alongside existing screening tests, the multi-cancer detection test could have a profound impact on how cancer is detected and, ultimately, on public health.” Read more about the new discovery here.

World’s Most Premature Baby Celebrates First Birthday

Proving God still performs miracles, Pro-life supporters around the world, are cheering for Richard Scott William Hutchinson, who despite being born five months prematurely, celebrated his first birthday. His special milestone has been recognized by the Guinness book of world Records, as the world’s most premature baby to survive. At birth Richard weighed weighing just 11.9 ounces, and was so tiny his parents could hold him in a single palm of their hands. Read more about this miracle child here.

American Bishops Seek To Deny president Biden Communion

Because of the radically different views Joe Biden has about the sanctity of life from the Catholic church, U.S. Catholic bishops voted to back a measure that could be an early step toward limiting Communion for President Biden and other Catholic politicians who support abortion rights. This is not the first time that members of the clergy have tried to withhold Communion from Biden. In 2019 he was denied Communion at a Catholic church in South Carolina because of His support for abortion. Read more about the bishops efforts here.

Nigerian Pastor Recently Released From Captivity Finds Out He’s A New Father

Since being abducted and held since October 2020, Rev. Polycarp Zongo of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) has been released by his abductors.  Through the efforts of Ambassador Ummu Kalthum Muhammad, chairperson, and founder of Kalthum Foundation for Peace, the pastor was freed from Boko Haram insurgents. After being reunite with his family, Rev. Zongo learned that his wife had just given birth to the couple’s third child. In thankfulness to God, he sang praises and worship face down on the floor. Read more about his release and blessings here.

Georgia Waitress Pulls driver From Burning Car

When a Georgia waitress took a different way after work, it soon became clear it was no accident. Keelyn Haper saw a fire off the side of the road that turned out to be a woman trapped in a burning vehicle, and she knew she had to help when other passing motorists chose not to. Without any help, Haper was able to pull the woman out of the car and held her in her arms until authorities arrived. The saved woman’s family and the entire community are celebrating this young woman and her heroic efforts. Read more about her amazing actions here.

Supreme Court Sides With Catholic Foster Care Agency

When the city of Philadelphia learned that the a Catholic foster care agency organization would not certify same-sex couples for adoption, they claimed the city could not contract foster care services with the agency. The city based their decision on an antidiscrimination law ensuring that everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, has equal access to public accommodations. But the Supreme Court decided otherwise. It delivered a unanimous defeat to the city. The United States Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Catholic foster care agency with all nine justices agreeing that the city of Philadelphia violated the First Amendment’s protection of religious liberty when it ended the contract. Read more about the decision here. 

Southern Baptists Approve Major Investigation Into Abuse Charges

During their annual convention, southern Baptists called on their denomination to launch what would be its biggest investigation into sexual abuse responses and coverup. While the Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) recently commissioned its own independent inquiry through Guidepost Solutions, messengers voted at its annual meeting to transfer oversight of that investigation or launch an additional one. Thousands of messengers in the convention hall, voting with a wave of yellow cards in the air, supported the move as an additional level of accountability, while few opposed. Read more about the proposed investigation here.

The Bishop Of London Pushing Government To Lift Church Singing Ban

London Prime Minister, Boris Johnson extended the Covid restrictions another four weeks due to the Delta variant. In response, the Bishop of London, the Rt Rev Sarah Mullally, has said she will continue to press the Government on lifting the ban on congregational singing in churches. Although places of worship are open, congregational singing is still not permitted, a rule the government continued to defend this week. “While we look forward to restrictions on worship being lifted in the near future, I will continue to press for ongoing appraisal of choral and congregational singing.”, Mullally said. Read more about the continued ban here. 

Woman Donates Kidney To Her Husband’s Ex Wife

In a rare display of love and compassion, Debby Neal-Strickland of Florida donated her kidney. But what is most remarkable, is that she donated it to her husband’s ex-wife just days after her wedding. Debby Neal-Strickland, married Jim Merthe on the 10-year anniversary of their first date. Two days afterward, Neal-Strickland donated her kidney to Merthe’s ex-wife, Mylaen Merthe, who suffered from kidney disease. “She’s a person and she needed a kidney and I had one. I was healthy enough to give it to her,” Debby said. “She’s also the mother of my guy’s kids and they were having their first two grandchildren.” Read more about the gift of love here.

Hobby Lobby Sues Oxford Professor 

Craft store chain, Hobby lobby, is in the news again for suing to recover some $7 million it paid a former Oxford University professor for ancient fragments of the Christian gospels and other artifacts that turned out to be stolen. Since opening the Museum of the Bible in Washington, Hobby Lobby’s museum has been plagued by scandal over its acquisitions, resulting in the returns of manuscripts that were smuggled out of Egypt and cuneiform tablets looted from Iraq. Now the chain store is suing professor Dirk Obbink for fraud, and want all money paid to him for helping to curate the artifacts to be refunded in full. Read more about the lawsuit here.

Illinois School Reverses Decision To Ban Student From Reading The Bible

When a little second grade girl brought her Bible to read at an school, the book was confiscated. She loved to read it aloud at recess and discuss it with her friends. But the school didn’t like it. and contacted the girl’s parents telling them their little girl could not read the Bible during recess. When the parents pushed back, the school backed off a bit, saying she could read it during outside recess but not during inside recess. The parents reached out to the American Center for Law and Justice, who sent a letter to the school. After reviewing the letter, the school thanked ACLJ for the input and pulled back its restrictions on Gabrielle’s Bible reading. Read more about the case here. 

Saddleback Church Searching For New Pastor

Saddleback Church pastor Rick Warren announced that the megachurch will begin the official search for his successor, signaling he will retire after 40 years in his pulpit. “For 42 years, Kay and I have known that this time, this day would eventually arrive, and we’ve been waiting on God’s perfect timing,” Warren stated. he added that the search now would allow him to transition into a less visible role as founding pastor. “This isn’t the end, it’s not even the beginning of the end, it’s the beginning of the beginning,” Warren said. “We’re going to start looking for the next-generation pastor who will replace me and lead our family into the future.” Read more about the transition here.

Teacher Swaps Shoes with Graduate

When Louisiana senior, Daverius Peters showed up to graduation, the faculty member informed him that his footwear violated the dress code, and he would not be permitted into his own graduation. That’s when teacher, John Butler, who had mentored him on several occasions through his high school career, came to the rescue. Butler took off his shoes, two sizes too big for Peters, and gave them to Daverius, which the senior graciously accepted. Peters made it inside the venue just as the doors closed and was able to keep his place in the graduation line. Read more about this act of kindness here.