Christian News

Please remember to pray as you go through each of these news stories. Many of the people involved in these news stories are spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world. Many at the risk of becoming Christian Martyrs.

Christian

What People Experienced in Church
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-11197" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; margin-top: 6px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; border-width: 0px;" title="american-christianity" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/american-christianity.jpg" alt="" width="100" height="80" />The Barna Group recently surveyed Americans who attended church and reported on their worship experiences.
Pew Report Shows Rise in Restrictions on Religion
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-10865" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 6px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; border-width: 0px;" title="restrictions" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/restrictions_small.jpg" alt="rising restrictions on religion" width="100" height="80" />A recent Pew Report examined government restrictions on religious beliefs and practices; it also revealed that social hostilities involving religion have risen in Sweden, Denmark and the U.K.
Franklin Graham's 'Festival de Esperanza' Draws Thousands in Los Angeles
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-10408" style="border: 0pt none; margin: 6px 12px;" title="15861_franklin-graham-200x142" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/15861_franklin-graham_small.jpg" alt="" width="100" height="80" />Franklin Graham this past weekend held Spanish speaking meetings (Festival De Esperanza) Festival of Hope at The Home Depot Center, in Carson, California, where the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association's Trevor Freeze says hundreds of Hispanic hearts were warmed and changed forever by the saving power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
American Evangelist David Wilkerson Dies at 79
World famous evangelist David Wilkerson, who founded Times Square Church in New York City and authored the best-selling book, "The Cross and the Switchblade," has died, Worthy News learned Friday, April 29. He was 79.
Iran Releases Christian Convert Prisoner On Massive Bail, report
Iran has released on bail a man who was jailed because he converted from Islam to Christianity, but several others remain detained because they are unable to pay for their freedom Iranian Christians said Monday, April 11.
Kazakhstan Christians Face Hardship After Presidential Poll, group says
Kazakh Christians gathering without government approval were expected to face more punishments after officials said Kazakhstan's long-time President Nursultan Nazarbayev won Sunday's presidential poll.
First Evangelism Festival Since Vietnam War "Saves Thousands"
The first American evangelist to openly preach in Vietnam since 1975 says thousands of people have "committed" their lives to Jesus Christ at meetings that were nearly halted by Vietnamese authorities.
BREAKING NEWS: Afghanistan Releases Christian Convert Assadullah (Update)
An Afghan man who faced the death penalty for converting from Islam to Christianity has been released on bail after international pressure, but concerns remain about his safety, his friends confirmed to Worthy News and its news partner BosNewsLife Friday, April 8.
Saudi Arabia Jails House Church Christians (Exclusive)
Two Indian Christians of a thriving Pentecostal house church in Saudi Arabia have been moved from pre-trial detention to a prison in the Saudi capital Ryadh where they are "forbidden to pray or read the Bible" and "suffer of a lack of food and medical attention," an elder of the church has told Worthy News and its news partner BosNewsLife.
Netherlands' Town Urk Forbids Evangelism Campaign
A Dutch town known for its traditional churches and fishing community has forbidden an evangelism tent campaign, a move Christian Democrats say further threatens freedom of religion in the Netherlands.

Christian Persecution

Nigeria Christians Flee As Bombs, Shootings Claim 185 Lives
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-10557" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; margin-top: 6px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; border-width: 0px;" title="nigeria-bomb-abuja" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/nigeria-bomb-abuja_small.jpg" alt="nigeria-bomb-abuja" width="100" height="80" />Christians are fleeing northern Nigeria where bomb blasts rocked the Bauchi and Kano states over the weekend, killing at least 185 people, including Christians, said rights activists and church officials.
Police persecute Christians in Sudan
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-11184" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; margin-top: 6px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; border-width: 0px;" title="sudan-map" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/sudan-map_small.jpg" alt="" width="100" height="80" />Last week, sources told Compass News that Sudanese Police beat and arrested a church leader in Khartoum.
Syrian and Iranian Christians continue to face increasing persecution
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-11180" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; margin-top: 6px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; border-width: 0px;" title="middle-east-map" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/middle-east-map_small1.jpg" alt="" width="100" height="80" />Syrian and Iranian Christians are being targeted for further persecution, according to Christian news reports.
Muslims burn Copt homes and shops before Egyptian elections
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-10435" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; margin-top: 6px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; border-width: 0px;" title="egypt_map" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/egypt_map_small.jpg" alt="egypt_map" width="100" height="80" />Chanting "Allahu Akbar" a Muslim mob attacked the Coptic community of Kebly-Rahmaniya last week, burning down Christian houses, shops and businesses.
Christians in Sudan, South Sudan Facing Death and Detention
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-10645" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; margin-top: 6px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; border-width: 0px;" title="sudan-map-2" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/sudan-map-2_small.jpg" alt="sudan map" width="100" height="80" />Christians in Sudan and newly created South Sudan face possible detention, beatings and even death amid a "deteriorating humanitarian situation" with thousands of people being killed this year alone, aid workers and Christians said in statements obtained by Worthy News Sunday, January 22.
Somalia Militants Flogging Woman Over Christian Conversion
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-6900" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; margin-top: 6px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; border-width: 0px;" title="_45836568_somalia226" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/45836568_somalia226.gif" alt="somalia" width="100" height="80" />A Somali woman, who converted from Islam to Christianity, was nursing her injuries Wednesday, January 11, after she was reportedly paraded before a cheering crowd and publicly flogged as a punishment for embracing a "foreign religion."
Burma Kachin Christians Flee Deadly Attacks; Fighting Spreading
<img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-10725" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; border-width: 0px;" title="burma" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/burma_small.jpg" alt="burma map" width="100" height="80" />Churches and Buddhist monasteries in a mining area of Burma's northern Kachin state have taken in nearly 1,000 refugees, many of them Christians, since New Year's Day, after the Burmese military reportedly attacked a church and killed several people, Worthy News established Tuesday, January 10.
'Santa Claus' Kills Christian Leader in Israel
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-10495" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; margin-top: 6px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; border-width: 0px;" title="israel-map-flag-protest" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/israel-map-flag-protest.jpg" alt="" width="100" height="80" />A leader of Israel's Christian minority has been stabbed to death by a man dressed as Santa Claus, prompting the arrest of six locals in connection with the murder, church and police officials said Saturday, January 7.
Nigeria Militants Kill 6 In Church Attack
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-10979" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 6px; margin-bottom: 6px; border-width: 0px;" title="nigeria-map2" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/nigeria-map2_small.jpg" alt="" width="100" height="80" />Suspected Islamic militants attacked an evangelical church in northeast Nigeria during a worship service late Thursday, January 5, killing at least six people and injuring 10 others, Worthy News learned.
Persecution Christians Seen Rising In Islamic Nations
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-11155" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; margin-top: 6px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; border-width: 0px;" title="islamic-states" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/islamic-states_small.jpg" alt="" width="100" height="80" />North Korea leads a list of nations where "Christians face the most severe persecution", but "Muslim-majority" countries represent nine of the top 10 amid spreading Islamic extremism around the world, a major Christian watchdog said in comments obtained by Worthy News.

Christian Persecution - Africa

Nigeria Christians Flee As Bombs, Shootings Claim 185 Lives
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-10557" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; margin-top: 6px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; border-width: 0px;" title="nigeria-bomb-abuja" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/nigeria-bomb-abuja_small.jpg" alt="nigeria-bomb-abuja" width="100" height="80" />Christians are fleeing northern Nigeria where bomb blasts rocked the Bauchi and Kano states over the weekend, killing at least 185 people, including Christians, said rights activists and church officials.
Police persecute Christians in Sudan
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-11184" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; margin-top: 6px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; border-width: 0px;" title="sudan-map" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/sudan-map_small.jpg" alt="" width="100" height="80" />Last week, sources told Compass News that Sudanese Police beat and arrested a church leader in Khartoum.
Muslims burn Copt homes and shops before Egyptian elections
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-10435" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; margin-top: 6px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; border-width: 0px;" title="egypt_map" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/egypt_map_small.jpg" alt="egypt_map" width="100" height="80" />Chanting "Allahu Akbar" a Muslim mob attacked the Coptic community of Kebly-Rahmaniya last week, burning down Christian houses, shops and businesses.
Christians in Sudan, South Sudan Facing Death and Detention
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-10645" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; margin-top: 6px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; border-width: 0px;" title="sudan-map-2" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/sudan-map-2_small.jpg" alt="sudan map" width="100" height="80" />Christians in Sudan and newly created South Sudan face possible detention, beatings and even death amid a "deteriorating humanitarian situation" with thousands of people being killed this year alone, aid workers and Christians said in statements obtained by Worthy News Sunday, January 22.
Somalia Militants Flogging Woman Over Christian Conversion
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-6900" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; margin-top: 6px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; border-width: 0px;" title="_45836568_somalia226" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/45836568_somalia226.gif" alt="somalia" width="100" height="80" />A Somali woman, who converted from Islam to Christianity, was nursing her injuries Wednesday, January 11, after she was reportedly paraded before a cheering crowd and publicly flogged as a punishment for embracing a "foreign religion."
Nigeria Militants Kill 6 In Church Attack
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-10979" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 6px; margin-bottom: 6px; border-width: 0px;" title="nigeria-map2" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/nigeria-map2_small.jpg" alt="" width="100" height="80" />Suspected Islamic militants attacked an evangelical church in northeast Nigeria during a worship service late Thursday, January 5, killing at least six people and injuring 10 others, Worthy News learned.
Nigeria Christians Warned Against Retaliation As Deadline Looms To Leave
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-10557" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; margin-top: 6px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; border-width: 0px;" title="nigeria-bomb-abuja" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/nigeria-bomb-abuja_small.jpg" alt="nigeria-bomb-abuja" width="100" height="80" />With a deadline looming to leave their homes or be killed, Christians in northern Nigeria were urged Tuesday, January 3, not to retaliate against Islamic violence.
Nigeria President Declares State Of Emergency After Anti-Christian Attacks
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-10543" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; margin-top: 6px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; border-width: 0px;" title="nigeria-map" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/nigeria-map-small.jpg" alt="nigeria" width="100" height="80" />Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has declared a state of emergency as northern parts of Africa's most populous nation amid mounting concerns about attacks by Islamist militant group, Boko Haram, against especially the Christian population.
Ethiopia: Muslim Police Join Students in Demolishing Church
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-10378" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 6px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; border-width: 0px;" title="ethiopia.map" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/ethiopia.map_.jpg" alt="" width="100" height="80" />More than 500 Muslim students assisted by Muslim police burned down a church in the village of Qoto Baloso, Ethiopia, on Nov. 29.
Christians are still being killed in Plateau State, Nigeria
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-10543" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 6px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; border-width: 0px;" title="nigeria-map" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/nigeria-map-small.jpg" alt="nigeria" width="100" height="80" />Fulani Muslim herdsmen and soldiers killed at least 45 ethnic Berom Christians in Plateau state last week.

Christian Persecution - Americas

Mexico Evangelicals Leave Village Amid Crucifixion Threats
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-10965" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 6px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; border-width: 0px;" title="Puebla-Mexico" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/Puebla-Mexico_small.jpg" alt="Puebla-Mexico" width="100" height="80" />At least 70 evangelical Christians in Mexico's east-central region were homeless Saturday, September 17, after being expelled by local authorities from their village where traditional Catholics reportedly threatened to "crucify or lynch" them.
Pastor granted asylum, but blocked from leaving Cuba
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-10486" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 6px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; border-width: 0px;" title="cuba-map" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/cuba-map_small.jpg" alt="cuba map" width="100" height="80" />A Cuban pastor who was imprisoned and then granted asylum by the United States was denied permission to leave Cuba.
Cuba Detains Over 20 Christians In New Crackdown, Activists Say
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-10486" style="margin-top: 6px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" title="cuba-map" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/cuba-map_small.jpg" alt="christian news cuba" width="100" height="80" />Baptist Pastor Mario Felix Lleonart Barroso and his wife, Yoaxis, were part of the 23 Christians detained by Cuban police in Santa Clara, said Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), a major religious rights group.
Cuba Pastor Banned From Preaching After Prison Release
Cuba has released an evangelical pastor from a six-and-a-half year prison sentence under condition that he does not preach and remains confined to his home city of Camaguey, representatives said Monday, March 28.
Honduras Pastors Killed; Government Urged To Increase Protection
Christian leaders have urged Honduras' government to improve protection of Christian workers after Carlos Roberto Marroqun became the second prominent pastor to be murdered this year in the Central American nation.
Cuba Communist Party 'Confirms' Church Crackdown In Leaked Video
A leaked video appears to show a Cuban Communist Party official openly confirming a government strategy to target churches affiliated with the fast growing Apostolic Movement, a protestant network.
Pakistan Christian Teenager Nearly Stoned To Death; Woman 'Tortured'
Christian rights activists asked Vietnam Monday, November 29, to release pastors who received long prison terms on charges of undermining national unity."
Missionaries Acquitted of Inciting Crowd in Michigan
A jury acquitted four Christian missionaries accused of inciting a crowd while videotaping themselves proselytizing Muslims at the Dearborn Arab International Festival in June.
Cuba Drops Charges Against Church Leader
Cuba has released and dropped all charges of "threatening behavior" against a well-known church after his accusers gave contradictory evidence against him, a Christian human rights organization said Monday, September 7.
Cuba Detains Church Leader For "Offensive Bahavior"
A respected church leader in Cuba was unexpectedly arrested on Monday on trumped up charges of "offensive behavior" and "threats" according to a Christian human rights organization.

Christian Persecution - Asia

Burma Kachin Christians Flee Deadly Attacks; Fighting Spreading
<img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-10725" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; border-width: 0px;" title="burma" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/burma_small.jpg" alt="burma map" width="100" height="80" />Churches and Buddhist monasteries in a mining area of Burma's northern Kachin state have taken in nearly 1,000 refugees, many of them Christians, since New Year's Day, after the Burmese military reportedly attacked a church and killed several people, Worthy News established Tuesday, January 10.
Hindu Militants Attack India Evangelicals; Several Injured
<img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-10680" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; margin-top: 6px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; border-width: 0px;" title="india-map" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/india-map_small.jpg" alt="india map" width="100" height="80" />Hindu militants twice attacked evangelical Christians in India's southern state of Karnataka, injuring several believers, including women and children, Christians told Worthy News.
Indonesians Ordered to Leave U.S.
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-10320" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; margin-top: 6px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; border-width: 0px;" title="indonesia-map" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/indonesia-map_small.jpg" alt="indonesia" width="100" height="80" />A New Jersey community of 72 Indonesians who years ago were spared deportation after a pastor brokered an agreement with immigration authorities allowing them them to stay in the country temporarily may soon be deported thanks to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Church Bombing Goes Bust
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-11107" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 6px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; border-width: 0px;" title="nepal-map" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/nepal-map_small.jpg" alt="" width="100" height="80" />Nepal Police deactivated a bomb discovered near the entrance of the Navajiwan Church in Kathmandu last month.
Hindus fail to stop prayer meeting
<img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-10680" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 6px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; border-width: 0px;" title="india-map" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/india-map_small.jpg" alt="india map" width="100" height="80" />More than 30,000 Christians recently took part in a prayer meeting in Hubli, Karnataka despite efforts by pro-Hindu groups to disrupt them.
Hanoi House Church Leaders Attacked
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-10652" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 6px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; border-width: 0px;" title="vietnam_map" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/vietnam_map_small.jpg" alt="" width="100" height="80" />A mob of men attacked leaders of a Baptist house church near Hanoi Sunday, seriously injuring a pastor and several others, including women and teenage children.
India Hindu Militants To "Behead" Evangelists
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-10343" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 6px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; border-width: 0px;" title="india-map" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/india-map_small1.jpg" alt="India" width="100" height="80" />The leader of a hardline Hindu group wants India's constitution to legalize the killing of Christian evangelists and, for instance, promoters of other non-Hindu religions.
Burmese Military Unit Arrests Pastor
<img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-10725" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 6px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; border-width: 0px;" title="burma" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/burma_small.jpg" alt="burma map" width="100" height="80" />A government military unit assigned to clear a road assaulted and then arrested five men including a pastor of the Catholic Association.
No Churches Left in Afghanistan
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-10413" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 6px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; border-width: 0px;" title="Afghanistan_Map" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/Afghanistan_Map_small2.jpg" alt="" width="100" height="80" />There aren't any public churchs left standing in Afghanistan, according to the U.S. State Department.
Muslims shut down Protestant church
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-10320" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 6px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; border-width: 0px;" title="indonesia-map" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/indonesia-map_small.jpg" alt="indonesia" width="100" height="80" />Muslims of the Islamic Defender Front aided by local officials recently shut down a Protestant church in Jatinangor on rumors that the church was a haven for newly baptised Christians.

China

China Crackdown On Christmas Celebrations Of House Churches
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-10750" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; margin-top: 6px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; border-width: 0px;" title="china-map-believers" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/china-map-believers_small.jpg" alt="" width="100" height="80" />One of China's largest house congregations planned to hold its last outdoor worship service on Christmas Day in the capital Beijing after months of detentions, while elsewhere several congregations were raided by Chinese security forces as part of a Christmas season crackdown, local Christians and activists said.
China Frees Prominent House Church Leader; Others Detained
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-10750" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 6px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; border-width: 0px;" title="china-map-believers" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/china-map-believers_small.jpg" alt="" width="100" height="80" />China has unexpectedly released a prominent house church leader from prison amid international concerns about his health, his family and rights activists confirmed Monday, September 19.
Chinese Christians Suffer Supporting Shouwang Church
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-10750" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 6px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; border-width: 0px;" title="china-map-believers" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/china-map-believers_small.jpg" alt="" width="100" height="80" />Last Sunday five members of a house church in Fangshan tried to worship with members of the embattled Beijing Shouwang house church in a public square in Beijing.
Chinese House Church Leaders Criminally Detained
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-10750" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 6px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; border-width: 0px;" title="china-map-believers" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/china-map-believers_small.jpg" alt="" width="100" height="80" />Fifteen house church leaders from remote regions of China are being detained while local police attempt to extort money from their families for their release.
House Church Pastor In China Detained
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-10576" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 6px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; border-width: 0px;" title="china-map-believers" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/china-map-believers_small.jpg" alt="china map christians" width="100" height="80" />Pastor Shi Enhao, deputy chairman of the Chinese House Church Alliance, has been sentenced to two years of "re-education through labor," an extra-judicial punishment handed out by police that requires no trial or conviction of a crime, Worthy News has learned.
China claims Christian used "superstition" to undermine law enforcement
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-10576" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 6px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; border-width: 0px;" title="china-map-believers" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/china-map-believers_small.jpg" alt="china map christians" width="100" height="80" />A leader in China's growing underground church movement who disappeared last month was actually in police custody. Held on "suspicion of using superstition to undermine national law enforcement," Shi Enhaoi is one of 150 million Chinese Christians who refuse to join the Communist Party's Three-Self Patriotic Movement: the only officially sanctioned Protestant church on the mainland.
Chinese Expel Shouwang Church Member from Beijing
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-10453" style="margin-top: 6px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" title="chinese-believers" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/chinese-believers_small.jpg" alt="christian news in china" width="100" height="80" />Chinese authorities recently expelled yet another member of Beijing's largest unregistered house churches. Chuan Liang was the second member of the Shouwang "keeping watch" Church to be expelled from the city since authorities compelled the congregation to meet outdoors; the first expulsion came after Shouwang Church held its fifth consecutive outdoor Sunday worship service when 15 members were taken to 10 police stations across Beijing, but most were released within 24 hours.
China Detains House Church Members in Beijing
Police detained 16 more members of Beijing's Shouwang House Church and placed others under house arrest: two were held in protective custody while the rest were sent to 10 different police stations; most were released by Sunday morning.
China Detains House Church Alliance Official
Chinese authorities have detained a key official of an influential umbrella group of house churches in China as part of a wider crackdown on unauthorized worship in the country, rights activists and Chinese Christians said Thursday, June 2.
China House Churches Want Parliament Investigation Into Crackdown
Pastors of "house" churches in China urged the country's parliament to investigate a police crackdown on one of Beijing's largest underground churches while Chinese Christian leaders in the United States and Canada launched a global signature campaign to support the embattled Shouwang Church, supporters said.

Christian Persecution - Europe

After years of "red tape," Christians in Turkey finally open House Church
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-10739" style="border: 0pt none; margin: 6px 10px;" title="turkey-map-large" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/turkey-map-small.jpg" alt="turkey-map" width="100" height="80" />Protestants in the eastern Turkish province of Van have finally succeeded in opening a house church after seven years of struggling with local bureaucracies, yet they are still concerned by the hostile rhetoric coming from their local officials.
British Christian Doctor Faces Dismissal Over Faith Talk
A British family doctor defended suggesting faith in Jesus Christ to a patient last year despite facing disciplinary action and concerns he could lose his job.
Kazakhstan Christians Face Hardship After Presidential Poll, group says
Kazakh Christians gathering without government approval were expected to face more punishments after officials said Kazakhstan's long-time President Nursultan Nazarbayev won Sunday's presidential poll.
Germany Jails Christian Parents Over Sex Education Row
A Christian father spent another day in a German prison Saturday, March 26, after refusing to pay a fine for not allowing his children to attend government-run "sexual education" classes, his lawyers said.
Turkish Court Jails Officers Over Killings Christians
A Turkish court on Monday, March 21, ordered five military officers and two civilians jailed as part of an investigation into the 2007 killings of three Christians at a Bible-publishing house.
Christians in Turkey Acquitted of 'Insulting Turkishness'
After a lengthy legal battle, a Turkish judge acquitted two Christians of insulting Turkey and its people by spreading Christianity, but not without imposing a heavy fine for another unrelated charge.
NEWS WATCH: Experts Exhume Bodies of Romanian Dictator, Wife
Forensic analysts have exhumed what are believed to be the bodies of late Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceausescu and his wife, Elena, who were executed in 1989. It comes after relatives raised doubts that the couple was really buried in Romania's capital Bucharest.
BREAKING NEWS: Pentecostal Pastor Shot Dead In Dagestan
The pastor of the largest Pentecostal church in Russia's violent, mainly Muslim republic of Dagestan, has died after being shot in the head, in an apparent bid to intimidate converts from Islam, Christian rights activists and police said Friday, July 16.
Christians Worldwide Pray For Burma
Thousands of Christians worldwide will unite in prayer for Burma next week as part of global day of prayer for the nation, organizers said.
NEWS WATCH: Ukraine's Prime Minister Challenges Election Results
Ukrainian election officials say they will not consider Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko's complaints of presidential election fraud. Results show opposition leader Victor Yanukovich defeated Tymoshenko by 3.5 percentage points in the February 7 runoff election.

Christian Persecution - Middle East

Syrian and Iranian Christians continue to face increasing persecution
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-11180" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; margin-top: 6px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; border-width: 0px;" title="middle-east-map" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/middle-east-map_small1.jpg" alt="" width="100" height="80" />Syrian and Iranian Christians are being targeted for further persecution, according to Christian news reports.
'Santa Claus' Kills Christian Leader in Israel
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-10495" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; margin-top: 6px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; border-width: 0px;" title="israel-map-flag-protest" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/israel-map-flag-protest.jpg" alt="" width="100" height="80" />A leader of Israel's Christian minority has been stabbed to death by a man dressed as Santa Claus, prompting the arrest of six locals in connection with the murder, church and police officials said Saturday, January 7.
Iran Frees Jailed Christian Executive After 287 Days
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-10538" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; margin-top: 6px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; border-width: 0px;" title="iran-map-large" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/iran-map-small.jpg" alt="iran map" width="100" height="80" />A Christian woman who was detained as part of Iran's crackdown on devoted Christian converts has been released after more than nine months imprisonment, but concerns remain over other jailed believers, Worthy News learned January 1.
Iran Security Forces Raid Christmas Celebrations; Pastor, Wife Detained
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-11096" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; margin-top: 6px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; border-width: 0px;" title="iran-prison" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/iran-prison_small.jpg" alt="iran-christian" width="100" height="80" />A senior evangelical pastor and his wife are spending Christmas behind bars in southern Iran after security forces raided their Assemblies of God-affiliated church, detaining everyone in the building, including children attending Sunday School, a friend of the couple told Worthy News.
Ethiopian Christians Arrested in Saudi Arabia
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-10702" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; margin-top: 6px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; border-width: 0px;" title="saudi-arabia-map" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/saudi-arabia-map_small.jpg" alt="saudi-arabia-map" width="100" height="80" />Saudi police arrested 42 Ethiopian Christians attending a prayer meeting in Jeddah Thursday.
Iran Jails Pastor Extra Year Before Feared Execution
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-10532" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; margin-top: 6px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; border-width: 0px;" title="iran-pastor-youcef-large" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/iran-pastor-youcef-small.jpg" alt="pastor youcef in iran" width="100" height="80" />Iranian pastor Youcef Nadarkhani has to serve at least one more year in prison before he may be executed for refusing to abandon his faith in Christ and return to Islam, an official assisting him told Worthy News Thursday, December 14.
Suspect in Ortiz Bombing Fit To Stand Trial
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-10495" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 6px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; border-width: 0px;" title="israel-map-flag-protest" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/israel-map-flag-protest_small.jpg" alt="" width="100" height="80" />The "Jewish terrorist" who tried to murder members of an Israeli Messianic family on account of their faith has been declared fit to stand trial.
Iran Orders Pastors to Serve Prison Terms
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-11096" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 6px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; border-width: 0px;" title="iran-prison" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/iran-prison_small.jpg" alt="iran-christian" width="100" height="80" />Iran has ordered three evangelical house church pastors to report to prison within a monthand serve lengthy jail terms on charges linked to their Christian activities, a well-informed source told Worthy News lateTuesday, November 29.
New U.S. Security Measures Leave Iraqi Christian Refugees in Limbo
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-10564" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 6px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; border-width: 0px;" title="Iraq Map" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/iraq-map_small.jpg" alt="iraq christian news" width="100" height="80" />The immigration status of thousands of Christians fleeing from persecution in Iraq are now in limbo thanks to new security measures.
Iranian Officials Pressure Imprisoned Pastor to Return to Islam
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-10532" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 6px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; border-width: 0px;" title="iran-pastor-youcef-large" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/iran-pastor-youcef-small.jpg" alt="pastor youcef in iran" width="100" height="80" />Iranian officials are trying to convince an imprisoned pastor to return to Islam while he awaits word from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on whether he should be executed for converting to Christianity.

Christian Persecution - Russia & Former USSR

Uzbekistan Churches Banned from Evangelism, Youth Worship
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-10356" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 6px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; border-width: 0px;" title="uzbekistan-map" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/uzbekistan-map_small2.jpg" alt="uzbekistan" width="100" height="80" />Authorities in eastern Uzbekistan have warned local churches not to allow youngsters and children to attend their worship services and not to carry out missionary activities or "proselytism", the word for evangelism, local Christians and activists said.
Evangelicals in Belarus and Kazakhstan Detained, Beaten, Fined
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-10554" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 6px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; border-width: 0px;" title="kazakhstan" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/kazakhstan_small.jpg" alt="kazakhstan christian" width="100" height="80" />Evangelical Christians in Belarus and Kazakhstan faced increased pressure Friday, October 21, to halt unauthorized worship services after pastors were fined and churches raided in the former Soviet republics.
Kazakhstan Lawmakers Adopt "Repressive" Religion Law
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-10554" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 6px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; border-width: 0px;" title="kazakhstan" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/kazakhstan_small.jpg" alt="kazakhstan christian" width="100" height="80" />Lawmakers in Kazakhstan have voted for controversial legislation that Christians and rights activists say will further limit religious freedom in the mainly Muslim Central Asian state.
Uzbekistan, Where Fines, Abuse and the Destruction of Religious Literature Abound
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-10356" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 6px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; border-width: 0px;" title="uzbekistan-map" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/uzbekistan-map_small.jpg" alt="uzbekistan" width="100" height="80" />Police who raided a Protestant family's home in Fergana also assaulted the husband as they confiscated a Bible, an Uzbek New Testament, the Proverbs of Solomon and a Koran.
Tajikistan's children to be banned from worship after Ramadan?
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-10761" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 6px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; border-width: 0px;" title="tajikistan" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/tajikistan_small.jpg" alt="tajikistan" width="100" height="80" />Although the Law on Parental Responsibility for the Education and Upbringing of Children has recently been enacted, Religious Affairs officials haven't explained how the ban on children's participation in worship will be enforced.
Children may lose Religious Rights in Tajikistan
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-10761" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 6px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; border-width: 0px;" title="tajikistan" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/tajikistan_small.jpg" alt="tajikistan" width="100" height="80" />The Tajikistan Parliament recently adopted two new laws that could ban children from participating in religious activities.
Armenia Evangelicals Under Pressure Amid New Legislation
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-10661" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 6px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; border-width: 0px;" title="armenia-map" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/armenia-map_small.jpg" alt="armenia-map" width="100" height="80" />Rights activists and religious groups in Armenia say new legislation will increase intolerance towards the country's evangelical Christians and other minorities, some of whom already face prosecution for their church activities.
Kazakhstan: Pastors Charged with Praying
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-10554" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 6px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; border-width: 0px;" title="kazakhstan" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/kazakhstan_small.jpg" alt="kazakhstan christian news" width="100" height="80" />Pastor Yerzhan Ushanov of New Life Protestant Church in Taraz is looking at two years' imprisonment if criminal charges for injuring an individual's health ever come to court, Christian rights investigators said.
Uzbek Christians Suffer as Regime Tightens Noose
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-10356" style="border: 0pt none; margin: 6px 12px;" title="uzbekistan-map" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/uzbekistan-map_small2.jpg" alt="" width="100" height="80" />At least four incidents of Christian persecution were reported from the former Soviet country of Uzbekistan this week. According to an analysis and report researched and written by Fernando Perez for the World Evangelical Alliance Religious Liberty Commission, a Christian woman was beaten into concussion, another woman was fined $1,465 by a court for giving the New Testament to a child, a Christian man was threatened with axe attack by a police official and another man was assaulted by police.
High Price To Pay For Being A Christian in Uzbekistan
Being a Christian in Uzbekistan can be costly. Just ask Galina Shemetova who was ordered to pay a fine of 2,486,750 som, 50 times the minimum monthly pay for giving a colleague a children's Bible. This amounts to $60,320US, four times the yearly pre-tax salary of a 40 hour-a-week minimum wage earner. Miss Shemetova not only had to pay the fine, but she was also beaten physically by police, a fact known by the Tashkent Court of Appeals.

Israel-Palestinian Conflict

Christians join Jews to express support for Israel
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-10698" style="border: 0pt none; margin: 6px 10px;" title="christian-support-israel" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/christian-support-israel_small.jpg" alt="christian-support-israel" width="100" height="80" />Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Pastor John Hagee and radio personality Glenn Beck all spoke to Israel's Christian supporters during the sixth annual "Christians United for Israel" summit at the Convention Center in Washington, D.C..
Israelis Talk of Fears as Rockets Force Them into Bomb Shelters
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-10667" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 6px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; border-width: 0px;" title="iran-hamas-destruction-israel" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/iran-hamas-destruction-israel_small.jpg" alt="iran-hamas-destruction-israel" width="100" height="80" />Residents of southern Israel were sent back into bomb shelters this weekend as Gaza's terrorists stepped up their rocket launchings. Close to 20 were fired at Israeli civilians from Gaza over the past week totaling 348 this year alone.
Documents link latest Gaza Flotilla Organizers to Terror
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-10527" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 6px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; border-width: 0px;" title="gaza-strip-terrorist-map-large" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/gaza-strip-terrorist-map-small.jpg" alt="Gaza Strip" width="100" height="80" />Although organizers of the Gaza flotilla claim they have no connection to terror, IDF military intelligence has evidence that reveals flotilla organizers received significant funding from groups that support Hamas and other terrorist groups.
Palestinians to Seek UN Recognition in September
The Palestinian Authority says it will go to the United Nations in September and ask for recognition of an independent state in the West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem, a move opposed by both Israel and the United States.
Last Ethiopian Jews To Return To Israel, Christian Group Says
A Christian group said Tuesday, June 7, it would help organize "the return of the last 8,700 Ethiopian Jews to Israel" by sponsoring what are known as "Aliyah" flights, the coming months.
Anti-Missionary Groups Gather in Jerusalem
Anti-Missionaries from across Israel will be meeting today in Jerusalem at the nations largest conference center to discuss the growing problem of missionaries in Israel.
Israelis, Palestinians to Work Out Framework Agreement Despite Difficult Obstacles
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas have agreed to meet every two weeks to continue U.S. backed direct negotiations for the creation of a Palestinian state within a year despite serious differences that remain between the two sides.
Iran Begins Fueling First Nuclear Reactor
Russia helped Iran cross a major threshold on Saturday as it loaded its first nuclear reactor with fuel, seen by many as a significant symbol of its rejection of international sanctions designed to prevent it from building a nuclear bomb.
1.5 Billion Barrels of Oil Discovered in Israel
An Israeli oil exploration company announced a potential oil field which holds 1.525 billion barrels worth of oil, Worthy News learned on August 18.
Iran to Inaugurate Nuclear Plant in September
The Iranian nuclear power plant located in Bushehr will be inaugurated in late September, despite international concerns the project is part of a wider nuclear program, according to Russian Foreign Ministry officials, Worthy News learned Tuesday, August 10.

U.S. News

What People Experienced in Church
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-11197" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; margin-top: 6px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; border-width: 0px;" title="american-christianity" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/american-christianity.jpg" alt="" width="100" height="80" />The Barna Group recently surveyed Americans who attended church and reported on their worship experiences.
America Remembers September 11 Amid Controversy
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-10946" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 6px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; border-width: 0px;" title="world-trade-center-lights" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/world-trade-center-lights_small.jpg" alt="world trade" width="100" height="80" />Christians around the world were among those remembering the 10th anniversary of the September 11 attacks on the United States, but pastors expressed concerns that in New York no clergy-led prayer was included in a ceremony near where the World Trade Center towers collapsed.
NM School Suspends Students for Sharing Bible Verses
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-10707" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 6px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; border-width: 0px;" title="new-mexico" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/new-mexico_small.jpg" alt="new mexico" width="100" height="80" />Yet another case of academic alien-ation in Roswell, New Mexico? A lawsuit by Liberty Counsel alleges that the Roswell Independent School District retaliated against a school Christian group by suspending its members after giving Krispy Kreme doughnuts with Bible verses to their teachers; one student was sent home and two others spent a Saturday morning alone in a classroom for four hours.
Christians join Jews to express support for Israel
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-10698" style="border: 0pt none; margin: 6px 10px;" title="christian-support-israel" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/christian-support-israel_small.jpg" alt="christian-support-israel" width="100" height="80" />Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Pastor John Hagee and radio personality Glenn Beck all spoke to Israel's Christian supporters during the sixth annual "Christians United for Israel" summit at the Convention Center in Washington, D.C..
Christian Clerks Face Same-Sex License Showdown
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-10688" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 6px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; border-width: 0px;" title="new.york.state_small" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/new.york_.state_small.jpg" alt="new-york" width="100" height="80" />Although a memo circulated by the Alliance Defense Fund assured scrupulous New York State license clerks that they can delegate the issuance of same-sex marriage licenses to another clerk, Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice disagreed.
US Economy: Bernanke: Failure to Make Debt Deal Would Be 'Calamity'
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-10632" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 6px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; border-width: 0px;" title="american-economy-2" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/american-economy-2_small.jpg" alt="american economy" width="100" height="80" />U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke says the economy will face "calamity" if congressional Republicans and President Obama cannot reach an agreement to raise the legal limit on borrowing.
Ohio House Passes Heartbeat Bill
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-10502" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 6px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; border-width: 0px;" title="ohio-map-baby" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/ohio-map-baby_small.jpg" alt="abortion-debate-ohio" width="100" height="80" />Ohio Republicans recently passed a bill that prohibits abortions if a fetal heartbeat is discernible.
Texas to become largest state to defund Planned Parenthood
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-10480" style="border: 0pt none; margin: 6px 10px;" title="perry-abortion-texas-map" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/perry-abortion-texas-map_small.jpg" alt="abortion in texas" width="100" height="80" />Texas will soon become the largest state to defund Planned Parenthood after its Republican majority legislature recently passed Senate Bill 7, a health care bill that prevents the nation's largest abortion provider from receiving state family funds.
Franklin Graham's 'Festival de Esperanza' Draws Thousands in Los Angeles
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-10408" style="border: 0pt none; margin: 6px 12px;" title="15861_franklin-graham-200x142" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/15861_franklin-graham_small.jpg" alt="" width="100" height="80" />Franklin Graham this past weekend held Spanish speaking meetings (Festival De Esperanza) Festival of Hope at The Home Depot Center, in Carson, California, where the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association's Trevor Freeze says hundreds of Hispanic hearts were warmed and changed forever by the saving power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Conservative Favorite Michele Bachmann Launches US Presidential Bid
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-10398" style="margin-top: 6px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" title="michele-bachman-president" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/michele-bachman-president_small.jpg" alt="" width="100" height="80" />Minnesota Congresswoman Michele Bachmann has formally launched her campaign for the Republican Partys presidential nomination. Bachmann is not the best known Republican running for president for next year, but she does have a growing national following among conservative voters who are looking for an alternative to the current front runner, former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney.

World News

Posters declare 'Sharia zone' in east London
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-10744" style="border: 0pt none; margin: 6px 10px;" title="sharia-zone-poster" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/sharia-zone-poster_small.jpg" alt="sharia-zone-poster" width="100" height="80" />Islamists have put up posters proclaiming that visitors to their east London borough are entering a "shar'ia controlled zone": smoking, alcohol and music are now unofficially "banned" in the borough of Tower Hamlets, as well as in the boroughs of Waltham Forest and Newham.
The "Christian" Terrorist Who Wasn't Very Christian
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-10731" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 6px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; border-width: 0px;" title="norway-terrorist-map" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/terrorist-norway_small.jpg" alt="norway terrrorist" width="100" height="80" />Anders Behring Breivik's 1,500-page manifesto shows that the Norwegian terrorist's depiction as a "right-wing, Christian fundamentalist" by many in the mass media may be as inaccurate as that of their so-called "Christian" bomber, Oklahoma City terrorist Tim McVeigh.
Officials Blame 'Terrorists' for Deadly Mumbai Blasts (Video)
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-10637" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 6px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; border-width: 0px;" title="Mumbai_India_map" src="http://www.worthynews.com/wp-content/uploads/Mumbai_India_map_small.jpg" alt="mumbia india map" width="100" height="80" />India's home minister says authorities believe the back-to-back blasts that killed at least 20 people in Mumbai were a "coordinated attack by terrorists."
First Evangelism Festival Since Vietnam War "Saves Thousands"
The first American evangelist to openly preach in Vietnam since 1975 says thousands of people have "committed" their lives to Jesus Christ at meetings that were nearly halted by Vietnamese authorities.
Murdered Dutch Missionary Burried In Netherlands; Ebel Kremer Mourned Worldwide
A Dutch missionary who was murdered when armed robbers stormed a mission center in Kenya where he supported orphans, was buried Monday, March 7, in the Netherlands.
Hungary's Artists Fear Culture War
Hungarian artists and intellectuals may be forgiven for thinking twice before expressing their thoughts these days. Critics say the center-right government and its allies have effectively launched a "culture war."
BREAKING NEWS: Japan Christians Search For Missing Amid Nuclear Crisis
Churches in areas impacted by Japan's worst earthquake on record and tsunami have reportedly lost pastors and Christians were still searching for other believers unaccounted for Friday, March 18, while Japan's Prime Minister Naoto Kan warned that a major nuclear crisis may further complicate rescue operations.
Churches Suffer In Japan's Tsunami; Asia Christians Grief
Christians across Asia prayed for Japan as the strongest earth quake ever recorded unleashed a monster tsunami that pulverized northeastern areas and impacted churches there.
Russia's Missionaries Worried As Suicide Blast Rocks Moscow Airport
Christian missionaries in Russia expressed concerns Monday, January 24, about the future of the country after an explosion ripped through the international section of Moscow's busiest airport, killing at least 31 people and wounding about 130 others.
Lithuania Remembers 20th Anniversary of Soviet Crackdown
Lithuania is commemorating the 20th anniversary of a deadly clash with Soviet troops that preceded its independence in 1991. The Baltic nation's president, Dalia Grybauskaite, has urged Lithuanians never to forget the freedom battle, which killed 14 people and injured hundreds, adding that those responsible for the crackdown should be brought to justice.