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A 'sombre' Christmas in the Holy Land

Staff writer Mon 25 Dec 2023 9:59 GMT

Months of war between Israel and Gaza are taking a "terrible" toll on the entire region, with devastating consequences for people in the West Bank and Bethlehem who rely on tourism.

Jerusalem church leaders appeal for ceasefire in meeting with Israeli president

Staff writer | Sun 24 Dec 2023 10:38 GMT

Jerusalem church leaders have met Israeli President Isaac Herzog to appeal for "an immediate and permanent humanitarian ceasefire".
Five countries and their Christians to pray for this Christmas

Open Doors UK and Ireland | Fri 22 Dec 2023 13:32 GMT

While in the West Christmas is a time for celebrating the birth of Jesus with our families and loved ones, many Christians around the world must mark the season against a backdrop of oppression and uncertainty. Here are five countries where Christians need our prayers this Christmas.
Fear and desperation in Gaza

Christian Today | Wed 20 Dec 2023 8:11 GMT

Christian Today speaks to Jamie Eyre, Embrace the Middle East's Director of Programmes, Partnerships and Advocacy, about the crisis in Gaza and how Christians are supporting those in need.
Sudan military occupy Coptic monastery

Raymond Powell | Wed 20 Dec 2023 8:07 GMT

Concerns have been raised about the welfare of residents at a Coptic Christian monastery in Sudan after it was taken over by members of a special military unit with a poor human rights track record.
Pope condemns 'terrorism' after Gaza church attack

Staff writer | Mon 18 Dec 2023 11:53 GMT

Pope Francis has spoken out against "terrorism" in Gaza after two Christian women were reportedly killed by Israeli military at the only Catholic church in the territory.
Church leader 'heartbroken' after Christian women killed at Gaza church

Staff writer | Mon 18 Dec 2023 9:52 GMT

The head of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, has expressed his "horror" after reports that two Christian women were killed inside a Gaza church compound on Friday.
Christian mother of 5 released on bail after 19 months in Nigerian prison

Nicole Alcindor | Sun 17 Dec 2023 8:45 GMT

After being imprisoned for over 500 days in Nigeria, a Christian mother of five has been released on bail and awaits a trial that could land her up to five more years behind bars if she is found guilty of "blasphemy."
Chinese church members harassed on anniversary of crackdown

Raymond Powell | Wed 13 Dec 2023 11:58 GMT

Members of Early Rain Covenant Church have reported harassment and the detention of leaders on the fifth anniversary of a crackdown on the Chinese church.
Mike Bickle, founder of international prayer movement, confesses to some past misconduct

Bob Smietana | Wed 13 Dec 2023 11:13 GMT

Bickle, founder of the International House of Prayer movement in Kansas City, said he'd had moral failings more than two decades ago but said many of the allegations against him are false.
Calls for end to India's anti-conversion laws after hundreds of Christians arrested

Jane Benson | Tue 12 Dec 2023 11:49 GMT

There have been calls for India to do more to protect the religious freedom of minority faiths after reports that hundreds of Christians have been arrested under controversial anti-conversion laws.
Gaza church damaged in airstrike

Jane Benson | Tue 12 Dec 2023 11:03 GMT

Gaza's only Catholic church has been damaged in an Israeli air strike, Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) has said.
1,000-year-old coin depicting Jesus found in Norway

Jennifer Lee | Tue 12 Dec 2023 6:49 GMT

The 1,000-year-old coin was found in Norway's Vestre Slidre mountains by a metal detectorist and is believed to be Byzantine.