Anugrah Kumar

Myanmar military destroy over 47 churches in 2 predominantly Christian states, rights groups say
Myanmar military destroy over 47 churches in 2 predominantly Christian states, rights groups say

Myanmar's military has destroyed at least 47 churches and more than a dozen affiliated buildings in its attacks in the predominantly Christian states of Chin and Kayah since it staged a coup last February, human rights groups have said.

Top Christian worship songs of 2021
Top Christian worship songs of 2021

After reviewing 2.7 million songs churches sang and 91,000 sermons delivered in 2021 amid the raging COVID-19 pandemic, the church technology company Faithlife has published its annual report revealing top worship songs and sermon trends of the last year.

Tribunal to hear case of Christian doctor who refused to use preferred pronouns
Tribunal to hear case of Christian doctor who refused to use preferred pronouns

"My case affects everyone, not just me and Bible-believing Christians, but anyone who is concerned by compelled speech and transgender ideology being enforced on the NHS and other public services."

Oklahoma megachurch leaves United Methodist Church over theological differences
Oklahoma megachurch leaves United Methodist Church over theological differences

A megachurch in Oklahoma has dropped "United Methodist" from its name and started fully disaffiliating from America's second-largest Protestant denomination due to what it describes as the United Methodist Church's "slow and steady drift" from its historic Christian mission.

Injuries after Ukrainian monastery sheltering refugees damaged in bombardment
Injuries after Ukrainian monastery sheltering refugees damaged in bombardment

Several refugees sheltering at a Ukrainian Orthodox monastery suffered injuries when a bomb exploded near the entrance just hours after President Volodymyr Zelensky said he's ready to hold peace talks with Russia in Jerusalem.

Russian Orthodox patriarch urged to call for an end to war in Ukraine
Russian Orthodox patriarch urged to call for an end to war in Ukraine

Christian leaders in the United States have sent an open letter to Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill urging him to withdraw his support for the invasion that has led to "tragic and terrible loss of innocent civilian life."

Tavistock gender clinic 'not safe' for children, NHS report finds
Tavistock gender clinic 'not safe' for children, NHS report finds

In a report released this week, Dr. Hilary Cass, a retired pediatrician who was commissioned by NHS England to investigate services at the clinic, said services administered to children and young people had somehow escaped the NHS' "normal quality controls."

Over 280 Russian Orthodox priests call for end to Russian invasion of Ukraine
Over 280 Russian Orthodox priests call for end to Russian invasion of Ukraine

More than 280 priests and deacons of the Russian Orthodox Church are calling for reconciliation and an immediate end to Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine, stressing that "the Last Judgement awaits all."

Jesus statue destroyed by government in India after Hindu nationalists complain
Jesus statue destroyed by government in India after Hindu nationalists complain

Authorities in India's southern state of Karnataka demolished a 20-foot-tall statue of Jesus, which had been standing in the village for 18 years, claiming it was built on land earmarked by the government for an animal pasture.

Franklin Graham backlash for urging followers to pray for Vladimir Putin
Franklin Graham backlash for urging followers to pray for Vladimir Putin

A social media post by evangelist Franklin Graham asking followers to pray for Russian President Vladimir Putin to avoid a war with Ukraine is drawing backlash from liberals on social media, while some have come to Graham's defense.

Christians protest 3-day SatanCon
Christians protest 3-day SatanCon

Christians gathered, prayed and read scriptures outside an Arizona hotel that hosted a three-day event by The Satanic Temple called "SatanCon" that included such sessions as "Raising Children in a Satanic Household" and "Abortion as a (Religious) Right."

10 Christian converts forced to take Islamic re-education classes in Iran: report
10 Christian converts forced to take Islamic re-education classes in Iran: report

Intelligence agents in Iran's Khuzestan Province have instructed 10 Christian converts who had been cleared of all charges to participate in "re-education" classes led by Islamic clerics, according to a watchdog report.

Tim Keller defends praise of Stephen Colbert, says Christian critics should read Col. 4:5-6
Tim Keller defends praise of Stephen Colbert, says Christian critics should read Col. 4:5-6

Tim Keller has responded to criticism after praising "The Late Show" host Stephen Colbert, claiming critics need to better understand the teaching of Colossians 4:5-6 about being "wise in the way you act toward outsiders."

Cardinal Joseph Zen and Hong Kong churches accused of inciting protests
Cardinal Joseph Zen and Hong Kong churches accused of inciting protests

A Chinese state-owned newspaper has accused churches and Catholic Cardinal Joseph Zen of inciting Hong Kong's pro-democracy student protests in 2019, and the Chinese Communist Party may consider restricting religious freedom in the city.

Pakistani pastor shot dead in ambush attack after Sunday service; mourners chant 'Long live Jesus Christ'
Pakistani pastor shot dead in ambush attack after Sunday service; mourners chant 'Long live Jesus Christ'

In what police called a "terrorist act," two unidentified men followed a pastor returning home in his car after a Sunday worship service and shot him to death in Pakistan's northwestern city of Peshawar, which in 2013 was the scene of one of the deadliest attacks on Christians in the country.

Brian Houston steps down as Hillsong global senior pastor
Brian Houston steps down as Hillsong global senior pastor

Brian Houston has stepped down as the leader of the global multisite Hillsong Church, saying he will remain absent for the rest of this year as he faces trial for allegedly concealing sex abuse committed by his father decades earlier. Phil and Lucinda Dooley will be new interim global pastors.