World

De-miners sound all-clear at marooned Jordan River baptism shrines
De-miners sound all-clear at marooned Jordan River baptism shrines

Israeli and foreign engineers sounded the all-clear on Sunday around three churches on the western bank of the Jordan River after mines that had marooned the shrines for decades were cleared.

Christian teacher sacked after refusing to use transgender student's chosen pronouns
Christian teacher sacked after refusing to use transgender student's chosen pronouns

A Christian teacher has been fired from his position at a Virginia public high school because he refused to refer to a trans-identified student by using male pronouns even though the student is female.

Apple CEO Tim Cook vows to remove 'hate' from tech company's platforms
Apple CEO Tim Cook vows to remove 'hate' from tech company's platforms

Apple CEO Tim Cook has said that those pushing 'hate' will not find a home on the tech giant's platforms.

European church leaders call for 'respect and compassion' towards refugees
European church leaders call for 'respect and compassion' towards refugees

Dozens of church leaders have signed a joint statement calling for the European Union to 'cherish the dignity' of refugees.

Elementary School principal tells teachers not to use Christmas decorations or sing carols in classroom
Elementary School principal tells teachers not to use Christmas decorations or sing carols in classroom

A school district in Nebraska has clarified that a principal's recent directives to teachers effectively banning all Christmas and other religious holiday symbols violate school board policy.

Terrorist attack fatalities down by 44 per cent since 2014
Terrorist attack fatalities down by 44 per cent since 2014

The number of people killed in terror attacks worldwide has decreased by 44 percent since 2014, yet terrorism remains widespread and is even getting worse in some regions, according to The Global Terrorism Index for 2018 released on Wednesday by the Institute for Economics and Peace.

Transgender woman among the favourites to win Miss Universe
Transgender woman among the favourites to win Miss Universe

Bookmakers are slashing the odds on a transgender contestant to lift the tiara at this year's Miss Universe contest.

Brazil's President-elect names evangelical pastor to head new ministry of Women, Family and Human Rights
Brazil's President-elect names evangelical pastor to head new ministry of Women, Family and Human Rights

Damares Alves, a lawyer, preacher and congressional aide, is a staunch opponent of legalizing abortion, which is allowed only in cases of rape, anencephaly or when the mother's life is in danger.

Robert Jeffress defends Donald Trump for not reciting the Apostles' Creed at George H W Bush funeral
Robert Jeffress defends Donald Trump for not reciting the Apostles' Creed at George H W Bush funeral

Texas megachurch pastor and longtime Donald Trump supporter Robert Jeffress has defended the president amid criticism over his not reciting the Apostles' Creed during the funeral of former president George H.W. Bush.

Ireland's abortion laws must protect conscientious objection, say bishops
Ireland's abortion laws must protect conscientious objection, say bishops

As the legalisation of abortion in Ireland reaches the final stages in the Irish Parliament, bishops are urging lawmakers to protect conscientious objection.

New Zealand Church apologises for its role in Maori land grabs during the colonial era
New Zealand Church apologises for its role in Maori land grabs during the colonial era

The Anglican Church of New Zealand has apologised to the Maori people of Tauranga for forced land possessions in the 1800s.

Ukraine council to meet on December 15 to form independent church: president
Ukraine council to meet on December 15 to form independent church: president

A Ukrainian church council will meet on December 15 in order to create an independent Orthodox church and elect its leader, President Petro Poroshenko said on Wednesday.

Euthanasia doctor in Belgium has helped 140 people to die
Euthanasia doctor in Belgium has helped 140 people to die

As Belgium's euthanasia laws come under scrutiny over the death of a woman with autism, one physician admits he has personally ended the lives of around 140 people.

The key to witnessing to Buddhists is in the Old Testament, says former missionary to Japan
The key to witnessing to Buddhists is in the Old Testament, says former missionary to Japan

Old Testament books and passages are important when attempting to witness to Buddhists, especially those following traditional Asian Buddhism, according to a former missionary who helped plant churches in Japan.

Albert Einstein's 'God letter' sells at auction for $2.9m
Albert Einstein's 'God letter' sells at auction for $2.9m

A letter in which Albert Einstein shared his thoughts on God and the Bible has sold at auction for $2.9m.

Home Secretary Sajid Javid says Asia Bibi's safety is his 'first concern'
Home Secretary Sajid Javid says Asia Bibi's safety is his 'first concern'

The Home Secretary has defended the Government's response to an appeal for asylum from the family of Asia Bibi.