World
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Five countries and their Christians to pray for this Christmas
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.
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Sudan military occupy Coptic monastery
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.
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Pope condemns 'terrorism' after Gaza church attack
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.
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Church leader 'heartbroken' after Christian women killed at Gaza church
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.
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Christian mother of 5 released on bail after 19 months in Nigerian prison
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."
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Chinese church members harassed on anniversary of crackdown
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.
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Mike Bickle, founder of international prayer movement, confesses to some past misconduct
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.
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Calls for end to India's anti-conversion laws after hundreds of Christians arrested
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.
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Gaza church damaged in airstrike
Gaza's only Catholic church has been damaged in an Israeli air strike, Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) has said.
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1,000-year-old coin depicting Jesus found in Norway
The 1,000-year-old coin was found in Norway's Vestre Slidre mountains by a metal detectorist and is believed to be Byzantine.
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Notre-Dame to reopen in a year's time, says Macron
Notre-Dame, the Paris cathedral devastated by fire on 15 April 2019, will reopen a year from now, says the French President.
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Four Christian missionaries targeted and brutally assaulted in India
Four missionaries including a pastor and his wife from Gospel Echoing Missionary Society (GEMS) were brutally assaulted in a village near Garhwa district of Jharkhand.
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Brian Houston announces plans for online ministry and new church in 2024
The 69 year old shared in a post on X, formerly Twitter, that he and wife Bobbie are getting ready to launch a new ministry.
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Almost half of Australians would attend church this Christmas - if invited
With Christmas approaching, many Christians may be weighing up whether they should invite friends and family who are non-believers to come along to church with them so they can share the reason the season is so special for them.
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Faith leaders call for urgent climate action
Faith leaders are calling on the world's governments and heads of state to take urgent action on the climate.