World

Helping Ukrainian refugees through the trauma and distress of war

When Russia invaded Ukraine, it sparked an exodus of refugees as millions fled their homes. But given the choice, many would love to go back, says Bishop Josep Ferrer, who recently visited the country.
Church trashed by ISIS holds service for the first time in 8 years

Easter was extra special for one Christian community in Iraq this Easter as it opened for services for the first time since being desecrated by ISIS militants eight years ago.
Putin tells Israel to hand over custody of historic Jerusalem church

Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent a letter to the Israeli government requesting that it transfer control of a historic church in Jerusalem to Russian custody.
Archbishop resigns from Anglican Church of Canada over sexual misconduct

Mark MacDonald was national Indigenous Anglican archbishop of the ACC and is known for his climate justice advocacy.
Burger King apologises for offensive Easter advert that used words of Jesus

The advert ran in Spain during Holy Week to promote The Big King Vegetable burger.
World Council of Churches urges Patriarch Kirill to lobby for Easter ceasefire

The head of the World Council of Churches is urging Patriarch Kirill of Moscow, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, to call for a ceasefire in Ukraine as Orthodox Christians celebrate Easter this weekend.
Amid continuing fighting in Ukraine, Pope Francis urges leaders not to give up on peace

In his Urbi et Orbi address on Sunday, Pope Francis, who had called for an Easter ceasefire in Ukraine, made yet another impassioned appeal for an end to the fighting, urging leaders to demand peace "from our balconies and in our streets."
Church leaders condemn murder of priest in Egypt

The Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Alexandria has declared a priest who was stabbed to death on April 7 a martyr, while Egypt's most influential Islamic institution condemned the attack.
Iranian pastor granted Easter furlough from prison

"We urge the Iranian authorities to go one step further and release this innocent man, so that he can enjoy his freedom without fear of harassment or re-arrest."
Dozens of Christians arrested in India just before Easter

Police in northern India's Uttar Pradesh state arrested dozens of Christians celebrating Maundy Thursday in their Evangelical church after a mob of radical Hindu nationalists surrounded the building and locked the doors in retaliation for the alleged forced conversions of Hindus to Christianity.
Archbishop calls for Ukraine ceasefire, criticises Rwanda asylum seeker plan in Easter sermon

The Archbishop of Canterbury has used his Easter sermon to repeat calls for a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, and criticise the UK government's plans to send asylum seekers to Rwanda.
Woman who survived Sri Lanka bombings with terrible burns becomes bride this Easter season

Rebekah lost her older sister, brother-in-law and little nephew as well as suffering burns to her face and body in the Easter 2019 attack. This Easter, she embarked on a joyful new chapter in her life after walking down the aisle.
Festivals of fear â why Ramadan and Easter can be times of fear and isolation for persecuted Christians

Christians, especially converts, feel increasingly ostracised during the month of Ramadan â so much so, that many do not even eat in public and keep an even lower profile than usual.
Religious leaders join in interreligious pilgrimage of solidarity for Ukraine

A delegation of religious leaders representing the world's major faiths has visited Ukraine in a pilgrimage of solidarity.
I'm 'more than okay,' says Bobbie Houston

Bobbie Houston says she is "okay" but "a little winded" after the last few weeks in which her husband, Brian Houston, resigned as global senior pastor of Hillsong, before she herself was reportedly made redundant by the Sydney-based church.