Michelle A Vu, Christian Post

Report: House church persecution increases 418 per cent in Beijing

Persecution of house church Christians in Beijing increased 418 per cent in 2008 – the year of the Summer Olympic Games, according to a report released this week by a US-based religious freedom group.

Haggard: Christian right is off course

Disgraced pastor Ted Haggard didn’t hold back when criticising the Christian right during a recent interview in which he accused the movement of acting in an ungospel-like manner and having the wrong understanding of human sexuality.

Archbishop: Government neglected Orissa victims because of poverty

The Indian government ignored the brutal anti-Christian campaign in the remote state of Orissa for months because the population is poor and uneducated, said Catholic Archbishop Raphael Cheenath on Wednesday at an event discussing the state of religious freedom in India.

God in the frame at Obama inauguration

God was in the frame at Tuesday’s inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th US president, in the prayers lifted up by specially selected pastors and in Obama’s speech.

Evangelical leader takes no side on Gaza conflict

The head of the largest evangelical body in the world released a statement Sunday night on the Gaza-Israel conflict in which he avoided blaming either side for the current outbreak in violence but instead urged the international community to make all possible efforts to end the complicated hostility.

Christian youth prepare for cyber-missions trip

Thousands of teens to spread Good News of Christ via Facebook, MySpace, YouTube and Twitter.

China: Senior official calls for greater religious harmony

China's top political adviser called for more religious freedom and harmony this week when a senior US diplomat visited the country and hailed improved ties between the two former foes under President George W Bush.

Gaza's children traumatised by conflict

Gazans are suffering from food shortages, lack of medical care, power outages and a long list of other problems, but one church leader living amid the turmoil says the children are the greatest sufferers of the Gaza-Israel conflict.

China cracks down on Christians during Christmas week

The officially atheist Chinese Government harassed Christians in different regions of the country in the days leading up to Christmas and on Christmas Eve, says one group that supports the persecuted church there.

Rick Warren and Reader's Digest team up for new network

One of America’s best known pastors, Rick Warren of The Purpose Driven Life, has teamed up with publishing powerhouse Reader’s Digest to develop a multi-platform network that will train and connect millions of people worldwide who have found the best-selling book helpful and want more biblically-based advice on life.

Children losing out in Congo conflict, warns World Vision

Widespread hunger and food security in the conflict-affected regions of Congo are hitting children the hardest, warns World Vision.

The spiritual generation

The majority of youths in the world say they are spiritual and think religion and spirituality are both positive, according to an extensive, first-of-its-kind survey.

Orissa bishops warn of 'master plan' to wipe-out Christianity

Catholic bishops from Orissa warned this week that Hindu extremists have a “master plan” to wipe out Christianity in the remote eastern Indian state.

Ted Haggard speaks of scandal for first time

Ex-evangelical leader Ted Haggard, who fell from grace after the exposure of his sex and drug scandal two years ago, recently opened up about the dark secret from his past that was to play a role in his downfall as an adult.

Christian right vows to stay strong under Obama

For Christian right leaders, Senator Barack Obama's victory last week was a huge setback that left some in the midst of a grieving process. While things may not be going well for the movement, some of its leaders vowed to not only survive under an Obama administration but to thrive.

Evangelicals optimistic about Obama presidency

Prominent evangelical leaders said Wednesday that they are optimistic about working together with the Obama administration and even noted that relationships have already been built by the campaign's faith outreach arm.