Hungary, Poland agree On EU Stimulus
Hungary and Poland have agreed on a compromise to unblock the European Union’s enormous stimulus package, including the coronavirus rescue fund, several sources told Worthy News.
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Swiss court pauses ban on religious services in Geneva
Switzerland’s Constitutional Chamber has ordered the suspension of a COVID-19 ban on religious gatherings in the Canton of Geneva, enabling churches in the region to resume in-person services again, Christian Post reports. The court will make a final ruling on the ban in due course but has reportedly indicated that the likelihood it will permanently strike down the ban is “high.”
Wycliffe Associates Coming to Foreign Christians’ Aid While Authorities Use Pandemic to Intensify Persecution
In countries where governments already oppress Christians because of their faith, COVID-19 has led to more surveillance of Christians than ever before, says Wycliffe Associates. The Orlando-based international organization empowers mother-tongue Bible translators and partners with local churches in the advancement of Church Owned Bible Translation.
Britain Protects COVID Vaccine Maker From Prosecution
The British government has granted Pfizer a legal indemnity protecting it from being sued for possible side effects of its new coronavirus vaccine.
India: Tribal animists attack and hospitalize Christians at child-dedication gathering
Twenty-one Christians were taken to hospital after a large gang of tribal animists attacked a church hall and adjoining home in Chhattisgarh state, India last week, Morning Star News reports. The attackers accused the believers of influencing and converting people to Christianity. Several Christian families have gone into hiding since the attack.
China: Owner of audio Bible company faces trial for conducting illegal business operations
The owner of a company that produces audio Bible players in China’s Guangdong province is due to appear in court on December 7 to answer charges of conducting “illegal business operations,” Morning Star News reports. Lai Jinqiang, owner of Shenzhen Cedar Electronics, faces trial after being arrested together with his six employees on July 22 last year.
Biden Advisers: ‘Close Churches, Ban Creationism In Education, Work’
A Democratic group advising self-declared U.S. President-elect Joe Biden suggests that the new administration will curtail religious freedom. It proposes banning limiting Christian worship and outlawing creationism in education or work, among other measures.
Supreme Court sides with churches against California on coronavirus restrictions
The Supreme Court on Thursday sided with churches against California’s coronavirus gathering restrictions.
Islamic Militants Massacre Christian Farmers in Nigeria
Funeral services were underway in northeast Nigeria on Monday after more than 100 people were killed in suspected Islamic attacks over the weekend.
Nigeria: World stands by as Boko Haram murders at least 110 farmworkers in single attack
At least 110 farmworkers were slaughtered in a single attack in Nigeria’s Borno state Saturday by terrorists believed to be members of Boko Haram, the Christian Post reports. Armed men on some 60 motorbikes gunned down the rice field workers in what a UN official described as “the most violent direct attack against innocent civilians this year.”
Coronavirus Pandemic Overshadows 35th Anniversary Of Schengen
A new wave of coronavirus infections is overshadowing the 35th anniversary of Europe’s border-free Schengen Area. France and Germany are among European Union member states facing significant challenges amid rising coronavirus infection in Europe ahead of Christmas.
California asks Supreme Court to ignore churches’ appeal as more speak out against coronavirus restrictions
California’s attorney general on Monday urged the Supreme Court to reject a petition from a group of California churches disputing the state’s coronavirus restrictions.
France’s highest court orders review of COVID-19 worship restrictions
France will have to review the restrictions it created for worship attendance to combat the spread of the coronavirus, according to the Western European nation’s highest court.
Egypt: 100 arrested in riot over Facebook comments “insulting” to Islam
A hundred people were arrested for assault and rioting Wednesday evening after a large group of Islamists attacked Coptic Christian houses and a church in the village of Deir El-Bersha in the Minya governorate, Agenzia Fides reports. The rioting was triggered by Facebook comments made by a young Coptic man that were considered insulting to Islam and the prophet Muhammed.
Ethiopia Rebels “Retake” Town Despite Government Victory Claims
Rebel forces in Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region say they have retaken a town and shot down a military plane in a setback for the national government.
Four Christians Butchered As Terror Rocks Indonesia’s Central Sulawesi
At least four Christians were killed in a suspected Islamic terror attack on the Salvation Army church and service building in Indonesia’s Central Sulawesi province, local Christians told Worthy News early Saturday.
Egypt Christian Faces Prison Over Facebook comments
A young Christian faces a lengthy prison term in Egypt for blasphemy after he was released on bail, Christians say.
Hungary Turns Red For Persecuted Christians
Hungary’s government says landmarks in Budapest lit up in red to remember persecuted Christians who it claims to form the world’s most suffering faith community. “The initiative “Red Wednesday” was about commemorating persecuted Christians around the world,” said Tristan Azbej, Hungary’s state secretary for assisting persecuted Christians.
SCOTUS blocks New York State from re-imposing COVID restrictions on houses of worship
The US Supreme voted 5-4 to prohibit New York State from re-imposing COVID-19 restrictions on religious gatherings, Politico reports. The court’s emergency ruling issued late on Wednesday night represents a significant shift away from the decisions it made in May and July, when it upheld restrictions on churches in California and Nevada.
Christian Broadcaster: ‘U.S. Churches Face Similar Persecution As In Algeria’
The U.S president of an influential Christian broadcaster warned Wednesday that American churches could face similar persecution as denominations in Algeria.