Christians Forced Out of Nepal; Persecution Intensifies
Nepali Christians are facing new pressures from their government after authorities deported a Christian couple for evangelizing Hindus.
religious freedom
New DOJ Initiative Protects Churches Against Zoning Discrimination
The U.S. Department of Justice announced Tuesday its new ‘Place to Worship Initiative,’ which aims to protect ‘the ability of houses of worship and other religious institutions to build, expand, buy, or rent facilities—as provided by the land use provisions of the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA).’
Pence Vows Trump Admin Is Aiding Middle East Christians, Fighting Bureaucratic Delays
Vice President Mike Pence assured conservative Christian activists and donors Saturday night that the Trump administration is still following through on its promise to provide direct assistance to Iraqi and Syrian Christians despite complaints that some religious minorities groups have not seen the promised aid.
Christian Solidarity Worldwide calls for release of four Christians arrested on anti-conversion charges in India’s Jharkhand state
UK-based religious freedom advocacy Christian Solidarity Worldwide has called for the release of four Christians who were arrested in the Indian state of Jharkhand in late May on anti-conversion charges.
Court Orders End of Abortion-Pill Mandate for Indiana, CA Christian Colleges
A federal district court is blocking the federal government from enforcing the Obama abortion-pill mandate against Christian colleges in Indiana and California.
Supreme Court: Colorado Ridiculed Jack Phillips’ Faith
Many legal analysts agree: the Supreme Court didn’t deliver the home run for religious freedom with its Jack Phillips decision that many people of faith were hoping for. In a narrow ruling, it left unresolved the constitutional free speech clash between Christian wedding vendors and LGBT customers who want their services.
Supreme Court rules for Colorado baker who refused to make cake for same-sex wedding
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Monday in favor of a Colorado baker who objected to making a cake for a gay couple’s wedding due to his religious opposition to gay marriage.
State Department Religious Freedom Report Spotlights ‘Horrific’ Situation in Iran
Iran and Saudi Arabia were among the Middle Eastern countries whose records on religious freedom were severely criticized on Tuesday, with the publication of the US State Department’s International Religious Freedom Report for 2017.
Religious Freedom Ambassador Brownback Believes Pastor Brunson Will Be Released from Turkish Prison
U.S. Ambassador-at-large for International Religious Freedom Sam Brownback said he believes the North Carolina pastor, Rev. Andrew Brunson will be released from Turkey.
Trump Religious Freedom Order Helps Charities Serve Over 13.7 Million in Need, Analysis Finds
Over 13.7 million people have been provided with health care and other social services offered by faith-based organizations this past year thanks to President Donald Trump’s signing of an executive order protecting religious liberty last year, a new analysis has found.
‘There’s Prayer on a Regular Basis in This White House’: Mike Pence on Religious Freedom, Praying for Jerusalem
After President Donald Trump held a celebration for the National Day of Prayer in the Rose Garden, and signed an executive order setting up a new faith-based office, Vice President Mike Pence did an interview with CBN News’ David Brody – in his office.
Satanic Temple Plans to Sue Arkansas over Ten Commandments Monument
The Satanic Temple responded swiftly to the installation of a new Ten Commandments monument on the Arkansas Capitol grounds in Little Rock.
One Step Closer to Law: Could a California Bill Ultimately Lead to the Banning of Bibles?
A pro-LGBTQ bill is quickly making its way through the California state assembly after it was approved on the floor Thursday. The bill now goes to the state Senate for a vote.
Pastor: School District Told Us To Remove Cross From Sanctuary
A Texas school district will no longer hold its graduation ceremonies at one of the largest megachurches in the nation after the church refused to remove a cross from the sanctuary.
Australia’s Churches See Threat in New Same-Sex Marriage Law
Christian churches in Australia are calling for a Religious Freedom Act that would limit and override the anti-discrimination laws across their states and territories.
Senate narrowly approves Brownback for religious freedom job
The Republican-led Senate on Wednesday narrowly approved Sam Brownback’s bid to be U.S. ambassador for international religious freedom, setting the stage for him to resign the governorship in Kansas after seven contentious years in office.
Trump Administration Opens Office to Protect Healthcare Workers’ Conscience Rights
The Health and Human Services Department (HHS) unveiled a new division Thursday to help ensure healthcare workers can do their jobs without being forced to violate their faith.
Franklin Graham Praises President Trump for Defending Christianity
Appearing on Fox and Friends Sunday, the Rev. Franklin Graham said President Donald Trump is concerned about religious freedom of Americans and the religious freedom of people in other countries as well.
U.S. government to shield health workers under ‘religious freedom’
The U.S. government is seeking to further protect the ‘conscience and religious freedom’ of health workers whose beliefs prevent them from carrying out abortions and other procedures, in an effort likely to please conservative Christian activists and other supporters of President Donald Trump.
U.S. Could Send Stranded Iranian Christians Back to Iran
The U.S. government could send 100 mostly Christian Iranians stranded in Austria back to Iran this week, where they would face harsh persecution by Iran’s Islamic government.