Islamic State Beheads Well-Known Antiquities Expert in Palmyra
The Islamic State has reportedly beheaded a well-known antiquities expert in the Syrian city of Palmyra, according to a human rights group.
Islamic State Beheads 12 in Fight for Libyan City of Sirte
International media outlets are reporting that the Islamic State recently beheaded 12, hanging the victims\' bodies on crosses, in the latest battle for the Libyan town of Sirte.
Thai Officials Decry Bangkok Blast That Killed 27, Saying Attack Targeted Economy
A blast in Bangkok on Monday killed 27 and injured 78 in what government officials are saying is an attempt to ruin the capital's booming tourism industry.
U.S. Investigating Report of Islamic State Using Chemical Weapons
The United States warned this week that the Islamic State may be in possession of chemical weapons after suspecting that the terrorist group used mustard gas on Kurdish forces in Iraq.
John Kerry Raises Flag at U.S. Embassy in Havana for First Time in Over 54 Years
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry raised the American flag for the first time in 54 years in Havana, Cuba on Friday as a symbolic gesture for a renewed diplomatic relationship between the two countries.
Islamic State Releases Personal Info for 1,400 Americans, Encourages Attacks
The Islamic State terror group has allegedly posted the personal information of 1,400 U.S. military and government personnel on the internet, encouraging sympathizers of the terror group to carry out \"lone wolf\" attacks.
Islamic State Claims to Have Killed Croatian Hostage
The Islamic State claimed this week to have executed a Croatian hostage being held captive in Egypt.
Afghanistan Says Pakistan-Based Taliban Responsible for Kabul Airport Attack
Afghanistan\'s government has said the Taliban is responsible for a suicide bombing attack that claimed five lives at Kabul\'s international airport on Monday.
Canadian Pastor Releases Statement Saying He 'Slandered Supreme Dignity' of North Korea
A Canadian pastor who has been detained in North Korea for the past six months made his first public announcement from the country\'s capital this week, saying that he has \"malignantly defamed the dignity and social system\" of the isolated Asian country.
More Plane Parts Wash Ashore As Malaysia PM Says Debris 'Conclusively' Belongs to MH370
More plane parts believed to belong to the missing Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 have washed up on the French island of Reunion in recent days.
Christians Protest 'Evil' Removal of Crosses From Churches
Chinese Christians are speaking out amid a heightened crackdown on the Christian faith throughout the Asian country as authorities in the Zhejiang province recently detained a pastor and five church employees.
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Senators Press Trump to Confront Xi Over Detained Pastors, Religious Minorities
A bipartisan group of 10 U.S. senators called on President Donald Trump to raise China’s persecution of Christian pastors and other religious minorities during his summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington this week. Led by Sens. Ted Budd, R-N.C., and Tim Kaine, D-Va., the lawmakers thanked Trump for diplomatic pressure they said helped secure the July 3 release of Beijing Zion Church founder Ezra Jin after 266 days in detention.
Asbury Seminary to Exit Federal Loan Program Over Debt, Religious Autonomy Concerns
Asbury Theological Seminary plans to leave the federal student loan program and stop processing Title IV loans beginning in May 2027. Title IV governs federal student aid under the Higher Education Act. The Kentucky seminary said the move reflects a desire to reduce student debt and concerns that a future administration hostile to its beliefs could use federal funding as leverage against the school.
12 Christians Detained in Algeria After Worship Gathering as Police Seize Bibles
Algerian special forces raided a Christian worship gathering at a humanitarian shelter on Sept. 4, detaining all 12 people present on suspicion of holding an unauthorized non-Muslim religious service. Police entered the site and transferred the 12 detained Christians to the Bethioua police station.
Colorado Christian School Sees 96 Student Baptisms Through “5th Quarter” Gatherings
Nearly 100 students have been baptized during five periodic worship gatherings held at a Christian high school in Colorado after athletic competitions. Valor Christian High School in Highlands Ranch launched the 5th Quarter gatherings in fall 2024 and holds the student-focused worship and testimony events twice each academic year.
Iran Faces UN Scrutiny Over Confiscation of Historic Protestant Church
Two United Nations experts have called on Iran to explain the confiscation of St. Peter’s Evangelical Church in Tehran and the eviction of Christian families from the property. Reports emerged in July that Iranian authorities had seized the church, described as the country’s oldest Protestant congregation, and removed Christian residents living on the site.