(RNS) Ever since Pope Francis was elected, he has faced strong opposition to his push for church reforms — and the face of that opposition has often been Cardinal Raymond Burke.
CHR Comment: Burke’s change in service has raised questions about the relationship between this conservative American Cardinal and Pope Francis.
Source: Cardinal Burke insists he is serving Francis, not opposing him | Religion News Service
Asia Bibi, the Christian on death row for blasphemy in Pakistan, will have her final appeal against the ruling heard by the Supreme Court in the second week of October.
CHR Comment: The article includes a brief description of Bibi’s statement of faith and question that has resulted in charges of blasphemy. It also describes the belief of Pakistani Muslims that Christians are unclean and an example of how this affects social interaction.
A Ukrainian village church has had its doors locked for the last two years because of a community dispute over the right to worship there.
CHR Comment: A helpful video illustrating and explaining the long standing divide in Ukrainian Orthodoxy due to ties and tension with Russia.
Source: The Ukrainian church no one is allowed to enter – BBC News
From a symbol of resistance and hope, a pastor who galvanized thousands of Zimbabweans into anti-government action has become a subject of derision, fighting accusations of being a coward.
CHR Comment: Pastor Evan Mawarire’s decision to leave Zimbabwe, where he had launched social media campaigns raising issues of leadership, is causing discussion of whether one should retreat when facing persecution. This is an old question, going back to the early years of Christianity when government and local mob persecutions often took the lives of believers. Early Christians argued both sides of the issue, whether to stay and suffer persecution or to flee and continue to serve in a new place and way.
Below is a link to the writings of Athanasius who fled persecution and shares his thoughts on the issues. The second link is to a treatise by Tertullian, who discouraged flight from persecution.
Source: Zimbabwe: Supporters fume after protest pastor leaves for US – The Washington Post
There’s a Christian way to handle the GOP standard-bearer and his inveterate bad behavior.
CHR Comment: Tom Krattenmaker of Yale Divinity school explains his understanding of loving one’s political enemies. Here is another example where the current election raises ethical issues for those who follow the teachings of Jesus Christ.
As much as we might be inclined to get Christianity a seat at the table in the identity regime, this would be a mistake.
CHR Comment: The article tells the story of a successful Christian prayer group that was disbanned from meeting on company property while other groups were allowed to continue meeting.
Source: Christian Identity in the Workplace | Elliot Milco | First Things
State Department confirmed Thursday that a $400 million cash shipment to Iran in January was tied to the release of four American citizens who’d been detained in the country.
American Pastor Saeed Abedini was arrested and charged with undermining Iranian security through religious meetings. He was recently released with others in Iran. Abedini’s story is an example of the growing Christian movement within predominantly Muslim Iran.
Source: State Dept.: $400M cash shipment to Iran tied to U.S. prisoners’ release
Blink and you’ll miss this incredible moment of unity.
CHR Comment: The agreement was approved by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the liberal/progressive branch of Lutherans in America. The agreement may prepare the way toward greater cooperation between the two church bodies but significant barriers to full fellowship exist, such as the ordination of women and of actively homosexual clergy.
Source: U.S. Lutherans Approve Historic Agreement With Catholic Church
Another jihadist organization is feared to be gaining strength after persecution of Christians intensified in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
CHR Comment: The Jihadist organization attempted to overthrow the government some years ago but failed. They have since continued militant and terrorizing activities, which disrupts local communities and food production.
For years a key state in Islamist terror group Boko Haram’s attempt to create a caliphate, parts of Adamawa state in northeastern Nigeria have now been liberated by government forces. However, as civilians begin returning home, they are finding it difficult to adjust to life after the insurgency.
CHR Comment: Years of fighting resulted in the destruction of homes, churches, and wells, making resettlement difficult. Boko Haram remains a threat active in the country though their efforts to form a caliphate have failed.
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