At least 200,000 Muslims poured into Jakarta on Friday to demand that the Christian governor of the city be jailed after allegedly insulting the Quran.
Previously Unknown Roman Ruler in Judea
Large rock bearing unique inscription discovered off Tel Dor coast by University of Haifa archaeologists
CHR Comment: Gargilius Antiques ruled Judea and Syria just prior to the Bar Kochba revolt, an event that helped distinguish Jews and Christians in the Roman Empire.
Source: Rare find reveals previously unknown Roman ruler in Judea | The Times of Israel
Human Rights Groups Condemn Persecution Of Iranian Christians
19 different human rights and religious organizations have condemned the treatment of Christians by the regime in Iran.
CHR Comment: Christians have experienced persecution there since 1979 but these days there are both openly active congregations, as pictured above, as well as house churches.
Source: Human Rights Groups Condemn Persecution Of Iranian Christians | Christian News on Christian Today
Iraqi Church Desecrated By Jihadis
Islamic State fighters are the “grandsons of Satan” according to survivors of the torture and slaughter in Mosul in Iraq.
CHR Comment: A report on the efforts of ISIS in the Mosel region where many Christians have lived. According to the report, Christians remain hostage to ISIS.
Has the Bonhoeffer Moment Finally Arrived?
CHR Comment: An editorial on whether liberal Christians need to resist now that Donald Trump is elected president. Both liberal and conservative Protestant claim the legacy of Bonhoeffer and fight over his significance to Christianity today.
Source: Has the Bonhoeffer Moment Finally Arrived? | The Huffington Post
Fidel Castro, Jesuit-influenced Marxist
(RNS) “I believe Karl Marx could have subscribed to the Sermon on the Mount,” Castro once said.
CHR Comment: Castro was also known for propagandizing his way to power. It is very difficult to discern the beliefs of such a person. Lord, have mercy. Below I’ve added a link to a USA Today story about potential new Catholic efforts in Cuba.
Source: Fidel Castro, Jesuit-influenced Marxist revolutionary | Religion News Service
Why Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Daughter Might Become a Saint
In her forties, she rededicated her life to working with the poor and very sick.
CHR Comment: Fascinating example of how New England Protestantism was breaking down and its children were looking for spiritual direction.
Source: Why Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Daughter Might Become a Saint | Mental Floss
Welby Defies Officials To Visit Persecuted Christians In Pakistan
The Archbishop of Canterbury rejected foreign office advice not to visit persecuted Christians in Pakistan over the weekend.
Pope Francis allows priests to absolve ‘grave sin’ of abortion
Pope Francis: “I want to insist as firmly as I can that abortion is a grave sin because it puts an end to an innocent life.”
CHR Comment: The story also includes the closing of the cathedral doors that were symbolically opened for a year of jubilee mercy. The pope’s statement also includes a good example of the Roman Catholic views on repentance in distinction from that traditionally proclaimed by Protestant denominations.
Source: Pope Francis allows priests to absolve ‘grave sin’ of abortion
The Diet of Danish Bishop, Jens Bircherod
Seeds in the excrement indicate it came from someone eating an upper-class diet with fruit, nuts and spices, most likely Jens Bircherod, the Bishop of Aalborg.
CHR Comment: The interview describes how archaeologists studied a latrine, discovering the differences between the life of a leading church figure and a typical Dane. This is a physical illustration of how church hierarchy enjoyed a privileged position in European society.
Source: Danes match 300-year-old poop with bishop who made it – Home | As It Happens | CBC Radio
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