CHR Comment: A Press release announcing the merging of Gettysburg Seminary and Philadelphia Seminary. The new school will be located on the Gettysburg campus. The release explains why.
Would-be bomber fails to detonate in Indonesian church
JAKARTA, Indonesia – Police in western Indonesia say a would-be suicide bomber failed to detonate explosives in a packed church during Sunday Mass.
Source: Would-be bomber fails to detonate in Indonesian church
First Persons Fined under Russia’s Anti-evangelism Law
The first known victims of Russia’s new anti-evangelism laws have been convicted and fined, according to the Forum 18 news service.
CHR Comment: The article includes numerous examples of how the law is being enforced and the various religious groups affected.
Source: US Christian among first victims of Russia’s anti-evangelism law | Christian News on Christian Today
Alleged “Gang Pastor” in El Salvador
Walking out of prison three years ago, Marvin Ramos Quintanilla seemed to turn over a new leaf after a life of crime and gangland violence.
CHR Comment: Marvin Ramos Quintanilla attended Nazaret Evangelical Church with his wife, a Christian teacher, and his family. He was ordained as a pastor but is now back in prison.
Source: In El Salvador, ‘gang pastor’ alleged to be crime financier – The Washington Post
New Attacks on Christians in Nigeria
A mob of radical Muslims vandalized multiple churches in northern Nigeria and beat a Christian student nearly to death after he was accused of insulting the Muslim prophet Muhammad.
CHR Comment: The article explains that a fellow Christian and a moderate Muslim helped take the injured student to the hospital. All three were university students.
Two Slain Nuns, Lexington, KY
Authorities said robbery may have been the motive in stabbing deaths of two nuns.
CHR Comment: The article includes much about the service of these two dedicated Christian women who worked as nurses in Lexington, KY.
Nun in Iconic Italy Quake Photo
She became the face of Italy’s earthquake: Sister Marjana Lleshi, blood staining her veil as she texted her family and friends in her native Albania that she was alive.
CHR Comment: The story of Sister Marjana Lleshi’s experience during the earthquake and the destruction of the convent where she was staying.
Source: Nun in iconic Italy quake photo texted friends ‘adieu’ – The Washington Post
Choosing a New Church or House of Worship | Pew Research Center
About half of U.S. adults have looked for a new religious congregation at some point in their lives, most commonly because they have moved.
CHR Comment: A helpful new survey for congregations interested in doing outreach or in guiding their members who move to new locations.
Source: Choosing a New Church or House of Worship | Pew Research Center
Conservative Catholic, Cardinal Burke
(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’s Last Appeal against Death Sentence
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.
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