JPMorgan Chase and Christian Identity in the Workplace

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

$400M Cash Shipment to Iran tied to Release of Pastor Saeed Abedini

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

Some U.S. Lutherans Approve Historic Agreement With Catholic Church

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

Persecution Intensifies in Democratic Republic of Congo

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.

Source: Christian persecution intensifies in DRC as 36 tied up and hacked to death | Christian News on Christian Today

Second Temple-Era Synagogue Unearthed in Northern Israel

(Israel Hayom/Exclusive to JNS.org) The remains of an unusual structure that served as a synagogue during the Second Temple era have been unearthed at an archaeological excavation underway at Tel Rechesh in the heart of the Nahal Tavor Nature Reserve in the lower Galilee.

CHR Comment: According to the Gospels, one of the earliest witnesses to the existence and practices of synagogues, Jesus taught at synagogues like this one discovered in Galilee. The site gives testimony to the Gospel accounts and detailed information about the setting of Jesus’ ministry.

Source: Second Temple-era synagogue unearthed in northern Israel — JNS.org

Christians Resettling Northeastern Nigeria

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.

Source: Churches destroyed, Bibles burned: Nigerian church leader on Christians returning home after Boko Haram

Under Heavy Security, Catholic Pilgrims Visit Lourdes Shrine

Watched over by French soldiers and police, Catholic pilgrims from around the world prayed together for healing and peace Monday at a grotto shrine in Lourdes where exceptional security greeted the spiritual travelers due to recent extremist attacks.

CHR Comments: The Feast of the Assumption of Mary was observed without incident. The article includes a brief account of the visions and miracles associated with Lourdes.

Source: Under heavy security, Catholic pilgrims visit Lourdes shrine – The Washington Post