Zion Church in Berlin will host a special service using the themes of good versus evil from the Bible and from the Star Wars film series. The article explains the theological and outreach aims of Ulrike Garve and Lucas Ludewig in arranging the service. Zion Church is know as a congregation served by the German martyr Dietrich Bonhoeffer in the 1930s and as a gathering place for dissenters during the Cold War.
North Korea Sentences Canadian Pastor to Life in Prison
Hyeon Soo Lim received life in prison with hard labor Wednesday for what was called crimes against the state.
CHR Comment: Pastor Lim, who was in North Korea offering aid at a nursing home, a nursery, and an orphanage, confessed to using religion to undermine the North Korean state as well as other charges. However, the article points out that such confessions have been coerced from prisoners in the past. Lim was pastor at Light Korean Presbyterian Church in Toronto.
Source: N. Korea sentences Canadian pastor to life in prison
Syrian Refugees Arrive in South Carolina Despite Objections
Another family also is expected; Gov. Nikki Haley asked federal officials not to send Syrians because of security concerns.
CHR Comment: Lutheran Services Carolinas, a charity-based social services agency, is helping to settle Syrian refugees in South Carolina despite the security concerns raised by immigration. The article explains the issues of inadequate security checks as well as the disagreements between federal and state officials.
Source: Syrian refugees arrive in S.C. despite gov’s objections
Kindness of Indian Christians
The journey from Pakistan to Sweden costs around $2,400 per person in smuggler fees.
CHR Comment: Omera tells a remarkable story of culture and the courage to improve her life. Along the way, she received help from a family of Indian Christians in the United Arab Emirates. They included her in their observances of Christmas and helped her learn English.
Source: This young mother crossed 45 mountains for her family
Italy Seizes 3,500 Fake ‘Apostolic Blessings’ in Rome
Police said Monday they had seized 3,500 fake Vatican parchments that were being sold to unsuspecting pilgrims taking part in Pope Francis’ Holy Year celebrations.
CHR Comment: The counterfeit parchments commemorate pilgrimages to Rome and personal blessings. They would be worth $76,000 U.S. The Vatican sells its parchments as fund raising for charity. They have decided not to outsource the production of such parchments in the future.
Source: Italy seizes 3,500 fake ‘Apostolic Blessings’ in Rome – The Washington Post
Evangelical Preacher on Trial after Branding Islam ‘Satanic’
An evangelical preacher from Northern Ireland who branded Islam satanic has been charged with spreading a “grossly offensive” message.
CHR Comment: Although one might agree that Rev. James McConnell’s comments are offensive, many Christians have held that other religions and religious people’s activities stem from Satan misleading people. In fact, this would be a common theological argument against groups viewed as teaching falsely. The New Testament also includes such statements (e.g., Acts 5:3; 26:18).
Source: Evangelical preacher on trial after branding Islam ‘satanic’ – The Washington Post
Christians Coping with Persecution Worldwide
Under Caesar’s Sword conference in Rome explores strategies in 100 beleaguered communities.
CHR Comment: Christians are adopting a variety of strategies in dealing with persecution. The article lists responses such as fighting back, seeking help from authorities, fleeing, accepting second-class status, and viewing persecution as normative.
Personal Sacrifice at the Feast of Guadalupe
Millions of pilgrims walk for days to celebrate the Feast of Guadalupe.
CHR Comment: Devotees process to the festival caring objects of devotion and specific prayer requests with hope for healing and other blessings. On December 12, 1531, a Mexican man reported the visitation of the Virgin Mary to him, which became the basis for the annual festival. The article includes fine photography by a national Geographic correspondent.
Source: Photos Reveal Mexico’s Colorful Virgin Mary Festival
Rev. Jacques Mourad’s Escape from ISIS
A Syrian priest held hostage for months by the ISIS terrorist group is certain his life was saved due to his interfaith work, despite being threatened with beheading by jihadists if he did not renounce Christianity.
CHR Comment: Mourad, a Syrian Catholic priest, was captured at the Mar Moussa monastery along with a fellow worker, driven to Raqqa, held prisoner in a bathroom, and urged to convert to Islam or die. He credits his efforts at dialogue with Muslims and compassionate attitude toward them as reasons why he was not executed. While a captive, he met c. 250 members of his parish who were likewise held as prisoners. After ministering to fellow captives for some time, he determined it was best for him to escape.
Source: Priest who survived ISIS: “My interfaith work saved my life’’ – The Washington Post
Los Angeles Churches Make Worship…Hip?
Joe Jonas, Viola Davis and Justin Bieber are among those attending services in Los Angeles that offer texted prayers, neon lights and other 2015 accouterments.
CHR Comment: Mosaic Church and Reality LA deliver non-denominational Christian messages in Southern California style, attracting large gatherings of disciples in their 20s and 30s. Current music, casual dress, immediate relevance, and biblically based messages are key elements that attract worshipers.
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