Pope Francis unveiled a new set of rules to streamline the process.
Source: Annulments: What you need to know
An excellent summary of Roman Catholic efforts to streamline the annulment process. The pope insists these changes are not intended to change how the church views marriage as a sacrament.
Mohammed Ali Zonoobi bends his head as the priest pours holy water over his black hair.
Fascinating article about the reasons Iranians are converting to Catholicism and Lutheranism in Europe. Critics say people are converting to escape deportation to their country of origin while others argue that many of the converts are sincere in their faith. Historically, similar changes have happened where professed Christians converted, at least nominally, to Islam in order to escape paying the jizya tax. There is a name for the heretical form of Islam that retains Christian beliefs and practices but I can’t think of it right now.
Francis called on his followers to question whether they sow peace when they speak.
Source: Pope Francis: ‘Gossiping is like terrorism’
Earlier this year Francis made similar statements about problems at the Vatican and in the curia. Gossip is likely the most destructive sin in Christendom since it divides churches and drives members out of congregations.
The Dark Side Of Jesus People USA, Americas Most Influential Christian Movement – BuzzFeed News
This zealous organization impacted many by existing on the edge between counter-culture and Christian culture. The article is painful and frightening to read. I do not agree with the headline that they are the most influential Christian movement. The most influential Christian movement in the twentieth century was the ecumenical movement.
Source: Vatican Supports Naming Square After Excommunicated Church Reformer (Martin Luther)
The article mentions a request from Seventh-Day Adventists that the Vatican recognize Martin Luther by naming a plaza after him in Rome. It correctly describes Luther’s view of Rome in his day but incorrectly describes doctrinal agreements between Lutherans and Roman Catholics since not all Lutherans agreed to the 2013 statements mentioned.
Strange to think that only five years before we toured the Baltic states, the spire of St. Olaf’s church — which ranks among the
Source: Post-Soviet Spire
Built in the twelfth century, St. Olaf’s spire is one of the tallest in the world and has an interesting history as a medieval, Lutheran, and Baptist sanctuary. As the brief post above mentions, it was also used by the KGB during the Soviet era. Below is a link to some of its history.
Source: Apostle Peter and St. Helen the Martyr Chapel / Michail Georgiou | ArchDaily
Beautiful, gracefully designed Eastern Orthodox chapel. There are several St. Helens. Since this one is a martyr, she is apparently not the St. Helen who was the mother of Emperor Constantine in the fourth century. She may be St. Helen of Sköfde (d. 1317), the martyred virgin (d. 418) mentioned in the acts of St. Amator of Auxerre, France, or someone else, I suppose. At any rate, they’ve honored her memory with a great design.
Source: Review of Biblical Literature
Follow the link to read about Alistair Stewart’s study of office and order in the earliest Christian churches, which critiques consensus views.
Source: Islamic State Destroys Syrian Monastery, Moves Christian Captives: Monitor
The article mentions the capture of dozens of Christian families and the destruction of a monastery but does not give many details. It mentions that Christians are forced to pay the jizya tax or convert to Islam. These activities are behind the rush of Syrians into Europe, which may be a mixture of genuine refugees and potential jihadists. Lord, have mercy.
CAIRO — Aisha’s family has tried everything to cure her of the crushing headaches that ruin her days and the violent, swirling images that haunt her at night. “At first, we went to the doctor, but he was unable to help,
Source: When Treatment Fails In Cairo, Theres Always Exorcism
Fascinating article about how ailing Muslims in Egypt go to Father Samaan for the rite of exorcism since conventional health services and Muslim sheikhs do not help them. Father Samaan leads one of the largest churches in the region.
church history review 