World
Europe on high alert as Christmas terror plots foiled in France, Germany, Austria
Several Muslim suspects have been arrested in France, Germany and Austria for allegedly planning Christmas terror attacks, according to reports, which say there's a "very high level of terrorist threat" from Islamic terrorists in France. Spain is also on alert.
New date, same traditions: Ukraine's first Christmas on December 25
Traditionally, Orthodox Christians in Ukraine have celebrated on January 7, in keeping with the Julian calendar that most branches of the Orthodox Church use to determine fixed-day religious celebrations. The decision to switch dates for Christmas and other holidays is one more way to assert Ukraine's cultural and political independence from Russia since Moscow's troops invaded the country in February 2022.
A 'sombre' Christmas in the Holy Land
Months of war between Israel and Gaza are taking a "terrible" toll on the entire region, with devastating consequences for people in the West Bank and Bethlehem who rely on tourism.
Jerusalem church leaders appeal for ceasefire in meeting with Israeli president
Jerusalem church leaders have met Israeli President Isaac Herzog to appeal for "an immediate and permanent humanitarian ceasefire".
Five countries and their Christians to pray for this Christmas
While in the West Christmas is a time for celebrating the birth of Jesus with our families and loved ones, many Christians around the world must mark the season against a backdrop of oppression and uncertainty. Here are five countries where Christians need our prayers this Christmas.
Sudan military occupy Coptic monastery
Concerns have been raised about the welfare of residents at a Coptic Christian monastery in Sudan after it was taken over by members of a special military unit with a poor human rights track record.
Pope condemns 'terrorism' after Gaza church attack
Pope Francis has spoken out against "terrorism" in Gaza after two Christian women were reportedly killed by Israeli military at the only Catholic church in the territory.
Church leader 'heartbroken' after Christian women killed at Gaza church
The head of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, has expressed his "horror" after reports that two Christian women were killed inside a Gaza church compound on Friday.
Christian mother of 5 released on bail after 19 months in Nigerian prison
After being imprisoned for over 500 days in Nigeria, a Christian mother of five has been released on bail and awaits a trial that could land her up to five more years behind bars if she is found guilty of "blasphemy."
Chinese church members harassed on anniversary of crackdown
Members of Early Rain Covenant Church have reported harassment and the detention of leaders on the fifth anniversary of a crackdown on the Chinese church.
Mike Bickle, founder of international prayer movement, confesses to some past misconduct
Bickle, founder of the International House of Prayer movement in Kansas City, said he'd had moral failings more than two decades ago but said many of the allegations against him are false.
Calls for end to India's anti-conversion laws after hundreds of Christians arrested
There have been calls for India to do more to protect the religious freedom of minority faiths after reports that hundreds of Christians have been arrested under controversial anti-conversion laws.
Gaza church damaged in airstrike
Gaza's only Catholic church has been damaged in an Israeli air strike, Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) has said.
1,000-year-old coin depicting Jesus found in Norway
The 1,000-year-old coin was found in Norway's Vestre Slidre mountains by a metal detectorist and is believed to be Byzantine.
Notre-Dame to reopen in a year's time, says Macron
Notre-Dame, the Paris cathedral devastated by fire on 15 April 2019, will reopen a year from now, says the French President.
Four Christian missionaries targeted and brutally assaulted in India
Four missionaries including a pastor and his wife from Gospel Echoing Missionary Society (GEMS) were brutally assaulted in a village near Garhwa district of Jharkhand.