World

European Parliament criticised over 'hostile' report on persecution of religious minorities
The European Parliament has been challenged over a new report on the persecution of religious minorities that criticises religion as "an important driver of conflict worldwide".

Ukrainian women and girls are fearful of human trafficking, says charity leader
Women and young girls fleeing fighting in Ukraine are afraid of falling victim to human trafficking, a Christian charity leader has warned.

Pope Francis says NATO, 'barking at Russia's door,' shares blame for Ukraine
In an interview with Il Corriere della Sera, the pope said he hopes to visit Moscow and meet President Vladimir Putin.

Palestinian farmer discovers artefact linked to Canaanites from the Bible's Old Testament
A Palestinian farmer has discovered the head of a 4,500-year-old statue of Anat, an idol of the ancient people God ordered the Israelites to drive out of the Promised Land for breaking His commandments and worshipping false gods.

Coptic Christian shot dead at work, assailants set fire to his car and flee
Four unidentified masked men barged into the shop of a young Coptic man in the city of Dabaa in Egypt, shot him in the head 22 times, killing him on the spot, and burned his car before fleeing the scene, according to media reports.

Welby apologises for residential schools in Canada
"I am more sorry than I can say."

Afghanistan: the cost of conversion
Even before the Taliban takeover, Afghans who converted to Christianity were risking their lives. Families who escaped and a former imam who survived a grenade attack after turning to Christ, have been telling their stories to Release International.

Italian scientist says Shroud of Turin could be 2,000 years old
An Italian scientist and his team claim their research shows the Shroud of Turin, a fabric purported to have been Christ's burial garment, may have originated during the time of Jesus's death and resurrection.

Eastern Europe in the face of war: an aid worker's diary
Any small part we have been able to play has been an honour. But I also suspect this is very much the beginning of the story, writes Gwyn Williams.

List Afghanistan as religious liberty violator, report urges State Department
'Religious minorities faced harassment, detention, and even death due to their faith or beliefs,' religious freedom commission says about Afghanistan.

Zelensky prays to God to save Ukraine
In a message to mark the Orthodox Easter on Sunday, the Ukrainian president said he was believing "in a new victory for Ukraine" and that "our dawn is coming soon".

Helping Ukrainian refugees through the trauma and distress of war
When Russia invaded Ukraine, it sparked an exodus of refugees as millions fled their homes. But given the choice, many would love to go back, says Bishop Josep Ferrer, who recently visited the country.

Church trashed by ISIS holds service for the first time in 8 years
Easter was extra special for one Christian community in Iraq this Easter as it opened for services for the first time since being desecrated by ISIS militants eight years ago.

Putin tells Israel to hand over custody of historic Jerusalem church
Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent a letter to the Israeli government requesting that it transfer control of a historic church in Jerusalem to Russian custody.

Archbishop resigns from Anglican Church of Canada over sexual misconduct
Mark MacDonald was national Indigenous Anglican archbishop of the ACC and is known for his climate justice advocacy.

Burger King apologises for offensive Easter advert that used words of Jesus
The advert ran in Spain during Holy Week to promote The Big King Vegetable burger.