Global Church News

Francis inspired peace pact between Christian, Muslim armies in Africa

Dec 18, 2015

Two violent armed factions in the Central Africa Republic — one largely Muslim and the other largely Christian — signed a secret non-aggression pact in advance of Pope Francis’ Nov 29-30 trip to the country to ensure his safety, according to a news report.
From the day of abduction to the release of Fr Mourad

Dec 18, 2015

Fr Jacques Mourad was prior of the Monastery of Mar Elian near Al Qaryatayn, about 60 miles southeast of Homs. Until it was destroyed by Islamic State militants in August, Mar Elian was cared for by the AlKhalil community based at Deir Mar Musa.
Accused of blasphemy, Catholic family flees Islamabad

Dec 18, 2015

Salma had no idea that referring to an anti-Muslim video on Facebook would force her family to flee their Islamabad home.
Bangladesh Christians blend culture and custom with Christmas

Dec 18, 2015

For minority Christians in Muslim-majority Bangladesh, Christmas comes with an added significance.
Has much changed since India’s 2008 massacre of Christians?

Dec 18, 2015

Though it has been almost a decade since a spat of violence left nearly 100 Christians dead in the Indian state of Odisha, it’s still foggy as to whether or not things have improved.
Regensburg bishop breaks with fellow Germans to oppose 'gender theory'

Dec 18, 2015

The Bishop of Regensburg spoke out against “gender theory” in a homily recently made available in English – chastising the German bishops' conference for presenting the idea “as being basically compatible with Catholic belief.”
Indonesia Deploys 1,500 Police to Protect Churches Against Christmas ISIS Attack

Dec 17, 2015

The government of Indonesia has said it will deploy close to 1,500 officers to guard Christian churches this coming Christmas season, reportedly fearful of possible ISIS attacks.
Filipinos usher in Christmas with predawn Masses

Dec 17, 2015

Heavy rains and floods brought about by Typhoon Melor failed to dampen the spirits of Filipinos who flocked to churches around the country to attend the traditional Misa de gallo, (Mass of the rooster), or predawn Masses, that usher in Christmas in the Philippines.
Pakistan Christian leaders demand 'national day against extremism'

Dec 17, 2015

Christian leaders and activists in Pakistan have called on the government to declare Dec. 16 a "national day against extremism and terrorism."
Love, compassion key to interfaith harmony, says Myanmar cardinal

Dec 17, 2015

Thousands of Myanmar Catholics gathered Dec. 16 to celebrate the country's first cardinal, Charles Maung Bo of Yangon, celebrate his 25th anniversary