<rss
xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/"
xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"
><channel>
        <title>Christian Daily International | US & Canada</title>
        <link>https://www.christiandaily.com/us-canada</link>
        <description><![CDATA[]]></description>
        <image>
            <title>Christian Daily International | US & Canada</title>
            <link>https://www.christiandaily.com/us-canada</link>
            <url>https://assets.christiandaily.com/img/logo.png</url>
        </image>
        <copyright>Christian Daily International © 2026</copyright>
        <language>en</language>
        <lastBuildDate>Sun, 12 Apr 2026 15:10:59 -0400</lastBuildDate>
        <atom:link href="https://www.christiandaily.com/us-canada?format=xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
        <atom:link href="https://www.christiandaily.com/us-canada" rel="alternate" type="text/html"/>
        <generator>Xiaoman</generator>
                                                        <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Bible reading declines as openness to Scripture rises in US, new State of the Bible report finds]]></title>
                <link>https://www.christiandaily.com/news/bible-reading-declines-as-openness-to-scripture-rises-in-us-new-state-of-the-bible-report-finds</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.christiandaily.com/news/bible-reading-declines-as-openness-to-scripture-rises-in-us-new-state-of-the-bible-report-finds</guid>
                                                            <dc:creator><![CDATA[CDI Staff]]></dc:creator>
                                                                                                                            <media:content  url="https://www.christiandaily.com/media/original/img/0/43/4303.jpg">
                            <media:title><![CDATA[A new report by Cardus and the Canadian Bible Society suggests young Canadians may be showing greater openness to religion even as overall religious affiliation remains low.]]></media:title>
                                                            <media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">
                                    <![CDATA[ Unsplash / Rod Long ]]>
                                </media:credit>
                                                                                        <media:description type="plain">
                                    <![CDATA[ A new report by the American Bible Society finds that while overall Bible engagement in the United States has declined, openness to Scripture has grown, with 9 million more Americans expressing interest since 2024. ]]>
                                </media:description>
                                                    </media:content>
                                                                                                <media:content  url="https://www.christiandaily.com/media/original/img/0/44/4425.png">
                            <media:title><![CDATA[ABS Graph how much of the Bible read]]></media:title>
                                                            <media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">
                                    <![CDATA[ American Bible Society ]]>
                                </media:credit>
                                                                                </media:content>
                                                                            <pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2026 10:03:00 -0400</pubDate>
                <description><![CDATA[A newly released national study by the American Bible Society finds that while Bible reading and engagement in the United States have declined from last year’s levels, openness to the Bible has grown significantly, with 9 million more Americans expressing interest in its message since 2024.]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[
A newly released national study by the American Bible Society finds that while Bible reading and engagement in the United States have declined from last year’s levels, openness to the Bible has grown significantly, with 9 million more Americans expressing interest in its message since 2024.
The findings come from the first chapter of the organization’s 2026 State of the Bible report, published April 9, which analyzes Americans’ attitudes toward Scripture, faith practices and church involvement. The report indicates that 28% of U.S. adults now fall into what researchers call the “Movable Middle”—those who are curious about the Bible but not deeply engaged—marking a notable increase over the past two years.
The new data mark a shift from 2025, when researchers reported a surprising rise in Bible engagement—particularly among younger men—prompting discussion of a possible spiritual renewal. In an interview with Christian Daily International last year, ABS Chief Innovation Officer John Farquhar Plake described the trend as unexpected. While that increase has since leveled off, the 2026 findings point instead to a growing pool of Americans who remain open to Scripture but are not yet actively engaged.
Researchers said the expansion of this “Movable Middle” appears to come largely from individuals who were previously disengaged from Scripture, a segment that has declined by 5 million adults since 2024. Meanwhile, the proportion of Americans considered “Scripture Engaged” has returned to about 17%, similar to levels recorded two years ago.
“Though Scripture engagement has come back down, the number of Americans who are interested in and open to the Bible has swelled,” said Plake, who also serves as the editor-in-chief of the report series. He added that many in this “Bible Curious” group indicated a willingness to explore Scripture if guided by others, pointing to what he described as an opportunity for churches and individual believers.
The report also highlights long-term familiarity with the Bible among Americans. About half of respondents said they have read at least half of the Bible, including one-third who reported reading most or all of it. Seventeen percent said they have read the entire Bible, while only 10% reported not reading any of it.

In terms of format, printed Bibles remain the most widely used, with nearly 80% of Bible users reading a physical copy at least monthly. Digital formats are also common, with 62% of users engaging Scripture digitally each month. Among younger generations, including Millennials and Generation Z, digital use slightly exceeds print, though most report using both formats regularly.
The study also found a connection between reading habits and attitudes toward the Bible. Among respondents who said the Bible has transformed their lives, 64% reported reading most or all of it. By contrast, 60% of those who view the Bible as a tool for control or manipulation said they had read little or none of it.
Use of structured reading plans was also associated with higher engagement. Nearly three-quarters of respondents who follow a reading guide or program said they had read most or all of the Bible.
The findings are based on a nationally representative survey of 2,649 U.S. adults conducted between Jan. 8 and Jan. 27, 2026, by NORC at the University of Chicago using its AmeriSpeak panel.
According to Dr. Jennifer Holloran, President and CEO of the American Bible Society, the report is intended to help church leaders respond to shifting patterns in Bible engagement. She said the accompanying resources, including a podcast series and ministry toolkits, are designed to support churches in engaging those who are curious about Scripture.
The 2026 State of the Bible report will be released in seven chapters through November, with upcoming installments expected to address topics including parenting, artificial intelligence and questions of calling and purpose.]]></content:encoded>
            </item>
                                                        <item>
                <title><![CDATA[‘The Chosen’ sets season 6 premiere date, plans theatrical ending: 'We’re running to the home stretch']]></title>
                <link>https://www.christiandaily.com/news/the-chosen-sets-season-6-premiere-date-plans-theatrical-ending-were-running-to-the-home-stretch</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.christiandaily.com/news/the-chosen-sets-season-6-premiere-date-plans-theatrical-ending-were-running-to-the-home-stretch</guid>
                                                            <dc:creator><![CDATA[The Christian Post]]></dc:creator>
                                                                                                                            <media:content  url="https://www.christiandaily.com/media/original/img/0/44/4416.png">
                            <media:title><![CDATA[Dallas Jenkins on the set of The Chosen.]]></media:title>
                                                            <media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">
                                    <![CDATA[ The Chosen, 5 and 2 Studios ]]>
                                </media:credit>
                                                                                        <media:description type="plain">
                                    <![CDATA[ Dallas Jenkins on the set of "The Chosen." ]]>
                                </media:description>
                                                    </media:content>
                                                                            <pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2026 03:45:00 -0400</pubDate>
                <description><![CDATA[Prime Video and 5&2 Studios have announced that the highly anticipated sixth season of “The Chosen” will premiere Nov. 15, with a hybrid release that includes both streaming and a theatrical finale.]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[
Prime Video and 5&2 Studios have announced that the highly anticipated sixth season of “The Chosen” will premiere Nov. 15, with a hybrid release that includes both streaming and a theatrical finale.
The six-episode season will debut its first three installments on launch day, followed by weekly episode releases through Dec. 6, exclusively on Prime Video. The finale will not be part of the initial streaming rollout and instead is scheduled for a global theatrical release in spring 2027 in multiple languages.
Creator Dallas Jenkins previously told The Christian Post that the sixth season focuses on the final hours of Jesus’ life, depicting the events leading to the crucifixion through the perspectives of His followers and those who oppose Him.
“Season 6 is the living out of what Jesus said: ‘Not my will, but yours,’” Jenkins said. “Jesus, God incarnate, expressed that His own will might be to avoid the crucifixion, yet He willingly chose surrender. If He was willing to put Himself through that when He could have gotten out of it, then our problems are much smaller by comparison. I want to follow in His footsteps.”
An official synopsis describes a moment of mounting tension, as religious leaders, Roman authorities and disciples interpret the unfolding events in sharply different ways.
“Everyone knows the basics of this part of the story, but not everyone knows the ‘why’ of the crucifixion and the extraordinary events of these 24 hours,” Jenkins said in a statement. “We realized this not only deserved a season of television but a standalone full-length theatrical event as well. We wrote and filmed all of it with this in mind.”
Jonathan Roumie returns as Jesus alongside Shahar Isaac as Peter, Paras Patel as Matthew, Elizabeth Tabish as Mary Magdalene and Noah James as Andrew. The ensemble also includes George H. Xanthis, Abe Bueno-Jallad, Vanessa Benavente, Luke Dimyan, Richard Fancy, Paul Ben-Victor and Andrew James Allen.
As the series, which began as a crowdfunded project, approaches its final chapters with a planned seven-season total, cast members have previously shared with CP how the journey has been both emotional and transformative.
Patel, reflecting on his portrayal of Matthew, described the experience as “bittersweet,” noting the significance of nearing the end of the story.
“I always like to think of Matthew. Would he be ready for this?” Patel said, adding that the role has deepened his understanding of Jesus’ humanity and purpose.
“What really appeals to me about Jesus is the humanity the show portrays, His jokingness, His love, His care,” Patel said. “This guy made Matthew feel seen. He gave him his worth. He gave him his purpose. I hope it inspires people who are looking for their own purpose.”
He added, “In many ways, I feel like I was chosen for this.”
Other cast members echoed similar sentiments about the show’s impact and its global audience.
“We really love each other,” Noah James said. “I just hope we get to do things like this all the time, so that even when the show is over, we get to be in each other’s lives. … We’re running to the home stretch. And we’re going to make it the best one yet.”
Giavani Cairo, who plays Thaddeus, said the show coincided with a renewal of his faith. Looking ahead, the actor said he’s especially eager to see how the resurrection will be portrayed in season 7.
“‘The Chosen’ came when my faith started being renewed for the first time in a long time,” he said. “It’s given me an extended family. These are my brothers and sisters for life.”
“I’m so interested to see what that looks like,” he said. “I don’t know how they’re going to do it, but I can’t wait to read it. It’s going to be emotional.”
The series continues to expand its global reach. Earlier this year, “The Chosen” set a Guinness World Record for the most translated season of a streaming series. Come and See, the nonprofit supporting the show’s distribution, aims to translate and dub the series into 600 languages, targeting roughly 95% of the world’s population.
Season 5, “The Chosen: Last Supper,” is currently available to stream on Prime Video.
Originally published by The Christian Post]]></content:encoded>
            </item>
                                                        <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Pastor's film ‘Learning You’ shines light on autism, offers hope to families feeling 'invisible’]]></title>
                <link>https://www.christiandaily.com/news/pastor-s-film-learning-you-shines-light-on-autism-offers-hope-to-families-feeling-invisible</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.christiandaily.com/news/pastor-s-film-learning-you-shines-light-on-autism-offers-hope-to-families-feeling-invisible</guid>
                                                            <dc:creator><![CDATA[The Christian Post]]></dc:creator>
                                                                                                                            <media:content  url="https://www.christiandaily.com/media/original/img/0/44/4417.png">
                            <media:title><![CDATA[Learning You]]></media:title>
                                                            <media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">
                                    <![CDATA[ YouTube/Screengrab/Learning You ]]>
                                </media:credit>
                                                                                        <media:description type="plain">
                                    <![CDATA[ Learning You ]]>
                                </media:description>
                                                    </media:content>
                                                                            <pubDate>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 04:21:00 -0400</pubDate>
                <description><![CDATA[Sansom is one of the creative forces behind “Learning You,” a heartfelt road-trip drama inspired by true events that follows a struggling father who impulsively takes his autistic son on a Christmas journey across the American heartland after facing pressure to surrender parental rights.]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — For Tyler Sansom, ministry has never fit neatly into one box.
He’s a pastor, a filmmaker, and a digital missionary who built an online church years before COVID-19 made livestream services commonplace. He’s also deeply involved in outreach, from rescuing victims of slavery in Pakistan to ministering to those affected by disability.
And now, the 33-year-old husband and father is helping tell a story he believes Hollywood has largely ignored.
Sansom is one of the creative forces behind “Learning You,” a heartfelt road-trip drama inspired by true events that follows a struggling father who impulsively takes his autistic son on a Christmas journey across the American heartland after facing pressure to surrender parental rights.
The film centers on Ty Smith, a once-successful architect whose life has unraveled after divorce, career setbacks and the institutionalization of his son, Elijah. What begins as desperation slowly becomes rediscovery of connection and hope.
During a sit-down interview with The Christian Post in Nashville, Tennessee, Sansom said the decision to start the story in a place of deep brokenness was intentional.
“Authenticity mattered,” he said. “When we interviewed families during research, the common theme was they were tired of Hollywood wrapping everything up with a nice bow, the autistic kid becomes a concert pianist or a mathematical genius. For most families, that’s not reality.”
Instead, the film, starring John Wells, Stacy Haiduk, Caleb Milby, Daniel Roebuck and Read Choi, depicts the daily challenges of profound autism: sensory overload, emotional meltdowns, isolation and exhaustion.
“One in every 36 kids is somewhere on the spectrum. One in every 200 is profoundly autistic, and the divorce rates are absurdly high,” Sansom said. “We wanted to shine a light on that. There are a whole lot of moms and dads in America right now who feel invisible.”
Sansom grew up in southern Indiana, across the river from Louisville, Kentucky, and dreamed of making movies as a child. He studied filmmaking but pivoted into full-time ministry after college.
Early in his pastoral career, Sansom embraced digital outreach, long before it became standard.
“I was a full-time online pastor about six years before COVID,” he said. “We built a network of publishers and branded content, and it’s been a wild ride.”
Eventually, his church decided to try making a movie together.
“Our first one was terrible,” Sansom said with a laugh. “But the last few have been nationwide.”
He spoke to CP while attending the annual gathering of the National Religious Broadcasters Convention, where he was nominated for “Best Director/Producer and Best Director” at the Crown Awards.
Sansom said the project also transformed his own congregation. While his church already hosted a thriving adult special-needs ministry, it lacked resources for younger children, but the film sparked change.
“We’ve had 50 to 60 adults meeting every week for worship who have special needs,” he said. “But nothing for kids. Now we have a sensory room, trained workers, and we’ve had direct communication with families. The awareness changed everything.”
According to the pastor, the response from parents has been overwhelming. The filmmakers created a “Stories” section on their website where viewers can share reactions, and messages began pouring in.
“Finally, somebody understands,” Sansom said, summarizing common feedback. “People tell us, ‘Now I can show this to my friends and family so they understand why I can’t just go to dinner or the grocery store.’ The autism community has really rallied around this in a way I hoped for but never expected.”
“I would challenge church leaders to sit down with these families and learn their story,” he said. “Every single family we talked to had a completely different experience. You can’t build meaningful support until you take time to learn who they are.”
The film’s title, “Learning You,” reflects that philosophy.
“Relationships die when we stop learning from one another,” Sansom said. “I’m still learning from my wife every day. Churches and families drift apart because they stop learning from each other.”
Though Sansom is not raising a child with special needs, he said adoption taught him the power of reframing hardship. In 2020, he and his wife adopted a teenage girl, Leigh Ann, just nine years his junior, and are now grandparents. 
“I don’t have a child with special needs, but I understand non-traditional families,” he said. 
His family developed a phrase, “apple pie," as shorthand for calling a meeting when someone began writing negative narratives in their own head.
“It’s easy to create stories like, ‘Why did God give me this?’ when there’s sensory overload or emotional outbursts,” he said. “But if you can reframe that, it changes everything.”
Ultimately, Sansom says the movie is about visibility and hope, and, of course, the power of fatherhood.
“When I read the script, I realized this isn’t just about a dad and his son,” he said. “It’s a picture of how our Father in Heaven treats us. We all act out. We all fall short. And yet God keeps showing up like this broken dad who still does everything he can to love his child.”
Beyond filmmaking, Sansom now leads a regional initiative called ACT, focused on supporting caregivers through training events, practical resources and community connections, from navigating Medicaid to understanding school systems.
All of the film’s proceeds, he said, will go to that initiative to help launch similar programs nationwide.
“We’ve even hosted comedy nights just for parents and caregivers,” Sansom said, recalling an event that drew more than 1,200 people. “These families need rest. They need laughter. They need community.”
“Healing doesn’t always come in big miracles,” he said. “Sometimes it’s small moments. But those moments matter.”
Originally published by The Christian Post]]></content:encoded>
            </item>
                                                        <item>
                <title><![CDATA[US, Iran agree to two-week ceasefire as Israel backs pause; uncertainty remains over scope and enforcement]]></title>
                <link>https://www.christiandaily.com/news/us-iran-agree-to-two-week-ceasefire-as-israel-backs-pause</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.christiandaily.com/news/us-iran-agree-to-two-week-ceasefire-as-israel-backs-pause</guid>
                                                            <dc:creator><![CDATA[CDI Staff]]></dc:creator>
                                                                                                                            <media:content  url="https://www.christiandaily.com/media/original/img/0/44/4418.jpg">
                            <media:title><![CDATA[KARAJ, IRAN - APRIL 3: A view of the damaged B1 bridge, a day after it was destroyed by an airstrike, on April 3, 2026 west of Tehran in Karaj, Iran.]]></media:title>
                                                            <media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">
                                    <![CDATA[ Majid Saeedi/Getty Images ]]>
                                </media:credit>
                                                                                        <media:description type="plain">
                                    <![CDATA[ KARAJ, IRAN - APRIL 3: A view of the damaged B1 bridge, a day after it was destroyed by an airstrike, on April 3, 2026 west of Tehran in Karaj, Iran. ]]>
                                </media:description>
                                                    </media:content>
                                                                            <pubDate>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 03:30:00 -0400</pubDate>
                <description><![CDATA[A two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran took effect Tuesday evening, with Israel expressing support for a temporary halt in hostilities, though questions remain over whether the agreement applies across all fronts and whether it will hold on the ground.]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[
A two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran took effect Tuesday evening (April 7), with Israel expressing support for a temporary halt in hostilities, though questions remain over whether the agreement applies across all fronts and whether it will hold on the ground.
The truce, mediated by Shehbaz Sharif, is intended to pause more than five weeks of escalating conflict and create space for negotiations toward a broader peace agreement. U.S. President Donald Trump said the ceasefire would allow time to finalize a deal with Iran, while Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi indicated Tehran would halt what it described as “defensive operations” during the period.
Despite the announcement, reports of missile and drone attacks continued early Wednesday across parts of the Persian Gulf, including alerts in Israel and incidents in Gulf states, raising doubts about whether the agreement had been fully communicated to Iranian field commanders operating under a decentralized command structure.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel supported the U.S.-brokered pause on the condition that Iran cease attacks and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route. However, he stated the ceasefire did not extend to ongoing fighting in Lebanon involving the Iran-backed group Hezbollah, contradicting earlier remarks by Pakistani officials that the agreement applied “everywhere.”
The ceasefire announcement followed heightened tensions over Iran’s actions in the Strait of Hormuz and U.S. warnings of severe consequences if shipping lanes were not reopened. While global oil prices dropped sharply after the deal was announced, uncertainty persisted over whether commercial vessels would consider the waterway safe for transit.
Sharif, who has sought to position Pakistan as a mediator, praised both sides for showing “remarkable wisdom and understanding” and invited U.S. and Iranian delegations to Islamabad for talks aimed at reaching a more durable settlement. Iranian officials signaled willingness to attend, while U.S. officials said discussions were ongoing but not yet finalized.]]></content:encoded>
            </item>
                                                        <item>
                <title><![CDATA[‘A Great Awakening’ opens strong with A+ audience rating]]></title>
                <link>https://www.christiandaily.com/news/a-great-awakening-opens-strong-with-a-audience-rating</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.christiandaily.com/news/a-great-awakening-opens-strong-with-a-audience-rating</guid>
                                                            <dc:creator><![CDATA[CDI Staff]]></dc:creator>
                                                                                                                            <media:content  url="https://www.christiandaily.com/media/original/img/0/41/4171.png">
                            <media:title><![CDATA[A great awakening thumbnail]]></media:title>
                                                                                </media:content>
                                                                            <pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 13:59:00 -0400</pubDate>
                <description><![CDATA[The faith-based historical film A Great Awakening opened strongly in U.S. theaters over the weekend, earning a rare A+ audience rating from CinemaScore and grossing more than $2 million in its nationwide debut, according to its producers.]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[
The faith-based historical film A Great Awakening opened strongly in U.S. theaters over the weekend, earning a rare A+ audience rating from CinemaScore and grossing more than $2 million in its nationwide debut, according to its producers.
The film, produced by Sight & Sound and distributed by Roadside Attractions, premiered April 3 and marks the company’s latest expansion into feature filmmaking following decades of stage productions.
The opening performance signals strong audience reception for the film, which portrays the spiritual revival movement that preceded the American Revolution. As previously reported by Christian Daily International, the project was released in the lead-up to the 250th anniversary of the United States, aiming to highlight the religious and cultural forces that shaped the nation’s founding era.
Set in the years before independence, A Great Awakening centers on the 18th-century preacher George Whitefield, whose itinerant ministry drew large crowds across the American colonies and is widely associated with the First Great Awakening. The film also depicts his relationship with Benjamin Franklin, exploring the intersection of faith, public life and emerging national identity.
Joshua Enck, the film’s director and chief story officer at Sight & Sound, said the early response reflects a strong connection with audiences.
“We are overwhelmed at the response of this film and the testimonies of impact that continue to be shared,” Enck said in a statement. “We set out to tell a story that would inspire, challenge and uplift.”
Sight & Sound, founded in 1976, reports that it has reached more than 40 million people globally through its productions and now engages audiences in more than 175 countries via digital streaming. The company operates two major theater venues in Pennsylvania and Missouri and has increasingly moved into film production in recent years.
The film’s early performance comes amid continued growth in faith-based media, with producers expanding into feature-length productions alongside traditional stage offerings.]]></content:encoded>
            </item>
                                                        <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Evangelical giving stabilizes after years of decline, new report finds]]></title>
                <link>https://www.christiandaily.com/news/evangelical-giving-stabilizes-after-years-of-decline-new-report-finds</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.christiandaily.com/news/evangelical-giving-stabilizes-after-years-of-decline-new-report-finds</guid>
                                                            <dc:creator><![CDATA[CDI Staff]]></dc:creator>
                                                                                                                            <media:content  url="https://www.christiandaily.com/media/original/img/0/44/4408.jpg">
                            <media:title><![CDATA[money, donation, dollars, giving, generosity]]></media:title>
                                                            <media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">
                                    <![CDATA[ Unsplash / Giorgio Trovato ]]>
                                </media:credit>
                                                                                        <media:description type="plain">
                                    <![CDATA[ Evangelical giving patterns in the United States have stabilized after several years of decline, while new research highlights the influence of spiritual engagement, church attendance and generational trends on financial generosity and volunteerism. ]]>
                                </media:description>
                                                    </media:content>
                                                                            <pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 13:38:00 -0400</pubDate>
                <description><![CDATA[After several years of measurable decline, giving among evangelical Protestants in the United States appears to have stabilized, according to a new study examining patterns of generosity, political giving and volunteerism.]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[
After several years of measurable decline, giving among evangelical Protestants in the United States appears to have stabilized, according to a new study examining patterns of generosity, political giving and volunteerism.
The report, "The Generosity Landscape: How Evangelicals Give", was released by Infinity Concepts and Grey Matter Research and is based on a survey of 1,008 evangelical Protestants. The findings challenge several widely held assumptions about how evangelicals allocate their financial resources and time.
Researchers found that giving levels in 2025 remained largely consistent with 2024, following a multi-year decline. Between 2020 and 2024, the proportion of evangelicals donating to their church dropped by 18%, while those supporting charities or ministries outside the church declined by 16%. The latest data suggests that downward trend has, at least temporarily, leveled off.
The study also disputes the perception that election cycles significantly divert charitable giving toward political causes. Only 12% of evangelicals reported donating to a political campaign, candidate or cause during the most recent election cycle, a figure unchanged from 2024, a non-election year. Among respondents who did not give to a church or charity, 95% also reported no political giving.
Another common assumption — that individuals often substitute volunteering for financial giving — was also not supported by the data. Just 2% of evangelicals said they volunteer with an organization without contributing financially to a church or charity, indicating that most who volunteer also give.
The report further challenges views about generational patterns in volunteerism. Contrary to expectations that older adults are the most active volunteers, the study found that evangelicals under age 35 are the most likely to volunteer through an organization, while seniors are the least likely.
Church attendance patterns were shown to have a strong relationship with financial giving. Among evangelicals who attend church in person weekly, 84% said they financially support their church. That share drops to 69% among those attending one to three times a month and to 39% among those attending less frequently. Among those who primarily attend services online, 37% reported giving financially to a church.
Ron Sellers, president of Grey Matter Research, cautioned against relying on assumptions when developing ministry strategies.
“A lot of the ‘conventional wisdom’ about giving and generosity may be conventional, but it is not very wise,” Sellers said. “Building plans and strategies around myths that are not true will lead to poor outcomes.”
The report identifies spiritual engagement as the strongest predictor of generosity. Evangelicals who regularly pray, attend worship services and small groups, and read or study the Bible were significantly more likely to give both to their church and to charitable causes.
According to the findings, spiritually engaged evangelicals are 284% more likely to give to their church and 73% more likely to give to charities outside the church. They also give more generously as a proportion of their income, both within and beyond church contexts.
Mark Dreistadt, president and CEO of Infinity Concepts, said it remains unclear whether the stabilization in giving represents a long-term shift or a temporary pause in a broader decline.
“What we do not know is whether this stabilization of giving is the beginning of a new normal, or a brief respite in a continuing decline,” Dreistadt said. “But what has been consistent in every study we have done together is that the single biggest predictor of giving and generosity is how spiritually active and engaged people are.”
He added that patterns of in-person participation and spiritual disciplines appear closely linked to financial commitment.
“In every measurable way, spiritual engagement is the strongest catalyst for financial generosity,” Dreistadt said. “The challenge of financial giving is a discipleship challenge as well.”]]></content:encoded>
            </item>
                                                        <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Supreme Court rules Colorado's conversion therapy ban violates First Amendment]]></title>
                <link>https://www.christiandaily.com/news/supreme-court-rules-colorado-s-conversion-therapy-ban-violates-first-amendment</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.christiandaily.com/news/supreme-court-rules-colorado-s-conversion-therapy-ban-violates-first-amendment</guid>
                                                            <dc:creator><![CDATA[The Christian Post]]></dc:creator>
                                                                                                                            <media:content  url="https://www.christiandaily.com/media/original/img/0/43/4395.jpg">
                            <media:title><![CDATA[Same-sex marriage supporter Vin Testa]]></media:title>
                                                            <media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">
                                    <![CDATA[ (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) ]]>
                                </media:credit>
                                                                                        <media:description type="plain">
                                    <![CDATA[ Same-sex marriage supporter Vin Testa, of Washington, DC, waves a LGBTQIA pride flag in front of the U.S. Supreme Court Building as he makes pictures with his friend Donte Gonzalez to celebrate the anniversary of the United States v. Windsor and the Obergefell v. Hodges decisions on June 26, 2023 in Washington, DC. ]]>
                                </media:description>
                                                    </media:content>
                                                                            <pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2026 07:35:00 -0400</pubDate>
                <description><![CDATA[The U.S. Supreme Court has struck down a Colorado law that bans licensed professionals from engaging in therapy with minors seeking to change their sexual orientation or help children with gender dysphoria accept their sex. ]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[
In an 8-1 decision released Tuesday in the case of Kaley Chiles v. Patty Salazar, executive director of the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies, et al., the high court concluded that Colorado’s ban unlawfully regulated the speech of Christian therapist Kaley Chiles.
Justice Neil Gorsuch delivered the opinion of the court, writing that “we conclude that the courts below failed to apply sufficiently rigorous First Amendment scrutiny in this case.”
“While the First Amendment protects many and varied forms of expression, the spoken word is perhaps the quintessential form of protected speech. And that is exactly the kind of expression in which Ms. Chiles seeks to engage,” said Gorsuch.
“Colorado’s law does not just regulate the content of Ms. Chiles’s speech. It goes a step further, prescribing what views she may and may not express.”
Gorsuch noted that “the First Amendment stands as a shield against any effort to enforce orthodoxy in thought or speech in this country” and that “any law that suppresses speech based on viewpoint represents an ‘egregious’ assault on both of those commitments.”
The opinion reverses the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals' decision and sends the case back for further legal proceedings, with the majority opinion.
Justice Elena Kagan authored a concurring opinion, joined by Justice Sonia Sotomayor, writing that if Colorado had enacted "a viewpoint-neutral law, it would raise a different and more difficult question.”
“Once again, because the State has suppressed one side of a debate, while aiding the other, the constitutional issue is straightforward,” she continued. “We need not here decide how to assess viewpoint-neutral laws regulating health providers’ expression because, as the Court holds, Colorado’s is not one.”
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson was the lone dissent, arguing that, as a licensed medical professional, Chiles does not enjoy the broad First Amendment protections others do.
“Chiles is not speaking in the ether; she is providing therapy to minors as a licensed healthcare professional,” wrote Jackson. “Under our precedents, bedrock First Amendment principles have far less salience when the speakers are medical professionals and their treatment-related speech is being restricted incidentally to the State’s regulation of the provision of medical care.”
Jackson believes that Colorado had the right to ban the therapy for minors due to multiple mainstream medical organizations denouncing the practice.
“The conclusion that a State can regulate the provision of medical care even if, in so doing, it incidentally restricts the speech of some providers, fully comports with the First Amendment’s animating principles,” she added.
“My colleagues’ contrary conclusions are puzzling, for a standards-based healthcare scheme cannot function unless its regulators are permitted to choose sides.”
In 2019, Colorado passed the Minor Conversion Therapy Law, which prohibited "gay conversion therapy" for minors, after multiple similar bills had failed in previous legislative sessions. 
Daniel Ramos, executive director of the LGBT advocacy group One Colorado, released a statement at the time saying that it was a "significant step in protecting our LGBTQ youth."
"No young person should ever be shamed by a mental health professional into thinking that who they are is wrong," stated Ramos. "Mental health care should be ethical and affirming for all people — including LGBTQ young people."
Chiles challenged the law in September 2022, claiming that the measure violated the Free Speech Clause and Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment of the Constitution.
A three-judge panel of the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 2-1 against Chiles in September 2024, upholding an earlier district ruling in favor of the state ban.
Circuit Judge Veronica Rossman, a Biden appointee, wrote for the panel majority that "Chiles had not met her burden of showing a likelihood of success on the merits of her First Amendment free speech and free exercise claims."
"By regulating which treatments Ms. Chiles may perform in her role as a licensed professional counselor, Colorado is not restricting Ms. Chiles' freedom of expression," she added. "In other words, Ms. Chiles' First Amendment right to freedom of speech is implicated under the MCTL, but it is not abridged."
Circuit Judge Harris Hartz, a George W. Bush appointee, dissented, arguing that the majority failed to explain why "talk therapy is to be afforded lesser First Amendment protection than speech in general."
"Is the majority stating that professional speech should be treated differently under the First Amendment from identical speech by a nonprofessional? That would fly in the face of what the Supreme Court has recently told us," Hartz wrote.
Last October, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case, with James Campbell of the Alliance Defending Freedom arguing the case on behalf of Chiles. He stated that Colorado’s ban wrongfully censors “widely held views on debated moral, religious and scientific questions.”
“Aside from this law and recent ones like it, Colorado hasn’t identified any similar viewpoint-based bans on counseling,” Campbell said in his opening comments. “These laws are historic outliers.”
Sotomayor questioned the purpose of the legal challenge, saying that there had been “six years of no enforcement” of the law, as no one had been prosecuted under the ban.
Campbell countered that the ban had a “credible threat of enforcement,” noting that recently “there have been anonymous complaints filed against” Chiles and that “those complaints are now being investigated by the state of Colorado for allegations that she’s violating” the ban.
Originally published by The Christian Post]]></content:encoded>
            </item>
                                                        <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Landmark study reveals complex picture of women’s roles in Canadian evangelical churches]]></title>
                <link>https://www.christiandaily.com/news/landmark-study-reveals-complex-picture-of-womens-roles-in-canadian-evangelical-churches</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.christiandaily.com/news/landmark-study-reveals-complex-picture-of-womens-roles-in-canadian-evangelical-churches</guid>
                                                            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris Eyte]]></dc:creator>
                                                                                                                            <media:content  url="https://www.christiandaily.com/media/original/img/0/43/4346.jpg">
                            <media:title><![CDATA[women praying]]></media:title>
                                                            <media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">
                                    <![CDATA[ Photo by Jametlene Reskp / Unsplash ]]>
                                </media:credit>
                                                                                        <media:description type="plain">
                                    <![CDATA[ Across theological traditions, women expressed a desire to belong, serve, and worship alongside others. ]]>
                                </media:description>
                                                    </media:content>
                                                                            <pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 04:50:00 -0400</pubDate>
                <description><![CDATA[A landmark national study examining the roles and contributions of women in Canadian evangelical churches reveals a complex and often nuanced picture of women’s participation, highlighting both shared convictions and diverse lived experiences across congregations.]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[
A landmark national study examining the roles and contributions of women in Canadian evangelical churches reveals a complex and often nuanced picture of women’s participation, highlighting both shared convictions and diverse lived experiences across congregations.
Conducted by the Women in the Canadian Evangelical Church (WCEC) Research Partnership—a collaborative initiative involving 14 affiliate organizations and denominations, including the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, its Centre for Research on Church and Faith (CRCF), Tyndale University, and others—the study draws on interviews, survey data and theological reflection to explore how women understand and navigate their roles within local churches. The partnership, formed in 2023, aims to move beyond abstract debates by grounding the conversation in lived experience.
The study asks: “What can be learned by sitting down and speaking with women about what they think about their church?”
The research involved interviews with 25 ministry experts offering theological, pastoral and organizational perspectives on women’s participation. It also included interviews with 49 evangelical women, reflecting diversity in age, region, denominational tradition and level of church involvement. In addition, the study analyzed 2,075 valid responses from a national online survey conducted between May and June 2025.
“The study helps identify obstacles to and opportunities for women’s involvement that are often obscured by abstract debate,” said the report.
“The research invites churches to look beyond labels and examine how their cultures, structures and informal norms help or hinder ministry to women and with women. Perhaps most importantly, this study points toward pathways for women and men to participate together effectively, even amid enduring differences of conviction.”
A key finding is a widespread belief among evangelical women that unity in Christ does not require uniformity of opinion, the report said.
“Across theological traditions, women expressed a desire to belong, serve and worship alongside others who may hold different views about gender roles,” said the report. “This suggests a path forward that is neither dismissive of conviction nor captive to polarization.
“The challenge facing Canadian evangelical churches is not simply to resolve disagreement, but to learn how to carry disagreement without rupture. The significance of this research lies not only in what it reveals about women’s roles and participation, but in how it models a way of studying—and engaging—contentious questions in the church.
“Our intention is that by attending carefully to lived experience, expert contribution and widespread data points, this work offers a constructive contribution to a conversation that will continue to shape the future of Canadian evangelical churches.”
The literature review, interviews and national survey together reveal what the study describes as a “textured portrait” of women’s participation.
“Women’s participation is anchored in shared evangelical convictions while shaped by diverse interpretive lenses, congregational cultures, life stage and relational dynamics. Women consistently affirmed Scripture’s authority and expressed a strong desire to contribute to their local churches, yet the form and visibility of that contribution varied,” the report said.
The study found that familiar labels for women’s roles, such as “complementarian” and “egalitarian,” can be unclear and are often misunderstood, and do not reliably predict “practice on the ground.”
“Many congregations blend convictions and customs, and women themselves often locate meaning in lived experience as much as in formal positions. In practice, gaps between stated policy and everyday practice shaped women’s sense of belonging more than labels alone,” said the report.
“This helps explain why some women feel deeply valued in churches with offices reserved for qualified men, while others encounter obstacles in churches with egalitarian policies but constrained pathways.”
The report also identified a generational shift, with women moving from “behind the scenes” roles in churches to more public forms of ministry. Younger women, in particular, are gravitating toward visible and relational forms of ministry, including platform roles, technology, peer discipleship and community-facing service.
“At the same time, many still carry substantial work, school and caregiving loads, which can limit capacity and shape choices,” the report noted. “Marital status, immigration experience and language also intersected with opportunity as women navigated honour-shame dynamics, time pressures and community expectations.”
The study’s analysis of obstacles, safety, practice and policy highlights the importance of trust, confidentiality and integrity in leadership cultures.
“Women associated ‘safety’ less with fragility than with relational trust and the ability to ask questions, disagree or disclose vulnerability without jeopardizing belonging,” the report said.
“Women framed their ‘role’ less as a description and more as contribution. They show up where gifts, relationships and congregational needs meet.
“Patterns of participation spanned caregiving and prayer to worship leadership, teaching, administration, technology and governance.
“Pathways to participation were not always equally accessible; access was shaped by what women had seen modeled, whether leaders invited them into responsibility, and whether they experienced psychological and spiritual safety.”
The report also noted the impact of abuse on women’s participation, though without providing detailed context.
“Experiences of abuse or pressure to endure harm, uneven responses to domestic violence, and norms like the ‘Billy Graham Rule’ [when male leaders are encouraged not to spend time with women who are not their wives] were cited as factors that sometimes constrained participation. Conversely, when leaders built transparent, trustworthy systems, participation broadened and deepened.”
The study highlighted a notable pattern in which women who remain in churches and those who leave often cite similar factors, but in opposite directions.
“Teaching, doctrine and community draw many in; poor teaching, misalignment, lack of care or limited opportunities can nudge women out,” the study said.
Some infrequent church attenders retained a vibrant personal faith and actively served outside local churches, underscoring that women’s callings and contributions extend beyond any single venue, the study noted.
“For churches attentive to these signals, the pathway forward is not uniform policy but congregation-specific discernment that aligns convictions, culture and practice,” the report said.
The study also identified areas for further research, including the need for a parallel analysis of evangelical men’s participation in churches, as well as more sustained examination of women who have reduced involvement or left entirely.
Further research would also benefit from deeper exploration of how gender interacts with ethnicity, race, language, immigration history and socioeconomic position, the report noted.
“Experiences described by Francophone and immigrant women in this study indicate that cultural expectations and frameworks, generational displacement, and linguistic minority status shape participation in distinct ways,” the report added.]]></content:encoded>
            </item>
                                                        <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Assemblies of God reports strong first year in rural ministry initiative]]></title>
                <link>https://www.christiandaily.com/news/assemblies-of-god-reports-strong-first-year-in-rural-ministry-initiative</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.christiandaily.com/news/assemblies-of-god-reports-strong-first-year-in-rural-ministry-initiative</guid>
                                                            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris Eyte]]></dc:creator>
                                                                                                                            <media:content  url="https://www.christiandaily.com/media/original/img/0/43/4362.jpg">
                            <media:title><![CDATA[rural church]]></media:title>
                                                            <media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">
                                    <![CDATA[ Photo by Judith Chambers / Unsplash ]]>
                                </media:credit>
                                                                                </media:content>
                                                                            <pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 03:10:00 -0400</pubDate>
                <description><![CDATA[The Assemblies of God Theological Seminary has reached more than 1,200 churches and trained about 6,000 pastors and lay leaders in the first year of a nationwide initiative aimed at supporting rural congregations in the United States, according to a recent report by AG News.]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[
The Assemblies of God Theological Seminary has reached more than 1,200 churches and trained about 6,000 pastors and lay leaders in the first year of a nationwide initiative aimed at supporting rural congregations in the United States, according to a recent report by AG News.
The effort, known as the Rural Church Ministry Partnership, is funded by a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. and focuses on equipping churches in towns of 10,000 or fewer residents with resources, training and connections tailored to their context. The initiative has engaged congregations across 31 states in its first year.
According to AG News, the partnership brings together denominational leaders, educational institutions and ministry organizations to develop training opportunities, internships and a centralized resource hub designed to address challenges commonly faced by rural pastors and churches.
Keith Jones, director for the Rural Grant Partnership, said the initiative seeks to strengthen the role of churches within their communities.
“AGTS wants to see healthy, vibrant churches equipped to be resource centers within their communities, providing an anchor of real hope and assistance,” Jones said.
Partners in the initiative include the Assemblies of God USA, Rural Compassion, Trinity Bible College & Graduate School and Rural Advancement, along with 13 regional Assemblies of God network partners that help connect local churches with available resources.
The partnership aims to reach 6,040 churches by the end of 2029. The first year’s engagement represents roughly 20% of that target, according to the report.
Christopher L. Coble, vice president for religion at Lilly Endowment, said the initiative addresses gaps in support for rural congregations.
“Rural and small-town congregations play critical roles in supporting the vitality of their local communities,” Coble said. “Yet many resources available to support congregations do not adequately address the particular challenges faced by churches in rural settings.
“Our hope is that these grants will provide much-needed resources and support to rural and small-town churches to help them address their challenges and enhance and extend the many ways they serve their communities.”
The update on rural ministry efforts comes as the Assemblies of God USA reports broader growth trends in recent decades.
According to its 2024 Annual Church Ministries Report, average church worship attendance increased 6.2% compared to 2023. The number of adherents in the United States has more than doubled since 1975, rising from 1.2 million to more than 3 million.
The denomination has also become more diverse. Churches identified as primarily ethnic minority or immigrant congregations grew from 2,260 in 1989 to 5,081 in 2024 and now account for about 40% of all Assemblies of God congregations in the United States.]]></content:encoded>
            </item>
                                                        <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Faith Without Frontiers: Christian Daily International launches global podcast series]]></title>
                <link>https://www.christiandaily.com/news/faith-without-frontiers-christian-daily-international-launches-global-podcast-series</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.christiandaily.com/news/faith-without-frontiers-christian-daily-international-launches-global-podcast-series</guid>
                                                            <dc:creator><![CDATA[CDI Staff]]></dc:creator>
                                                                                                                            <media:content  url="https://www.christiandaily.com/media/original/img/0/43/4304.jpg">
                            <media:title><![CDATA[Faith Without Frontiers CDI Podcast Cover]]></media:title>
                                                                                </media:content>
                                                                            <pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 05:57:00 -0400</pubDate>
                <description><![CDATA[Christian Daily International is launching an international podcast series, Faith Without Frontiers, on March 31, 2026, marking a new chapter in its mission to share stories of faith, resilience and leadership from across the global Church.]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[
Christian Daily International is launching an international podcast series, Faith Without Frontiers, on March 31, 2026, marking a new chapter in its mission to share stories of faith, resilience and leadership from across the global Church.
Hosted by Gordon Showell-Rogers, International Director of Christian Daily International, the podcast will release 10 episodes in its first season, with new installments published every Tuesday.
The series is made up of heart-to-heart conversations with Christian believers, many in leadership roles, from a wide range of nations and professional backgrounds. From Europe to the Middle East, Africa to North America and Asia, guests include legal professionals, humanitarian workers, entrepreneurs, academics, public servants and survivors of profound hardship. Their stories touch on justice issues, displacement, war, human trafficking, ethical leadership, youth ministry and public life.
“The podcasts are simply conversations with extraordinary friends about their amazing and challenging faith journeys, and what has shaped their lives,” Showell-Rogers said. “I’m deeply grateful for friends’ willingness to speak very openly, often sharing deeply personal realities.”
He said what has struck him most is the goodness of God in very diverse circumstances and contexts.
“What this very international series of conversations has in common is a sense of the presence of God, the work of God in often dark, sometimes funny situations all over the world,” he said. “I hope that others will enjoy the first series as much as I have enjoyed recording them.”
The title Faith Without Frontiers reflects both the geographical breadth of the guests and the spiritual theme that unites them — stories of faith stepping beyond boundaries, both personal and international.
It was not the only title under consideration. Showell-Rogers’ teenage grandson suggested the more playful: “Gordon’s Gospel Gossip.” “In many ways, that title captures the authentic, unscripted nature of these conversations between friends. My guests have all loved it,” he said. “But we decided that a slightly more serious title might be good - at least for now.”
While the contexts differ — from courtrooms to classrooms, from refugee ministries to national institutions — a common thread runs through each episode: perseverance and hope rooted in Christ.
“I am struck by the resilience of the human spirit and the resilience of the human spirit in Christ,” he said. “Some of the stories are deeply painful. But each person is continuing to trust God, walking forward with Christ and serving Him in remarkable ways.”
The podcast aligns closely with Christian Daily International’s broader mission to strengthen global Christian unity and understanding.
“Our overall aim is to help believers around the world hear one another’s stories and understand that we are all part of one body in Christ globally,” Showell-Rogers said. “I hope that as you listen, you will find yourself thinking, ‘That person’s God is my God.’”
He added that the stories may encourage listeners — perhaps particularly younger believers — to consider how their own professions and life paths can become avenues of service.
“I hope that something of that will come across when people listen,” he said, “and that people will feel inspired to walk with Christ, serving him in their own area, in the place to which the Lord has called them.”
Season 1 of Faith Without Frontiers begins March 31, 2026, with new episodes released every Tuesday.]]></content:encoded>
            </item>
                                                        <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Canadian evangelicals call for halt to assisted dying expansion for mental illness]]></title>
                <link>https://www.christiandaily.com/news/canadian-evangelicals-call-for-halt-to-assisted-dying-expansion-for-mental-illness</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.christiandaily.com/news/canadian-evangelicals-call-for-halt-to-assisted-dying-expansion-for-mental-illness</guid>
                                                            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris Eyte]]></dc:creator>
                                                                                                                            <media:content  url="https://www.christiandaily.com/media/original/img/0/43/4337.jpg">
                            <media:title><![CDATA[mental health]]></media:title>
                                                            <media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">
                                    <![CDATA[ Photo by Nik Shuliahin / Unsplash ]]>
                                </media:credit>
                                                                                        <media:description type="plain">
                                    <![CDATA[ The EFC called on evangelicals to pray for those struggling with mental health. ]]>
                                </media:description>
                                                    </media:content>
                                                                            <pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2026 11:25:00 -0400</pubDate>
                <description><![CDATA[Canadians could become eligible for assisted dying solely for mental illness in March 2027, unless legislation is changed, the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada warns.]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[
Canadians could become eligible for assisted dying solely for mental illness in March 2027, unless legislation is changed, the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada warns.
Legislation passed in 2021 paved the way for allowing euthanasia on the basis of mental illness, as previously reported by Christian Daily International. According to the EFC, this marked a significant expansion of MAiD eligibility to include individuals whose natural death is not reasonably foreseeable, including those with a serious illness, disease, or disability.
Currently, individuals with mental illness as their sole condition are not eligible for MAiD. However, this is set to change in one year unless Canadian lawmakers delay or repeal the legislation.
The EFC has previously submitted arguments to the Special Joint Committee on Medical Assistance in Dying, arguing that Canada should not allow MAiD for mental illness.
The evangelical organization cited Canadian Institute for Health data showing that one in 10 Canadians wait more than five months for counselling services and highlighted additional data it says is not widely known.
Under current law, individuals eligible for “Track 2” MAiD—those who are not nearing natural death—are subject to a minimum 90-day assessment period between the initial request and the procedure. The EFC has also expressed concerns about the potential effect of the planned law on mature minors with mental health issues.
“The law allowing MAiD for mental illness doesn’t come with any additional safeguards, protections or special requirements related to mental illness,” said the EFC in an update on the issue.
“The EFC is opposed to MAiD, believing that it fundamentally devalues human life and normalizes suicide. We’re also very concerned MAiD for mental illness will disproportionately impact marginalized Canadians and undermine suicide prevention in Canada.”
Efforts to halt the expansion are also underway in Parliament. Canadian Member of Parliament Tama Jansen introduced a private member’s bill last June (2025), known as Bill C-218, to stop MAiD for mental illness alone. A debate and vote is due in mid-April for the bill, which aims to exclude a mental disorder from being considered a “grievous and irremediable medical condition” for the purposes of MAiD.
“It will need widespread public support to pass,” said the EFC. “But we believe it can — and should — be passed.”
On social media, Jansen pointed out that the province of Alberta recently announced legislation that includes measures to stop the expansion of MAiD for mental illness alone.
“That should be a wake-up call for Ottawa,” Jansen wrote. “Canadians know that those struggling with mental illness need care, support, and hope, not an assisted death. With less than a year before this expansion is set to take effect, Parliament must act now by passing Bill C-218 to permanently stop it and protect vulnerable Canadians.”
The EFC also called on evangelicals to pray for those struggling with mental health, for the passage of Bill C-218, and for a society that affirms the value of every life. It further encouraged prayer for medical professionals as they care for vulnerable patients.]]></content:encoded>
            </item>
                                                        <item>
                <title><![CDATA[US Christians rethink orphanage support, but giving patterns lag behind, Barna study finds]]></title>
                <link>https://www.christiandaily.com/news/us-christians-rethink-orphanage-support-but-giving-patterns-lag-behind-barna-study-finds</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.christiandaily.com/news/us-christians-rethink-orphanage-support-but-giving-patterns-lag-behind-barna-study-finds</guid>
                                                            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Rebecca Goropevsek]]></dc:creator>
                                                                                                                            <media:content  url="https://www.christiandaily.com/media/original/img/0/43/4335.jpg">
                            <media:title><![CDATA[family with child]]></media:title>
                                                            <media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">
                                    <![CDATA[ Photo by Priscilla Du Preez / Unsplash ]]>
                                </media:credit>
                                                                                </media:content>
                                                                            <pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2026 05:45:00 -0400</pubDate>
                <description><![CDATA[A growing number of U.S. Christians are rethinking their views on orphanages and the care of vulnerable children, but their financial support has yet to reflect those shifting beliefs, according to a new study by the Barna Group in partnership with Faith to Action.]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[
A growing number of U.S. Christians are rethinking their views on orphanages and the care of vulnerable children, but their financial support has yet to reflect those shifting beliefs, according to a new study by the Barna Group in partnership with Faith to Action.
The 2025 study, a follow-up to similar research conducted five years earlier, highlights what leaders describe as a “critical inflection point” in how Christians understand orphan care — and the gap that remains between awareness and action.
Among the most notable findings, 72% of U.S. Christians now recognize poverty as a primary driver of children being placed in orphanages, up significantly from 46% in 2020. At the same time, positive perceptions of orphanages declined by roughly 9 to 10 percentage points, while 90% of respondents affirmed that children thrive best in family environments.
Despite these shifts, financial support for residential care has continued to grow. The study estimates that U.S. Christians now give approximately $4.5 billion annually to orphanages and children’s homes — an increase of $2 billion since the previous survey.
“Beliefs are shifting, but behavior has not yet followed,” Faith to Action said in a statement accompanying the report.
‘Behavior is not following their learning’
Elli Oswald, executive director of the Faith to Action Initiative, said the findings were both encouraging and concerning.
“We are encouraged to see the increase in knowledge regarding important misconceptions that have driven support for orphanages historically,” Oswald told Christian Daily International. “But behavior is not following their learning.”
She noted that while fewer respondents now view orphanages as positive environments, more Christians report financially supporting residential care, with a 9% increase since 2020. Participation in mission trips to orphanages has also remained steady.
“We have assumed that when people know better they will do better,” Oswald said. “But that isn’t playing out yet in the transformation of U.S. Christian donors.”
The study highlights a tension in public perception, with many people continuing to view orphanages as indispensable. About 82% of respondents said they believe orphanages are essential for vulnerable children — even if they are not seen as the ideal solution.
Oswald said many donors are unaware that alternatives exist.
“Donors are likely not aware that there is another solution that works for these children,” she said, pointing to a growing global movement toward family-based care, including reunification with biological families, foster care and adoption.
Faith to Action and other advocates argue that children generally experience better long-term outcomes when raised in families rather than institutions, particularly when poverty — not the absence of parents — is the root cause of separation.
The study also found that emotional motivations play a significant role in giving patterns. The most commonly cited reason for supporting orphanages was that it “makes them feel good,” suggesting that decisions are often driven more by emotion than by evolving knowledge.
“There is growing evidence that people make decisions based on how we feel, not necessarily what we think,” Oswald said.
To close the gap between belief and action, Oswald emphasized the need for ministries and organizations to communicate more effectively about family-based solutions.
“Donors aren’t aware that this is a solvable problem,” she said. “Those working in family-based care can measure and share the results of that work, both qualitatively and quantitatively.”
She added that messaging should avoid shaming donors, instead inviting them to take “another step” that aligns with their existing values.
“There is no need for judgment or condemnation of the generosity of Christians in America,” Oswald said. “But we can invite them to redirect funding to solutions that are more effective for children.”
Churches play key role in shift to family-based care
Churches play a central role in shaping both awareness and action, the study found. The most common way respondents learned about orphanages — and became involved in supporting them — was through their local church.
“Just as churches are leading support for orphanages, they are key in making this transition to family-based care,” Oswald said.
Some congregations have already begun making that shift. LifeMission Church in the Kansas City area, for example, transitioned from supporting orphanages to investing in family-based care after recognizing the limitations of institutional models. Larger churches such as Saddleback Church and Life.Church have also begun redirecting resources toward family-centered approaches.
Oswald said both churches and individual Christians can take practical steps, including supporting programs that strengthen families, asking questions about mission partnerships and focusing mission trips on community-based care.
“Small but significant steps can help change the way we care for orphaned and vulnerable children around the world,” she said.
Faith to Action said the latest Barna findings present a unique opportunity to align growing awareness with meaningful change.
“For those committed to strengthening families,” the organization said, “this is a moment to bridge the gap between what we believe and how we act.”
True religion is…
Christian Daily International previously reported on this issue from the World Without Orphans Forum held in 2024 in Thailand, where speakers highlighted the need to move beyond institutional care and shared practical examples of ministries transitioning toward family-based solutions.
Phil Aspegren, the founder of Casa Viva, a ministry specializing in promoting family-like solutions for children in different countries around the world spoke about the Bible verse in James 1:27 that is frequently quoted in orphan context.
He rhetorically asked: “Is it true or false? True religion is building orphanages.”
“Absolutely not,” he said. “That’s not what true religion is.” Instead, the focus should be on caring for the fatherless child and looking out for his or her best interest. Therefore, Casa Viva’s focus is on changing the thinking of those who lead orphanages to go beyond institutional care.
“We’re helping orphanages realize, ‘We are not an orphanage. That’s not why we exist. Instead, we are an organization that acts in the best interest of children, youth, and families,’” Aspegren explained.
“They can become an agency or a ministry that is more than just the orphanage. We’ve confused what is our goal with our method. Our method is an orphanage, but that’s not our goal. Our goal is to care for children well,” he said, adding that “children’s homes are learning that they can do more than just care for children and families. They can be the solution that is reintegrating children back to biological families.”]]></content:encoded>
            </item>
                                                        <item>
                <title><![CDATA['North Americans must see themselves as partners with the global Church', Urbana director says]]></title>
                <link>https://www.christiandaily.com/news/north-americans-must-see-themselves-as-partners-with-the-global-church-urbana-director-says</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.christiandaily.com/news/north-americans-must-see-themselves-as-partners-with-the-global-church-urbana-director-says</guid>
                                                            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Timothy Goropevsek]]></dc:creator>
                                                                                                                            <media:content  url="https://www.christiandaily.com/media/original/img/0/42/4298.jpg">
                            <media:title><![CDATA[Urbana 2025 explored how a new generation of Christians may engage in global mission in a more collaborative and polycentric movement shaped by churches across Africa, Asia and Latin America.]]></media:title>
                                                            <media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">
                                    <![CDATA[ Courtesy of Urbana ]]>
                                </media:credit>
                                                                                        <media:description type="plain">
                                    <![CDATA[ More than 7,000 college students and others gathered in Phoenix, Arizona, for Urbana 25, InterVarsity’s 27th student missions conference, where leaders reflected on how global mission is changing as Christianity’s center of gravity shifts toward the Global South. ]]>
                                </media:description>
                                                    </media:content>
                                                                                                <media:content  url="https://www.christiandaily.com/media/original/img/0/43/4300.jpg">
                            <media:title><![CDATA[Crowds fill the main session of Urbana 25 in Phoenix, Arizona. Leaders of the historic student missions conference say the gathering functions as a “pilgrimage formational event” for young Christians exploring their calling in global mission.]]></media:title>
                                                            <media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">
                                    <![CDATA[ Courtesy of Urbana ]]>
                                </media:credit>
                                                                                        <media:description type="plain">
                                    <![CDATA[ Crowds fill the main session of Urbana 25 in Phoenix, Arizona. Leaders of the historic student missions conference say the gathering functions as a “pilgrimage formational event” for young Christians exploring their calling in global mission. ]]>
                                </media:description>
                                                    </media:content>
                                                                                                <media:content  url="https://www.christiandaily.com/media/original/img/0/42/4299.jpg">
                            <media:title><![CDATA[A student wearing virtual reality goggles during Urbana 25 in Phoenix, Arizona. Leaders at InterVarsity’s 27th student missions conference emphasized that Gen Z’s hyperconnected worldview is reshaping how the next generation engages in global Christian mi]]></media:title>
                                                            <media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">
                                    <![CDATA[ Courtesy of Urbana ]]>
                                </media:credit>
                                                                                        <media:description type="plain">
                                    <![CDATA[ A student wearing virtual reality goggles during Urbana 25 in Phoenix, Arizona. Leaders at InterVarsity’s 27th student missions conference emphasized that Gen Z’s hyperconnected worldview is reshaping how the next generation engages in global Christian mission. ]]>
                                </media:description>
                                                    </media:content>
                                                                                                <media:content  url="https://www.christiandaily.com/media/original/img/0/43/4301.jpg">
                            <media:title><![CDATA[Students explore exhibits during Urbana 25 in Phoenix, Arizona, where organizers urged the next generation to envision new ways of participating in God’s global mission.]]></media:title>
                                                            <media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">
                                    <![CDATA[ Courtesy of Urbana ]]>
                                </media:credit>
                                                                                        <media:description type="plain">
                                    <![CDATA[ Students explore exhibits during Urbana 25 in Phoenix, Arizona, where organizers urged the next generation to envision new ways of participating in God’s global mission. ]]>
                                </media:description>
                                                    </media:content>
                                                                            <pubDate>Sat, 21 Mar 2026 05:40:00 -0400</pubDate>
                <description><![CDATA[For nearly eight decades, Urbana has stood as one of the most influential missions gatherings in North American evangelicalism, inspiring generations of young Christians to consider their role in taking the gospel to the ends of the earth. But as Christianity’s center of gravity continues shifting toward the Global South, the triennial event grappled with the question: what does mission look like in a world where leadership is no longer primarily Western?]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[
For nearly eight decades, Urbana has stood as one of the most influential missions gatherings in North American evangelicalism, inspiring generations of young Christians to consider their role in taking the gospel to the ends of the earth. But as Christianity’s center of gravity continues shifting toward the Global South, the triennial event grappled with the question: what does mission look like in a world where leadership is no longer primarily Western?
That challenge was central to Urbana 25, the most recent gathering held for the first time in Phoenix, Arizona, from Dec. 28-31, 2025, which drew 7,000 college students ages 17 to 28 and their mentors. Organizers sought to frame the conference not simply as a recruitment platform for missionaries but as a place where a new generation could rethink how they participate in God’s global mission.
According to conference director Mark Matlock, the challenge facing North American Christians today is not simply finding new strategies for mission but adopting a fundamentally different posture toward the global Church.
“I would really love to see North Americans seeing themselves more as equals to their brothers and sisters globally,” Matlock said in an interview with Christian Daily International following the event. “Instead of feeling like we have the money, the power, the ideas, we truly become partners.” 
That vision reflects a broader shift in global evangelical thinking: mission is increasingly understood as polycentric, meaning that leadership, innovation and initiative emerge from many parts of the global Church rather than flowing outward from a single Western center.
A historic gathering at a crossroads
Founded in 1946 by InterVarsity, Urbana emerged in the aftermath of World War II during a period of renewed global vision among Protestant Christians. The conferences became a defining moment for thousands of university students discerning a call to overseas missions.
For decades, the model was relatively straightforward. Young North Americans gathered to hear about global needs, meet mission agencies and consider serving abroad. Yet the global context that shaped Urbana’s early years has changed dramatically.
The world population has more than tripled since the conference began, and the global Church has expanded rapidly across Africa, Asia and Latin America. Today the majority of the world’s Christians live outside the West, creating new realities for how mission is understood and practiced.
Over the past decade, Matlock said, Urbana itself has wrestled with how to respond to those changes.
“As the world was changing, I think Urbana was struggling to find its voice,” he said. “What do we do with the majority Church being in the Global South? With so many changes happening in the world and with young people concerned about social issues, Urbana was trying to understand what its role should be.” 
Rather than abandoning its historic mission focus, organizers sought to reinterpret it for a new era.
Urbana 2025, Matlock said, represented a turning point—an attempt to clarify how North American Christians can engage in global mission when leadership is increasingly shared across cultures.
A conference reimagined
Historically, missions conferences often focused on identifying specific needs overseas and recruiting individuals to fill them. But Matlock believes that model alone no longer fits the realities of the modern Church.
At Urbana 2025, organizers attempted to reshape the conference into what he calls a “pilgrimage formational event,” where students explore their role in God’s mission rather than simply signing up for a particular ministry path.

As Matlock studied Urbana’s history and listened to testimonies from previous participants, he realized the conference had always functioned in that deeper way, even if it was not always described that way.
“It really was a pilgrimage formational type of event,” he said. “We designed Urbana intentionally to be that—a pilgrimage for young people trying to find their place in God’s mission.” 
Instead of prescribing answers, the conference focused on helping students wrestle with three enduring questions: What is God doing in the world? What is God saying through Scripture? And what is God asking me to do about it?
Matlock believes the strength of Urbana has historically been its ability to create a space where young Christians can explore those questions in community.
“I think when Urbana has been at its best, it has helped a generation answer those questions,” he said. 
Five global shifts reshaping mission
One reason the conference has been forced to rethink its approach is the scale of global change.
When Urbana began in 1946, the world population was roughly 2.5 billion. Today it exceeds 8 billion. But demographic change is only one part of a much larger transformation.
In preparing for Urbana 2025, Matlock and his team identified several major global shifts that are reshaping how mission is practiced.
The first is the growth of the “majority-world Church.” Christianity is expanding rapidly in Africa, Asia and parts of Latin America, while many Western churches experience stagnation or decline.
“That’s a huge shift,” Matlock said, noting that its full implications are still unfolding. 
Second, the landscape of education is changing. Traditional models of theological training—once tied closely to universities and seminaries—are being disrupted by new forms of learning that allow people to access training from many sources.
Third, Bible translation has dramatically expanded access to Scripture. Portions or full translations of the Bible now exist in many more languages, enabling churches to engage Scripture directly without relying primarily on foreign teachers. “People can self-theologize now,” he said.
Fourth, global urbanization is reshaping societies. As populations concentrate in cities, mission fields increasingly overlap with economic and cultural centers.
Finally, the emergence of Gen Z represents a generational shift unlike any before it.
“This generation has grown up in a hyper-connected world,” Matlock said. “They’re not just a digital generation. They experience presence and interaction in ways that previous generations never did.” 
Research suggests that Gen Z believers often feel greater cultural affinity with peers in other countries than with older generations in their own nations, creating new possibilities for global collaboration.

From sending to partnership
These changes have significant implications for how mission is understood.
For much of the 20th century, mission often involved sending workers from the West to other regions where Christianity was less established. While that dynamic still exists in some contexts, many global Christian leaders now emphasize mutual partnership rather than one-directional sending.
Matlock believes North American Christians must adapt their mindset to reflect that reality.
One way he has articulated this shift is through a framework he calls the “five postures of a global Christian,” which encourages believers in North America to see themselves as participants in a worldwide body of Christ rather than as leaders directing its activity.
“It’s really about helping young people become a global Christian,” he said. “Not thinking, ‘We need to go save the lost in these other countries,’ but asking, ‘How do I show up as a Christian in the global body of Christ?’” 
The concept aligns with discussions emerging from global evangelical networks such as the Lausanne Movement, where the term “polycentrism” has become a common description of modern mission dynamics.
In a polycentric movement, no single region controls the direction of global mission. Instead, leadership and innovation emerge from many contexts simultaneously.
For North American churches, Matlock said, that reality may require significant adjustment.
“Because North America has so many resources, it requires a different posture,” he said. “The global Church is already on the move, but the North American Church really has to reframe itself.” 
Igniting imagination rather than filling roles
Another shift reflected in Urbana 2025 was a move away from treating missions primarily as a set of predetermined roles to be filled.
Instead, organizers encouraged students to imagine new forms of engagement shaped by the realities of their generation.
The conference theme, “Imaginations,” played on the words “imagine” and “nation,” emphasizing the idea that God may be inviting young Christians to think creatively about how they participate in global mission.

“The traditional way of thinking about how we fulfill the Great Commission is probably not the path for the next 20 to 30 years,” Matlock said. 
Some participants may still sense a call to traditional missionary service. Others may pursue careers in business, education, technology or other fields while maintaining a global perspective on their faith.
For many students, Matlock said, the most significant impact of Urbana may not be immediate.
“I don’t think Urbana fully realized itself until nine to 12 months after I left,” he said, reflecting on his own experience attending the conference as a university student decades earlier. 
The long arc of influence
Matlock’s personal story illustrates the conference’s long-term influence.
He first attended Urbana in 1990 while studying at Biola University. At the time he planned to pursue missionary service as an anthropological consultant with Wycliffe Bible Translators.
But the experience prompted him to reconsider his plans.
“I realized that God was saying, ‘You decided to be a missionary, but you didn’t ask me what I wanted you to do,’” he recalled. 
Instead of entering overseas missions immediately, Matlock moved into youth ministry and eventually spent decades organizing large discipleship events.
Years later, when he was unexpectedly approached about directing Urbana, he recognized how the experience had shaped his life.
Standing before thousands of students at the conference, he said he expected that many future leaders were sitting in the audience, just as he once had.
A vision for the next decade
Looking ahead, Matlock hopes Urbana will contribute to a deeper sense of partnership within the global Church.
His vision is not simply that more North Americans will become missionaries, but that relationships between churches across continents will grow more reciprocal and collaborative.
“I’d love to see us breathing in from the global Church,” he said, as Christians in North America learn from the experiences and perspectives of believers in other cultural contexts. 
At the same time, he hopes the global Church will continue making progress in reaching communities that still have little access to the Christian message.
“I’d love to see us close the gap on the number of people who are unreached,” Matlock said. 
Imagining Urbana’s future
As Urbana looks to the future, discussions continue about the most suitable format to fulfill its vision. Historically the conference has been held every three years, but organizers are exploring whether it might evolve into a broader movement supporting discipleship and mission engagement throughout the year.
“Should it be an event every three years, or should it be more of a movement?” Matlock asked. 
It reflects a broader reality facing events and organizations in the digital age: structures shaped in an earlier era must be reevaluated in light of a rapidly changing world.
For Matlock, however, the core purpose of Urbana remains unchanged.
It is a place where young Christians step back from the routines of daily life, listen for God’s direction and imagine how their lives might contribute to the fulfillment of the Great Commission.]]></content:encoded>
            </item>
                                                        <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Research suggests young Canadians showing greater openness to religion]]></title>
                <link>https://www.christiandaily.com/news/research-suggests-young-canadians-showing-greater-openness-to-religion</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.christiandaily.com/news/research-suggests-young-canadians-showing-greater-openness-to-religion</guid>
                                                            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris Eyte]]></dc:creator>
                                                                                                                            <media:content  url="https://www.christiandaily.com/media/original/img/0/43/4303.jpg">
                            <media:title><![CDATA[A new report by Cardus and the Canadian Bible Society suggests young Canadians may be showing greater openness to religion even as overall religious affiliation remains low.]]></media:title>
                                                            <media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">
                                    <![CDATA[ Unsplash / Rod Long ]]>
                                </media:credit>
                                                                                        <media:description type="plain">
                                    <![CDATA[ A new report by Cardus and the Canadian Bible Society suggests young Canadians may be showing greater openness to religion even as overall religious affiliation remains low. ]]>
                                </media:description>
                                                    </media:content>
                                                                            <pubDate>Mon, 16 Mar 2026 13:50:00 -0400</pubDate>
                <description><![CDATA[A new research report suggests that young Canadians may be showing greater openness to religion, even as overall religious affiliation in the country remains low.]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[
A new research report suggests that young Canadians may be showing greater openness to religion, even as overall religious affiliation in the country remains low.
The report, published March 5 by the Ontario-based Christian think tank Cardus in partnership with the Canadian Bible Society, examines emerging trends in how Canadians aged 18 to 34 relate to faith. Titled Faith Restored? The Evolving Relationship Between Religion and Young Canadians, the study explores whether Canada could be experiencing early signs of a shift similar to what some researchers have described as a “quiet revival” in the United Kingdom and renewed interest in Christianity in the United States.
Researchers expressed interest in whether younger generations in Canada might reflect trends seen elsewhere, where reports suggest a renewed curiosity about faith among younger adults.
“Religion has not gone away, and within some age groups and areas of the world it is growing,” the report concluded.
“There is anecdotal evidence — and in some cases, actual data — to show that people aged 18–34 are open to Christianity and other faith traditions, and that they are actively exploring these through activities such as reading Scripture and attending church.”
The notion of a “quiet revival,” referring to reports that members of Generation Z in the United Kingdom are attending church in growing numbers, has been questioned by some commentators, the report noted.
“Regardless of that debate and its outcome, there is a new level of public conversation taking place about perceptions of Christianity’s relevance for youth today,” the report said. “The conversation appears to be global.”
Findings cited from the Patmos World Bible Attitudes Survey suggest that the church remains strong and is growing in several parts of the world.
“Even in Cluster 5, which is the most secular group of countries and includes Canada, 18–34-year-olds make up 48 percent of the people who say they are interested in learning more about the Bible and are frequently using the Bible and regularly attending church,” the report said.
The report also cited data from the Angus Reid Institute, conducted in collaboration with Cardus, indicating that younger Canadians share many faith beliefs with older generations. When asked about belief in God, 59 percent of Canadians aged 18 to 34 affirmed belief, compared with 63 percent across all age groups.
“At the same time, surveys reveal some evidence of increasing openness to religion among young people,” the report said.
“Data emerging from other studies in the UK and the US, while disputed, seem to show increasing interest in religion, including Christianity.”
Cardus also referenced a study suggesting that people aged 18 to 24 in the United Kingdom are currently the most likely age group to say they definitely believe in God and to report praying regularly.
In the United States, meanwhile, declines in religious practice appear to have leveled off, according to the report, with some surveys suggesting increased church attendance among men alongside women.
In Canada, young adults remain largely uncommitted to regular religious practice. However, the report noted that they still represent nearly half of those interested in learning more about the Bible and those who report frequently using Scripture and regularly attending church.
“Although survey evidence has so far failed to support anecdotal reports that Canadian young adults are increasingly demonstrating commitment to Christianity or other faiths, there are indications that declines in religious practice have slowed or halted in Canada, the UK and the US, and that there is continuing or even increasing openness to faith within the younger generation,” the report said.
“These findings and trends suggest that Canadian churches would do well to consider how to respond to this openness and prepare to welcome young people who may be seeking answers to questions concerning the challenges of life or the reality of the transcendent.”]]></content:encoded>
            </item>
            </channel>
</rss>