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        <title>Christian Daily International | Theology</title>
        <link>https://www.christiandaily.com/bible-and-theology</link>
        <description><![CDATA[Discover insights on Bible and theology, from scripture study to Christian doctrine and global theological debates. Explore how believers interpret God’s Word and apply biblical truth in the life of the church today.]]></description>
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            <title>Christian Daily International | Theology</title>
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        <copyright>Christian Daily International © 2026</copyright>
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        <lastBuildDate>Thu, 08 Oct 2026 06:21:09 -0400</lastBuildDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Swiss court upholds withdrawal of accreditation from theology school STH Basel]]></title>
                <link>https://www.christiandaily.com/news/swiss-court-upholds-withdrawal-of-accreditation-from-theology-school-sth-basel</link>
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                                                            <dc:creator><![CDATA[CDI Staff]]></dc:creator>
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                            <media:title><![CDATA[The entrance of STH Basel, a private Protestant theological university, is seen in Riehen, Switzerland.]]></media:title>
                                                            <media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">
                                    <![CDATA[ STH Basel Social Media ]]>
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                                    <![CDATA[ The entrance of STH Basel, a private Protestant theological university, is seen in Riehen, Switzerland. Switzerland's Federal Administrative Court on Sept. 7, 2026, dismissed the school's appeal against the Swiss Accreditation Council's 2025 decision to withdraw its accreditation as a university-level institution. ]]>
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                                                                            <pubDate>Sun, 27 Sep 2026 20:12:00 -0400</pubDate>
                <description><![CDATA[Switzerland's Federal Administrative Court has rejected an appeal by STH Basel, a private Protestant theological university, against the loss of its accreditation as a university-level institution, the Swiss evangelical news portal Livenet.ch reported.]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[
Switzerland's Federal Administrative Court has rejected an appeal by STH Basel, a private Protestant theological university, against the loss of its accreditation as a university-level institution, the Swiss evangelical news portal Livenet.ch reported.
The ruling, dated Sept. 7, leaves in place a June 2025 decision by the Swiss Accreditation Council to revoke the school's accreditation without a grace period. STH Basel has until Oct. 12 to take the case to the Federal Supreme Court.
The Immanuel Foundation, which sponsors the school, had argued during the appeal that losing accreditation would put STH Basel's existence in question and cause enrollment to fall sharply. The school says it will keep teaching and awarding degrees regardless of the outcome.
In a statement posted on its website Sept. 18, STH Basel's academic senate and the presidents of its foundation board and university council confirmed that the appeal had been dismissed.
"Regardless of this, teaching and research will continue at the well-known and recognized high level of quality," the statement said. It added that the school's right to award titles for its degrees is not tied to accreditation.
The statement did not say whether the school intends to appeal.
Conditions not met, council ruled
STH Basel, based in Riehen on the outskirts of Basel, received institutional accreditation in 2022 for a term running to 2029. That decision came with conditions and a deadline for meeting them.
According to the school, it addressed the conditions and considered them fulfilled. The agency that reviewed its compliance still found shortcomings but recommended that the council give the school more time. The council instead ordered the accreditation withdrawn outright.
Livenet reported that the council identified "significant" deficiencies in four of the nine conditions. These involved the school's quality assurance system, its use of data in strategic decisions, equality and diversity, and the evaluation of teaching and research. The reviewing agency had proposed a six-month extension, according to the report.
In dismissing the appeal, the court found that the public interest in safeguarding accreditation as a "seal of quality" outweighed the school's interest in keeping it. The withdrawal was therefore "reasonable," the court said.
The foundation had told the court that several of the criticized points could be fixed or had already been corrected.
Theology not under review
STH Basel says on its website that accreditation does not assess the theological content of its lectures, which it argues would conflict with academic freedom. The review instead examines whether research and teaching are carried out in a manner befitting a university, according to the school.
Livenet concluded in its report that the school lost its accreditation over administrative and structural shortcomings, not the quality of its theological teaching.
The school has operated since 1970. In 2014, the Swiss University Conference recognized it as a university-level institution and accredited its theology degree programs.
A year later, Reformed church bodies in Switzerland recognized STH Basel degrees, easing graduates' path into pastoral ministry.
Besides a further appeal, the school may also submit a new application for accreditation, Livenet reported.]]></content:encoded>
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                <title><![CDATA[First Faroese New Testament translation launchced since 1937]]></title>
                <link>https://www.christiandaily.com/news/first-faroese-new-testament-translation-launchced-since-1937</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.christiandaily.com/news/first-faroese-new-testament-translation-launchced-since-1937</guid>
                                                            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris Eyte]]></dc:creator>
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                            <media:title><![CDATA[Faroe Islands, Gjógv]]></media:title>
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                                    <![CDATA[ Photo by Annie Spratt / Unsplash ]]>
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                                    <![CDATA[ Faroe Islands, Gjógv ]]>
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                                                                            <pubDate>Mon, 14 Sep 2026 15:24:00 -0400</pubDate>
                <description><![CDATA[United Bible Societies (UBS) has announced the completion of the first new Faroese translation of the New Testament since 1937, produced by the Faroese Bible Society. The translation is meant to reach a new generation of readers and unite Christians across denominations, said Jenis av Rana, a prominent evangelical and Christian politician in the Faroe Islands.]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[
United Bible Societies (UBS) has announced the completion of the first new Faroese translation of the New Testament since 1937, produced by the Faroese Bible Society.
The translation is meant to reach a new generation of readers and unite Christians across denominations, said Jenis av Rana, a prominent evangelical and Christian politician in the Faroe Islands.
“In short, the goal is an attempt to create a Bible translation that reaches today’s generation of young people and one that all Christians in the Faroe Islands can come together around,” Rana told Christian Daily International.
According to a UBS statement, the new New Testament reflects “liturgical customs and vocabulary rooted in the islands’ rich tradition.” It includes footnotes explaining terms at the bottom of the page, a glossary describing topics and phenomena in detail, and colored Bible maps, with “thoughtful attention to readability through its layout, design and colour choices,” the statement said.
Rana said the New Testament is the first of three planned installments of a full Bible translation for the islands, to be followed by the Psalms and then an authorized edition of the complete Bible.
Rana led Miðflokkurin — a Christian conservative party also known as the Center Party — in the Løgting (Faroese parliament) until recently and is a former minister of foreign affairs and culture. He also sits on the board of Lindin, a Christian radio station he helped launch in 2001, and serves as a lay preacher at evangelical meetings. The Faroe Islands are home to about 55,000 people across 18 islands in the North Atlantic.
Two Bible translations have been available in Faroese since 1948, used respectively by the Lutheran national church and the free churches, Rana said.
Hans Jacob Joensen, a former Lutheran Faroese bishop, led the new translation effort, aiming to create a version for all Christians regardless of denomination. He set up an ecumenical working group with members from both the Lutheran national church and the Faroese free churches.
“After the translation was handed over to the Faroese Bible Society, other theologians, advisers and proofreaders worked through the manuscript and offered advice on the best presentation in the Bible, both theologically and linguistically,” Rana said.
“The translation is from the original language into modern Faroese. In the translation, attention is paid to words that have deep roots in the Faroese people, and emphasis is placed on preserving a rich imagery. The Bible translation sticks to theological core concepts with strong meaningful value,” Rana said.]]></content:encoded>
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                <title><![CDATA[Save the Parish report warns of 'existential' fall in Church of England parish clergy]]></title>
                <link>https://www.christiandaily.com/news/save-the-parish-report-warns-of-existential-fall-in-church-of-england-parish-clergy</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.christiandaily.com/news/save-the-parish-report-warns-of-existential-fall-in-church-of-england-parish-clergy</guid>
                                                            <dc:creator><![CDATA[CDI Staff]]></dc:creator>
                                                                                                                            <media:content  url="https://www.christiandaily.com/media/original/img/0/52/5247.jpg">
                            <media:title><![CDATA[church of England, Anglican church, bible]]></media:title>
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                                    <![CDATA[ iStock / coldsnowstorm ]]>
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                                    <![CDATA[ A Save the Parish report published Sept. 4 warns of a crisis in stipendiary clergy numbers and calls for reforms to training, funding and clergy support. ]]>
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                                                                            <pubDate>Mon, 07 Sep 2026 09:25:00 -0400</pubDate>
                <description><![CDATA[Save the Parish, a campaign group within the Church of England, published a report Sept. 4 warning that the number of stipendiary parish clergy has fallen to crisis levels and that more priests are now leaving ministry by resignation than by retirement.]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[
Save the Parish, a campaign group within the Church of England, published a report Sept. 4 warning that the number of stipendiary parish clergy has fallen to crisis levels and that more priests are now leaving ministry by resignation than by retirement.
The report, "Parish Ministry: Addressing the Crisis in Stipendiary Clergy Numbers in the Church of England," follows a two-day consultation the group convened March 23-24 at St George's House, Windsor Castle. Participants included two bishops, two archdeacons, principals and lecturers from theological training institutions, two diocesan directors of ordinands, four staff from Church House and representatives of the English Clergy Association.
The document identifies problems in three areas — attracting candidates for ordination, training them and retaining them in post — and sets out six lines of action. Among them are fully funded ordination training, a halt to diocesan clergy cuts, a "covenant of care" for serving clergy and a new method of measuring what parish ministry achieves. In its announcement of the report, Save the Parish said the consultation had produced a consensus among participants on the need to reform training, rebuild trust between clergy and church structures, and secure funding for those preparing for ordination.
Church of England ministry statistics published in May 2026, cited in the report, record 6,682 clergy in stipendiary ministry and 2,440 self-supporting ministers. The largest group of active clergy are retired priests holding permission to officiate, who number 8,368. Of those in stipendiary ministry, 3,153 — close to half — are over 55.
The May figures included data on departures for the first time, according to the report. They show 379 clergy resigned during the year, against 278 who retired.
Entries to ordination training peaked at 591 in 2020, the report says, then dropped to 370 in 2024, with a partial recovery to 417 in 2025. The 2025 figure was supplied to the consultation by the Rev. Canon Nicholas McKee, the Church of England's director of ministry.
Marcus Walker, chairman of Save the Parish and rector of Great St Bartholomew in London, wrote on the social media platform X that the fall in ordinations and the rate of departures together threaten the church's basic functions.
"This is existential for the CofE," he wrote. "If we don't have men and women coming forward for the priesthood we can't have priests ministering the sacraments, preaching the Gospel, visiting the sick, baptising babies. And we won't have priests coming forward if the clergy are burnt out."
Save the Parish described the parish priest in its announcement as becoming an "endangered species."
Wellbeing identified as the main obstacle
The report draws a direct line between the condition of serving clergy and the shortage of candidates. At a national vocations conversation held in York in 2024, 71% of participants — heads of theological colleges and diocesan directors of ordinands — identified clergy wellbeing as the primary factor working against vocations, outweighing demographic change and lack of resources, the report says.
It cites the Living Ministry survey, a longitudinal study of clergy conducted between 2017 and 2025 and published by Church House in December 2025, which found that 29% of clergy recorded scores indicating possible mild to clinical depression and that two in five reported feeling isolated. According to the same research, administrative workload rather than total hours worked is the main source of stress, because it displaces pastoral work. The survey also found that only 3.9% of respondents regarded the church's leadership as a source of hope.
Participants agreed that parish clergy are often deeply unhappy, the report states, describing them as feeling "undervalued, under-resourced, overworked, frustrated and vulnerable" — and therefore poorly placed to encourage others toward ordination.
Several groups at the consultation identified a breakdown of trust between parish clergy and dioceses or the national church. The report attributes this to the emphasis on numerical growth, pastoral reorganization, lack of job security, parish finances and a sense that senior leaders are unaware of local pressures. Competitive bidding for funding from the Strategic Mission and Ministry Investment Board, it says, places parishes in competition and sometimes sets clergy up to fail.
Insufficient theological education
On training, the report says a large majority of participants across disciplines considered theological education to have become functional and managerial, with insufficient teaching in Anglican ecclesiology, liturgy, history and theology. A majority held that theological and biblical formation needed strengthening.
Participants also raised the relationship between initial ministerial education before ordination and the training that continues afterward, arguing the two phases are neither properly integrated nor clearly distinguished. Shifting theological content into the post-ordination phase, without the resources of a training institution, risks that material never being taught, the report says.
Candidates frequently arrive with little knowledge of Anglican liturgy, orders or theology and struggle when they reach parish ministry in their curacy, according to the document. It also records that dioceses often lack the resources for vocations work and that candidates have no access to grants for travel or books, which the report says disadvantages those with less money.
Recommendations to pave a way forward
The report's central argument is that recruitment, training and retention all depend on a clear theological account of Anglican priesthood. Without a confident understanding of the office, it argues, neither candidates nor serving clergy can be sustained.
Its recommendations include a course in "Anglican basics," delivered in parishes or deaneries with accompanying online material, beginning as a pilot and intended for national use.
Other proposals are a national conference on the nature of Anglican priesthood; full funding for ordination training in both residential and non-residential modes; grants for candidates' travel and books; and removal of the fixed retirement age for clergy, alongside representation for retired clergy on synods. Retired clergy conduct about half of all services, the report says, yet have no formal representation.
Under the heading of a covenant of care, the report calls for an end to clergy post cuts made as a savings measure, a support and study group for every ordinand, and a mentor for every cleric, separate from any formal assessment.
The Rev. Gillian Straine, chief executive of the Guild of Health and St Raphael, will work on an alternative model of impact that measures ministry by lives touched rather than by numbers, the report says, to be piloted alongside research into the wellbeing of the clergy taking part. The report also suggests a return to part-time or time-limited diocesan roles so that senior clergy remain close to parish work.
A review of theological education to be led by the Rt. Rev. Martin Seeley, the retired bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich who chaired the consultation, may take forward the work on initial ministerial education, according to the report.
The consultation took place against a background of diocesan deficits and reductions in stipendiary posts, the report acknowledges, adding that its recommendations may appear modest in that setting.
Speaking to Christian Today, Walker said clergy who find joy in their work are the church's most effective recruiters. "This report isn't the answer to everything, but it has got all the right people into the room to start working out how we can use the money, talent, passion, and grace we have been gifted to revive the spirit of the priesthood in the Church of England," he said.
Save the Parish said it would seek funding to produce short videos commending parish ministry to young people and would look for a theological training institution to partner with on the proposed conference.]]></content:encoded>
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                <title><![CDATA[Global Methodist Church adopts Articles of Faith, elects first full-time bishops at Johannesburg conference]]></title>
                <link>https://www.christiandaily.com/news/global-methodist-church-adopts-articles-of-faith-elects-first-full-time-bishops</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.christiandaily.com/news/global-methodist-church-adopts-articles-of-faith-elects-first-full-time-bishops</guid>
                                                            <dc:creator><![CDATA[CDI Staff]]></dc:creator>
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                            <media:title><![CDATA[Delegates from across the Global Methodist Churchs worldwide connection met in Johannesburg for the denominations 2026 General Conference]]></media:title>
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                                    <![CDATA[ Global Methodist Church ]]>
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                                    <![CDATA[ Delegates from across the Global Methodist Church's worldwide connection met in Johannesburg for the denomination's 2026 General Conference, which closed Sept. 5 with the election and consecration of eight bishops and action on 451 petitions. It was the first General Conference the denomination has held in Africa. ]]>
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                                                                            <pubDate>Mon, 07 Sep 2026 08:27:00 -0400</pubDate>
                <description><![CDATA[The Global Methodist Church adopted a set of Articles of Faith and elected eight bishops to its first regular Assembly of Bishops during a General Conference that closed Saturday (Sept. 5) at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, the denomination said.]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[
The Global Methodist Church adopted a set of Articles of Faith and elected eight bishops to its first regular Assembly of Bishops during a General Conference that closed Saturday (Sept. 5) at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, the denomination said.
It was the second General Conference in the history of the denomination, which launched in May 2022 as a theologically conservative alternative to the United Methodist Church, and the first held on the African continent. Delegates, both clergy and lay, met under the theme "The Beauty of Holiness" and acted on 451 petitions.
The denomination announced the adoption of the articles in a social media post on the final day, saying they had passed with overwhelming support and describing them as a shared expression of the faith uniting the connection. It said the full adopted language would be released later.
Doctrinal statement adopted
The text was developed by the Discipleship, Doctrine and Just Ministry Commission with input from church members and refined through the legislative process. The Doctrine and Sacraments Legislative Committee used the commission's report, listed as Petition 1441, as its base text during meetings in Johannesburg.
According to a statement issued by the denomination, the articles address teaching on God, Scripture, humanity, salvation, the church, the sacraments and the Christian life. The Global Methodist Church said the aim was to state the beliefs held in common across its congregations in a form consistent with the historic Christian faith and the Wesleyan tradition.
The 451 petitions were first handled by eight legislative committees — Doctrine and Sacraments; Social Witness; Local Church; Ministry; Superintendency; Conferences; Constitution, Connectional Organization and Finance; and Judicial Administration — before advancing to the full conference. They covered material throughout the Book of Doctrines and Discipline, including clergy and lay ministry, episcopal leadership, annual and local church life, connectional governance and finance.
A complete record of adopted legislation and other official actions will be released after final review and certification by the General Conference secretary, the denomination said.
Eight bishops elected
The Global Methodist Church said the bishops were elected over five ballots and consecrated on the final day of the conference. They will serve as general superintendents for the 2026-2032 term, which begins Nov. 1.
Those elected were Luther Oconer, Johnathan Lee, Mark Webb, Lyndol Loyd, Jerry Kulah, Eduard Khegay, Paul Lawler and Carolyn Moore, each assigned to one of eight episcopal areas. The areas combine annual conferences from different parts of the world, an arrangement the denomination said reflects its understanding of bishops as teachers and superintendents of the whole church rather than regional administrators.
The vote replaces the interim episcopal structure adopted at the 2024 Convening General Conference in San José, Costa Rica. Bishops whose active service is ending are John Pena Auta, Kimba Evariste, Jeffrey Greenway, Leah Gregory, Scott Jones and Kenneth Levingston.
In a letter released with the conference statement, the Assembly of Bishops said the handover will take place Oct. 31, with outgoing bishops stepping down that day. The letter asked members to pray for the incoming assembly and said the outgoing bishops "will be missed."
Delegates also elected members of the Connectional Council, commissions and other connectional bodies.
Rapid growth since 2024
The Rev. Mike Schafer, the denomination's connectional operations officer, reported that the church has grown from roughly 4,700 congregations after the 2024 General Conference to 7,250, according to the statement.
The number of annual conferences rose from 36 to 55 over the same period, Schafer said, with six additional emerging areas that may become annual conferences. The denomination said the number of annual conferences outside the United States has more than doubled.
The figures continue a pattern reported earlier this year. Christian Daily International reported in February, citing The Christian Post, that the denomination had passed 7,000 member congregations worldwide, four months after announcing it had reached 6,000.
Bishop Mark Webb said at the time that the milestone reflected "the faithfulness of God and the willingness of His people to boldly follow the Holy Spirit's leading and God's call."
Covenant with Korean Methodists
The conference unanimously approved a covenant of understanding with the Korean Methodist Church, which the Global Methodist Church said builds on more than a century of shared Methodist history. The document was signed in Johannesburg in the presence of President Bishop Kim Jung-seok and a delegation of Korean Methodist bishops and leaders.
Separately, participants took part in a Mission Experience in communities across Johannesburg and Soweto, working with local congregations on evangelism, prayer, leadership training, health ministries, children's ministry and discipleship. Those taking part included church workers from South Africa, Liberia, Zimbabwe, Fiji and the United States.
Origins in the United Methodist split
The Global Methodist Church says it was formed by Christians seeking to preserve the doctrinal integrity of the historic Christian faith, particularly the authority of Scripture, and that it is grounded in the Wesleyan tradition and guided by its Book of Doctrines and Discipline.
Its formation followed a long dispute within the United Methodist Church over rules in that denomination's Book of Discipline prohibiting the blessing of same-sex unions and the ordination of noncelibate homosexuals. In January 2020, a group of 16 United Methodist leaders backed a proposed separation protocol that would have created a path for disaffiliation and set aside funds for a new theologically conservative denomination, The Christian Post reported.
The United Methodist General Conference that was to consider the protocol was postponed repeatedly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Organizers announced in March 2022 that they would launch the Global Methodist Church that May without waiting for approval.
Thousands of congregations subsequently left the United Methodist Church, with most joining the new denomination and others becoming nondenominational, according to The Christian Post. The United Methodist General Conference voted in 2024 to remove the contested rules, while allowing regional bodies and local congregations to continue applying them.]]></content:encoded>
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                <title><![CDATA[Bible societies mark Bible Month with festivals, exhibitions and two anniversaries]]></title>
                <link>https://www.christiandaily.com/news/bible-societies-mark-bible-month-with-festivals-exhibitions-and-two-anniversaries</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.christiandaily.com/news/bible-societies-mark-bible-month-with-festivals-exhibitions-and-two-anniversaries</guid>
                                                            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Diario Cristiano]]></dc:creator>
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                            <media:title><![CDATA[The Biblia del Oso is a great legacy of faith for Spanish-speaking Christians. Reinas version was the first translation of the complete Bible into Spanish to use the Hebrew and Greek manuscripts as its textual basis.]]></media:title>
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                                    <![CDATA[ Christian Daily International / Lizzie Sotola ]]>
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                                    <![CDATA[ The Biblia del Oso is a great legacy of faith for Spanish-speaking Christians. Reina's version was the first translation of the complete Bible into Spanish to use the Hebrew and Greek manuscripts as its textual basis. ]]>
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                                                                            <pubDate>Wed, 02 Sep 2026 13:02:00 -0400</pubDate>
                <description><![CDATA[Bible societies in Argentina, Spain, Peru and the Dominican Republic are marking Bible Month this September with conferences, exhibitions, festivals and anniversary celebrations.]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[
Bible societies in Argentina, Spain, Peru and the Dominican Republic are marking Bible Month this September with conferences, exhibitions, festivals and anniversary celebrations.
Each society has a program running through the month. Two are also marking milestones of their own: 190 years of work in Spain and 75 years in the Dominican Republic.
September was chosen for two reasons. The first complete Bible in Spanish was printed in September 1569. And Sept. 30 commemorates Jerome of Stridon, who translated the Bible into Latin.
In Argentina, the Argentine Bible Society (Sociedad Bíblica Argentina) will hold MDB Conf '26 on Sept. 19 in Quilmes, Buenos Aires. The event will bring together young people, families, leaders and pastors, with biblical teaching, music, worship, an exhibition of Bibles and study materials. More information.
In Spain, the Bible Society (Sociedad Bíblica) will celebrate 190 years of work. Every Monday in September it will offer an online seminar on Bible translations, the Biblia del Oso and the history of Casiodoro de Reina. It will also visit churches in Valladolid, hold a conference and a public reading in Segovia, and present the exhibition "Bible and Culture" in Guadix. Full program.
In Peru, the Peruvian Bible Society (Sociedad Bíblica Peruana) will take part in ExpoBiblia and the Christian Book Fair, held Sept. 11-27 in Lima. The fair will feature Bibles, books, Christian resources and a Bible Museum. A Children's Bible Festival and a Youth Festival are set for Sept. 12, and a United Service for Bible Day for Sept. 30. Schedule in Lima.
In the Dominican Republic, the Dominican Republic Bible Society (Sociedad Bíblica Dominicana) will celebrate its 75th anniversary under the motto "The Word of God: light for the Dominican Republic." The program includes services, Bible workshops, activities for children, music, webinars and celebrations in the churches, along with a banquet to mark the anniversary. Program of activities.
The 1569 translation was produced by Casiodoro de Reina and is known as the Biblia del Oso ("Bear Bible"). Cipriano de Valera later revised the text, producing the Reina-Valera version.
Original reporting by Diario Cristiano, Christian Daily International's Spanish edition.]]></content:encoded>
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                <title><![CDATA[United Bible Societies reports 148 million printed Scriptures distributed in 2025]]></title>
                <link>https://www.christiandaily.com/news/united-bible-societies-reports-148-million-printed-scriptures-distributed-in-2025</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.christiandaily.com/news/united-bible-societies-reports-148-million-printed-scriptures-distributed-in-2025</guid>
                                                            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris Eyte]]></dc:creator>
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                            <media:title><![CDATA[Childrens Bible Study]]></media:title>
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                                    <![CDATA[ FatCamera/Getty Images ]]>
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                                                                            <pubDate>Thu, 27 Aug 2026 07:55:00 -0400</pubDate>
                <description><![CDATA[The United Bible Societies distributed 148.3 million printed Scriptures last year as the mission celebrated its 80th anniversary, noting that 25 billion scriptures have been given out since its founding in 1946, including 1.1 billion Bibles across 240 countries.]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[
The United Bible Societies distributed 148.3 million printed Scriptures last year as the mission celebrated its 80th anniversary, noting that 25 billion scriptures have been given out since its founding in 1946, including 1.1 billion Bibles across 240 countries.
The figure from the recently released “UBS Distribution Statistics Report 2025” includes 22.4 million full Bibles, 10 million New Testaments, and 115.9 million printed Scripture “portions and selections.”
“While printed Scriptures remain an essential part of Bible ministry, the report also reflects changing patterns in how people access God’s Word,” UBS said.
In the past decade, UBS has distributed 2.3 billion printed Scriptures, reflecting a “sustained commitment to making God’s Word available to people everywhere.”
“Bible distribution remains at the heart of our ministry because translation fulfils its purpose only when Scripture reaches people’s hands and hearts,” UBS said.
Digital scripture engagement is a key driver for reaching people with the Word of God.
Bible Society resources were downloaded 26.4 million times, with Bible chapters viewed 32.2 billion times - a 13.8% increase compared with the previous year. Audio Scripture was played 1.4 billion times.
“These figures demonstrate that people are increasingly engaging with the Bible through mobile devices and digital platforms, while printed Scriptures continue to play a vital role in many parts of the world,” UBS said.
The report also reviewed how Bible engagement differed in regions across the world. Distribution was highest in Central and South America with almost 98.5 million portions and selections.
Asia continued to show sustained demand for New Testaments and introductory Scripture resources, while Africa demonstrated balanced growth in Bible distribution.
This was lower in the West, but UBS said that people were engaging more via digital means in this region.
“North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania accounted for comparatively smaller volumes, suggesting that Bible engagement strategies in these regions may increasingly rely on digital access rather than print distribution,” UBS said.
Leading languages for printed full Bible distribution last year remained consistent with previous years.
“Spanish, Portuguese, English, Mandarin, and Indonesian continued as the top five languages, reflecting both population size and active Bible engagement initiatives in those linguistic communities,” UBS said. “Swahili, French, Tagalog, and Telugu also retained their positions within the top 10, while Korean replaced Arabic in 2025.”
Altogether, the top 10 languages represented 69% of global full Bible distribution, slightly lower than 71.8% in 2024.
English and Spanish were the top two languages for digital Bible chapter views last year, with almost equal shares. However, Portuguese also dominated.
“Within digital Bible downloads, Spanish and English rank second and third, respectively, while Portuguese leads with 62.7% of total downloads,” UBS said. 
“Portuguese is third behind English and Spanish in chapter views, with approximately 5.5 billion, or 17.1% of the total globally. French, Indonesian, and Chinese also remained major languages for digital distribution, reflecting both large language populations and strong digital Bible usage.”
For audio plays, Spanish and Portuguese led globally, together accounting for nearly three-fourths (72.9%) of all top language audio activity, followed by French and English, UBS said.
“Collectively, these figures demonstrate lives being touched, communities being strengthened, and the sustained commitment of Bible Societies to ensure everyone has an opportunity to read and hear God’s Word through access to Scripture,” UBS said.
“The statistics reflect both continuity and change. Rising printing and transport costs continue to affect print distribution, while digital platforms are opening new opportunities for people to read, hear, and engage with Scripture wherever they are. 
“Together, these trends reinforce the same enduring mission that has shaped the Bible Society movement for 80 years: ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to encounter God’s Word in a language and format they understand.”]]></content:encoded>
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                <title><![CDATA[Museum of the Bible to host 'Dawn of Christianity' exhibit on Jordan's biblical heritage]]></title>
                <link>https://www.christiandaily.com/news/museum-of-the-bible-to-host-dawn-of-christianity-exhibit-on-jordan-s-biblical-heritage</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.christiandaily.com/news/museum-of-the-bible-to-host-dawn-of-christianity-exhibit-on-jordan-s-biblical-heritage</guid>
                                                            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Daoud Kuttab]]></dc:creator>
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                            <media:title><![CDATA[Al-Maghtas, the UNESCO World Heritage Site on the East Bank of the Jordan River traditionally identified as the baptism site of Jesus Christ, is among the Christian heritage sites featured in Jordan: Dawn of Christianity, coming to the Museum of the Bib]]></media:title>
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                                    <![CDATA[ Jordanian Embassy ]]>
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                                    <![CDATA[ Al-Maghtas, the UNESCO World Heritage Site on the East Bank of the Jordan River traditionally identified as the baptism site of Jesus Christ, is among the Christian heritage sites featured in "Jordan: Dawn of Christianity," coming to the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C., in 2027. ]]>
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                                                                            <pubDate>Sat, 22 Aug 2026 08:50:00 -0400</pubDate>
                <description><![CDATA[The Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C., signed an Aug. 1 agreement with Jordan's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities to host "Jordan: Dawn of Christianity," an international exhibit tracing key biblical sites in modern-day Jordan.]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[
The Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C., signed an Aug. 1 agreement with Jordan's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities to host "Jordan: Dawn of Christianity," an international exhibit tracing key biblical sites in modern-day Jordan. Ambassador Dina Kawar signed on behalf of the ministry, alongside museum President and CEO Dr. Carlos Campo.
"We are excited to share the importance of locations in Jordan and their ties to stories from the Bible," Campo said in an exclusive interview with Christian Daily International. He added that the museum expects the exhibit to encourage visitors to view Jordan as "a country full of history and deep significance."
The exhibit, which was previously shown at the Vatican and later in Assisi, Italy, features a collection of rare archaeological artifacts tracing the history of Christianity in Jordan from its earliest beginnings to the present day, according to an announcement by the Embassy of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in Washington D.C. on social media.
Sites represented include Bethany Beyond the Jordan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site identified as the baptism site of Jesus Christ; Machaerus, associated with John the Baptist; Umm Qais; the ancient churches of Rehab; the Aqaba Church, regarded as one of the world's earliest purpose-built churches; the churches of Petra; Um er-Rasas, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site; and Madaba, known for its mosaic heritage.
Among the items featured will be a replica of the Madaba Map, a historic pilgrimage guide used to direct travelers along routes associated with biblical events. "This pilgrimage map served as a roadmap for walking the path of those individuals who are in the Bible," Campo said. He noted the exhibit is intended to inspire visitors to see the original map at St. George's Church in Madaba and explore other locations it highlights.
In addition to displaying artifacts, it will offer educational programming centered on Jordanian history and the care of Christian pilgrimage sites.
Beyond the exhibit itself, the museum framed the project as a broader effort to strengthen cultural and historical cooperation. "We see this as more than just a partnership with Jordan," Campo said. "We see it as an opportunity for our countries to work together and highlight the deep, rich archaeological history that supports the Bible."
The exhibit also aligns with Jordan's preparations for the global commemoration of the 2,000th anniversary of the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist, a milestone that is expected to draw international attention to Bethany Beyond the Jordan, also known as Al-Maghtas.
Campo said the museum will highlight John the Baptist's role in Jesus' early ministry, including the site of Machaerus, where John the Baptist was killed. "This archaeological site is one of the best-preserved sites directly connected to the Bible anywhere," he said.
Media access is expected to be available, with the museum saying members of the press are always welcome to visit its exhibitions. Campo also indicated that U.S. officials may show interest in attending, describing the partnership as "an important connection between our two countries."
The exhibit is expected to open during the first quarter of 2027. Campo said visitors should plan to attend from that period through the summer.
The museum anticipates large public engagement, estimating tens of thousands of visitors will come to learn — many for the first time — about how Jordan has helped preserve significant biblical sites.]]></content:encoded>
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                <title><![CDATA[YouVersion strengthens alliances to bring the Bible closer to Latin America]]></title>
                <link>https://www.christiandaily.com/news/youversion-strengthens-alliances-to-bring-the-bible-closer-to-latin-america</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.christiandaily.com/news/youversion-strengthens-alliances-to-bring-the-bible-closer-to-latin-america</guid>
                                                            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Ommar Ayala]]></dc:creator>
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                            <media:title><![CDATA[Bobby Gruenewald, CEO of YouVersion, speaks at a special event at the Más Vida CDMX auditorium in Mexico City on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026.]]></media:title>
                                                            <media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">
                                    <![CDATA[ Ommar Ayala/Diario Cristiano Internacional ]]>
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                                    <![CDATA[ Bobby Gruenewald, CEO of YouVersion, speaks at a special event at the Más Vida CDMX auditorium in Mexico City on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026. ]]>
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                                                                                                                        <pubDate>Thu, 20 Aug 2026 07:54:00 -0400</pubDate>
                <description><![CDATA[YouVersion gathered leaders from major Christian organizations in Mexico City this week to announce new partnerships and highlight the Bible app's expansion across Latin America.]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[
YouVersion gathered leaders from major Christian organizations in Mexico City this week to announce new partnerships and highlight the Bible app's expansion across Latin America.
The meeting, held Tuesday (Aug. 18) at the Más Vida CDMX auditorium, included participation from organization executives, Banda Más Vida, The Chosen, The Bible Project, Alpha, and singer Fermín IV, who performed. Diario Cristiano Internacional, Christian Daily International's Spanish edition, was present at the event.
In 2007, YouVersion CEO Bobby Gruenewald had the idea at Chicago's airport to build a website for regular Bible reading — but it failed.
"That failure led us to try another idea: putting the site on a mobile phone, and that did work. In early 2008 we decided to build a Bible app when the App Store boom began. A 19-year-old boy was the one who helped us," Gruenewald said.
A Bible on the Phone
The YouVersion app is available in 2,300 languages and allows users to consult multiple Bible translations for free, listen to audio versions, follow reading plans and devotionals, and save, annotate, and share content.
Gruenewald told Diario Cristiano Internacional that more than 1 billion phones and tablets have downloaded the app and that more than 260 million accounts have been created.
"It took us 17 years to reach the first 1 billion devices. We believe the next billion will come in the next 5 years. There is a hunger for the Word of God at a global level," Gruenewald said.
The app allows users to download Bible versions for offline use, a feature that benefits people without consistent internet access.
"The app is designed for Catholic and evangelical people, and even for non-Christians. Many turn to it in times of desperation. We have seen that people going through divorces, and even those who have considered suicide, have downloaded YouVersion to look for solutions to their problems," Gruenewald said.
YouVersion's Vision
According to YouVersion, Mexico and Colombia rank among the top 10 countries in Latin America for app usage.
Since 2025, YouVersion has established a Hub in Mexico — a network connecting pastors, ministries, and content creators to share resources and build partnerships.
"God draws people to His Word every day, and it is a privilege to collaborate with so many churches and ministries. We are at the service of the global church," said Pablo Langlois, leader of the YouVersion Hub for Latin America.
Artificial Intelligence
YouVersion says it takes a cautious approach to artificial intelligence.
"We are very careful about the topic of Artificial Intelligence. It has helped us move faster in our processes, but we do not mix it with the use of the Bible, in order to maintain the trust and credibility of new generations," Gruenewald said.
He added that younger users are discerning about what they encounter online. "Generation Z has a hunger for the Word of God and for what is true," he said.
The Celebration
During the event, attendees heard testimonies from people who came to faith through the app. YouVersion also highlighted its alliance with the Sociedad Bíblica de México (Mexican Bible Society), citing its role in Bible translation.
The platform includes reading plans on topics such as faith, family, leadership, prayer, hope, youth, marriage, and the Christian life. Users can also highlight text, write personal notes, and share passages on social media.
Exclusive Interview
Christian Post Español, to whose group of brands Diario Cristiano Internacional and Christian Daily International belongs, spoke exclusively with Pablo Langlois about Latin America's growing digital Bible engagement. Watch the full interview in Spanish below.
]]></content:encoded>
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                <title><![CDATA[Nicaraguan evangelicals mark 457th anniversary of first Spanish Bible amid state pressure]]></title>
                <link>https://www.christiandaily.com/news/nicaraguan-evangelicals-mark-457th-anniversary-of-first-spanish-bible-amid-state-pressure</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.christiandaily.com/news/nicaraguan-evangelicals-mark-457th-anniversary-of-first-spanish-bible-amid-state-pressure</guid>
                                                            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Lizzie Sotola]]></dc:creator>
                                                                                                                            <media:content  url="https://www.christiandaily.com/media/original/img/0/51/5141.png">
                            <media:title><![CDATA[Christian dancers participated in Managua, Nicaragua, in a commemorative event marking 457 years since the publication of the Bible in Spanish.]]></media:title>
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                                    <![CDATA[ Bendición News ]]>
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                                    <![CDATA[ Christian dancers participated in Managua, Nicaragua, in a commemorative event marking 457 years since the publication of the Bible in Spanish. The event brought together evangelical representatives from across the country. ]]>
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                                                                            <pubDate>Wed, 19 Aug 2026 10:45:00 -0400</pubDate>
                <description><![CDATA[Christian churches in Nicaragua held a commemorative event marking the 457th anniversary of the Bear Bible (Biblia del Oso), considered the first complete Bible printed in Spanish.]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[
Christian churches in Nicaragua held a commemorative event marking the 457th anniversary of the Bear Bible (Biblia del Oso), considered the first complete Bible printed in Spanish, according to Bendición News.
The opening ceremony took place at the Plaza de la Biblia in Managua, drawing representatives from various evangelical denominations. The Federation of Nicaraguan Evangelical Churches (Federación de Iglesias Evangélicas Nicaragüenses, FIENIC) coordinated the event.
"This is a celebration of unity around the Word that transforms. We want this event to be a time of reflection for all Nicaraguan families," FIENIC representatives said at the opening ceremony, according to Bendición News.
The agenda included biblical conferences, prayer services, community reflection sessions, and cultural activities related to the history of the Spanish Bible.
A Context of State Pressure on Churches
The event took place in a country where international bodies have documented a sustained deterioration of religious freedom.
The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has documented restrictions on religious activity in Nicaragua, including cancellations of legal status for faith-based organizations, harassment of religious leaders, and limits on public worship.
Christian Solidarity Worldwide has also documented measures by the Nicaraguan state against religious, educational, and humanitarian organizations amid a broader wave of civil society cancellations.
Open Doors included Nicaragua on its World Watch List, describing pressure against Christians — particularly churches and leaders perceived as critical of the government.
In recent years, religious communities in Nicaragua have adapted public activities in response to increased state controls over gatherings, processions, and large-scale events. Evangelical sectors historically marked Bible Day with marches and public ceremonies, but the current political environment has narrowed the space for churches in public settings.
The Bear Bible: A Milestone for the Spanish-Speaking World
The commemoration recalled the publication of the Bear Bible in 1569 in Basel. The work was translated by Casiodoro de Reina, a Hieronymite monk who later became associated with the Protestant Reformation and worked in exile amid the religious persecution of the 16th century.
The Bear Bible gave Spanish-speaking readers their first complete Bible in their own language. Decades later, Cipriano de Valera revised Reina's translation, giving rise to the Reina-Valera version, one of the most widely used biblical texts among Spanish-speaking evangelical churches.
For Nicaraguan evangelical churches, the anniversary marked the Bible's importance as a source of faith in a country where tensions between the state and religious communities have grown.]]></content:encoded>
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                <title><![CDATA[Barna book argues worldview gap explains why many Christians think like the culture]]></title>
                <link>https://www.christiandaily.com/news/barna-book-argues-worldview-gap-explains-why-many-christians-think-like-the-culture</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.christiandaily.com/news/barna-book-argues-worldview-gap-explains-why-many-christians-think-like-the-culture</guid>
                                                            <dc:creator><![CDATA[CDI Staff]]></dc:creator>
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                            <media:title><![CDATA[George Barnas new book, How to Think Like Jesus: 7 Cornerstones to Build a Biblical Worldview, releases Sept. 15, 2026.]]></media:title>
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                                    <![CDATA[ George Barna's new book, How to Think Like Jesus: 7 Cornerstones to Build a Biblical Worldview, releases Sept. 15, 2026. ]]>
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                                                                            <pubDate>Wed, 19 Aug 2026 10:31:00 -0400</pubDate>
                <description><![CDATA[A new book from Christian researcher George Barna argues that the reason many people who call themselves Christians think and live indistinguishably from the broader culture comes down to a missing foundation — not a lack of sincerity, but the absence of a coherent biblical worldview]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[
A new book from Christian researcher George Barna argues that the reason many people who call themselves Christians think and live indistinguishably from the broader culture comes down to a missing foundation — not a lack of sincerity, but the absence of a coherent biblical worldview, a conclusion he draws from more than 1,000 surveys and interviews with over one million Americans.
How to Think Like Jesus: 7 Cornerstones to Build a Biblical Worldview, published by Arizona Christian University Press in partnership with Fedd Books, is scheduled for release Sept. 15, 2026.
Barna, who directs research at Arizona Christian University's Cultural Research Center, identifies seven core beliefs he describes as the non-negotiable building blocks of a biblical worldview — covering topics such as the nature of God, the authority of Scripture, human sin, the definition of truth, and what he calls God's definitions of meaning, purpose and success.
"Your worldview is only as strong as its foundation," Barna writes in the book. "You will experience as much success in life as your worldview allows."
The book grows out of research Barna has conducted at the Cultural Research Center, which also produced the ACU Worldview Assessment — an online tool that measures an individual's worldview and gives readers a score reflecting how their beliefs align with each of the seven cornerstones. "Because worldview is measurable, we have research data that identify the incidence of various worldviews, how people piece together the elements of their life philosophy, and insights into the life consequences of people's chosen philosophy," Barna writes.
The central distinction the book draws is between what Barna calls "genuine disciples" and "cultural Christians" — people who identify with Christianity but whose thinking and decision-making, he argues, have been shaped more by surrounding culture than by biblical convictions.
Barna is a professor at Arizona Christian University and founder of The Barna Group. He also serves as senior research fellow at the Family Research Council Center for Biblical Worldview and has authored or co-authored more than 60 books, including several New York Times and Amazon bestsellers. The new title builds on themes from his 2023 book, Raising Spiritual Champions: Nurturing Your Child's Heart, Mind and Soul.]]></content:encoded>
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                <title><![CDATA[Dallas seminary partners with India school to launch biblical counseling degree]]></title>
                <link>https://www.christiandaily.com/news/dallas-seminary-partners-with-india-school-to-launch-biblical-counseling-degree</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.christiandaily.com/news/dallas-seminary-partners-with-india-school-to-launch-biblical-counseling-degree</guid>
                                                            <dc:creator><![CDATA[CDI Staff]]></dc:creator>
                                                                                                                            <media:content  url="https://www.christiandaily.com/media/original/img/0/51/5126.jpg">
                            <media:title><![CDATA[Stephen George, president of Evangelical Theological Seminary in India, and Michael Ortiz, vice president for global ministries at Dallas Theological Seminary, shake hands following the signing of a partnership agreement to launch a new Christian counseli]]></media:title>
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                                    <![CDATA[ Dallas Theological Seminary ]]>
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                                    <![CDATA[ Stephen George, president of Evangelical Theological Seminary in India, and Michael Ortiz, vice president for global ministries at Dallas Theological Seminary, shake hands following the signing of a partnership agreement to launch a new Christian counseling program in India. ]]>
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                                                                            <pubDate>Mon, 17 Aug 2026 10:27:00 -0400</pubDate>
                <description><![CDATA[Dallas Theological Seminary has formed an academic partnership with Evangelical Theological Seminary in India to launch a graduate-level Christian counseling program, with a long-term plan for the Indian institution to operate the program on its own.]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[
Dallas Theological Seminary has formed an academic partnership with Evangelical Theological Seminary in India to launch a graduate-level Christian counseling program, with a long-term plan for the Indian institution to operate the program on its own.
Evangelical Theological Seminary (ETS), located in Bagalur near Bangalore and operated as a ministry of Asian Christian Academy, will enroll its first cohort of 11 students in a Master of Arts in Christian Counseling beginning in fall 2026. The program is structured so ETS can eventually sustain and administer it independently of its American partner, according to a joint announcement.
Under the arrangement, students will complete their Bible and theology coursework at ETS while taking selected counseling modules from Dallas Theological Seminary's Master of Arts in Counseling Ministries curriculum. Those enrolled in the counseling portion will register as nondegree students at DTS, with instruction delivered through online courses and in-person teaching by DTS faculty traveling to India.
ETS was founded in 1978 by Isaac John, a Dallas Theological Seminary alumnus who had studied there in 1973 before returning to India to establish theological training suited to the local context. Accredited by the Asia Theological Association, the seminary offers postgraduate and doctoral programs in biblical studies, theology, and ministry, and describes its mission as equipping men and women for Christian leadership across India and Asia.
Stephen George, president of ETS, said church growth in India had created demand for trained counselors that existing programs were not meeting.
"ETS offers degrees for pastors, theologians, and ministry leaders in India, but as the church continues to grow, we identified a need for qualified Christian counselors," George said. "We're honored to cocreate a pathway to raise up a generation of biblically rooted counselors throughout India."
Michael Ortiz, vice president for global ministries at DTS and head of the International Council of Evangelical Theological Education, said the partnership is built around transferring ownership of the program to ETS over time.
"Our long-term plan is to equip qualified counselors and professors in India so that ETS can take over the degree and offer it independently of DTS," Ortiz said. "This is what global multiplication and discipleship look like, where we plan ahead and collaborate for the benefit of the church worldwide."
The two institutions have maintained a relationship for several years. Ongoing conversations between them identified a growing need for biblically grounded counseling training among pastors, ministry leaders, and lay counselors serving churches and communities across the region, they said.]]></content:encoded>
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                <title><![CDATA[Korean mission scholars probe Pentecostalism, diaspora and new research methods as global Christianity shifts]]></title>
                <link>https://www.christiandaily.com/news/korean-mission-scholars-probe-pentecostalism-diaspora-and-new-research-methods-as-global-christianity-shifts</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.christiandaily.com/news/korean-mission-scholars-probe-pentecostalism-diaspora-and-new-research-methods-as-global-christianity-shifts</guid>
                                                            <dc:creator><![CDATA[CDI Staff]]></dc:creator>
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                            <media:title><![CDATA[Attendees pose for a group photo at the Korean Society of Missiologys 2026 Fourth Regular Academic Conference, held Aug. 8 at Geumnan Church in Seouls Jungnang District. The conference was convened under the theme Trends in Contemporary Mission Theolog]]></media:title>
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                                    <![CDATA[ Korean Society of Missiology ]]>
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                                    <![CDATA[ Attendees pose for a group photo at the Korean Society of Missiology's 2026 Fourth Regular Academic Conference, held Aug. 8 at Geumnan Church in Seoul's Jungnang District. The conference was convened under the theme "Trends in Contemporary Mission Theology Research." ]]>
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                                                                            <pubDate>Sat, 15 Aug 2026 08:14:00 -0400</pubDate>
                <description><![CDATA[A group of Korean mission theologians gathered in Seoul to examine how shifts in global Christianity are reshaping the field of missiology, with papers ranging from the growth of Pentecostalism in the Global South to a proposed new research framework for studying local faith communities.]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[
A group of Korean mission theologians gathered in Seoul to examine how shifts in global Christianity are reshaping the field of missiology, with papers ranging from the growth of Pentecostalism in the Global South to a proposed new research framework for studying local faith communities.
The Korea Society of Mission Theology held its 2026 Fourth Regular Academic Conference on Aug. 8 at Geumnan Church in the Jungnang district of Seoul, according to Christian Daily Korea. The conference, themed "Trends in Contemporary Mission Theology Research," featured four scholars presenting research on Pentecostalism, Korean diaspora mission, the 19th-century American Restoration Movement and what one presenter called "narrative missiology."
Pentecostalism's global reach — and its contradictions
Dr. Oh Seung-wook of Yonsei University opened with an analysis of Pentecostalism as a lens for understanding World Christianity, a theological paradigm that has grown in prominence as Christianity has declined in the West and expanded in Africa, Latin America and Asia.
Citing data from the Center for the Study of Global Christianity led by Todd M. Johnson, Oh said Pentecostal adherents worldwide numbered approximately 664 million as of 2025 — more than one-quarter of all Christians globally.
He argued that early Pentecostalism carried an egalitarian impulse, crossing boundaries of race, class and gender through what its adherents understood as the freedom of the Holy Spirit. But he said that ideal frequently did not survive institutionalization. The Apostolic Faith Mission of South Africa, he noted, practiced racial segregation in worship and ministry; a formal apology and declaration of integration came in 1996, though he said traces of discrimination persist.
On women's leadership, Oh pointed to figures such as Lucy Farrow and South Korea's Pastor Choi Ja-shil as examples of women who played formative roles in early Pentecostal movements, only for their successors to be gradually sidelined as churches became more structured organizations.
Oh described a similar tension in Pentecostalism's social posture. Early leaders including William Seymour and Frank Bartleman championed Christian unity, he said, yet in practice maintained skepticism toward ecumenical dialogue — a posture that has softened in recent decades as engagement with the Catholic Church and other denominations has grown. He said early Pentecostalism also showed concern for racial discrimination, war and economic inequality, even as the tradition later tended to focus narrowly on individual salvation.
He concluded that individual soul salvation, social service and structural transformation should be pursued together under what he called a holistic mission framework.
Korean diaspora reframed as senders, not just recipients
Dr. Lee Gang-wook of Juan University argued that Korean diaspora churches have been misunderstood as peripheral to global mission, when they should be recognized as missional agents in their own right.
Drawing on data from the Overseas Koreans Agency and South Korea's Ministry of Justice, Lee said the theological significance of Koreans living abroad had been undervalued — particularly as attention has shifted toward immigrants arriving in Korea. He said growth in domestic immigrant ministry should not become a reason to reduce support for diaspora mission.
Using the ASEAN Korean diaspora as a case study, he suggested that diaspora networks could evolve beyond individual congregations into what he called a "community of missional communities," shaped by shared identity, transnational connectivity and intercultural mediation.
Lee urged Korean seminaries, denominations and mission organizations to treat both domains — ministry to immigrants entering Korea and mission through Koreans living abroad — within a single, integrated theological framework, and called for empirical comparative research on the two contexts.
Restoration Movement's missional roots, and how they faded
Dr. Lee Chang-woo of Seoul Christian University examined the ministry of Barton W. Stone from the 1790s through the 1830s, arguing that the 19th-century American Restoration Movement originally placed gospel proclamation and world conversion above restoration and church unity as organizing values — and that later generations reversed that hierarchy.
Lee said restoration and unity in Stone's framework were means toward a missional end, not ends in themselves. As the movement developed, he argued, restoration gradually became a marker of church identity rather than a tool for evangelism.
He raised the possibility that the Churches of Christ in Korea inherited a more defensive, identity-focused version of restorationism — shaped by early 20th-century American theological conflicts — rather than Stone's original missional vision. Reexamining Stone's early work, Lee suggested, could serve as a theological reference point for missional renewal among Korean Restoration Movement and evangelical churches.
A new framework for studying how local churches tell their story
Dr. Shin Sang-hyeon of Presbyterian University and Theological Seminary offered a preliminary proposal for what he termed "narrative missiology" — a research methodology designed to analyze how local faith communities form, transmit and express the gospel through stories, rituals and cultural production.
Shin said World Christianity studies already emphasizes the translatability of the gospel and the agency of local churches, but that existing methods do not adequately capture how those dynamics play out in practice. Narrative missiology, he proposed, would examine sources including written documents, oral accounts, liturgical practices, film, art, music and digital content.
He said the approach could be applied comparatively across churches in Asia, Africa and Latin America, enabling intercultural dialogue by tracing how different communities have translated the gospel within their own cultural frameworks. He also proposed it as a tool for Korean churches to critically interpret their own history and explore what missional continuity might look like for the next generation.
Christian Daily Korea reported that the conference closed with question-and-answer sessions and open discussion following the four presentations. The society also noted the recent Korean publication of a translated volume — The Doctrine of Good Works: Reclaiming a Neglected Protestant Teaching — authored by Thomas McCall, Caleb Friedeman and Matt Friedeman, translated by society member Prof. Ryu Jae-seong and published by the Christian Literature Crusade.]]></content:encoded>
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                <title><![CDATA[8 million more Americans attending church, but young men remain a concern - report]]></title>
                <link>https://www.christiandaily.com/news/8-million-more-americans-attending-church-but-young-men-remain-a-concern-report</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.christiandaily.com/news/8-million-more-americans-attending-church-but-young-men-remain-a-concern-report</guid>
                                                            <dc:creator><![CDATA[CDI Staff]]></dc:creator>
                                                                                                                            <media:content  url="https://www.christiandaily.com/media/original/img/0/45/4518.jpg">
                            <media:title><![CDATA[Worshippers, congregants, church, catholic, service]]></media:title>
                                                            <media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">
                                    <![CDATA[ Unsplash / Kaylee Stoll ]]>
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                                                                                        <media:description type="plain">
                                    <![CDATA[ Worshippers attend a church service in a generic file photo. ]]>
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                                                                            <pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 2026 09:19:00 -0400</pubDate>
                <description><![CDATA[Eight million more Americans attended a Christian church service at least twice in 2025 compared to two years earlier, according to new research from American Bible Society — a development the organization calls encouraging even as its data expose widening gaps in who is and is not showing up.]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[
Eight million more Americans attended a Christian church service at least twice in 2025 compared to two years earlier, according to new research from American Bible Society — a development the organization calls encouraging even as its data expose widening gaps in who is and is not showing up.
The findings come from the fifth chapter of American Bible Society's 16th annual State of the Bible report, released Wednesday. The chapter, focused on church health, draws on a nationally representative survey conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago and covers church attendance, spiritual vitality, and the role of church leadership in congregants' lives.
The share of Americans who never or seldom attend a Christian church service dropped 4 percentage points since 2024 — equivalent to roughly 8 million people crossing the threshold of attending at least twice a year. Both Generation X and Millennials drove much of the shift: among Gen X, weekly or more frequent attendance rose from 49% to 54%; among Millennials, from 39% to 42%.
Generation Z moved in the opposite direction. The youngest adult cohort saw attendance fall from 46% to 42% over the same two-year period, making it the only generation to record a decline.
The picture is sharper still when broken down by gender. More than half of Christian men in the United States do not attend church on a monthly basis, and one in five reported never attending at all. Dr. John F. Plake, American Bible Society's chief innovation officer and the editor-in-chief of the State of the Bible series, said the data points to a specific pastoral challenge.
"The data reveals opportunities for church leaders to reach out to specific people — especially young men — and guide them toward a richer, deeper relationship with God and their church through regular engagement with Scripture," Plake said.
Men who do attend are somewhat more likely than women to worship in person. About 20% of male churchgoers attend services remotely, compared with 30% of women.
Among those who do attend — defined in the study as attending at least once every six months — satisfaction levels are high. Churchgoers rated their congregations an average of 8 out of 10 for spiritual health, with 10 out of 10 being the single most common response.
The survey assessed church health across five areas: whether congregations challenge members toward spiritual growth, create relational opportunities for that growth, deepen biblical understanding, promote community service, and whether pastors model spiritual disciplines themselves.
Across all five measures, women report higher satisfaction than men in every generation, and Gen Z men record the lowest satisfaction scores of any group. The pattern holds across denominational lines, with Mainline Protestants and Roman Catholics registering weaker attendance figures despite strong identification with their traditions.
One of the study's most consistent findings links Bible engagement to church satisfaction. Among churchgoers who said they were very satisfied with their congregation, more than 80% also agreed or agreed strongly that church leaders were helping them connect with the Bible. Plake said the pattern points to a structural reality.
"We see a consistent pattern that healthy churches keep the Bible at their core," he said.
The research does reveal what the American Bible Society describes as a broader dichotomy: while overall attendance figures remain mixed, those who are actively participating report genuine spiritual growth and satisfaction — suggesting individual congregations may function more healthily than national trends alone would indicate.
NORC at the University of Chicago fielded the survey using its AmeriSpeak panel between January 8 and 27, 2026. Responses came from 2,649 adults across all 50 states and the District of Columbia, conducted through online and phone interviews.
Three additional chapters of State of the Bible: USA 2026 are scheduled for monthly release through November 2026, covering forgiveness, the supernatural, and generosity. The fifth chapter is available at StateoftheBible.org.]]></content:encoded>
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                <title><![CDATA[Bible Society of Mexico celebrates 60 years of bringing the Bible to new generations]]></title>
                <link>https://www.christiandaily.com/news/bible-society-of-mexico-celebrates-60-years-of-bringing-the-bible-to-new-generations</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.christiandaily.com/news/bible-society-of-mexico-celebrates-60-years-of-bringing-the-bible-to-new-generations</guid>
                                                            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Ommar Ayala]]></dc:creator>
                                                                                                                            <media:content  url="https://www.christiandaily.com/media/original/img/0/50/5090.png">
                            <media:title><![CDATA[Bible Society of Mexico]]></media:title>
                                                            <media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">
                                    <![CDATA[ Photo: Ommar Ayala ]]>
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                                    <![CDATA[ In 2026, the Bible Society of Mexico celebrates 60 years of ministry. The anniversary was marked with a gathering of national and international representatives. ]]>
                                </media:description>
                                                    </media:content>
                                                                                                <media:content  url="https://www.christiandaily.com/media/original/img/0/50/5091.png">
                            <media:title><![CDATA[Jaime López Vázquez]]></media:title>
                                                            <media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">
                                    <![CDATA[ Photo: Ommar Ayala ]]>
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                                                                                        <media:description type="plain">
                                    <![CDATA[ The coordination of the organization’s work is led by Jaime López Vázquez, the current director of the Bible Society of Mexico. ]]>
                                </media:description>
                                                    </media:content>
                                                                                                <media:content  url="https://www.christiandaily.com/media/original/img/0/50/5092.png">
                            <media:title><![CDATA[The Bible Society of Mexico]]></media:title>
                                                            <media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">
                                    <![CDATA[ Photo: Ommar Ayala ]]>
                                </media:credit>
                                                                                        <media:description type="plain">
                                    <![CDATA[ The Bible Society of Mexico works to bring Bibles to Indigenous communities while preserving their languages and cultures. ]]>
                                </media:description>
                                                    </media:content>
                                                                            <pubDate>Mon, 10 Aug 2026 08:01:00 -0400</pubDate>
                <description><![CDATA[As Mexico’s religious landscape continues to evolve, a Christian organization is celebrating six decades of ministry with a mission to make the Bible accessible to everyone — in their own language and in formats they can use.]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[
As Mexico’s religious landscape continues to evolve, a Christian organization is celebrating six decades of ministry with a mission to make the Bible accessible to everyone — in their own language and in formats they can use.
The Bible Society of Mexico (SBM) was founded in 1966 and is part of the international fellowship of the United Bible Societies. Its mission is to make Scripture available to all people through Bible translation, production and distribution, working across denominational lines with churches and Christian organizations.
In 2026, SBM is celebrating 60 years of ministry. Over the decades, its work has supported thousands of churches, seminaries, ministries and believers who have found in Scripture the foundation of their faith.
Jaime López Vázquez, director of SBM, told Christian Daily International that the organization's mission remains as important as ever.
“God’s heart is to reach every Mexican. There is much work to be done, and we need the support of the entire evangelical Church in unity. When we achieve that, we will change the course of this country through biblical principles and values,” López said.
For López, reaching younger generations is one of the areas the church must address more urgently.
“Very few people recognize the great need for generational change. We face significant challenges in reaching young people and children who need to discover that the Word of God is still living and powerful in their lives,” he said.
As technology and culture change, SBM has expanded its outreach through digital platforms, artificial intelligence and multimedia resources, seeking to help younger generations stay connected to Scripture.
Digital formats have also made it possible for people with limited access to printed materials to read or listen to the Bible on mobile devices. The organization also provides resources in Braille for people with visual impairments.

When the Bible Society of Mexico was founded, the country looked very different from today. Although Mexico's Constitution already guaranteed freedom of religion, evangelical churches had a much more limited public presence.
According to census data from Mexico’s National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), the country’s religious diversity has steadily increased over the past several decades. At the same time, evangelical and Protestant churches have expanded their presence across the country, creating greater demand for biblical resources for evangelism, discipleship and the training of new believers.
Data from Mexico’s General Directorate of Religious Associations, part of the Secretariat of the Interior, show that nearly 10,600 religious associations are officially registered in the country.
This growth has also created new challenges for organizations involved in Bible distribution. They must serve urban, rural and Indigenous communities, each with distinct cultural and linguistic needs.
Translating the Bible Into the Language of the Heart
Translating the Bible into different languages involves far more than simply converting words from one language to another. It requires years of collaboration among linguists, Bible translators, community leaders and native speakers to ensure that the message remains faithful to the original text while being understandable to people encountering Scripture in their mother tongue.
The challenge is particularly significant in Mexico, one of the world's most linguistically diverse countries. The Mexican government recognizes 68 Indigenous language groups, with hundreds of linguistic variants among them.
Millions of people still have limited access to the Bible in their own language. SBM is working to address that gap by translating Scripture for Indigenous communities while seeking to preserve their languages and cultural heritage.
“It is about building a bridge so that people can hear the voice of God in the language that speaks to their hearts. In our community of Ixcatlán, over 18 years, we have seen lives transformed through reading the Bible,” said Benito Fernández Figueroa, a Mazatec Indigenous translator and community leader.
SBM says the Bible has been translated into eight Indigenous languages, including Maya, Chol, Tzotzil, Tzeltal and Mixe.
Bible translation specialists say access to Scripture in a person's own language can deepen understanding of the Gospel while also helping preserve the cultural heritage of Mexico’s Indigenous communities.
The Numbers Behind the Ministry
The growing demand for Bibles in Mexico reflects both the expansion of churches and the need for resources specifically designed for children, young people, families and new believers.
Over the past six decades, SBM has participated in literacy initiatives, Bible education programs, efforts to increase Scripture access for people with disabilities, and programs serving children, young people and families.
“In 60 years, more than 374 million biblical materials have been distributed, and we have reached 13 cities across the country with service and distribution centers,” said Efraín Amaro, SBM’s head of distribution.
A Mission Shared With the Church

SBM works with churches from a wide range of Christian denominations, respecting their doctrinal traditions while maintaining its focus on making Scripture accessible.
In a world saturated with information, Christian leaders say the fundamental challenge remains the same as it was six decades ago: making sure every person has access to the Bible and can understand its message.
“We recognize God’s faithfulness to SBM, and He will continue to do so. We have witnessed that the light of God’s Word continues to shine,” said Chris Egitto, executive director of effectiveness at the United Bible Societies.
Sixty years after its founding, SBM emphasizes that the impact of its ministry cannot be measured only by the number of Bibles distributed, but also by the lives transformed through encountering the message of Jesus Christ.
As part of its 60th anniversary celebrations, SBM will hold a series of activities throughout the year, including thanksgiving services, conferences, historical exhibitions, gatherings with churches and campaigns encouraging people to read the Bible daily.
Original reporting by Diario Cristiano, Christian Daily International's Spanish edition]]></content:encoded>
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