
Italy urged to broaden religious freedom protections
Christian groups on Monday (June 30) called on Italy to broaden religious freedoms to protect a wider range of church denominations at the U.N. Human Rights Council (HRC).

Christian groups on Monday (June 30) called on Italy to broaden religious freedoms to protect a wider range of church denominations at the U.N. Human Rights Council (HRC).
As mass demonstrations blend Christian imagery with nationalist politics, questions grow concerning how Christians should respond to Christian nationalism. But the issue has more to do with elements of faith aligned with politics more than competing theological interpretations. Peter Lynas wonders if the latest UK shifts are a new expression of an old problem.
Jesus said, "Peace I give to you, but not as the world gives" and in one way or another every human being expresses a longing for real peace. Here is a prayer in three parts that can lead anyone to the peace that Christ offers those who trust in him. There is a cost however. We need to surrender to find peace that lasts.
A wave of crime against UK and French churches does not indicate persecution, but is still revealing. It indicates that the declining moral standing of Christianity in Western European life matters, not as a theological problem but as an increasingly serious sociological one.
Back in pop culture with the release of a new biopic movie, the story of Michael Jackson makes for a striking case study of what happens when our identity dislocated. His life reveals the deep needs inside all of us that only knowing Jesus can truly meet.

Thousands filled ExCeL London to capacity on Saturday evening for the return of the God Loves You Tour, led by Rev. Franklin Graham, president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) and Samaritan’s Purse. With attendance exceeding 17,000, the venue reached its increased maximum capacity of 15,000, prompting security to turn away several thousand people, according to organizers.

U.K. lawmakers on June 20 gave final approval to the Terminally Ill (Adults) Bill, which would legalize assisted dying in England and Wales under specific conditions. While the bill passed after several amendments, the Christian Medical Fellowship (CMF) issued a statement lamenting the decision and calling Christians to remain anchored in the hope found in Jesus Christ.

In a lengthy statement, the Spanish Evangelical Alliance (AEE) reflects on political corruption from a biblical perspective, calls for greater integrity in institutions and urges citizens not to give in to skepticism.

British lawmakers voted on June 17 to remove the threat of criminal prosecution for women in England and Wales who undergo abortions after 24 weeks, prompting strong criticism from Christian leaders who say the change endangers both women and unborn children.

A Christian legal advocacy group has accused a prominent London council of pushing a political agenda by promoting widespread displays of LGBTQI+ Pride flags in central areas of the city. Christian Concern claims that the initiative amounts to ideological indoctrination and undermines proper democratic processes.

Amended assisted dying legislation being debated in the U.K. Parliament this week has drawn strong opposition from campaigners, who warn that the proposed law could put vulnerable people at risk and undermine protections for the terminally ill. A final vote on the bill is expected Friday (June 20).