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        <title>Christian Daily International | Health</title>
        <link>https://www.christiandaily.com/health</link>
        <description><![CDATA[Explore how faith intersects with health worldwide, from medical missions and Christian hospitals to mental health and spiritual care. Stay updated on global health challenges and the church’s role in healing and hope.]]></description>
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            <title>Christian Daily International | Health</title>
            <link>https://www.christiandaily.com/health</link>
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        <copyright>Christian Daily International © 2026</copyright>
        <language>en</language>
        <lastBuildDate>Tue, 26 May 2026 18:55:17 -0400</lastBuildDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Christian hospital performs free fistula surgeries for more than 2,000 Nigerian women annually]]></title>
                <link>https://www.christiandaily.com/news/christian-hospital-performs-free-fistula-surgeries-for-more-than-2-000-nigerian-women-annually</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.christiandaily.com/news/christian-hospital-performs-free-fistula-surgeries-for-more-than-2-000-nigerian-women-annually</guid>
                                                            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Obed Minchakpu]]></dc:creator>
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                            <media:title><![CDATA[Bingham University Teaching Hospital in Jos posted a video series on its Facebook page to mark the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula on May 23, 2026, highlighting the causes, impact and treatment of the condition.]]></media:title>
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                                    <![CDATA[ Facebook screenshot ]]>
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                                    <![CDATA[ Bingham University Teaching Hospital in Jos posted a video series on its Facebook page to mark the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula on May 23, 2026, highlighting the causes, impact and treatment of the condition. ]]>
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                                                                            <pubDate>Tue, 26 May 2026 01:35:00 -0400</pubDate>
                <description><![CDATA[More than 2,000 Nigerian women have received free fistula surgery at a Christian hospital in Jos that treats patients of all faiths, as the country's first lady calls for an end to child marriage, a leading cause of the condition.]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[
More than 2,000 Nigerian women have received free fistula surgery at a Christian hospital in Jos that treats patients of all faiths, as the country's first lady calls for an end to child marriage, a leading cause of the condition.
Bingham University Teaching Hospital, the medical ministry of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), made the disclosure May 23 during the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula and published a video series on its Facebook page featuring stories and testimonies. The hospital operates the Evangel VVF Center, which focuses on vesicovaginal fistula — an abnormal opening between the bladder and vagina that results from prolonged, obstructed labor without adequate medical care.
Nigeria has one of the world's highest rates of obstetric fistula, accounting for about 40% of global cases. The country records an estimated 13,000 new cases each year, and between 400,000 and 800,000 Nigerian women are currently living with unrepaired obstetric fistula awaiting surgery, according to UNICEF.
Child marriage is a direct driver of obstetric fistula. Girls who become pregnant before their bodies are fully developed face a heightened risk of the prolonged obstructed labor that causes the condition. According to UNFPA, girls who become pregnant before age 15 in low- and middle-income countries have double the risk of obstetric fistula compared with older women. 
Gwong Ayuba, a staff member at the Evangel VVF Center, said the hospital seeks to reach women across the country.
"The Evangel VVF Centre, Bingham University Teaching Hospital in Jos, which partners with Christian Blind Mission (CBM), a global Christian ministry, has successfully carried out surgeries and repairs of over two thousand women and girls suffering from abnormal or damaged connections from the bladder and vagina, medically known as Vesicovaginal Fistula, in all parts of Nigeria," Ayuba said.
This year's global observance carried the theme "Her Health Is A Right: Invest In Ending Fistula And Childbirth Injuries." Hundreds of women received treatment at the hospital and through outreach events across the country.
The International Day to End Obstetric Fistula is observed annually on May 23 to raise awareness about a childbirth injury that affects millions of women and girls worldwide.
Nigeria's first lady, Remi Tinubu, issued a statement for the occasion calling for an end to child marriage and obstetric fistula. She said no woman or girl should suffer from the condition, noting it is both preventable and treatable.
"Let us work together to build a future where every birth is safe and no woman loses her life in childbirth," Tinubu said.
Bingham University Teaching Hospital was founded in 1959 by missionaries with Sudan Interior Mission, now known as SIM, which is headquartered in the United States. At Nigeria's independence in 1960, SIM transferred its ministry activities to ECWA, its Nigerian partner. The hospital's stated mission is to "Preach the Gospel, Heal the Sick."]]></content:encoded>
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                <title><![CDATA[BMA backs down: Cass Review right that evidence for youth puberty blockers was weak]]></title>
                <link>https://www.christiandaily.com/news/bma-backs-down-cass-review-right-that-evidence-for-youth-puberty-blockers-was-weak</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.christiandaily.com/news/bma-backs-down-cass-review-right-that-evidence-for-youth-puberty-blockers-was-weak</guid>
                                                            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris Eyte]]></dc:creator>
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                            <media:title><![CDATA[A general view of the NHSs Tavistock Centre in London, England, on June 23, 2023]]></media:title>
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                                    <![CDATA[ Dan Kitwood/Getty Images ]]>
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                                    <![CDATA[ A general view of the NHS's Tavistock Centre in London, England, on June 23, 2023. The Tavistock's Gender Identity Development Service was the only NHS-funded service in the UK working on gender issues in young people. Following an independent review led by retired pediatrician Dr. Hilary Cass and commissioned by NHS England, the clinic closed after its centralized service model was deemed unsustainable and lacking a safe, evidence-based foundation. ]]>
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                                                                            <pubDate>Mon, 25 May 2026 02:43:00 -0400</pubDate>
                <description><![CDATA[The British Medical Association has largely reversed its position on the Cass Review into puberty blockers for children — a landmark report the doctors' union had heavily criticized in 2024.]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[
The British Medical Association has largely reversed its position on the Cass Review into puberty blockers for children — a landmark report the doctors' union had heavily criticized in 2024.
The BMA published its findings after a two-year internal evaluation in a paper titled "Cass Review: Evidence, Interpretation, and Implementation." Report co-author Professor David Strain told The Times the review's author "has been vindicated in the way she approached the data." When asked to name a single one of Hilary Cass's 32 recommendations that the BMA currently opposed, Strain said, "I can't," adding, "she approached an area of significant uncertainty with that prime rule of medicine, of 'first, do no harm.'"
The BMA's shift is significant because its council had, in July 2024, blasted Cass's recommendations as "unsubstantiated," called for a public critique and demanded the lifting of the puberty blocker ban — a move that triggered intense backlash from the BMA's own grassroots medical members. The council subsequently adopted a position of neutrality and launched the internal evaluation group that produced the new paper.
Writing for the Christian Medical Fellowship, Trevor Stammers — a former general practitioner, clinical teacher and past CMF chair — said the BMA's paper amounts to a concession that the evidence base in favor of puberty suppression and gender-affirming hormones for young people is "limited and uncertain."
"Whenever ideology prevails over evidence, people must eventually face up to reality," Stammers wrote. "It's very sad that now the BMA's efforts to discredit Cass' findings have turned out to broadly vindicate them, they still seek to criticise the necessary actions subsequently taken."
That ongoing criticism centers on the BMA's refusal to back a total ban on the treatments. The review group stopped short of endorsing the UK government's absolute statutory ban on the medication, calling it a political "overreach" that threatens the clinical autonomy of prescribing doctors — even as it acknowledged the "known and plausible harms" of puberty blockers.
The Cass Review was an independent analysis of the Gender Identity Development Service run by the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust in London. It was led by retired pediatrician Dr. Hilary Cass and commissioned by NHS England. Its findings ultimately led to the closure of the Tavistock clinic, whose centralized service model was deemed unsustainable and lacking a safe, evidence-based foundation.
The review found that clinical staff internationally reported that adolescents "seem to have more complex presentations" and present "with greater mental health and psychosocial needs, as well as additional diagnoses of ASD and/or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)." Data in the report showed that rates of depression, anxiety and eating disorders were significantly higher among those referred to the gender clinic than in the general population.
Baroness Cass also noted in the report that "it is widely accepted that exposure to sexuality is happening at a younger age," adding that the impact on young people's understanding of their sexuality or gender identity "is an area that warrants better exploration and understanding."
Stammers noted that the Cass Review had faced attacks from activists and some academics, including a non-peer-reviewed paper by McNamara et al. that claimed the review contained "serious methodological flaws." He cited the biblical proverb: "Do not testify against your neighbour without cause."
Official figures cited during the clinic's operational history show that 382 children aged up to 6 were referred to the service between 2010 and its clinical wind-down. About 70 were 3 or 4 years old.]]></content:encoded>
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                <title><![CDATA[Religion linked to better mental health by 10-to-1 margin, major research review finds]]></title>
                <link>https://www.christiandaily.com/news/religion-linked-to-better-mental-health-by-10-to-1-margin-major-research-review-finds</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.christiandaily.com/news/religion-linked-to-better-mental-health-by-10-to-1-margin-major-research-review-finds</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>
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                                    <![CDATA[ Unsplash / Kaylee Stoll ]]>
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                                    <![CDATA[ Worshippers attend a church service in a generic file photo. A new report from the Wheatley Institute, drawing on thousands of medical and social science studies, found that religious participation is associated with improved mental health nearly 10 to one over negative outcomes. ]]>
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                                                                            <pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2026 08:25:00 -0400</pubDate>
                <description><![CDATA[A comprehensive analysis of thousands of medical and social science studies has found that religious involvement is associated with better mental health outcomes far more often than not — with positive findings outnumbering negative ones by nearly 10 to one, according to a new report released by the Wheatley Institute.]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[
A comprehensive analysis of thousands of medical and social science studies has found that religious involvement is associated with better mental health outcomes far more often than not — with positive findings outnumbering negative ones by nearly 10 to one, according to a new report released by the Wheatley Institute.
The report, "The Religion and Mental Health Connection," published earlier this month, draws on studies catalogued in the Oxford University Press Handbook of Religion and Health (2024) and covers a broad range of mental health domains, including depression, anxiety, suicide, substance abuse, stress and emotional well-being. It is the first in a three-part series on religion and health; upcoming installments will examine physical and social health.
Of more than 1,000 high-quality studies reporting significant findings, 961 found positive associations between religious involvement and mental health, compared to 101 that found negative associations, the report states.
"Across the mental health domains we examined, the best available science indicates that religious beliefs, practices, and participation in faith communities are most often linked to improved mental health outcomes," said Loren D. Marks, the report's lead author.
Suicide, depression and anxiety
The findings carry particular weight given rising rates of mental illness and suicide in many parts of the world. Christian Daily International previously reported on calls by Christian counselors for churches to take a more active role in confronting the mental health crisis, with panelists at a National Religious Broadcasters forum earlier this year describing current suicide rates in the United States as a national emergency.
The Wheatley Institute report adds a substantial body of empirical data to that conversation. Of 76 high-quality studies on suicide, 89% found lower rates among more religious individuals, the report states. Researchers cited in the analysis have estimated that declining weekly religious attendance may account for roughly 40% of the rise in the U.S. suicide rate. One study tracking nearly 110,000 health professionals found that women who attended religious services weekly were 75% less likely to die by suicide over a 16-year period, with men 48% less likely over 26 years.
Depression and anxiety showed similar patterns. Of 247 high-quality studies on depression, 74% reported better outcomes among more religious individuals. A longitudinal study of nearly 49,000 nurses found that weekly attenders had a 25% lower probability of depression over 16 years. Of 85 studies on anxiety, 69% found lower levels among more religious participants.
Hope, meaning and coping
The evidence was strongest in the area of positive emotional well-being. Of 251 high-quality studies, 93% reported that religious involvement correlated with greater life satisfaction, happiness, hope, self-esteem and optimism. On coping with stress, 86% of 103 high-quality studies found links between religious practice and constructive responses to adversity.
The report identifies what it describes as a "threshold effect": the mental health benefits of religion appear most pronounced among those with sustained, high levels of engagement — typically weekly or more frequent religious participation — and hold across age groups, racial and ethnic backgrounds and faith traditions.
"It is not nominal affiliation but committed religious involvement that appears to matter most," the report states.
Policy implications
The authors offer several recommendations based on the research, including building referral connections between healthcare providers and faith communities, equipping congregations to support suicide and substance abuse prevention in underserved areas, and recognizing religious participation as a voluntary complement — not a replacement — to professional mental health treatment.
The report also calls for protecting religious freedom and pluralism so that the documented benefits remain accessible across different faith traditions.
While acknowledging that harmful or coercive expressions of religion exist, the Wheatley Institute report concludes that the overall pattern across the available evidence is clear: religious belief and practice are strongly associated with better mental and emotional well-being.]]></content:encoded>
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                <title><![CDATA[Swedish churches concerned about abortion and euthanasia, few willing to take public stance before national election]]></title>
                <link>https://www.christiandaily.com/news/swedish-churches-concerned-about-abortion-and-euthanasia-few-willing-to-take-public-stance-before-national-election</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.christiandaily.com/news/swedish-churches-concerned-about-abortion-and-euthanasia-few-willing-to-take-public-stance-before-national-election</guid>
                                                            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris Eyte]]></dc:creator>
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                            <media:title><![CDATA[The Parliament House, seat of the Riksdag since 1905.]]></media:title>
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                                    <![CDATA[ CEphoto, Uwe Aranas, Wikimedia Commons ]]>
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                                    <![CDATA[ The Parliament House, seat of the Riksdag since 1905. ]]>
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                                                                            <pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2026 08:10:00 -0400</pubDate>
                <description><![CDATA[Few churches are willing to take a public stance on the issues of abortion and euthanasia in Sweden, a leading evangelical leader said, after Catholic voters received guidance on electoral candidates’ perspectives on such ethical issues ahead of the national election on Sept. 13.]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[
Few churches in Sweden are willing to take a public stance on abortion and euthanasia, a leading evangelical leader said, after Catholic voters received guidance on electoral candidates’ perspectives on such ethical issues ahead of the national election on Sept. 13.
Olof Edsinger, general secretary of the Swedish Evangelical Alliance (SEA), told Christian Daily International that, although evangelicals are concerned about abortion and euthanasia, the issues have not been prominent in the public sphere for churches.
Edsinger explained that before several elections, the SEA conducted surveys of what political parties say on different matters, including abortion and euthanasia. However, the evangelical group has not singled out those two areas as the only, or even most important, issues for evangelical voters.
A leading reason for this, according to Edsinger, is that no political party currently in the Riksdag (parliament) in Stockholm is pushing for stricter abortion laws — “not even the Christian Democrats.”
“Many evangelicals are, of course, grieving over this,” Edsinger said. “But it also reflects the fact that very few churches are willing to take a public stance on abortion in today’s Sweden.”
He said that for him personally, “this is a serious matter.”
“But as the Catholic guide also makes plain, it is impossible to use abortion as a litmus test when no major party seeks to change the present legal situation.” 
“On the contrary, all parties seem to support the proposal to make abortion part of Sweden’s constitutional law,” he said.
In Sweden, abortion is legal on request up to the 18th week of pregnancy, while all forms of active euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide remain illegal under current law.
The Justice and Peace Commission of the Catholic Diocese of Stockholm published guidance on April 10 for Catholics to consider before the general election, titled “Statement and Guidance before the Election on September 13, 2026.”
“The text presents political participation as a legitimate expression of Christian responsibility while encouraging the faithful to be informed, take part in public life, and vote in line with the principles of Catholic social teaching,” reported Catholic World Report.
A section titled “The Two-Step Discernment for Voters” advises Catholic voters to distinguish between the first step of “absolute values” and the second step of “practical wisdom.”
“The first step considers the effect my vote will have on legislation in matters regarding absolute values, particularly those concerning life and death, where faith binds the conscience,” the report says.]]></content:encoded>
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                <title><![CDATA[Christian health groups ‘last line of defence’ against deadly Ebola strain in DR Congo]]></title>
                <link>https://www.christiandaily.com/news/christian-health-groups-last-line-of-defence-against-deadly-new-ebola-strain-in-dr-congo</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.christiandaily.com/news/christian-health-groups-last-line-of-defence-against-deadly-new-ebola-strain-in-dr-congo</guid>
                                                            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Vincent Matinde]]></dc:creator>
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                            <media:title><![CDATA[Ebola DRC]]></media:title>
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                                    <![CDATA[ Africa CDC ]]>
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                                    <![CDATA[ Health officials say containing the outbreak will depend heavily on rapid diagnosis, local cooperation and restoring trust in communities already shaped by years of violence and instability. ]]>
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                                                                            <pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2026 03:24:00 -0400</pubDate>
                <description><![CDATA[Christian health organisations are among the few entities forming a last line of defence in Eastern DR Congo, where a rare and deadly strain of Ebola has caused global concern. On May 17, the World Health Organisation declared the Ebola outbreak “a public health emergency of international concern” following 246 suspected cases and 80 deaths.  ]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[
Christian health organisations are among the few entities forming a last line of defence in Eastern DR Congo, where a rare and deadly strain of Ebola has caused global concern. On May 17, the World Health Organisation declared the Ebola outbreak “a public health emergency of international concern” following 246 suspected cases and 80 deaths.  
The outbreak, first identified earlier this month in Ituri Province in northeastern Congo, involves the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, a less common variant for which there is no approved vaccine or specific treatment, according to the WHO.
Health officials said the outbreak has already spread across several health zones in Ituri and crossed into Uganda, raising fears of wider regional transmission. Church-run hospitals and mission clinics remain among the few functioning healthcare institutions in parts of eastern Congo where conflict has damaged state infrastructure and limited access to medical care.
The BBC reported that an American missionary physician working in the region, Dr. Peter Stafford, tested positive for the virus on May 19 while serving at Nyankunde Hospital near Bunia in eastern Congo. He was evacuated to Germany for treatment. Stafford is affiliated with Serge, a Presbyterian mission organization involved in medical and humanitarian work.
Serge confirmed the infection in a public statement and said several Americans who may have been exposed were being evacuated from the region. But Serge says the story extends far beyond one missionary doctor.
“Our medical teams labor in some of the most demanding settings in the world, serving vulnerable communities who have limited access to healthcare,” said Joel Hylton, Serge’s Senior Director of Mission. “We are profoundly grateful for their dedication to the people of the DRC, and we deeply lament the hardship they are enduring under this current threat. Our concern extends equally to our Congolese colleagues and friends in the region who face these same risks.”
Christian advocacy organizations, including International Christian Concern, say Christian communities in parts of eastern Congo have faced repeated attacks from militants linked to the Islamic State group. 
Nyankunde Hospital, where Stafford served, has its own history linked to the violence in eastern Congo. The hospital was heavily affected during ethnic fighting in Ituri in the early 2000s, when militias attacked communities and forced many aid workers and medical staff to flee.
The worsening Ebola crisis is now adding another layer of instability to communities already struggling with displacement, insecurity and weak healthcare systems.
Health emergency against rising insecurity
During previous Ebola outbreaks in eastern Congo, attacks on health workers and treatment centers disrupted response efforts and fueled distrust among local communities.
WHO officials warned that insecurity remains one of the biggest obstacles to stopping the current outbreak.
“The combination of conflict, population movement and fragile health systems creates an extremely difficult environment for outbreak control,” the agency said in its emergency declaration.
The Bundibugyo strain is considered particularly problematic as vaccines developed during previous Ebola outbreaks target the more common Zaire strain.
Scientists say supportive treatment, rapid isolation and contact tracing remain the primary tools available to slow transmission.
Uganda has already confirmed cases connected to the outbreak, prompting heightened screening and public health measures along regional borders.
Some public religious gatherings have also been affected. Local media and church sources in Uganda reported that concerns over Ebola transmission contributed to the postponement of preparations linked to the country’s annual Martyrs’ Day commemorations, one of East Africa’s largest Christian pilgrimage events. 
The outbreak has also renewed concerns about the state of humanitarian infrastructure in eastern Congo, where years of conflict have strained healthcare systems and displaced millions of people.
Former U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Thomas Frieden told Reuters that reductions in global health coordination and outbreak preparedness could weaken emergency response efforts during crises such as Ebola.
At the same time, the United States announced new travel-related measures tied to the outbreak. U.S. authorities invoked emergency restrictions aimed at reducing the risk of Ebola entering the country from affected regions.
The WHO has advised against broad travel and trade restrictions, saying such measures can disrupt humanitarian operations and discourage transparent reporting during outbreaks.
Despite the instability, faith-based medical organizations have continued operating in parts of the region, often becoming the main source of healthcare in isolated communities where government services remain limited.
Aid organizations say those same church and mission networks are once again playing a central role as Ebola spreads through eastern Congo.
Health officials say containing the outbreak will depend heavily on rapid diagnosis, local cooperation and restoring trust in communities already shaped by years of violence and instability.
WHO officials warned that the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the outbreak can be contained before it spreads further across Central and East Africa.]]></content:encoded>
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                <title><![CDATA[German foundation presents Bible adapted for people with dementia]]></title>
                <link>https://www.christiandaily.com/news/german-foundation-presents-bible-adapted-for-people-with-dementia</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.christiandaily.com/news/german-foundation-presents-bible-adapted-for-people-with-dementia</guid>
                                                            <dc:creator><![CDATA[CDI Staff]]></dc:creator>
                                                                                                                            <media:content  url="https://www.christiandaily.com/media/original/img/0/46/4604.png">
                            <media:title><![CDATA[German foundations dementia-adapted Bible, Encountering Jesus, draws on the Gospel of Luke and includes illustrations designed to evoke memories of faith.]]></media:title>
                                                            <media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">
                                    <![CDATA[ Marburger Medien Foundation ]]>
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                                    <![CDATA[ German foundation's dementia-adapted Bible, "Encountering Jesus," draws on the Gospel of Luke and includes illustrations designed to evoke memories of faith. ]]>
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                                                                            <pubDate>Sat, 16 May 2026 04:10:00 -0400</pubDate>
                <description><![CDATA[A Christian media organization in Germany has released a simplified Bible designed for people living with dementia, offering biblical stories in plain language alongside colorful illustrations intended to evoke long-held memories of faith.]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[
A Christian media organization in Germany has released a simplified Bible designed for people living with dementia, offering biblical stories in plain language alongside colorful illustrations intended to evoke long-held memories of faith.
The Marburger Medien Foundation unveiled the publication Monday in central Hesse, Germany. Reporting by Media Magazine Pro describes the project as two years in the making and aimed at bringing "faith, hope, and confidence" to those affected by dementia, as well as to caregivers and family members.
The book, titled "Encountering Jesus — Stories from the Gospel of Luke that Stay with You," draws primarily from the Gospel of Luke, chosen for its well-known parables. It also includes the Lord's Prayer and Psalm 23. Illustrations were commissioned from artist Fionn Westermeier and selected, according to the foundation, to make the texts as accessible as possible.
Karsten Hüttmann, chairman of the board of the Marburger Medien Foundation, acknowledged that condensing the biblical material raised theological questions. "But when we consider that people with dementia can immerse themselves in Bible stories and that memories surface, this helps in developing the texts," he said.
Dementia expert Norbert Rose advised on the project. Among his recommendations was printing thematic sections across double pages, since turning a page can signal a new beginning to someone with dementia — making layout a pastoral as well as a practical consideration.
The foundation said the book responds to the growing social reality of aging populations. "Many people with dementia had contact with the church and faith when they were young," Hüttmann said. "The Bible is meant to help awaken memories and open conversations with people living with dementia, to give them courage and offer comfort."
He added: "These are all people who have dignity and who live intensely in the present. A dignity in the here and now."
According to Media Magazine Pro, the first print run was 30,000 copies, supported in part by the Veronika Foundation and the EKD Media Fund. Hüttmann described the undertaking as "uncharted territory" for Marburger Medien.
The foundation says the publication is suited for use in care homes, nursing facilities, pastoral visiting services, senior groups and by family caregivers — anywhere people accompany those in the early stages of the disease.]]></content:encoded>
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                <title><![CDATA[Interfaith health platform to tackle gaps in maternal and adolescent care in Kenya]]></title>
                <link>https://www.christiandaily.com/news/interfaith-health-platform-to-tackle-gaps-in-maternal-and-adolescent-care-in-kenya</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.christiandaily.com/news/interfaith-health-platform-to-tackle-gaps-in-maternal-and-adolescent-care-in-kenya</guid>
                                                            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Vincent Matinde]]></dc:creator>
                                                                                                                            <media:content  url="https://www.christiandaily.com/media/original/img/0/45/4572.png">
                            <media:title><![CDATA[Interfaith National Health Hub]]></media:title>
                                                            <media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">
                                    <![CDATA[ Faith to Action Network ]]>
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                                    <![CDATA[ The hub is led by Faith to Action Network in partnership with national faith umbrella groups, including the National Council of Churches of Kenya, the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims. ]]>
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                                                                            <pubDate>Wed, 13 May 2026 10:25:00 -0400</pubDate>
                <description><![CDATA[Religious leaders, health officials and development partners in Kenya have launched a national interfaith platform aimed at addressing persistent gaps in maternal, adolescent and family health, positioning faith institutions as central actors in shaping community health outcomes.]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[
Religious leaders, health officials and development partners in Kenya have launched a national interfaith platform aimed at addressing persistent gaps in maternal, adolescent and family health, positioning faith institutions as central actors in shaping community health outcomes.
The initiative, known as the Interfaith National Hub on Family Health and Wellbeing, was unveiled in Nairobi on April 23 and brings together major religious bodies, government representatives and civil society organizations in a coordinated effort to improve access to care and influence health-seeking behavior at the community level.
The hub is led by Faith to Action Network in partnership with national faith umbrella groups, including the National Council of Churches of Kenya, the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims.
Peter Munene, the Chief Executive Officer of Faith to Action Network, said the initiative marks a shift toward more unified engagement across sectors.
“The establishment of the Interfaith National Hub represents a significant step towards strengthening coordinated, inclusive and community-responsive approaches to family health and wellbeing,” Munene said during the launch.
Kenya continues to face significant challenges in adolescent and family health despite policy and infrastructure gains. Data cited by organizers shows that about one in five girls aged 15 to 19 has begun childbearing, while many young people still lack access to accurate health guidance, mentorship and age-appropriate information on relationships and well-being.
In a joint declaration issued at the launch, faith leaders framed the issue as both a public health and moral concern.
“We, the undersigned faith leaders, interfaith bodies, faith-based organizations, and faith actors from across Kenya… recognize that the health and wellbeing of families is central to the social, economic, and moral fabric of our nation,” the declaration states.
The document highlights persistent barriers, including stigma, misinformation and cultural norms that limit open discussion around adolescent health.
“Silence driven by fear, shame, and social norms remains a significant barrier, limiting open dialogue on adolescent health and contributing to negative outcomes, including teenage pregnancy,” the declaration adds.
Christian and evangelical leaders involved in the initiative emphasized the role of churches as trusted spaces for guidance and community engagement, particularly in areas where public health systems have limited reach.
“Communities are looking to faith leaders to provide direction, to interpret and respond to emerging challenges, and to help align responses with shared values and beliefs,” the declaration states.
Faith-based organizations already play a major role in healthcare delivery in Kenya, especially in rural areas, and organizers say the new hub is designed to strengthen coordination rather than duplicate existing services.
Munene said the platform will focus on aligning messaging, improving collaboration and supporting community-level action to address gaps in care.
The declaration also outlines specific commitments by faith leaders, including promoting family health, engaging openly on adolescent health issues and addressing harmful social practices.
Safe spaces in churches
In the declaration, faith leaders also pledged to create safe and inclusive spaces within churches, mosques and communities where young people can receive guidance and openly discuss adolescent health and other social challenges. 
The document further calls on faith actors to confront gender-based violence, child marriage and other practices that undermine the wellbeing of women and girls.
“Speak out against practices that negatively affect the health, dignity, and future of adolescents and families, including child marriage, gender-based violence, stigma, and harmful norms,” it states.
Government officials welcomed the initiative, noting that faith institutions are critical partners in expanding access to healthcare and advancing national health priorities.
The hub is expected to support ongoing efforts to improve maternal and child health outcomes and strengthen primary healthcare systems, particularly at the community level.
Organizers said one of the key goals is to bridge the gap between existing health services and the communities they are intended to serve, where trust, cultural norms and access barriers often determine whether care is sought.
The declaration underscores the influence of religious institutions in Kenya, where a large majority of the population identifies with a faith tradition.
“Acknowledging that nearly 90% of Kenyans identify with a religious faith, placing faith leaders in a unique position of influence within families and communities,” the document states.
Faith leaders said that influence comes with responsibility.
“We therefore recognize this moment as a call to action to respond with courage, compassion, and leadership, and to speak into the realities our communities are facing today,” the declaration states.
The launch reflects a growing shift toward community-based healthcare approaches, where faith institutions are playing a larger role in guiding families and addressing challenges such as teenage pregnancy and adolescent wellbeing. 
Organizers said the success of the hub will depend on sustained collaboration between faith actors, government agencies and development partners, as well as the ability to translate commitments into measurable improvements in health outcomes.]]></content:encoded>
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                <title><![CDATA[Canadian evangelicals commend Alberta province for adding safeguards to medical assistance in dying law]]></title>
                <link>https://www.christiandaily.com/news/canadian-evangelicals-commend-alberta-province-for-adding-safeguards-to-medical-assistance-in-dying-law</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.christiandaily.com/news/canadian-evangelicals-commend-alberta-province-for-adding-safeguards-to-medical-assistance-in-dying-law</guid>
                                                            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris Eyte]]></dc:creator>
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                            <media:title><![CDATA[euthanasia]]></media:title>
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                                                                            <pubDate>Tue, 12 May 2026 13:20:00 -0400</pubDate>
                <description><![CDATA[Alberta has passed legislation adding safeguards to medical assistance in dying (MAiD) in a move praised by evangelical leaders.]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[
Alberta has passed legislation adding safeguards to medical assistance in dying (MAiD) in a move praised by evangelical leaders.
The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC) commended policymakers for passing Bill 18, the Safeguards for Last Resort Termination of Life Act, on April 22.
Under the new rules, MAiD is allowed only for adults who are expected to die within 12 months. The law also limits access where mental illness is the sole medical condition.
Julia Beazley, director of the EFC Centre for Faith and Public Life, told Christian Daily International that the move sets an example for other Canadian provinces.
“We're encouraged to see Alberta pass this legislation adding much-needed limits and safeguards to the delivery of medical assistance in dying (MAiD) in their province,” said Beazley.
“Alberta’s legislation doesn’t change the federal law, which allows MAiD as an exception under the homicide laws in certain circumstances. Provinces regulate how they deliver health care, and this is an example for other provinces of ways to protect Canadians in vulnerable circumstances.”
Beazley, on behalf of the EFC, sent a letter of commendation on April 27 to Mickey Amery, minister of justice and attorney general for the Government of Alberta, strongly supporting the bill. In the letter, Beazley said the law helps promote life-affirming care and puts in place safeguards to protect Albertans in vulnerable circumstances.
Beazley emphasized the importance of the law in complementing recommendations by the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) to repeal Track 2 MAiD, which assists people to die whose sole underlying medical condition is mental illness. She made a similar point about UN recommendations against MAiD for mature minors.
“We firmly believe that in order to protect persons from feeling pressured to request hastened death in moments of vulnerability and to avoid undue influence by medical professionals, it is essential that conversations about medical assistance in dying be patient-initiated,” wrote Beazley.
“Many faith-based institutions provide senior care, extended care and hospice care. The care they offer is an expression of the deeply held beliefs of the communities that provide the care. We are thankful these institutions will not be compelled to facilitate or allow assisted death on their premises.
“It is essential to maintain MAiD-free spaces where patients are not offered MAiD and do not feel pressured to seek it, and where medical professionals who object to MAiD are not required to participate in it. These spaces are a protection for both patients and staff.”
Alberta’s move follows similar restrictions in Quebec and comes ahead of the federal expansion of MAiD eligibility for mental illness, scheduled for March 2027. However, Alberta is the first province to restrict MAiD for patients who are not dying.
Derek Ross, executive director of Christian Legal Fellowship, in a March 23 article for The Globe and Mail, said about 76,000 Canadians have died from MAiD since it was legalized in 2016.
He said 5% of all deaths in Canada in 2024 occurred through MAiD, with reasons including “isolation, loneliness or being a perceived burden on others” cited by many who chose assisted dying.
“Some may feel that they have no other choice to escape their socioeconomic distress,” added Ross.
He pointed out that federal law only decriminalized MAiD in certain circumstances.
“The Criminal Code does not automatically add MAiD to provincial health care systems, nor could it, as that is a matter of provincial jurisdiction,” wrote Ross.
“The essence of Alberta’s legislation is to exclude certain forms of MAiD from health care in the province.”
Ross added that because the Criminal Code does not prohibit an act, it does not mean a province must perform, facilitate or fund it.
“While the federal government gets to determine what counts as a crime, each province gets to determine what counts as health care, and they may choose — as Alberta has done — to prioritize life-affirming care for patients,” he said.
Ross questioned how Canada can be committed to suicide prevention and supporting people with mental health issues at the same time as “offering them state-sponsored death.”
He added that any idea of MAiD offering “durable, error-free safeguards” is illusory.
He referred to 428 cases of MAiD in Ontario alone between 2018 and 2023 where assisted dying may have been provided illegally. “We ignore these reports at our own peril,” he added.
The legal expert said the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms does not require provinces to offer MAiD within health care systems for mental illness or for patients who are not dying.
“Given how MAiD has unfolded in Canada, it is increasingly difficult to argue that provinces are ever required to offer it as health care,” he wrote.
“Alberta is the first province to robustly challenge this idea. We hope it is not the last.”]]></content:encoded>
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                <title><![CDATA[Argentine pastors call for food and mental health emergency in Concordia]]></title>
                <link>https://www.christiandaily.com/news/concordia-pastors-call-for-food-and-mental-health-emergency</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.christiandaily.com/news/concordia-pastors-call-for-food-and-mental-health-emergency</guid>
                                                            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Lizzie Sotola]]></dc:creator>
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                            <media:title><![CDATA[poverty]]></media:title>
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                                    <![CDATA[ Photo by Freepik ]]>
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                                    <![CDATA[ The latest official data from the National Institute of Statistics and Census (INDEC) shows that 28.2% of people in Argentina were living in poverty during the second half of 2025, while 6.3% were living in extreme poverty. ]]>
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                                                                            <pubDate>Fri, 08 May 2026 13:02:00 -0400</pubDate>
                <description><![CDATA[Evangelical pastors in Concordia are calling on the local government to declare a food and mental health emergency due to the worsening social crisis affecting the city.]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[
Evangelical pastors in Concordia are calling on the local government to declare a food and mental health emergency due to the worsening social crisis affecting the city. The request was submitted by the United Pastors Association of Concordia (APUC) in a letter addressed to Mayor Francisco Azcué and the local City Council, according to the digital publication Elentrerios.
According to the National Institute of Statistics and Census (INDEC), poverty in Argentina reached 28.2% of the population during the second half of 2025, while extreme poverty rose to 6.3%. The official report, released in March 2026, estimated that around 13.5 million people in the country are living below the poverty line.
In their statement, the evangelical leaders warned about rising poverty, malnutrition, addiction and suicides. They said the social situation has “critically worsened” in recent months and called for urgent action to help vulnerable families.
The organization stressed that “official statistics are not just numbers,” but “human realities” affecting the community every day. They argued that current public policies are “insufficient given the magnitude of the crisis” and emphasized that protecting social welfare is a “fundamental responsibility of the state,” as reported by Redes de Noticias.
Among their main demands, APUC called for the immediate implementation of a food emergency under Provincial Law No. 11,140. They also requested a comprehensive nutritional assessment to determine the extent of malnutrition among children, seniors and other vulnerable groups in Concordia.
Pastors call for “dignified and legitimate” jobs
The pastors also urged officials to adopt policies focused on creating “dignified and legitimate” employment opportunities, as well as honoring previously signed institutional agreements, including the Pact of San Antonio de Padua and the July Pact, both local initiatives tied to social and community responsibility.
Another major point in the document was the request to declare a mental health emergency. The evangelical association expressed concern over the rise in substance abuse and suicides, describing these issues as part of the broader breakdown of the city’s social fabric.
In the letter, the religious leaders described families searching for food in garbage collection areas and people living on the streets. They argued that these problems cannot be solved through “stigmatization or displacement,” but instead require comprehensive policies that restore people’s dignity.
The pastors’ concerns come amid growing national debate over mental health care and social assistance. In recent days, several provincial organizations have also raised concerns about the state of the mental health care system and the need to strengthen public policies in this area.
Finally, the United Pastors Association of Concordia said it is not trying to “shift responsibility,” but rather to raise awareness about the urgent need for concrete action. The organization also reaffirmed its commitment to continuing to support people affected by poverty and violations of fundamental rights.
Originally published by Diario Cristiano, Christian Daily International's Spanish edition.]]></content:encoded>
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                <title><![CDATA[EFC urges Canadian policymakers to support people with mental illness, not expand assisted dying eligibility]]></title>
                <link>https://www.christiandaily.com/news/efc-urges-canadian-policymakers-to-support-people-with-mental-illness-not-expand-assisted-dying-eligibility</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.christiandaily.com/news/efc-urges-canadian-policymakers-to-support-people-with-mental-illness-not-expand-assisted-dying-eligibility</guid>
                                                            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris Eyte]]></dc:creator>
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                            <media:title><![CDATA[mental health]]></media:title>
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                                    <![CDATA[ Photo by Nik Shuliahin / Unsplash ]]>
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                                    <![CDATA[ People with mental illlness alone could opt for euthanasia in Canada from March 2027 unless planned legislation is repealed. ]]>
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                                                                            <pubDate>Tue, 05 May 2026 10:25:00 -0400</pubDate>
                <description><![CDATA[The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC) has told policymakers that plans to expand Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) for mentally unwell patients “fundamentally devalues human life and normalizes suicide.”]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[
The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC) has told policymakers that plans to expand Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) for mentally unwell patients “fundamentally devalues human life and normalizes suicide.”
MAiD had been reserved for those whose deaths were reasonably foreseeable but a 2019 court ruling expanded this requirement with “Track 2” introduced for those who suffer from a “grievous and irremediable” condition. The exclusion for mental unwellness for MAiD expires from March 17, 2027, under the current framework.
The EFC expressed concerns in a letter sent April 20 to the Special Joint Committee on Medical Assistance in Dying in Ottawa, which is currently reviewing the expiration of the exclusion.
“We are gravely concerned that expanding eligibility on the basis of mental illness would disproportionately impact marginalized Canadians and undermine suicide prevention in Canada,” wrote the EFC.
The EFC reminded the committee that the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, in an April 15, 2025 report, recommended that Canada repeal the expansion of “Track 2 MAiD” to allow people with mental illness to receive help to die.
The EFC added that the current system has serious problems, noting that the law does not require patients to try all available treatments.
Furthermore, the evangelical group pointed out that under existing frameworks, a psychiatrist is not strictly required for evaluation — a safeguard the EFC argues is essential if mental illness is ever included as an eligible condition.
“It only requires that eligible patients be informed of treatment options and seriously consider them,” read the EFC letter, noting Statistics Canada reporting a sharp increase in mental disorders in the past decade, especially within marginalized groups.
Other concerns include subjectivity in assessments — “What is a grievous or serious illness? An advanced state of irreversible decline? Who decides?”
The EFC feared that people with mental illness could face pressure to opt for MAiD and strongly urged robust safeguards to protect the vulnerable if the expansion goes ahead.
“MAID for mental illness must not become an option — and particularly not the most accessible option — when mental health care may not be accessible or affordable, when treatment and support are not available.”
In comments sent to Christian Daily International, Julia Beazley, director of the EFC’s Centre for Faith and Public Life, said each person carries intrinsic value as a creation of God.
“The idea that our lives can lose meaning or value with age, illness, loss of ability or capacity, or that some lives are less valuable than others, is so contrary to what the Bible teaches,” said Beazley.
“We believe that each and every person is made by God, in His image and loved by Him. Each person’s life has dignity and value as one who bears the image of God, and none of this depends on our health or social condition, on our age or abilities, or on our productivity. It is God who gives us life and has a purpose for our days.”
These biblical truths inform the EFC’s ongoing work on the issue of MAiD, added Beazley.
“We call out and stand against the implicit lie underlying our MAiD laws that says that some lives are no longer worth living and can — and maybe should — be ended,” she said. “This is a devaluing of life and it fosters despair.”
Beazley said the EFC continues to be concerned about approaches to mental illness in regard to medical assistance in dying.
“We are concerned that suicidal thoughts and a closed view of the future are symptoms of some mental illnesses,” said Beazley.
“There has been a significant increase in the number of Canadians experiencing mental illness, and at the same time, significant challenges accessing proper treatment. More people are struggling and there is a lack of accessible, affordable and timely services and support.
“This expansion will further normalize suicide and put at risk the lives of marginalized people.”
Beazley encouraged Christians to pray for family members, friends, and neighbors struggling with mental health issues. She also requested prayer for Canada’s leaders as they study the issue, and “for a law to be passed to stop the expansion.”
A private member’s bill, C-218, brought by Tamara Jansen, the Conservative Member of Parliament for Cloverdale—Langley City, could change the situation. The bill calls for people with mental illness to be excluded from MAiD and given better supportive treatment. The EFC is praying it will be accepted.
“We are also praying — and asking others to pray — that our society would see all lives as having meaning and value,” added Beazley.
“We pray for medical professionals to be able to care well for their patients, and for the ability to have MAiD-free spaces, to protect medical professionals and to offer patients a safe place where they know MAiD won’t be suggested to them.
“We pray that our churches would be places of welcome and safety, where people can share their struggles and find support and community.”]]></content:encoded>
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                <title><![CDATA[‘What caused you to not like who you are?’ De-transitioner urges churches to respond differently to gender identity struggles]]></title>
                <link>https://www.christiandaily.com/news/what-caused-you-to-not-like-who-you-are-de-transitioner-urges-churches-to-respond-differently-to-gender-identity-struggl</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.christiandaily.com/news/what-caused-you-to-not-like-who-you-are-de-transitioner-urges-churches-to-respond-differently-to-gender-identity-struggl</guid>
                                                            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Timothy Goropevsek]]></dc:creator>
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                            <media:title><![CDATA[Walt Heyer speaks during an interview.]]></media:title>
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                                    <![CDATA[ Jason Kempin/Getty Images ]]>
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                                    <![CDATA[ Walt Heyer speaks during an interview. File photo. Heyer, who previously underwent gender transition before later detransitioning, discussed gender identity, trauma and how churches can respond to people struggling with gender dysphoria in an interview with Christian Daily International. ]]>
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                                                                            <pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 02:25:00 -0400</pubDate>
                <description><![CDATA[When Walt Heyer speaks about gender identity, he does so as someone who spent years trying to escape himself. The 85-year-old author and speaker remembers the confusion that marked his childhood long before he underwent what he later came to describe as a failed attempt to become someone else.]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[
When Walt Heyer speaks about gender identity, he does so as someone who spent years trying to escape himself. The 85-year-old author and speaker remembers the confusion that marked his childhood long before he underwent what he later came to describe as a failed attempt to become someone else.
In an interview with Christian Daily International, Heyer repeatedly returned to one central conviction that he believes is key for pastors and Christian leaders to understand: people struggling with gender identity are often trying to flee pain, trauma or deep emotional distress rather than truly changing who they are.
“The most important thing for people to realize is that nobody can change their gender,” Heyer said. “A person can identify as a transgender. They can’t become one.”
Heyer, a former corporate executive who underwent gender reassignment surgery at age 42 and lived as a woman for eight years before later detransitioning, now speaks internationally about his experience. He has authored eight books and more than 60 articles and now serves as a senior fellow at the Family Research Council.
His latest book, “Embracing God’s Design,” co-authored with trauma researcher Jennifer Bauwens, seeks to equip pastors, families and churches to address questions surrounding gender identity through what the authors describe as biblical and psychological frameworks.
During the interview, Heyer spoke in direct and often very personal terms. He described childhood experiences that he believes shaped his later struggles with identity, beginning with his grandmother dressing him in girls’ clothing as a small child.
“Grandma cross-dressed me,” he said. “She caused the psychological emotional abuse. Then my dad physically abused me because of the dress, then because of the dress my uncle sexually molested me. And so all that before I was 10 years old.”
“Trying to escape some pain”
Heyer said those experiences left him deeply confused about himself for years. Looking back, he believes many people who identify as transgender are responding to unresolved wounds rather than pursuing a genuine change of sex.
“People who take on this identity called transgenderism are not trying to become a female or male,” he said. “They’re trying to escape some pain or discomfort or confusion they have.”
He linked his own eventual decision to undergo surgery to earlier trauma and fear.
“I’m sure this affected me in my later years, cutting off body parts so that no one would ever sexually molest me,” he said. “It was a protection against sexual molestation.”
Heyer stressed the importance of language, arguing that churches often adopt terminology that, in his view, reinforces confusion rather than helps people address underlying causes.
He objected strongly to the term “gender dysphoria,” describing it as a symptom rather than a diagnosis.
“If somebody has the diagnosis of gender dysphoria, then you need to change that to, ‘No, that’s a symptom of something down here that we need to work on,’” he said. “We need to find out what it is.”
The question he believes churches and counselors should ask people wrestling with identity issues is: “What caused you to not like who you are?”
“That’s the bottom line to this whole thing,” he said.
Churches facing fear and uncertainty
Heyer also addressed the uncertainty many churches feel when someone identifying as transgender begins attending services. He said congregations should avoid panic or hostility, but he also urged churches to respond intentionally rather than passively.
“The church needs to become educated in what language is appropriate,” he said. “Pastors and others really don’t know how to deal with it.”
Rather than leaving individuals isolated, he suggested churches appoint a trusted person — an elder, pastor or deacon — to walk alongside someone struggling with gender identity.
“You assign someone in the church to walk with that person,” he said. “Somebody that the church can fully trust and who’s got expertise in this.”
Heyer specifically suggested that individuals should write regular letters describing their struggles and spiritual journey and asking for prayer.
“Have that individual who’s struggling write a prayer letter every week,” he said. “Then they start praying for them.”
He described the process as a way of drawing people into community and spiritual accountability over time.
“And then over a period of time, can we expand this out to a larger group?” he said. “Can we have a home group that does this?”
For Heyer, willingness to engage in prayer is a significant indicator of whether someone is genuinely open to change.
“If you ask the person, ‘Can you write a prayer letter?’ and they say, ‘No, I’m not going to write a prayer letter,’ then you automatically tell them, ‘This is not a place we can help you,’” he said.
He believes it is important for the church to distinguish between what he described as a compliant posture toward faith and a defiant one.
“There’s the word compliant toward the fact that they believe Jesus Christ can restore their life and they’ll pray about it,” he said, contrasting it with “defiant where they don’t believe prayer works.”
Patience, prayer and long recovery
Heyer cautioned churches against expecting rapid transformation.
While he said some individuals may quickly rethink their identity after beginning deeper self-reflection, he described restoration as a process that often takes years.
“The expectation is maybe two or three years,” he said. “If they’ve struggled for 10 years, it might take them five years. If they struggled for 20, it might take them 10.”
Patience, he said, becomes essential.
“You have to be very patient,” he said. “This is where prayer really comes in handy and having them surrounded by people.”
At the same time, Heyer described moments where a single conversation triggered sudden reconsideration. “I’ve actually had people, when I’ve had that conversation, who struggled for many years,” he said. “Within a week, they’ve restored their life. They go, ‘This was nuts!’”
Still, he acknowledged that such cases are unusual. “Not everybody’s that healthy,” he said. “You can’t hit that all the time.”
What about pronouns?
Asked about how believers should deal with the sensitive issue of first names and pronouns, Heyer advised Christians not to use requested pronouns tied to a transgender identity. Instead, he suggested avoiding pronouns altogether or using surnames when necessary.
“When they say, ‘Use the pronouns,’ I can talk to you for three hours and never use a pronoun,” he said. “If they’re insisting on using the first name, then I insist on using their last name.”
He emphasized that, in his view, asking thoughtful questions can be more compassionate than affirming identity claims.
“The most caring, most wonderful thing you can do is get them to start having self-reflection,” he said.
Concerns about schools and culture
The conversation also touched on concerns many Christian parents face as discussions surrounding gender identity increasingly appear in schools and childhood environments in ways that previous generations did not experience.
Heyer expressed alarm about what children encounter in educational settings and said many parents feel they have little influence over those environments.
“Parents can’t control what goes on in school,” he said. “That’s the part that’s scary.”
He argued that schools often shape children more powerfully than family conversations once students enter those environments daily, and trans activists have been planting seeds in children’s minds.
“When they get to school, it’s their environment that they’re in that’s going to have bigger influence over their life,” he said.
Although he pointed to homeschooling or attending Christian schools as possible responses, he also acknowledged that many families around the world do not have that option.
The evidence has been there for decades
While the broader cultural debate surrounding gender identity has been developing for decades, Heyer emphasized that it has also been scientifically known for a long time that affirming someone’s gender identity and letting them transition is not a solution.
He referenced Dr. Charles Ihlenfeld, an endocrinologist and homosexual activist who, according to Heyer, administered hormone treatments to hundreds of men before later opposing gender transition procedures.
“He came out against it in 1979!” Heyer said. “He said, ‘I’ve worked with 500 of them, I’ve talked to them and I found too much unhappiness and too many have committed suicide.’”
Heyer also pointed to earlier media reporting questioning the effectiveness of sex-change surgeries. “We have all these data points,” he said. “It’s like the guy driving through a stop sign and finally he hits another car and crashes.”
Heyer argues it is important for churches to be informed in order not to be misled by mainstream narratives and trends that ignore the science and facts that have existed for a long time.
‘They never changed their gender’
Despite the emotional complexity surrounding gender identity, Heyer said he believes churches should approach the issue with hope rather than fear. Instead of viewing transgender-identifying individuals primarily through political or cultural conflict, churches should recognize pain, trauma and spiritual struggle.
For Heyer, the church’s task is not to treat gender identity struggles as uniquely strange or untouchable, but as part of the broader brokenness people experience in life.
“We work with people whose parents have died, people who’ve lost limbs, people who have cancer,” he said. “This is just something tragic that’s happened.”
“The most critical view of hope is that they never actually changed their gender,” he said. “We need to bring them back to how God created them.”
He emphasized that it is a scientific fact that men cannot become women and women cannot become men. Therefore, a person who underwent surgery has not in actuality changed their gender.
“No, they didn’t change them at the clinic,” Heyer said. “They don’t know how to do it. They’re not God.”
That perspective, he said, changes how congregations respond.]]></content:encoded>
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                <title><![CDATA[Assisted dying bill halted in UK House of Lords]]></title>
                <link>https://www.christiandaily.com/news/assisted-dying-bill-halted-in-uk-house-of-lords</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.christiandaily.com/news/assisted-dying-bill-halted-in-uk-house-of-lords</guid>
                                                            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris Eyte]]></dc:creator>
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                            <media:title><![CDATA[Assisted dying bill debated again in UK Houses of Parliament, Christian legal rights group voices concerns]]></media:title>
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                                    <![CDATA[ Sabine van Erp from Pixabay ]]>
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                                    <![CDATA[ The U.K. House of Lords halted progress on proposed assisted dying legislation after extensive debate and amendments, preventing the bill from advancing before the next parliamentary session. ]]>
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                                                                            <pubDate>Sat, 25 Apr 2026 04:48:00 -0400</pubDate>
                <description><![CDATA[A proposed assisted dying law in the United Kingdom has stalled in the House of Lords after failing to progress through the upper chamber on April 24, effectively halting the legislation ahead of the next parliamentary session.]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[
A proposed assisted dying law in the United Kingdom has stalled in the House of Lords after failing to progress through the upper chamber on April 24, effectively halting the legislation ahead of the next parliamentary session.
The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill sought to permit terminally ill adults with a prognosis of six months or less to receive assistance to end their lives under specified safeguards. However, extensive amendments and procedural delays during scrutiny in the Lords prevented the bill from advancing before prorogation and the King’s Speech scheduled for May 13.
Labour MP Kim Leadbeater introduced the private member’s bill, which passed the House of Commons in December 2024. Once in the Lords, it faced hundreds of proposed amendments, leading to prolonged debate.
Lord Charlie Falconer, who presented the bill in the Lords, expressed frustration at the process.
“I am despondent that this Bill, so important to so many, has failed not on its merits but as a result of procedural wrangling,” Falconer said. “There is no prospect that the Bill can get through this House today or before Prorogation ahead of the King’s Speech on May 13.”
“We have reached no conclusion on any part of the Bill or on the question of whether we should return the Bill to the Commons,” he added.
A spokesman for the Christian Medical Fellowship said the extensive debate demonstrated that the bill could not provide a safe or workable framework for assisted suicide.
“As with the rejection of similar proposals in the Scottish Parliament, detailed scrutiny has exposed the inherent risks in this legislation,” the spokesman said.
“Far from being refined, the debate has raised serious concerns that the bill’s sponsors have not addressed. Its failure to progress highlights a difficult but important truth: it is not possible to construct an assisted suicide service that is safe, equitable, and resistant to placing unacceptable pressure on the most vulnerable.”
The spokesman also pointed to polling published April 22 indicating that a majority of MPs share concerns about insufficient safeguards in the bill and do not view the Lords’ actions as creating a constitutional crisis.
Additional polling earlier this month suggested that the British public believes the Lords has a “moral obligation” to block legislation that could put vulnerable people at risk, he said.
“CMF is therefore relieved that the House of Lords has fulfilled its constitutional role by subjecting this bill to careful scrutiny, with the support of MPs and the British public. In doing so, it has demonstrated that the risks involved are simply too great,” the spokesman added.
“We continue to advocate for high-quality palliative care and compassionate support for all patients at the end of life.”]]></content:encoded>
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                <title><![CDATA[New hospital in Rwanda set to be the hub of faith-based healthcare and training in Africa]]></title>
                <link>https://www.christiandaily.com/news/new-hospital-in-rwanda-set-to-be-the-hub-of-faith-based-healthcare-and-training-in-africa</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.christiandaily.com/news/new-hospital-in-rwanda-set-to-be-the-hub-of-faith-based-healthcare-and-training-in-africa</guid>
                                                            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Vincent Matinde]]></dc:creator>
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                            <media:title><![CDATA[GFA Rwanda hospital]]></media:title>
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                                    <![CDATA[ GFA ]]>
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                                    <![CDATA[ GFA World said it plans to open a 300-bed specialist hospital in June as part of a broader effort to establish a medical university and research center in the country. ]]>
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                                                                            <pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2026 02:55:00 -0400</pubDate>
                <description><![CDATA[A U.S.-based Christian mission organization is launching an ambitious healthcare initiative in Rwanda, aiming to train thousands of African medical workers and expand access to care across underserved communities.]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[
A U.S.-based Christian mission organization is launching an ambitious healthcare initiative in Rwanda, aiming to train thousands of African medical workers and expand access to care across underserved communities.
GFA World said it plans to open a 300-bed specialist hospital by the end of 2026 as part of a broader effort to establish a medical university and research center in the country.
The organization described the project as a vision to launch “Christ-centered healthcare” and help bring “transformation to communities across Africa.” 
The Rwanda facility is expected to serve as a continental hub, training African doctors, nurses and researchers while supporting outreach programs in remote areas.
“This hospital will be a catalyst for impact, bringing both much-needed medical care as well as the love of Christ to people in need of both,” said Bishop Daniel, president of GFA World. 
The hospital will offer specialized services including cardiology, neurology and intensive care, with the organization projecting that it will treat more than 500,000 patients within its first two years.
The project is part of a wider 10-year plan that includes training 10,000 African missionaries and reaching 100,000 communities through medical programs such as clinics and outreach camps.
GFA World said the initiative also aims to provide clean drinking water for millions through projects such as “Jesus Wells” and other water systems. The organization framed the effort as both a healthcare and spiritual mission.
The Rwanda project is intended to serve as a launchpad for expansion across the continent.
“The new medical hub in Rwanda will be the launchpad for community projects across Africa - creating a sustainable model for faith-based healthcare,” the organization said. 
Plans for the site extend beyond the hospital itself. The organization said it will include a medical university and an advanced research center focused on areas such as oncology and transplants. The goal is to equip African professionals to lead future efforts.
“The project includes building a network of local and international partnerships, training thousands of new African medical professionals and missionaries, with African nationals central to the future,” the organization said. 
The initiative traces its origins to 2019, when church leaders in Rwanda invited the organization to begin work in the country.
“The organization’s vision began to take shape in 2019 when Rwandan church leaders extended an invitation to begin working in Rwanda, including establishing a hospital to serve the nation,” the statement said. 
The hospital is modeled after a similar facility in Asia that has been operating for more than a decade and serves about 2,000 outpatients daily.
The announcement comes as Africa continues to face major healthcare challenges, including workforce shortages and limited access to essential services.
Access to healthcare services remains uneven. Africa continues to face significant healthcare workforce gaps. The World Health Organization and Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention estimate the continent could face a shortfall of more than 6 million health workers by 2030. 
A 2024 study published in BMJ Global Health found the region needed about 9.75 million health workers in 2022 but had only 4.17 million, leaving a gap of more than 5 million. 
In many countries, workforce density remains low, with fewer than 2.3 health workers per 1,000 people, according to World Bank data. Doctor-to-patient ratios remain far below global averages, with some regions having fewer than one doctor per 1,000 people.
These challenges have created space for faith-based organizations to play a larger role in delivering healthcare. GFA World said its model focuses on combining medical care with long-term community development.
“Together, we can lay the foundation for transformational, Christ-centered change across the continent,” Bishop Daniel said. 
The organization said it has already seen early impact in Rwanda through existing programs.
“We’re already seeing community transformation in Rwanda, through the brothers and sisters ministering there now,” Bishop Daniel said. 
The expansion reflects a broader trend of faith-based groups investing in healthcare infrastructure across Africa, particularly in areas where government systems face constraints.
By focusing on training local professionals, the Rwanda project aims to build long-term capacity while extending services into underserved regions.
The inclusion of clean water initiatives also addresses underlying health challenges linked to waterborne diseases and sanitation.
As construction nears completion, the hospital is expected to begin operations in June, marking a significant step in the organization’s plans to scale its model across the continent.
For GFA World, the Rwanda facility is considered a starting point that is intended to serve as a foundation for a wider effort to expand healthcare access while advancing its mission.]]></content:encoded>
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                <title><![CDATA['Ver para Creer' brings vision care and evangelism to the most overlooked communities in Argentina]]></title>
                <link>https://www.christiandaily.com/news/ver-para-creer-brings-vision-care-and-evangelism-to-the-most-overlooked-communities-in-argentina</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.christiandaily.com/news/ver-para-creer-brings-vision-care-and-evangelism-to-the-most-overlooked-communities-in-argentina</guid>
                                                            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Lizzie Sotola]]></dc:creator>
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                            <media:title><![CDATA[Ver para Creer]]></media:title>
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                                    <![CDATA[ Photo: Ver para Creer ]]>
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                                    <![CDATA[ The program began around 2010 and is now looking to expand nationwide. The team currently consists of eight to nine people, but the goal is much more ambitious. ]]>
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                                                                            <pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 03:45:00 -0400</pubDate>
                <description><![CDATA[In many towns in Argentina’s interior, access to a basic eye exam can be a luxury. In that context, “Ver para Creer” (“Seeing to Believe”) was created—an evangelism-focused organization that provides vision care to people who otherwise lack access.]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[
In many towns in Argentina’s interior, access to a basic eye exam can be a luxury. In that context, “Ver para Creer” (“Seeing to Believe”) was created—an evangelism-focused organization that provides vision care to people who otherwise lack access.
“It’s a primary eye care program for people who don’t have access to this specialty in places where access to such care is extremely limited,” explained its founder, Daniel Domínguez, in an exclusive interview with Diario Cristiano, Christian Daily International's Spanish edition.
The situation is clear: there are regions where specialists simply don’t exist. “There are many places in Argentina where people have no access to even a basic eye exam,” Domínguez said.
Faced with this reality, the team flips the usual model—they don’t wait for patients; they go out to find them. “We go to these places and serve people. They’re diagnosed, given prescriptions, and in most cases we try to provide them with glasses,” he said.
Access to vision care is limited not only by distance but also by cost. Domínguez explains that “an eye exam costs between 50,000 and 80,000 pesos (about $40 to $70 U.S. dollars just for the visit)… plus travel, lodging, and food. That’s a lot of money for people who don’t have access.”
That’s why the program directly targets those left out of the system. “We go out in search of those patients,” he said, reflecting both a sense of responsibility and a desire to bridge that gap.
But the initiative goes beyond healthcare. The project’s identity is explicitly Christian and strongly evangelistic. “Throughout the entire process… we share God’s love, the gospel, and the message of Jesus Christ,” Domínguez said.
The campaigns are carried out in partnership with local churches, which not only provide space but also continue spiritual follow-up. “It’s both a vision care initiative and an evangelistic campaign, because it is fundamentally evangelistic,” he added.
The process is simple: mobile clinics are set up in schools, parishes, or community centers. There, exams and diagnoses are performed, and in many cases glasses are provided on the spot.
They also serve incarcerated individuals, bringing equipment, glasses, and the Word of God, along with biblical materials for evangelism and spiritual growth.
The initiative also follows a strategic missionary approach. “I always tell pastors that these are guaranteed evangelistic campaigns,” Dominguez says.
Unlike other events where attendance is uncertain, here the need draws people in. “People come on their own… they line up. So you have 100 to 200 people a day, sharing the gospel with them three or four times,” he explained.
This direct contact opens the door for follow-up by local churches. “It ensures that they receive the message of the gospel,” he emphasized.
The program began around 2010 and now aims to expand across the entire country. The team currently consists of eight to nine people, but the vision is much bigger.
“My dream is for every province to have a ‘Ver para Creer’ team,” Domínguez said, with the goal of reaching “the most remote places in the country.”
With upcoming campaigns planned—including a recent one in Fuerte Apache, a disadvantaged neighborhood in Buenos Aires—the organization continues its mission of combining practical assistance with the proclamation of the gospel in places where both are often scarce.
Originally published by Diario Cristiano, Christian Daily International's Spanish edition.]]></content:encoded>
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