Uganda Pastor Killed, Two Injured In Islamic Attacks
New evidence has emerged of violence against Christian converts in Uganda where a pastor was killed, and two Christians seriously wounded for their faith in Christ, Worthy News learned.
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Russia says its air defense systems in Syria intercepted Israeli missiles
Russian anti-aircraft artillery systems in Syria intercepted a number of missiles launched by Israel in airstrikes this week in an area southeast of Aleppo, according to a Russian military official.
Belarus Detains Christian Missionary Amid Crackdown
Belarus has detained a Christian missionary as part of a massive crackdown on those deemed dangerous to the government, Christians told Worthy News.
US, Germany reach a deal on its controversial pipeline to Russia
The Biden administration announced an agreement with Germany on Wednesday that would allow the completion of the controversial Russian Nord Stream 2 pipeline.
Putin hails Russia’s air power as new fighter goes on view
Russian aircraft makers on Tuesday unveiled a prototype of a new fighter jet that features stealth capabilities and other advanced characteristics and will be offered to foreign buyers.
Ben & Jerry’s will stop sales in Israeli settlements of West Bank and East Jerusalem
The US-based ice cream company Ben & Jerry’s announced Monday it will continue doing business with Israel, but will stop sales in Israeli settlements of East Jerusalem and the West Bank, areas it referred to as Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT). The Israel-targeted Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement has pressured Ben & Jerry’s to make such a move for years.
US said to weigh sanctions on Iran’s oil sales to China if nuke talks fail
US President Joe Biden’s administration is weighing fresh sanctions targeting Iranian crude oil sales to China if Tehran hinders ongoing talks aimed at reviving the 2015 nuclear deal, a report said Monday.
England lifts COVID-19 restrictions as cases rise again
England celebrated the end of many grueling months of COVID-19 restrictions as of midnight Monday, but the lifting of all restrictions came amid a surge in infections and warnings about supermarket shortages, Ynet News reports. Following an intense nationwide inoculation drive, 87% of the UK population has now received at least one dose of the vaccine; 68% of the population is fully vaccinated.
UK Survey shows significant increase in church attendances after services moved online for pandemic
A new UK survey has shown that 43% of pastors reported an increase in attendance after their church services went online during the pandemic, Christian Today reports. Carried out by the Bible Society on behalf of the UK’s Ecclesiastical Insurance company, the poll surveyed 1,000 church leaders in May this year.
Lithuania Accuses Belarus Of Supporting Migrants Influx
Lithuania has accused neighboring Belarus of flying in migrants from abroad to send to the European Union where they seek a better life. As a result, the government says it plans to build a barrier on the border and deploy troops to prevent them from crossing illegally into its territory.
Uganda persecution: Islamic extremists burn pastor to death
In the latest act of violent persecution against Christians in Uganda, Islamic extremists burned a pastor to death on June 30, leaving a note by his remains saying: ‘Your enmity to Islam is what you have reaped,’ Morning Star News reports.
Israel pushing US to keep Trump sanctions on Iran, even if nuke deal resurrected
Recognizing that the Biden administration is intent on returning to the Iran nuclear agreement in its original form, Israel has focused on convincing the US to leave in place sanctions instituted by former president Donald Trump after the 2015 accord was signed, an Israeli official told The Times of Israel on Wednesday.
Belarus President’s Challenger Sentenced To 14 Years Jail
A former challenger of the autocratic president of Belarus has been sentenced to 14 years imprisonment. Viktor Babaryko received the penalty for alleged financial wrongdoing, charges he says are politically motivated. The jail term is another setback for thousands of people demanding change in the former Soviet nation.
Protestant leaders accuse Indonesian government of perpetuating unrest and division
Protestant Church leaders in Indonesia have accused Jakarta of perpetuating unrest and division instead of addressing human rights violations in the country, International Christian Concern reports. The Protestant Church Council, which comprises the Indonesian Christian Church in Papua, the Kemah Injili Church, and the Evangelical Church in Indonesia, published its accusations in a June 2 statement.
Belarus Accuses US Of Supporting Coup, Closes Border With Ukraine
Belarus accuses the United States and several of its allies of organizing a coup and says it has closed its border with Ukraine from where weapons allegedly arrive. The autocratic president of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, said the illegal arms deliveries were coordinated by Washington and some European nations.
Sen. Rand Paul slams delta variant ‘fear mongers,’ citing .08% death rate within unvaccinated group
Kentucky GOP Sen. Rand Paul is telling Twitter followers to not let the ‘fearmongers’ win, amid growing concerns about the newest delta variant of the coronavirus.
Biden tells Rivlin he won’t allow Iranian nukes on his watch
US President Joe Biden sought to assure Israel that he would not tolerate a nuclear Iran as he met with outgoing Israeli President Reuven Rivlin on Monday amid growing angst over the US administration’s effort to reenter the Iran nuclear deal.
Federal judge tosses FTC and states’ antitrust lawsuits against Facebook
A federal judge on Monday dismissed antitrust lawsuits against Facebook brought by the Federal Trade Commission and by attorneys general for 46 states plus D.C. and Guam.
Iran-backed militias said to fire projectiles at US base in Syria
Pro-Iranian militias fired several shells at a US base in eastern Syria’s Al-Omar oil field on Monday night, causing damage but no casualties, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.
India persecution: Tribal animists force Christians to leave their homes
More than 50 Christians from 13 families have recently been forced to leave their villages and escape into the jungle of India’s Odisha state by tribal animists enraged at the believers’ faith in Christ, Morning Star News reported Friday. India ranks 10 on the US Open Doors Watch List of countries that persecute Christians.