An analytical report on persecution of Christians in many countries around the world was released today by Aid to the Church in Need.  The document, entitled Persecuted and Forgotten? A report on Christians oppressed for their faith, 2007/2008, indicates that, in 17 of the 30 countries, Christian persecution has intensified during the past year.  In [...]

An editorial in St Louis Jewish Light points out that Christian leaders have been silent while Christians in India and Iraq are killed, dispossessed, and driven into refugee camps or exile. This stands in stark contrast to frequent public statements regarding certain other purported injustices elsewhere in the world.
Even more perplexing is the seeming [...]

In Kosovo, descendants of Roman Catholics who converted to Islam under duress when the Ottoman Turks governed the Balkans are returning to the fold. For centuries, these families lived as Muslims in public but Catholics in private. Now they are coming out of hiding to continue their families’ beliefs.
Hundreds of Kosovar Albanians gather [...]

The increasing number of people who describe themselves “spiritual but not religious” poses a problem for the church because such people tend to stay away from organised religious institutions and activities. But what does it really mean to say one is “spiritual but not religious”?
After interviewing many American SBNRs (spiritual but not religious), [...]

Skin creams can make skin drier — Science Daily, 23 Oct

Malaysia’s National Fatwa Council (!) has issued an edict banning unlady-like behaviour in women, or “tomboyism”. Women dressing or behaving like men is said to be forbidden in Islam.
According to the chairman of the National Fatwa Council, Abdul Shukor Husin, many young women admire the was [sic] men dress and behave, which is a [...]