EU Warns Pakistan's Trade Status Over Human Rights Concerns

EU Warns Pakistan's Trade Status Over Human Rights Concerns

Pakistan's preferential trade status could be at risk if it fails to address human rights issues, including controversial blasphemy laws, forced marriages and conversions of religious minority girls, and freedom of religion, according to a European Union (EU) delegation. The delegation, led by EU Special Representative on Human Rights Olof Skoog, issued a warning in a press statement on Friday, indicating that Pakistan should not take its Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) status for
  • Protestant Pastor Detained in Vietnam for Allegedly Spreading Anti-State Messages
    Vietnamese authorities have arrested 71-year-old Pastor Nguyen Manh Hung in Ho Chi Minh City, charging him with spreading “anti-state propaganda.” According to Radio Free Asia, the police conducted a raid on Pastor Nguyen's home, reportedly cutting off electricity before entering.
  • Iranian Christians Experience Sixfold Surge in Prison Sentences in 2024
    Three Christians who were rearrested for their faith in Iran were subjected to torture, as it has been revealed that prison sentences for Christians in the country increased sixfold in 2024, according to a recent report. Article 18, a London-based religious freedom NGO, released its annual report this month detailing rights violations against Christians in Iran.

Ancient Structure from First Temple Period Discovered in Jerusalem's City of David

A structure used for ritual religious practices from the First Temple Period has been uncovered on the eastern slope of the City of David, according to All Israel News. The structure uncovered by the Israel Antiquities Authority consists of eight rock-hewn rooms, including a standing stone (matzeva), an olive oil press, and a winepress, all used to provide oil and wine for rituals.
  • Israel and Hamas Reach Agreement for Ceasefire and Hostage Release
    Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire deal that is expected to halt fighting in the Gaza Strip temporarily. The agreement aims to secure the release of hostages taken by the terror group since October 7, 2023. A U.S. official informed The Jerusalem Post that both parties agreed to the ceasefire and hostage arrangement, while an Israeli official confirmed that “differences in negotiations” had been resolved.
  • UK Council Instructs Staff to Ban Use of ‘Christian’ Names to Foster Inclusivity
    Sutton Council in south London has instructed employees to avoid asking for “Christian” names and to use “first name, forename, or given name,” while also eliminating other religious and gender-related terms. This guidance states that staff should no longer ask members of the public for their “Christian” name and advises using “first name, forename, or given name” instead.
  • Eternal Wall: A New Christian Monument to Document Global Answered Prayers
    The largest Christian monument, the Eternal Wall of Answered Prayer is one step closer to being established in the United Kingdom. With initial wind tunnel testing planned for February, designers envision the monument as an “ongoing testimony to God’s faithfulness,” inviting Christians globally to share their stories of answered prayers.
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  • Archaeologists Find Byzantine Monastery with Deuteronomy Mosaic Near Kiryat Gat

    An ancient Christian monastery has been discovered north of Kiryat Gat, as announced by the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA). The IAA stated, “The monastery is dated to the Byzantine period (fifth to sixth centuries CE), and it is part of an ancient site that already existed during the Roman period and continued for approximately 600 years.” 

  • 10-Year-Old Boy Discovers 100-Year-Old Cross Medallion in Jerusalem

    A remarkable discovery was made by a 10-year-old boy during a school field trip to Ein Kerem in the Judean Hills. Nehorai Nir discovered a golden medallion with a micro-mosaic technique, which was later examined by Amit Re’em, the Jerusalem District Archaeologist for the Israel Antiquities Authority, according to the Jerusalem Post.

  • Tragic Attack in Nigeria: 14 Christians, Including Toddler Killed After Christmas Service

    Fourteen Christians, including a 1-year-old girl and a pregnant woman, were slain in Plateau State, Nigeria, following a Christmas carol service. This incident marks the latest assault in a series of attacks against the Irigwe tribe in the north-central region of the country. The incident occurred last Sunday, approximately 22 miles from Jos, at the Evangelical Church Winning All.

  • Discovery of 1,700-Year-Old Lamp with Jewish Temple Symbols Found in Jerusalem

    A rare 1,700-year-old lamp featuring Jewish Temple symbols has been uncovered in Jerusalem, as announced by the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) on Thursday. According to All Israel News, Excavation Director Michael Chernin emphasized the significance of the ancient artifact, which he called the Mount of Olives lamp.

  • Hamas and PA Governance Leads to Drastic Decline of Christians

    A new study suggests that the Christian population in areas governed by the Palestinian Authority and Hamas has drastically decreased by up to 90% in some communities, citing violence, discrimination, and economic hardships as threats to the survival of Christianity. Over the past century, the Christian demographic in Palestinian territories has experienced a dramatic reduction.

  • Protests Erupt in Syria as Christians Respond to Burning of Christmas Tree

    Thousands of Christians in the Syrian capital of Damascus protested regarding the burning down of a large Christmas tree in the town of Al-Suqalabiyah, located near the city of Hama. This incident occurred on Monday, just weeks after the fall of longtime dictator Bashar al-Assad.

  • ‘World of Jesus’ Exhibit Unveils James’ Ossuary Alongside 350 Artifacts

    An extraordinary exhibit titled "Discovering the World of Jesus: Ancient Treasures from the Holy Land" opened on December 3 at Pullman Yards in Atlanta, showcasing stories and artifacts from 2,000 years ago. The exhibition features over 350 artifacts from the private collection of Oded Golan, an Israeli engineer and antiquities collector, promising visitors a visceral journey through the time of Jesus, from His birth to the Resurrection.

  • Tragedy at Germany Christmas Market: 5 Dead and More Than 200 Injured

    The death toll from a terror attack at a Christmas market in the German city of Magdeburg has risen to five on Saturday. In the early evening, a man identified as Taleb Al, a Saudi-born psychiatrist, drove his rented black BMW into a crowd, injuring over 200 people, with 40 of the wounded in severely critical condition.
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