Japan, Jordan Await News of Prisoner Swap with Islamic State
Leaders in Jordan and Japan are anxiously awaiting word of the fate of a Jordanian air force pilot and a Japanese journalist following a planned prisoner swap with the Islamic State.
Pilots Turned Off Important Computers Ahead of AirAsia 8501 Crash, Source Says
As the investigation into the downed AirAsia Flight 8501 continues, sourcess say pilots of the aircraft disabled computers shotly before the plane crashed into the Java Sea.
Indonesia To Execute 11 More Convicts On Death Row, Including 7 Foreigners
The Indonesian government is set to execute by firing squad 11 more convicts in death row including seven foreigners who are serving sentences for drug-related offenses.
Facebook Censors Prophet Muhammad Images Despite Mark Zuckerberg Promoting Importance Of Free Speech
Facebook has agreed to censor images of the prophet Muhammad in Turkey just two weeks after its chief executive officer, Mark Zuckerberg, posted a personal statement on Facebook about the importance of free speech with the hashtag #JeSuisCharlie, the Washington Post reported.
Malaysia Authorities Declare MH370 Disappearance an 'Accident'
Malaysian authorities announced this week that the mysterious disappearance of Malaysia Airlines flight 370 has been declared an accident so grieving family members may receive compensation claims.
ISIS Japan Hostage News Update: Kenji Goto Friends Launch Online Petition Urging Jordan to Help
Friends of Japanese hostage Kenji Goto launched an online petition urging Jordan to save him and 1st Lt. Mu'ath al-Kaseasbeh, who are being held by Islamic State in Syria.
Taking A Selfie Is A Sin, Declares Muslim Cleric; Slams Islamic Women Who Take Selfies
An Indonesian Muslim cleric has declared that taking selfies is a sin as he criticized Muslim women for shamelessly posting selfies.
Australia's Tony Abbott Presses For Conscience Vote On Race Law Amendment Amid Free Speech Debate
Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott is being pressed for a conscience vote on a proposal to amend a race reform law amid the controversy over free speech spawned by the cartoons made by the French satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo on Prophet Mohamed, The Australian reported on Wednesday.
Mother of Japanese Hostage Held By Islamic State Pleads For Son's Release
The Japanese mother of one of the hostages held by the Islamic State has issued a plea to the Japanese Prime Minister to help free her son.
Michelle Obama Sparks Backlash By Forgoing Headscarf In Saudi Arabia
First Lady Michelle Obama is sparking backlash after she failed to wear a headscarf during a recent visit to the conservative Middle Eastern country of Saudi Arabia.
Obama, Top Officials Pay Respects to Deceased Saudi King
During his visit to Saudi Arabia this week, President Barack Obama reiterated the U.S.\'s alliance with the oil-rich Middle Eastern country, paying his respects to diseased King Abdullah.
Latest News
NC County Appeals Preliminary Injunction in Summit Church Zoning Lawsuit
A North Carolina county has argued that its legal battle with former Southern Baptist Convention President J.D. Greear’s The Summit Church over a proposed campus expansion centers on the limits of federal court authority rather than allegations of religious discrimination.
Megachurch Pastor’s Political Endorsements Renew Debate Over Johnson Amendment
A New Mexico megachurch pastor has publicly backed two Republican candidates in the 2026 midterm elections, renewing debate over federal rules restricting political campaign involvement by tax-exempt religious organizations. Steve Smothermon, pastor of Legacy Church, has reportedly urged members of his congregation to support Republican congressional candidates.
Arkansas Named Most Pro-Life State for Seventh Straight Year, Oregon Ranks Last
Arkansas has been named the most pro-life state in the United States for the seventh consecutive year in an annual ranking by Americans United for Life (AUL), which also recognized Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill for her legal efforts challenging federal abortion pill regulations. The advocacy organization released its 2027 Life List on Wednesday, evaluating all 50 states according to laws addressing “all bioethical issues from conception to natural death, not just abortion.”
Zelensky Defends Religious Freedom in Ukraine Amid Christian Persecution Claims
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected allegations that his government is persecuting Christians, defending religious freedom in Ukraine and criticizing American political commentator Tucker Carlson for making claims about a country he suggested Carlson had never visited. Zelensky addressed the accusations during a Saturday interview with Tony Perkins on “This Week on Capitol Hill.”
54% of Protestant Pastors Say Economic Conditions Are Hurting Their Churches
More than half of Protestant pastors in the United States say economic conditions are negatively affecting their congregations, as church donations continue to lag behind inflation, according to a new Lifeway Research survey. The annual study found that 54% of pastors believe the economy is hurting their churches, compared with 36% who reported no impact and 8% who described its effects as positive.