Faith
Taliban Enacts Slavery, Targets Women’s Rights
Faith Facts
- The Taliban’s supreme leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, has signed a new criminal procedure code in Afghanistan that restores slavery and installs a class-based justice system.
- The 119-article law assigns Afghans to categories like religious scholars, elites, middle class, and lower class, determining different penalties based on status, and explicitly acknowledges both “free persons” and “slaves.”
- The code strips away due process, expands corporal punishment, and heavily restricts women’s freedoms, while omitting basic legal rights and institutionalizing gender-based discrimination.
The new Afghan criminal code, implemented by the Taliban, undermines the God-given value of every individual by establishing both slavery and privilege based on class, in clear defiance of biblical justice and dignity for all. International observers warn this codification deepens human rights abuses and worsens persecution for women and Christians.
“The Taliban has now approved the return of slavery in Afghanistan. We must defund the Taliban,” Jim Risch, R-Idaho, chairman of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, wrote on X. “Not only is it counter to US interests and an affront to all military members who served there, but the Taliban continue to slide farther backwards.”
This law enables harsh punishments for those who abandon Islam and tolerates only minimal consequences for abuse against women—policies that run counter to Christian teachings on the sanctity of women and family. High-level Taliban infighting on issues like education exposes instability and calls for prayer for those bravely providing underground education and hope to Afghan families.
Now more than ever, it is vital for believers to advocate for justice, support persecuted people, and shine the light of truth in the darkness. Let us pray for the restoration of freedom and dignity in Afghanistan and stand firm for righteousness in our world.
Faith Facts
- The Church of England’s disciplinary president found no grounds for action against Archbishop Stephen Cottrell regarding his handling of safeguarding complaints.
- Archbishop Cottrell expressed regret over past decisions and committed to a survivor-centered approach moving forward.
- Significant improvements have been made to the Church’s safeguarding standards in recent years.
Archbishop Stephen Cottrell was cleared of misconduct following a detailed review of his response to concerns about former priest David Tudor. Sir Stephen Males determined there was no authority to remove Tudor at the time the issues were raised.
The Archbishop acknowledged mistakes in how the situation was managed and expressed sorrow for the impact on those affected.
“With today’s trauma-informed understanding – which rightly places greater emphasis on listening carefully to survivors and recognising the lasting harm caused by abuse – I would take a different approach now.”
He affirmed his commitment to improving safeguarding practices and meeting with survivors to ensure a safer church for all.
As Christians, we must continue to pray for healing, justice, and integrity in our church leaders, standing firm in our calling to uphold truth and compassion in every circumstance.
Faith Facts
- for KING + COUNTRY’s new single “Ever & Ever Before” centers on lasting commitment in marriage.
- The song features contributions from both Joel and Luke Smallbone’s wives, highlighting family bonds.
- The lyrics focus on perseverance, resilience, and deepening love through challenges.
Grammy-winning brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone released “Ever & Ever Before” as a heartfelt tribute rooted in faithfulness and perseverance. This release uplifts the biblical value of covenant marriage, reminding believers of God’s design for enduring love.
“This song isn’t about the fireworks at the beginning,” Joel Smallbone said. “It’s about the long haul, and choosing to choose each other again and again.”
“Ever & Ever Before feels like a reflection and a celebration of the years of marriage we’ve shared with our wives,” Luke Smallbone explained. “It just keeps getting better and better with time, and to have both MŌRIAH and Courtney lend their voices once more to a project like this is a special moment for us.”
The lyrics tell a story that moves from the joys of first meeting to the strength built by facing trials together.
It echoes Christian teachings on the sanctity of marital vows. Each verse highlights faith, hope, and enduring love as the foundation for family success.
for KING + COUNTRY’s impact also extends to film with their documentary “NO TURNING BACK.”
It reflects their dedication to sharing Christian truth through multiple creative mediums. Their current music further inspires listeners to steadfastly honor God through marriage and family life.
Faith Facts
- The Catholic Church in Scotland has publicly supported new legislation to criminalize the purchase of sex.
- The bill seeks to clear previous convictions for soliciting and provide support for those affected by prostitution.
- Bishop John Keenan emphasized the need for protecting vulnerable people and addressing the harms of prostitution.
Scottish church leaders are standing behind a bill designed to address the demand for prostitution and care for individuals who have suffered its effects. The legislation, proposed by Ash Regan MSP, places responsibility on those who purchase sexual acts while offering practical help and a fresh start to the exploited.
The bishops highlight that this approach targets vulnerability and trauma, supporting those most deeply impacted by society’s failings. By removing the punishment from victims and focusing on eradicating exploitation, the Church calls for justice rooted in compassion.
“Evidence from Scotland and beyond demonstrates that prostitution is deeply rooted in vulnerability. A disproportionate number of those involved have experienced childhood sexual abuse, time in care, grooming, and other forms of trauma,” Bishop Keenan stated.
The Church also notes the bill’s potential to reduce human trafficking tied to the sex trade, underlining a Christian duty to defend dignity and freedom. With Parliament set to scrutinize the law, bishops urge leaders to seize this chance and champion the rights of women and girls in line with Biblical values.
Let us pray that Scotland’s leaders choose to advance laws that uphold the worth of all people and protect the innocent from harm. Stay informed on how faith continues to shape crucial debates in our society.
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