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British Bishop Pleads for Hong Kong Christian Publisher’s Freedom

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2 months ago

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Faith Facts

  • Jimmy Lai, a 76-year-old Christian publisher and pro-democracy advocate, has been imprisoned in Hong Kong for over three years on charges widely viewed as politically motivated.
  • Bishop Philip North of Blackburn is urging Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to advocate for Lai’s release during upcoming trade talks with Hong Kong officials.
  • Lai converted to Christianity following Hong Kong’s handover to China in 1997, finding faith during a period of profound uncertainty about the region’s future.

A prominent British bishop is calling on a regional political leader to intervene on behalf of a persecuted Christian publisher languishing in a Hong Kong prison. Bishop Philip North of Blackburn has issued an urgent appeal to Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, to use his platform to advocate for the release of Jimmy Lai during planned trade discussions with Hong Kong representatives.

Jimmy Lai, 76, is a successful businessman, newspaper founder, and outspoken Christian who has become one of the most high-profile prisoners of conscience in Hong Kong. He has been detained for more than three years on charges that human rights organizations internationally have condemned as a pretext for silencing political dissent. Lai’s imprisonment has drawn widespread criticism from faith leaders, human rights advocates, and government officials across the Western world.

Bishop North’s appeal comes as Mayor Burnham prepares for trade talks with Hong Kong officials. The bishop is urging Burnham to place human rights and religious freedom at the center of these discussions, rather than focusing solely on economic considerations. The call represents a growing movement among Christian leaders to prioritize the defense of persecuted believers in international diplomatic and trade relations.

“I am writing to urge you to use your position to advocate for the release of Jimmy Lai, a British citizen and committed Christian who has been unjustly imprisoned in Hong Kong for over three years,”

Bishop North wrote in his letter to Burnham.

Lai’s journey to faith is itself a powerful testimony to God’s sovereignty during times of upheaval. He embraced Christianity following Hong Kong’s 1997 handover from British to Chinese control—a transition that created profound anxiety about the future of freedom and democracy in the territory. During this uncertain period, Lai found hope and conviction in the Gospel, a faith that would ultimately cost him his liberty.

The publisher founded Apple Daily, a pro-democracy newspaper that became a leading voice for freedom and human rights in Hong Kong. The publication was forcibly shut down by authorities in 2021, and Lai was arrested under Hong Kong’s controversial National Security Law—legislation that critics argue has been weaponized to crush political opposition and religious expression.

Lai holds British citizenship, which adds another dimension to the calls for UK officials and leaders to intervene on his behalf. His case has become a flashpoint in the broader conversation about China’s increasing control over Hong Kong and the erosion of freedoms that were promised to continue under the “one country, two systems” framework.

Bishop North’s letter emphasizes the moral imperative for Western leaders to stand with persecuted Christians worldwide, particularly those suffering under authoritarian regimes. The bishop’s appeal reflects a biblical worldview that prioritizes human dignity, religious liberty, and the responsibility of those in positions of authority to speak out against injustice.

The case of Jimmy Lai serves as a stark reminder that Christians around the world continue to face imprisonment, persecution, and death for their faith and their commitment to truth. His witness from behind bars has inspired believers globally and highlighted the ongoing struggle for religious freedom in an increasingly hostile environment.

As trade relationships between the West and China continue to evolve, Christian leaders like Bishop North are calling for a values-based approach that refuses to separate economic interests from fundamental human rights. The bishop’s challenge to Mayor Burnham represents a conviction that prosperity built on the oppression of the innocent—especially brothers and sisters in Christ—is not true prosperity at all.

The international Christian community continues to pray for Jimmy Lai’s release and for all believers who suffer for righteousness’ sake. His steadfast faith in the face of prolonged imprisonment stands as a modern example of costly discipleship and the truth that earthly powers cannot ultimately suppress the Gospel or silence those who belong to Christ.

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Faith

Pastors Pray Over Ken Paxton at Texas Rally Invoking Romans 13

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8 hours ago

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October 22, 2026

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Faith Facts

  • A group of pastors gathered to pray over Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton at a campaign rally, calling on God for supernatural favor in the final weeks before the Senate election.
  • The clergy specifically invoked Romans 13, urging divine support for Paxton as he seeks to represent Texas in the United States Senate.
  • The public prayer event reflects a growing trend of faith leaders openly supporting conservative candidates who align with traditional Christian values.

A group of Texas pastors publicly prayed over Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton at a campaign rally this week, asking God to grant him favor with voters in the final stretch of his Senate bid.

The clergy cited Romans 13 during the prayer, reminding supporters that governing authorities are called to serve as ministers of God for justice and order.

“Give him favor with voters.”

Paxton, who has long positioned himself as a defender of biblical values on issues like life, marriage, and religious liberty, welcomed the spiritual covering from the pastors in attendance.

The event underscores the deep connection many conservative voters in Texas feel between their faith and their political choices.

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Frank Turek Honors Charlie Kirk One Year After Assassination

Published

10 hours ago

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October 22, 2026

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Faith Facts

  • Frank Turek wakes each morning and ends each evening thinking of Charlie Kirk.
  • One year after witnessing the assassination of the conservative activist, Turek continues his commitment to share the Gospel on college campuses.
  • The loss of Charlie Kirk has strengthened Turek’s resolve to defend biblical truth among young people.

Christian apologist Frank Turek has carried the memory of Charlie Kirk with him every single day since witnessing the conservative activist’s assassination at Utah Valley University. The grief remains real, yet so does his steadfast determination to keep proclaiming the Gospel.

Each morning when he wakes and each night before he sleeps, Turek’s first and last thoughts return to Kirk. The loss of a friend and fellow defender of truth has left a deep mark, but it has not silenced his mission.

“The first person I think of when I wake up is Charlie.”

Turek’s ongoing work on college campuses reflects a commitment to the same values Kirk championed. He continues reaching students with biblical truth, refusing to let tragedy silence the message of Christ.

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Why Every Christian Leader Needs Another Leader to Lean On

Published

12 hours ago

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October 22, 2026

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Faith Facts

  • Scripture shows God pairing leaders such as Moses with Joshua, David with Jonathan, and Paul with Barnabas and Timothy.
  • Jesus sent the seventy-two disciples out in pairs, modeling shared leadership rather than isolation.
  • Healthy Christian leaders are called to build friendships that strengthen their walk with Christ and service to others.

Leadership brings heavy responsibility whether you run a business, shepherd a congregation or coach a youth team. Decisions rest on your shoulders and burdens often feel uniquely yours.

Many leaders quietly admit that the role can feel lonely. Yet loneliness does not have to become isolation that harms both the leader and the people served.

“Leadership will always have moments of loneliness. That comes with the territory. But that doesn’t have to mean isolation.”

Throughout the Bible, God provides companions for those He calls to lead. These relationships offer wisdom, encouragement and accountability that solitary leadership cannot supply.

“Build deep friendships with fellow leaders. No leader feels like they have time for this. Yet few leaders make it to the finish line healthy without it.”

Leaders are encouraged to take two practical steps. First, seek a coach or mentor who is a few steps ahead and willing to share honest insight and guidance.

Regular meetings with such a mentor can help a leader recognize blind spots, set growth goals and stay faithful when the fire of service begins to fade.

Second, build deep friendships with other leaders who share the same values and challenges. These relationships offer laughter, correction, prayer and perspective that refresh the soul.

For more than twenty years, one minister has walked alongside six fellow leaders from Texas, Oklahoma and California. They meet weekly by video, attend conferences together and retreat each year for three days of honest conversation and prayer.

The investment of time and travel has strengthened each man’s ministry and personal walk with the Lord. Distance and busy schedules require intentionality, yet the spiritual return far outweighs the cost.

Christian leaders are urged to pray for the right companions, take the initiative to reach out and keep showing up even when the effort feels awkward at first. The people entrusted to their care deserve leaders who remain spiritually and emotionally healthy.

Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.

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