Faith Facts

• The Christian Chronicle faces $56,000 monthly costs for printing and mailing, but overwhelming reader support has affirmed the value of keeping a print edition alive
• The publication exceeded its ambitious $168,000 fundraising goal for 2025, demonstrating strong support from faithful readers committed to traditional Christian media
• A $100,000 matching gift opportunity is now available to help sustain independent Christian journalism that serves Churches of Christ and the broader Christian community

God has been good to The Christian Chronicle over the past year. Despite multiple, ongoing challenges this publication faces as it moves to independent nonprofit status, readers continue to step up in their prayers and their contributions.

The price of printing and mailing this publication has risen substantially, costing the Chronicle about $56,000 per month. That’s tough to sustain for 12 issues per year.

Meanwhile, the publication has enhanced its digital offerings through downloadable PDFs of the print edition and expanded online coverage with video and additional photos. The Chronicle is active on social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok, and is getting ready to enhance its award-winning podcast.

Nonetheless, the overwhelming majority of readers who responded to a query about the print edition talked about how much they value holding the news in their hands and reading it in a space and manner of their choosing.

“I believe I am more likely to read it cover-to-cover, as I do now,” one reader said. “I usually keep it out on the counter and read it over the course of a few days. With digital, it wouldn’t be in plain sight for me to keep going back to.”

Other readers pointed out how much they love the crossword puzzle. Even if it means going bimonthly or quarterly, they want the Chronicle to stay in print.

The plan is to keep producing a print edition as long as possible. This year the publication is experimenting with producing 10 issues instead of 12 to see how this impacts the bottom line.

“Having a central location of news for the church helps (to) keep the community feeling part of the larger Christian family,” one reader wrote. That’s why this ministry continues.

As part of the move to independence, the Chronicle moved its database to a new system and a few glitches resulted. If you’re getting multiple copies of the print edition, please contact Sawmi Sektak at [email protected] or call (405) 425-5070.

Moving to independence from Oklahoma Christian University also required the publication to separate its mail from the Post Office Box used by the university. Some dedicated supporters still have Business Reply Mail envelopes that have the old address.

Please do not send contributions or correspondence to PO Box 11000 in Oklahoma City. The new address is PO Box 5240, Edmond, OK 73083-5240. You also can send correspondence directly to the office at 2801 E Memorial Rd. Ste 102, Edmond, OK 73013.

Last year the Chronicle set the ambitious goal of raising $168,000 to help with one-time transition and equipment costs and ever-rising prices. Thanks to generous gifts, that goal was met and exceeded!

A $100,000 matching gift has been given toward the spring appeal. The funds raised will go toward stories that matter to Christian readers, including the publication’s “Who Are We?” series. Checks can be mailed to the address above or donations can be made through the “donate” button at christianchronicle.org.

In an era when traditional Christian values are increasingly marginalized in mainstream media, independent Christian journalism has never been more vital. The Christian Chronicle remains committed to serving its readers with news that strengthens faith, encourages families, and connects believers across the country.

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

Faith Facts

• A Department of Justice report documents systematic bias against Christian organizations and individuals during the Biden administration
• Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche characterizes the findings as revealing ‘devastation’ of Christian communities
• The report shows Christian groups faced harsher treatment than secular organizations in similar circumstances

A comprehensive federal investigation has unveiled troubling evidence of anti-Christian discrimination within government operations during the previous administration. The findings, compiled under the current Department of Justice leadership, document a clear pattern of disparate treatment targeting people of faith.

Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche released the report detailing how Christian organizations and individuals faced significantly harsher scrutiny and penalties compared to their secular counterparts in comparable situations. The evidence points to what appears to be systematic targeting based on religious affiliation.

“This report reveals the devastation visited upon Christian Americans,” Blanche stated in his announcement of the findings.

The documentation represents one of the first comprehensive federal examinations of religious discrimination patterns within government agencies. Legal experts and religious freedom advocates have long raised concerns about unequal application of regulations and enforcement actions.

Christian organizations across the nation reported experiencing increased regulatory pressure, investigation frequency, and punitive measures during the Biden years. The new report validates many of these complaints with documented evidence from internal government records.

The findings arrive as religious liberty remains a critical concern for millions of American families who see their constitutional freedoms under unprecedented pressure. From worship restrictions to conscience protections, Christians have faced mounting challenges to freely exercise their faith in the public square.

This report may represent a turning point in acknowledging and addressing these concerns at the federal level. The documentation provides concrete evidence that religious discrimination isn’t merely perception but documented reality within government operations.

The release signals a potential shift in how federal agencies approach religious organizations and individuals. Many faith leaders express hope that this transparency will lead to meaningful reforms protecting constitutional religious freedom.

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

Faith Facts

• President Trump warned Saturday he may order additional military strikes if Iran continues aggressive behavior as competing peace proposals emerge
• A Christian convent in Lebanon was struck during ongoing Hezbollah-IDF clashes, highlighting the conflict’s impact on religious communities
• The extended war has disrupted a fifth of the world’s oil and gas supplies for over two months, threatening global economic stability

President Donald Trump issued a stern warning Saturday that military action against Iran remains on the table if Tehran continues its destabilizing behavior. The warning comes as both governments have put forward competing proposals aimed at ending a conflict that has crippled global energy markets for more than two months.

“If Iran misbehaves, we will take action,” Trump stated, making clear that American military power stands ready to defend national interests and allies in the region.

The ongoing conflict has already severed a fifth of the world’s oil and gas supplies, sending shockwaves through international markets. American families and businesses face mounting concerns about energy costs as the standoff continues with no clear resolution in sight.

Meanwhile, fierce fighting between Hezbollah and the Israeli Defense Forces in Lebanon has escalated dramatically. In a troubling development, a Christian convent was struck during the clashes, underscoring the dangerous spillover effects threatening religious communities throughout the region.

The strike on the convent represents yet another attack on Christian institutions in the Middle East, where believers have faced increasing persecution and violence. The incident highlights the urgent need for stability and protection of religious minorities caught in the crossfire of regional conflicts.

Both Washington and Tehran have presented proposals to de-escalate the crisis, though substantial gaps remain between the two positions. American officials continue to emphasize that any agreement must ensure Iran cannot threaten American interests or those of our allies, particularly Israel.

The extended disruption to global energy supplies has raised alarm bells among economic experts who warn of potential ripple effects throughout the American economy. Energy independence remains a critical national security priority as the situation unfolds.

Trump’s willingness to use military force if necessary demonstrates a commitment to strength and deterrence in dealing with hostile regimes. The approach stands in stark contrast to previous administrations that critics argue showed weakness in confronting Iranian aggression.

As negotiations continue, the safety of Christians and other religious minorities in the conflict zone remains a serious concern for faith communities worldwide. The attack on the Lebanese convent serves as a sobering reminder of the real human cost of regional instability.

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