Faith Facts

• Pastor Pavel Shreider, 65, was tortured in Kyrgyzstan’s prison, now suffering from traumatic brain injury with cognitive impairment.
• Kyrgyz authorities charged him with “inciting enmity” and banned his church, while credible reports of torture remain unaddressed.
• Five U.N. Special Rapporteurs have urged investigation into the violations against Shreider and his congregation.

Pastor Shreider’s ordeal highlights the persecution Christians can face for their faith, with his physical suffering underscoring the cost of standing for the Gospel. Despite abuse and imprisonment, his witness remains a sobering call to uphold religious freedom and defend believers abroad.

Protecting the vulnerable and holding authorities accountable is central to a Biblical worldview, reminding us to advocate for justice and uphold the God-given right to worship in peace. Let us pray for Pastor Shreider’s healing and for all persecuted Christians to remain steadfast under trial as we stand united for faith and liberty.

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Faith Facts

• Church of England bishops are calling for the removal of the two-child benefit cap.
• The cap was introduced to reduce Britain’s welfare spending over a decade ago.
• Church leaders believe the policy deepens child poverty and conflicts with Christian compassion.

Bishops from Leicester, Gloucester, and Manchester joined a letter urging Prime Minister Keir Starmer to remove the cap, emphasizing moral responsibility to care for vulnerable families. They highlight the biblical call to stand with the needy and protect children from harm.

“Allowing child poverty to deepen is a self-defeating policy that undermines these very ambitions. The children and families affected by this policy cannot afford to wait any longer.”

The Church of England has consistently opposed the cap, advocating for policies that reflect Christian love and justice. Faith leaders remind the nation that government actions should uplift families and reflect the values of compassion and stewardship.

Let us continue to pray for our leaders to prioritize policies that honor faith, protect families, and uphold true freedom in Christ.

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Faith Facts

• King Charles met Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, joining a historic prayer in the Sistine Chapel.
• This was the first documented joint worship between a British monarch and Catholic pope in over 500 years.
• Christian unity and stewardship of God’s creation were central themes of their gathering.

King Charles and Queen Camilla participated alongside Catholic and Anglican leaders in a historic ecumenical service.

For the first time in five centuries, a British sovereign and a pope worshipped together, underscoring a commitment to reconciliation.

The British monarch’s title, Defender of the Faith, signifies leadership of the Church of England and a dedication to upholding Protestant heritage.

Representatives from both denominations and distinguished choirs joined as psalms and gospel readings filled the chapel.

Queen Camilla honored tradition by wearing black, demonstrating reverence for this sacred occasion.

King Charles was officially named Royal Confrater of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, deepening the Crown’s historic ties with the basilica.

“Stronger ties with the Vatican will act as a bulwark against those promoting conflict, division and tyranny,” a spokesman for the King affirmed.

King Charles was seated on a special chair inscribed with “Ut unum sint,” highlighting Christ’s call for unity in John 17:21.

A spokesman for the Foreign Office emphasized that the visit strengthens relationships with the world’s largest Christian denomination.

Events like this remind us to pray for unity in Christ’s church and the defense of our Christian values in a changing world.

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