Faith
Mosul Churches Reborn: Hope Restored for Iraq’s Christians
Faith Facts
- Two historic churches in Mosul have reopened after years of restoration, symbolizing revival for Iraq’s Christian community.
- The Church of Saint Thomas and the Chaldean Catholic Church of Al-Tahira were rebuilt following severe destruction during the Islamic State occupation.
- Restoration efforts involved local and international partners, reflecting unity and a renewed commitment to faith and heritage.
The return of these churches stands as a testament to the resilience and steadfast faith of Iraq’s Christians. Their doors open once again despite trials, offering hope to the faithful and a call to unity in Christ.
After being devastated by violence and occupation, the historic churches of Mosul now represent healing and a brightened future for believers in the region.
“These churches are not just stones. They are the memory of faith, history, and community,” said Archbishop Najeeb Michael Moussa, the Chaldean bishop of Mosul.
The rebuilt Church of Saint Thomas, dating back to the seventh century, and Al-Tahira, long a Marian symbol, now invite communities to gather in peace and prayer. Aliph Foundation and other partners worked bravely to clear dangers and restore sacred art, including the unique alabaster door and church bells inscribed with words of Scripture.
The reconsecration ceremonies highlighted the endurance of Christian faith, even as Mosul’s Christian population has dwindled. Patriarch Louis Raphaël Sako reminded all that the restoration is about “restoring trust — a message of peace and hope for the people of Mosul and all Iraq.”
He urged a return to values of brotherhood, respect, and acceptance, emphasizing that rebuilding society must be rooted in faith and true Christian ethics.
As these churches ring with worship again, their story inspires believers everywhere to stand firm in truth, trusting God’s providence to restore and renew.
Let us pray for Iraq’s Christians, asking God to strengthen them and to let these houses of worship shine as beacons of gospel hope in a challenging world.
Faith Facts
- The Lausanne Movement’s LIGHT research division is exploring how artificial intelligence affects the work of fulfilling the Great Commission.
- The LIGHT Briefing calls the Church to ensure AI is used with discernment, prioritizing Christ-centered mission and authentic human relationships.
- Researchers emphasize biblical values by offering an ethical framework that keeps technology aligned with justice, truth, mercy, and love.
Christian leaders are seeking wisdom as artificial intelligence transforms communication, outreach, and discipleship. The Lausanne Movement urges the Church to govern new technologies by faith and grounding in Scripture.
The church is encouraged to reject both fear and misplaced optimism, choosing instead to prayerfully consider how AI can support—never replace—God’s call to spread the Gospel.
“AI is neither savior nor threat in itself. Rather, its value depends on how it is discerned, governed, and deployed by God’s people.”
Believers are challenged to model transparency, fairness, and accountability while recognizing that digital tools can never replace Spirit-led, personal gospel witness.
“The gospel remains unchanged. Biblical commands transcend technological innovation and demand faithful proclamation, regardless of medium.”
It remains vital that evangelism expresses Christ’s love through genuine presence, as only human ambassadors can fulfill the Great Commission’s relational call.
“While AI may augment, it must always serve, not supplant, the spirit-filled human herald in proclaiming the good news and fulfilling the Great Commission.”
The church must move forward with courage and prayer, trusting God’s mission will not falter in the digital age.
Faith Facts
- The World Council of Churches (WCC) expressed deep concern about violence and unrest following Tanzania’s recent election.
- Key opposition leaders faced arrest and exclusion from the election, raising questions about fairness and transparency.
- The WCC called for an investigation into the violence and urged protection of human rights and accountability.
Christian leaders emphasized the sanctity of human life, highlighting that every life is a gift from God and must be honored, even amid political turmoil. They denounced the use of lethal force against citizens standing for peaceful assembly and free expression.
Dr Jerry Pillay, WCC General Secretary, declared,
“Reports of widespread protests, excessive use of force by security agencies, and numerous civilian casualties are deeply distressing and call for urgent moral reflection and accountability.”
He further stated,
“The sanctity of human life — a gift from God — must be protected at all times, and no political process should ever justify the shedding of innocent blood.”
The WCC stands in solidarity with the people of Tanzania, supporting faith-driven calls for peace, dialogue, and justice, and affirming the vital contributions of Christian organizations in seeking reconciliation.
Faithful believers are called to uphold Christian values by praying for Tanzania and advocating for truth, accountability, and protection of freedoms guaranteed by God.
Faith Facts
- The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to hear Kim Davis’s petition, leaving the 2015 ruling on same-sex marriage in place.
- Kim Davis was previously jailed for refusing to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, citing her Christian convictions.
- Liberty Counsel continues to support Davis, emphasizing the need to protect religious liberty for public officials.
The Supreme Court’s refusal to reconsider Obergefell v. Hodges keeps the national legalization of same-sex marriage unchanged. The decision also leaves in place a ruling requiring Kim Davis to pay substantial legal fees related to her stand for biblical marriage.
“This cannot be right because government officials do not shed their constitutional rights upon election,” stated Mat Staver, Liberty Counsel Chairman.
Believers must remain vigilant, standing for religious freedom and biblical principles in the public square. Our faith calls us to uphold God’s design for marriage while advocating for the rights of Christians to live out their convictions.
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