Faith Facts

• The Church of England is preserving murals that reflect shared Christian history.
• The project focuses on works by artist Walter Starmer, including biblical women.
• A conservation grant scheme is training artisans to protect historic church art.

The Church of England is leading a vital effort to preserve stunning church murals that stand as a testament to our shared Christian history.

This initiative ensures that the sacred art of past generations continues to inspire faith and reverence in modern times.

Focused on the works of artist Walter Starmer, the project revitalizes depictions of legendary women from the Bible and church history.

These works serve as a beautiful reminder of the biblical virtues that have shaped our culture for centuries.

“The wall paintings in the Lady Chapel… are a remarkable tribute to the role of women in the Church of England and wider society.”

By safeguarding these artistic treasures, we ensure that the devotion and craftsmanship of our ancestors remain a visible beacon of faith for future generations.

Protecting our sacred spaces is an act of stewardship that honors both God and the history of our great heritage.

Church of England project to conserve murals announced

Faith Facts

• Christians in Syria have suspended public Easter celebrations after sectarian violence.
• The unrest followed attacks in Suqaylabiyah, including reported harassment of Christian women.
• Advocates are urging authorities to protect religious minorities and hold attackers accountable.

Believers in Syria face a somber Holy Week after violent sectarian attacks forced the cancellation of multiple Easter celebrations.

This decision follows a targeted assault on the Christian town of Suqaylabiyah, sparked by the harassment of Christian women.

A violent mob reportedly desecrated a local shrine dedicated to Mary while destroying homes and private property.

Despite government promises to protect religious minorities, the safety of the faithful remains precarious in this war-torn region.

Syrian Christians for Peace issued a statement calling for unity and justice during this period of trial.

“We call upon Syrians from all components to remain united and reject sectarianism and division.”

Mervyn Thomas of Christian Solidarity Worldwide expressed grave concern regarding the rise of extremism in the region.

“We encourage the Syrian authorities to increase their efforts to combat extremism and hate speech, and hold all involved in the attacks to account.”

Please join us in prayer for the protection of our brothers and sisters in Christ as they seek to honor the Resurrection under the threat of persecution.

Read the full story here.

Tragedy struck a predominantly Christian community in Jos, Nigeria, as gunmen launched a horrific assault on Palm Sunday. The assailants arrived via motorcycles and vans to target innocent families during what should have been a sacred time of worship.

As believers gathered for business and fellowship, the attackers opened fire indiscriminately, leaving 28 people dead and numerous others wounded. This assault highlights the growing persecution faced by the faithful in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region.

Faith Facts

• Nigeria remains the deadliest place in the world for Christians, accounting for 72 percent of believers killed for their faith globally.
• Radial Islamist groups frequently target Christian farming communities to seize land and forcefully impose religious ideologies.
• The Christian population continues to endure targeted raids and violence despite government curfews and promises of increased security.

Arin Izere, a local gospel singer, witnessed the terror firsthand as gunmen dressed in military fatigues began shooting moments after arriving. This calculated deception allowed the terrorists to approach the defenseless community before unleashing their deadly barrage.

“I went to drop my friend at Angwan Rukuba, and at that moment we saw the terrorists coming down from their vehicle with guns.”

Resident Debra Jalmet voiced the collective heartbreak of a community that has seen far too much bloodshed for the sake of the Gospel. She called for an end to the silence as mothers grieve the loss of children stolen by this senseless violence.

“There is no pain greater than a mother holding a child whose life has been taken too soon. Jos is not just bleeding it is crying through the hearts of its mothers.”

We must stand in prayer for our brothers and sisters in Nigeria who risk their lives daily to stand for Christ. May the Lord provide comfort to the grieving families and strength to the Church in the face of ongoing persecution.

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