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Rising Hostility Toward Christians in Turkey

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Faith Facts

  • In 2024, hate crimes against Christians increased significantly in Turkey, according to a Protestant association’s report.
  • Attacks, workplace discrimination, and government pressure targeted believers, churches, and even church-run charities and workplaces.
  • Social media hostility and hate speech against Christians also surged, as did obstacles from authorities to church activities.

Christian believers in Turkey faced mounting hostility and violence in 2024, highlighting the challenges of living out their faith in a society that often fails to uphold true religious freedom.

Physical attacks, threats, and damaging words have affected not only church buildings but also the daily lives and livelihoods of many Christians striving to serve their neighbors in love and truth.

“Protestant Christian individuals or institutions experienced hate crimes or associated physical attacks due solely to their faith,” noted the human rights report.

Assaults on church buildings, unjust job loss for a Christian teacher, and denial of service from local businesses all point to an alarming disregard for the dignity and liberty of Turkey’s Christian community.

Police inaction and even pressure to inform on fellow believers reveal a troubling lack of accountability and protection for those targeted for their faith in Christ.

The reality that Christians experience discrimination, threats, and hate-fueled rhetoric—both online and in daily life—runs contrary to the biblical call to love one’s neighbor and respect all people as made in the image of God.

“We encounter speech filled with insults and profanity directed at official church social media accounts, church leaders, Christianity, Christian values and Christians in general,” the report stated.

As Christians, we must stand in prayer and solidarity with our brothers and sisters who endure persecution, calling for justice and protection of religious liberty, and always trusting that God will strengthen His Church in adversity.

Read more at Christian Daily

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Faith

Faith and Borders: A Christian Response

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Faith Facts

  • Scripture calls believers to both compassion and discernment, recognizing genuine need while upholding moral order.
  • Jesus and the apostles respected civil laws and territorial boundaries, encouraging believers to honor national authorities.
  • True justice considers the needs of fellow citizens and embraces fair stewardship of resources and compassion within limits.

As small boats carrying migrants attempt perilous crossings, the nation faces a complex challenge that tests our compassion and commitment to biblical order. While many seek a better future, unchecked migration strains our resources and leaves vulnerable citizens overlooked.

“Be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” (Matthew 10:16)

Scripture instructs believers to love their neighbors, but also to respect authority and care for their own households as an act of justice. Jesus and the apostles submitted to civil governance and recognized the necessity of boundaries for the sake of order and peace.

Our faith calls us to welcome the genuine refugee while applying wisdom and discernment. Many arrivals claim asylum, yet not all are fleeing true persecution, as Jesus Himself taught moderation and responsibility in extending aid.

Britain faces real limits in housing, healthcare, and finance, leaving many of our own people in need. This reality demands we act justly and prudently in our generosity. The responsible path is to return undocumented arrivals who have already been offered safety in France, thus preserving compassion for the genuinely endangered while stewarding our nation’s well-being.

1 John 3:17 urges us to aid the needy with our resources—but also to recognize when those resources are exhausted. True justice means balancing compassion with order, ensuring we remain a nation of faith, freedom, and fairness for all.

Let us pray for wisdom and courage as we seek to uphold both biblical compassion and responsibility. Stay engaged—our voice matters in shaping a godly future for our land.

Read the full article here

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Faith

True Compassion: Evaluating Assisted Dying

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Faith Facts

  • UK MPs recently voted in favor of advancing assisted dying legislation, with a narrow majority.
  • Legalized assisted dying is expanding, and over 60,000 Canadians have died through medical assistance as of 2023.
  • Christian voices urge that true human dignity and worth come from God, not human autonomy.

Romans 14:12 reminds us, “So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.”

Compassion, a treasured Christian value, can be misused when separated from the truth that each human life is sacred before the Lord. The move to legalize medical assistance in dying (MAID) in countries like Canada, and possibly soon the UK, reflects a growing effort to make personal autonomy supreme, even over the gift of life.

Recent reports illustrate that MAID is no longer limited to terminal illness. In Canada, it now extends to those facing treatable conditions, financial hardship, and disabilities, which raises profound moral concerns for Christians.

Stories have emerged about individuals pressured or encouraged toward assisted death, including disabled patients who felt their lives were devalued during medical consultations. One woman facing surgery was asked if she was familiar with MAID, making her question her own worth and decision to live.

Secular voices defending autonomy often reject the belief that life is sacred and belong to God alone. Yet, faithful Christians like Joni Eareckson Tada testify, “My dignity is rooted in Christ in me, the hope of glory.”

The rise of assisted dying must be met with unwavering hope and advocacy for policies that cherish every life. Christian witness is crucial: our value and worth are defined by our Creator, not by ability or circumstance.

Let us pray for leaders and neighbors to embrace compassion grounded in Biblical truth, defending life from conception to natural end. Stand with us as we affirm, through faith, that all people bear God’s image and deserve love, care, and hope.

Read more at Christian Daily

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Former Preacher Convicted in Michigan Abuse Case

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Faith Facts

  • A Midland County jury convicted James Randolph of multiple counts of criminal sexual conduct involving a minor.
  • Mark Barclay publicly stated his family’s support for the legal process and expressed commitment to supporting victims.
  • Other individuals connected to Living Word International Church also faced criminal charges related to sexual misconduct.

James Randolph, once associated with Living Word International Church and related to televangelist Mark Barclay by marriage, was found guilty of serious offenses against a minor. The court handed down a conviction for multiple counts of criminal sexual conduct following a brief jury deliberation.

The former preacher awaits sentencing in November, with a possible life sentence ahead. Past and recent allegations against Randolph highlight the importance of accountability and vigilance within all faith communities.

“The recent legal case involving James Randolph has been a very difficult and heartbreaking situation for our church family and community,” said Barclay. “We recognize that this situation has caused real pain for many. As a church community, our hearts are with all victims of abuse. We are committed to truth, accountability, and safety in our ministries.”

Barclay clarified that Randolph was neither the church’s pastor nor head of youth or children’s ministries, and that the actions in question did not occur during church functions or on church property.

In line with Biblical principles, every allegation must be met with compassion, a call for justice, and steadfast dedication to protecting the vulnerable within our churches. Upholding a commitment to truth honors our faith and strengthens our families and communities against evil.

For further details, visit the original report at Christian Post

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