Faith Facts

• Editors of the 2026 yearbooks report a rise in persecution of Christians worldwide compared to 2025.
• Christian believers continue to face discrimination and hostility in numerous nations.
• Faithful families are called to stand firm in prayer and support for persecuted brothers and sisters.

Reports released this year paint a troubling picture of religious liberty around the globe. The yearbooks “Religious Freedom 2026” and “Persecution and Discrimination against Christians 2026” document a clear increase in oppression against believers.

Editors tracking these trends warn that open hostility and legal restrictions are both on the rise. Christians in many regions now face greater barriers to worship, education, and daily life than they did just one year ago.

“Levels of persecution of Christians worldwide this year worsened compared with 2025, according to editors of the yearbooks ‘Religious Freedom 2026’ and ‘Persecution and Discrimination against Christians 2026.’”

The findings underscore the urgent need for sustained prayer and advocacy from the American church. Families of faith are encouraged to remember those who suffer for their beliefs and to defend the God-given right to religious liberty at home and abroad.

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Faith Facts

• Kirk Franklin has released a new album titled “I Am What I Am” that explores themes of God’s grace and personal healing.
• Franklin openly discusses how his understanding of God has shifted from fear-based beliefs to a deeper appreciation of divine grace.
• The gospel artist reflects on his painful childhood experiences and personal failures while addressing criticism from some within the Christian community.

Kirk Franklin is sharing deeply personal reflections about his life and faith journey in connection with his latest musical project. The gospel artist opens up about the challenges that shaped him and the lessons he’s learned along the way.

Franklin discusses how his childhood experiences influenced his early understanding of God and faith. He describes moving from a perspective rooted in fear to one centered on grace and acceptance.

“I’m older and I’m freer now”

The conversation also touches on the criticism Franklin has received from some Christians throughout his career. He addresses how these experiences have affected his walk with God and his approach to ministry.

Franklin’s new album serves as both a musical expression and a testament to his personal growth. The project reflects his current understanding of identity in Christ and the freedom that comes with embracing God’s grace.

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Faith Facts

• Scripture in 1 Timothy 2:12 affirms that women should not teach or exercise authority over men in the church.
• Traditional church leadership throughout church history has upheld male eldership as the biblical model.
• Many Calvary Chapel congregations across the nation continue to stand for the clear teaching of Scripture on church governance.

Pastors across the Calvary Chapel movement are speaking out after Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa announced it would begin ordaining women as pastors.

The announcement from Pastor Char Brodersen has drawn swift and public pushback from leaders who once looked to Costa Mesa as the movement’s flagship church.

“We believe the Bible clearly teaches male leadership in the church,” one pastor stated in response to the decision.

“This is not about equality of worth but about the order God established for His people,” another leader added.

Many within the movement view the shift at Costa Mesa as a departure from the biblical pattern that has guided Calvary Chapel since its founding.

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