Faith Facts

• Catholic Bishop warns jihadist insurgents in northern Mozambique are openly declaring plans to establish an Islamic State-style caliphate
• Nearly decade-long insurgency in Cabo Delgado province continues to kill and displace Christian and civilian populations
• Terror campaign mirrors ISIS tactics, threatening religious freedom and traditional communities across the region

A Catholic bishop is sounding the alarm about escalating Islamic extremism in Mozambique, where jihadist insurgents are openly proclaiming their goal to establish a radical Islamic caliphate modeled after the Islamic State. The warning comes as violence in the region continues to devastate Christian communities and displace innocent families.

The Bishop of Pemba has issued an urgent warning about the deteriorating situation in northern Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province. Jihadist forces have been waging a brutal insurgency for nearly a decade, terrorizing local populations and specifically targeting Christian communities in their campaign to impose radical Islamic rule.

The insurgents’ open declaration to establish a caliphate represents a direct threat to religious freedom and the safety of Christians in the region. This mirrors the tactics and ambitions of ISIS, which brutally persecuted Christians and other religious minorities in Iraq and Syria during its reign of terror.

The ongoing violence has created a humanitarian crisis in Cabo Delgado province, with countless families forced to flee their homes. Christian communities have been particularly vulnerable to these attacks, facing persecution for their faith while the international community has remained largely silent about their suffering.

The situation in Mozambique serves as a stark reminder that religious persecution continues around the world, with radical Islamic terrorism posing an ongoing threat to Christians and traditional communities. The establishment of a caliphate would mean the complete destruction of religious freedom and the implementation of brutal sharia law across the region.

Local church leaders have been calling for international attention and support as they minister to displaced families and work to protect vulnerable communities. The Catholic Church has remained steadfast in serving the people of Cabo Delgado despite the dangerous conditions, demonstrating the kind of courageous faith that has sustained Christians through persecution throughout history.

American Christians should take notice of this situation, as it represents the same radical ideology that threatens freedom-loving people everywhere. The fight against Islamic extremism requires both prayer and vigilance, as well as support for persecuted believers who are standing firm in their faith despite facing unimaginable violence.

The bishop’s warning also highlights the importance of strong national security policies and support for efforts to combat terrorism worldwide. When radical Islamic groups are allowed to gain territory and establish governance, the results are always catastrophic for religious minorities and those who value freedom.

Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.

Faith Facts

• Christian journalists from various evangelical denominations united in a cappella worship at the Evangelical Press Association conference in Franklin, Tennessee
• Songwriters Keith and Kristyn Getty, co-writers of “In Christ Alone,” led the group in singing the classic hymn “Holy, Holy, Holy” without instrumental accompaniment
• Getty advocates for churches to sing three traditional hymns for every modern song, emphasizing that great hymns provide lasting spiritual gifts across generations

FRANKLIN, TENN. — When journalists gather for a professional conference, you expect panel discussions, networking, and perhaps a keynote speaker. But an impromptu a cappella worship service? That’s something altogether different.

Yet that’s exactly what happened at this year’s Evangelical Press Association conference in the Nashville suburb of Franklin, where representatives from Baptist, Presbyterian, Pentecostal, and other evangelical publications found themselves united in unaccompanied song.

Three representatives from The Christian Chronicle attended the conference—a testament to how the publication has grown in recent years. Managing editor Calvin Cockrell traveled from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, while intern Ephraim Rodenbach came from nearby Murfreesboro, where he studies at Middle Tennessee State University.

The conference opened with contemporary Christian music. Singer-songwriter Jason Gray performed several pieces, including a timely song about navigating today’s culture wars titled “Jesus Loves You (And I’m Trying).”

But the evening session brought an unexpected turn. Keith and Kristyn Getty, the Northern Ireland songwriting duo who collaborated with Stuart Townend to create “In Christ Alone,” were scheduled to present their latest project—”The Sing! Hymnal,” a comprehensive collection of 900 worship songs spanning centuries of Christian tradition.

Rather than a typical presentation, Keith Getty asked the room to turn to hymn number four: “Holy, Holy, Holy.” The song, penned in 1826 by Reginald Heber, represents what Getty called “the perfect hymn” in terms of lyrics, structure, and theological balance.

Then came Getty’s surprising request.

“And can we do this a cappella?”

The room—filled with representatives from denominations spanning the evangelical spectrum—answered with enthusiastic agreement. What followed was a moment of profound unity as voices blended without instrumental accompaniment, creating what participants described as an absolutely heavenly sound.

Getty’s impromptu lesson extended beyond that single hymn. He shared his conviction that churches should maintain a three-to-one ratio of traditional to contemporary hymns in worship.

“The great hymns are a 50-year gift to people, whereas a modern hymn is a five-year gift,” Getty explained.

His wife Kristyn added that newer hymns tend to be “more transient” in their impact and staying power.

Getty illustrated his point with hymn number 434, “Be Thou My Vision.” Based on a 10th-century Irish poem and adapted into hymn form in the early 1900s by Mary Elizabeth Byrne and Eleanor Hull, the song takes believers through life’s journey—from seeking purpose and wisdom in youth, through the temptations of middle life, to the hope of eternal rest.

Getty emphasized the creative and formative power of sacred lyrics.

“God created with words, and words have creative power. They can speak new realities into existence,” he said.

Good hymns, he explained, communicate “truth beyond the scratches on the paper.”

The rest of the conference addressed contemporary challenges facing Christian media—artificial intelligence, covering controversial topics, and bridging generational divides. But it was the opening session’s emphasis on timeless truths expressed through traditional hymnody that set the tone.

Throughout the conference, attendees found themselves humming melodies—some by the Gettys, some by Jason Gray, and some by songwriters who lived centuries ago. These songs, both ancient and modern, served as a constant reminder of the eternal truths that unite Christians across denominational lines.

In an era of rapid cultural change and church division, the spontaneous a cappella moment demonstrated something powerful: when believers focus on the unchanging character of God expressed in timeless worship, unity becomes natural. The journalists present may have represented different traditions and publications, but they shared one voice in praise.

That’s the enduring gift of great hymns—they remind us who we are as children of God, transcending the temporary divisions that too often separate us.

Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.

Faith Facts

• Cities Church pastor condemns St. Paul city government for refusing to press charges against Don Lemon and anti-ICE protesters who disrupted their January worship service
• The protesters entered the church during Sunday service, creating chaos and violating the sanctity of worship
• Local authorities declined to pursue state charges despite the disruption, raising concerns about religious liberty protections

A Minnesota pastor is speaking out against what he calls a failure of local government to protect religious freedom. The leader of Cities Church in St. Paul issued a strong statement this week after city officials declined to press charges against former CNN host Don Lemon and anti-ICE activists who disrupted a worship service in January.

The incident has sparked outrage among Christians who see it as yet another example of worship spaces being treated with less respect than other public venues. The protesters entered the church during Sunday service, creating disruption and chaos at a time when families had gathered for prayer and worship.

The pastor’s statement condemned the city government’s decision not to pursue state charges against those involved. His rebuke highlighted the growing concern among faith leaders that houses of worship are not receiving adequate protection under the law when it comes to preserving the sanctity of religious services.

For many in the Christian community, the incident represents a troubling pattern. Churches across America have faced increasing intrusions from political activists who seem to face few consequences for disrupting worship. The decision by St. Paul authorities not to prosecute has raised questions about whether religious liberty is being adequately protected by local governments.

The January disruption at Cities Church brought unwanted attention and fear to a congregation simply trying to worship in peace. Families who attend the church have expressed concern about their safety and the precedent this sets for future incidents.

Critics of the city’s decision argue that if similar disruptions occurred at government meetings or secular events, charges would likely be filed. The apparent double standard has frustrated religious leaders who believe their constitutional right to free exercise of religion should include protection from harassment during worship.

The involvement of Don Lemon, a high-profile media personality, has brought additional attention to the case. Many conservatives see this as emblematic of a broader cultural divide, where progressive activists feel emboldened to target traditional institutions, including churches, without facing legal consequences.

As cities and states grapple with questions of immigration enforcement and sanctuary policies, churches have found themselves caught in the crossfire. Some faith communities support ICE enforcement, while others oppose it, but nearly all agree that worship services should remain sacred spaces free from political disruption.

The pastor’s public statement serves as a call to action for Christians concerned about protecting their right to worship without interference. Religious liberty advocates are watching cases like this closely, concerned about the precedent being set when local governments decline to hold protesters accountable for disrupting religious services.

Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.