Protestant News
Texas Supreme Court Rules Judges Can Decline Same-Sex Marriage Ceremonies Based on Religious Beliefs The Texas Supreme Court has ruled that state judges may decline to perform wedding ceremonies, including same-sex marriages, based on sincerely held religious beliefs without facing disciplinary action. On October 24, 2025, the court added a
Asia
Tokyo's Catholic leader has condemned Japan's decision to allow over-the-counter sales of the morning-after pill, saying such measures risk undermining respect for human life. Cardinal Isao Kikuchi, the Archbishop of Tokyo, told UCA News on October 23, 2025, that he "cannot approve measures that may
Africa
Faith groups and conservative lawmakers are applauding President Donald Trump's decision to designate Nigeria as a "Country of Particular Concern" for religious freedom violations and his threat of potential military action to protect Christians. On October 31, 2025, Trump announced that Nigeria would be added to
Africa
British Weapons Fueling Genocide in Sudan, Christian Lawyer Warns THE NEWS A Christian lawyer who fled Sudan due to paramilitary conflict has warned that Britain is indirectly fueling the crisis through its arms dealings with the United Arab Emirates. The warning comes as the International Criminal Court warned of possible
Asia
India, ranked the 11th worst persecutor of Christianity worldwide by Open Doors, above Communist China and Islamist Saudi Arabia, continues to see escalating violence against believers by Hindu extremists. In two recent incidents, a bus full of missionaries was accosted by Hindus, while elsewhere a Christian community is being reduced
UK
Bradford Cathedral has seen record numbers of people passing through its doors in 2025, thanks largely to the British government's decision to name Bradford as the "City of Culture" for 2025. The cathedral reported that drop-in visitor numbers were double that of any previous year since
Orthodoxy
More than 380 million Christians worldwide, one in seven believers globally, face high levels of persecution and discrimination for their faith in Christ, according to Open Doors. As Christians around the world observed Sunday's International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church on November 2, 2025, Voice of
USA
A South Carolina man is no longer barred from sharing his faith on a public sidewalk and can hold a sign that reads "Trust Christ." The U.S. District Court of the District of South Carolina entered a consent order on October 30, 2025, with the Town of
Orthodoxy
Dr. Jeremiah J. Johnston, a New Testament scholar and author, has publicly reversed his position on the Shroud of Turin, now declaring the ancient burial cloth to be authentic evidence of Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. Johnston, who serves as pastor of apologetics and cultural engagement at Prestonwood
Orthodoxy
Recovery efforts are underway in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa throughout the Caribbean. The Category 5 storm made landfall in Jamaica on October 28, 2025, with winds of 185 miles per hour, destroying homes, causing widespread power outages, and blocking roads throughout the region. Government officials report that whole communities
Middle East
Chinese authorities arrested nearly 30 pastors, preachers, and church members of the unofficial Zion Protestant Church on October 10-11, 2025, in seven cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, and Zhejiang. Among those arrested was Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri, 56, the church's founder, who was detained in Beihai city, Guangxi province.
UK
United Kingdom — A Christian street preacher in Rotherham, England, had charges dropped in July 2025 after being arrested for questioning Islamic teachings during a public conversation. John Steele, 60, was arrested on June 21, 2025, after engaging in a 30-second conversation with a Muslim woman at a public awareness stall