It’s interesting to see how our western culture, totally permeated with relativism and tolerance, is now quickly moving towards absolutist positions of rejection and even racism, generally known as populism.

The government reportedly claimed the churches were built on land zoned for other uses, but Christian leaders said it is part of wider crack-down on Christianity.

Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, led the race with 43% of the votes. He is the first Christian who governs the city and is currently under trial for blasphemy charges.

“The European Union is a failure”, she said. Le Pen’s manifesto of 144 “commitments” pledges to “give France its freedom back”.

The government faces pressure from far-right populists. In a country with 7% of Muslims, evangelical churches differ on what the role of Islam should be.

For the Muslim convert, the feeling of being at home includes the aspects of fellowship (“sharing things in common”), and growing into a sense of shared ownership as partners.

Shira Sorko-Ram, pastor and journalist in Israel, shares her views and a historical and biblical context on the latest events.

According to Open Doors, 215 million Christians suffer “high, very high or extreme persecution”. North Korea continues at the top of the World Watch List. Africa is the region in which more Christians are killed because of their faith.

Jamil, a former Muslim: “Yemenis follow Christ with all their hearts. There is no way back. We all know that. Becoming a Christian will cost you much”.

Young Markus had been an ambitious Muslim. He studied in an Islamic university led by his father and his mission was to reach out to Christian youth and lead them to the “right path”.

The incident will not have much influence on the public opinion, pastor in Austria tells Evangelical Focus.

Nationals of Germany, Belgium and France among victims of New Year’s Day attack. In Turkey, 300 people were killed in terrorist attacks in 2016.

The European Commission Eurobarometers show Europeans' opinions and concerns. The trust in the EU has grown.

The suspect “intentionally” rammed into the Berlin Christmas market. Police speaks of “terrorist attack”. Condolences offered from around the world. 

The World Evangelical Alliance and other evangelical groups ask governments to protect the Christian minorities.

The story of pastor David Ortiz is a message of hope in the midst of barbarism. The power of God works in a way that is both real and supernatural.

Outside the heavily guarded court, those opposing Ahok chanted, “Jail Ahok, jail Ahok, jail Ahok now”. Muslim clerics refer to the Christian politician as a “son of Satan”.

Nadia Murad and Lamiya Aji Bashar survived Daesh slavery. “There remain more than 3,500 child and women held hostage as slaves under Daesh. Every day they die a thousand times”, they told MEPs.

Secretary General of the Bible Society of Egypt, Ramez Atallah underlines the “general denouncing of this tragic incident by Muslims in all media”.

Rev. Andrew Brunson has been serving in Turkey for 23 years. After being detained for 64 days, he now faces “terrorism” charges and alleged links with the Fetullah Gulen movement.

Twenty-five were killed on Sunday, mostly women and children. The government does not protect the Christian minority well enough, protesters say. Islamic radicals target their homes and businesses.

Secularist groups ask governments to avoid using Christian terms in December. “We are appalled that others mix us into this debate”, says German Islamic representative Aiman Mazyek.

Simeon and Levi are lessons to us when we are tempted to use violence - physical or verbal – to bring about what we desire (or, worse still, what we think God desires).

The mob blocked firefighter access to the village and cut off the water supply, and firefighters were unable to reach the burning building until police showed up and suppressed the rioting crowd with tear gas.

In the region, almost 40% of the Protestant churches have become secret churches. “We do not want to be associated with anything illegal and our desire is to be law-abiding citizens”.