Some say a ban would restrict religious freedom, others believe the equality of women and certain security issues are at stake.

The Swiss parliament approved the “marriage for all” law in December, allowing LGBT people to adopt and use reproductive technology. Now two initiatives seek to collect 50’000 signatures to ask the population in a referendum.

Joshua Wong was in solitary confinement for organising an unauthorised meeting. “A Bible passage in Romans is what gives me strength”, he said while in prison.

Over 17,000 have been detained since the start of the protests in summer. Christians fast and intercede for the country as the crisis continues.

Many oppose Lukashenko’s regime, but there is still a heated debate about what should be the Biblical position regarding the protests, says Sergei Tsvor of IFES Belarus.

A group of concerned pastors from 50 churches published an “Open letter to the Belarusian people”. They address political leaders, warn them of any misuse of power, and point towards the ultimate responsibility of all Belarusians before God.

A conversation with Taras, a pastor from Minsk. What is happening in Belarus? How are evanvelical churches doing? How can we pray?

Tatsiana and her husband experienced the police brutality first-hand as they were arbitrarily arrested. In an interview, she shares her hopes for justice and a free future for Belarus.

The main evangelical churches release a joint statement calling Christians “to unite in prayer for our country [...] our hope is the Lord Jesus Christ”.

Many evangelicals support the protests as they call for “wisdom” in the fight for democracy. The weakened government of Lukashenko responds with violence and thousands of arrests. Natasha, a Christian, shares her views about the conflict.

“If pastors or priests are preaching on issues to do with human rights, human dignity, justice, they may find they’re on the wrong side of the law”, says a CSW representative.

The 2020 World Press Freedom Index shows that “China censored their major coronavirus outbreaks extensively”. Norway is at the top and North Korea becomes the most dangerous country for journalists.

Overall, only 57% of Europeans see religious freedom as a “very important” right, much behind fair judiciary (87%), gender equality (85%), free internet (69%) and others.

“This decision marks an end to the moral insult that the public glorification of a dictator constitutes”, said the President of Spain, Pedro Sánchez. Under Franco, evangelicals were isolated, silenced and incarcerated.

The two small Evangelical parties (EVP and EDU) celebrate good results and will be represented in the national parliament.

After eleven days of protests and seven people killed, the Ecuadorian government and the indigenous leaders reach an agreement to withdraw Decree 883 and finish the mobilizations.

Algerian Christians think the governmental campaign against Protestant churches will continue. But “the churches of Algeria have a very firm and mature leadership with a clear vision of God”.

China celebrates the 70th anniversary of the Republic as the violence escalates in Hong Kong. “The role of Christians is to be peacemakers”, a Hong Kong Christian leader says.

Believers are encouraged to choose a Canton and a minister of the government to pray for. “A special strength and hope for our nation is found in prayer”, the Swiss Evangelical Alliance says.

The Spanish Evangelical Alliance sends a letter to the Human Rights Secretary of Uruguay after the latter said that “the new phenomenon of evangelical fundamentalism” is a threat to “democratic foundations”.

Paul Copan, Chair of Philosophy and Ethics of Palm Beach Atlantic University, explains how many key features of Western civilization, are the legacy of the biblical faith being lived out by believers in society.

Former President Omar al-Bashir has been jailed and the military and opposition parties have reached an agreement for a transition period which should culminate in democratic elections.

Evangelicals analyse the biggest demonstrations in the Czech Republic since the Velvet Revolution. Prime Minister Andrej Babis remains in power after surviving a parliament no-confidence vote.

Another massive demonstration is expected for Friday. “We seek God's justice and mercy to fill our land”, says Fellowship of Evangelical Students representative.

VIctor Hugo’s perspective helps us realise we cannot take the privilege of voting in the European elections for granted. This weekend saw the highest turnout in the EP elections.