Representatives of three political parties joined the conversation with the Spanish Evangelical Alliance for the public event that opens the annual Idea conference.

“Parents should ensure that the education of their children is in compliance with their religious and philosophical convictions”, says the EU Commission spokesperson for education, Sonya Gospodinova.

The Democrat took the oath of office on a family Bible. “We have much to restore, to heal, and much to gain”, he said. There were several references to faith during the ceremony.

“Philosophical and religious convictions” will be described in records of thousands of people who are seen as a threat to the state. Evangelicals worried about the “fragility” of fundamental rights.

Evangelicals condemn forced therapies but say the will of same-sex attracted people who seek spiritual support has to be respected.

The National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka publishes a report analysing messages in social media against religious minorities.

The US Commission on International Religious Freedom has analysed the effects of blasphemy laws worldwide between 2014-18. 11% of the blasphemy-related incidents took place in Europe.

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.

The draft law prompted criticism for being “too vague” and threatening free speech. “It could see people prosecuted for offences that they did not know they committed”, the EAUK warns.

The CNEF suggests to “include a reaffirmation of the right to the peaceful exercise of religious freedom” and “hopes that the freedom of education will not be violated”.

European leaders meet to set up “rigorous measures for a rapid and coordinated response to terrorism”. Austria targets the Muslim Brotherhood while Spain starts the trial against the Barcelona attackers.

The brutal decapitation of a teacher near Paris for showing caricatures of Muhammad fuels the debate about radical Islamism in France.

President Macron announces tougher laws against radical Muslims who build a “counter-society”. Evangelicals reiterate their willingness to work for social unity, and warn against unjustified restrictions of religious freedom.

During the 45th session of the UN Human Rights Council, the WEA calls on Zimbabwean government “to address the causes of the country crisis, [...] to prevent violations of fundamental rights”.

In her State of the (European) Union, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, unfolded an ambitious ‘post-COVID-19’ plan for Europe and beyond.

In a talk show in December 2019, Päivi Räsänen had commented on what the Bible teaches about homosexuality. The investigations against her could lead to “a court process of several years”.

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

He died after more than 40 days on a hunger strike. “State Security does not allow some opponents to attend the funeral”, a friend says.

A survey shows that 57% of evangelicals  often  do notfreely express their opinions.

The US Commission for International Religious Freedom asks for the release of pastor Jesus Quinones, and the right of Cuban parents to “raise their children pursuant to their own faith”.

A desire for equality and justice without the possibility of forgiveness and redemption or the hope of ultimate justice can lead to bitterness and a desire for revenge.

Intellectuals warn that “the spread of censoriousness” is leading to an “intolerant climate”. Authors JK Rowling, Salman Rushdie and Margaret Atwood are among the signatories.

Political representatives joined a live online conversation with evangelicals. The definition of “discrimination” and the protection of freedom of speech were some of the issues addressed.

Government buildings and the Post Office supported the Pride. AEE: “We want diversity, plurality and respect in Spain. But, above all, absence of impositions and demagogic discourses about disobeying the law”.

Roxana Stanciu (CARE) analyses hate speech and how can Christians respond to it. “Christians should be ready to be offended and to engage in meaningful conversations”.