The Spanish Evangelical Alliance analyses the challenges and decisions happening in the areas of medicine, economy and social justice in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We want to collaborate more with other churches, but language is a barrier”, say pastors of the Chinese Christian Churches.
A survey shows that women have more existential questions than men, while Protestants and Catholics are the ones who think more about the meaning of life.
The confinement in our homes is forcing millions to stop abruptly, cancel all our plans, and take time to look in the mirror.
Christians in various countries mention the loneliness in times of confinement and the needs of the elderly, as priorities to be addressed in the coming weeks of crisis.
Prayer and pastoral care online, workshops, Instagram humor, are some of the responses to the first days of confinement.
Christians face the challenge of acting creatively as millions enter phase of confinement. “It might shape some of the future offers of our churches”.
Eight European countries have already declared the state of emergency, banned or strongly restricted the entrance of foreigners, and asked citizens to stay at home.
Worship songs are heard in balconies, online communities are organised, and a Day of National Prayer has been called for next Sunday.
Schools and other public services have been closed. Hundreds of thousands confined in some regions. Evangelicals suspend all services and meetings and call to pray according to Psalm 91.
Norbert Valley had been previously condemned for breaking the Foreigners Law for offering lodging to a Togolese man. “We must work to change the law”, the pastor said as he left the courts.
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.
Germany, France, Portugal, Finland and Luxembourg agreed to receive unaccompanied minors stuck in Greek refugee camps, in the midst of the Turkey-Greece border refugee crisis.
Pastors of the Chinese Christian Church in Spain explain how they handle the Covid-19 crisis. “At work, we notice discrimination. Many think that the Chinese are carriers of the virus”.
The alarming trends among teenagers have forced experts to raise their voice. Evangelical author Olof Edsinger: “Of course, there is a theological truth, but science really goes a long way in challenging the queer and trans ideology”.
Covid-19 deaths rise to over 360 as Italy becomes the second most affected country in the world. Italian evangelical leaders advice churches to follow the recommendations of the authorities and pray for “a spiritual and social revival with lasting effects”.
The country with more abortions is France (224,000). England and Wales reached their highest figures. Germany and Spain increased the number of abortions below 2%.
Finnish politician Päivi Räsänen was interrogated by the police for five hours on his booklet on Bible and sexuality. “I categorically deny that my writing might be hate speech or defamation or slander of minorities”.
The Constitution “includes a right to a self-determined death”, the court says. Protestant and Catholic leaders issued a joint statement lamenting the decision.
Greece deploys the army and uses tear gas to stop the crowds. Europe could face soon a crisis similar to that of 2016, analysts say.
Missiologist Jim Memory looks at the crises and opportunities Europeans have faced in the last decade.
“Working for the wellbeing of the city” was the theme of Idea 2020, this year's General Assembly of the Spanish Evangelical Alliance.
LE 2020 sets out to host 800 invited delegates in a gathering in Wisla, Poland 21-25 October. The gathering will be the culmination of a conversation eventually encompassing as many as 10,000 people all across Europe.
Authorities confirmed that the suspect was found dead at his house. German counter-terrorism prosecutors have taken over the investigation because “there are indications of a far-right motive”.
The draft law proposes euthanasia in a month for those with an incurable or disabling illness. Spanish evangelicals ask for “better palliative care and support for people in dependence”
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