A summary of the main statements by the prosecution and the defense of MP Päivi Räsänen and Bishop Juhana Pohjola. On the ground reporting from Helsinki, Finland.

The prosecutor demands that Päivi Räsänen's writings on homosexuality are removed. Her lawyer underlines the politician’s belief in the dignity of all people and refers to the European Court of Human Rights.

Theologian Timo Eskola says courts of law should “not dictate what churches are allowed to teach about sin”. Other Lutheran academics have been less supportive of the Finnish parliamentarian.

Despite her past stand against abortion, Roberta Metsola told reporters after being elected that her position on abortion will be “that of the European Parliament”.

Afghanistan is new at the top of the Open Doors WWL 2022. Discover the full list.

The Islamic country replaces North Korea at the top of the World Watch List after 20 years. One in seven Christians worldwide suffers persecution, says Open Doors.

Has there been an increase in respect for freedom of thought, conscience and religion for all and the cultivation of a culture of civility? At least in Europe, the signs are not good.

The law of 2018 worried evangelical Christians, as it strongly limited religious activities outdoors and limited faith expressions of civil servants.

Clashes with the State and punishments of Cuban evangelicals have increased in recent years, but without a high number of imprisoned pastors. Until 11 July 2021 came.

The Finnish parliamentarian to be tried on 24 January for expressing her biblical convictions about homosexuality hopes her case will encourage other Christians to openly speak about their faith.

The churches leaving the Reformed Church of America say “it is important to affirm that the Bible is God’s written Word and those who follow Jesus live under the Bible’s authority”.

A checklist of ideas to have a great, inclusive, start to the New Year in children’s and youth groups and to create a place where everyone belongs.

Some believe that “Europe cannot afford to dismiss energy sources” with low CO₂ emissions, but others warn that the decision of the European Union “is all about information for the capital markets”.

The death sentence is for a Protestant pastor who has been in prison since 2012, while the other was released on bail after four years in prison for Facebook comments.

The evangelical body warns that “everyone must take responsibility for their decisions”. Maintaining unity in the churches is a matter of addressing the Covid-19 debates with “spiritual sobriety”.

Somali militant group was suspected of joining the attacks. “Please pray for the families affected. People have fled from the area for fear of their lives”, evangelicals say.

The Fellowship of Pastors of the Mexican state condemns a new outbreak of violence against six families for not participating in the local Catholic celebrations.

The judges ruled that the forced resignation over refusal to stop wearing a cross necklace was “unfair and discriminatory” and rejected that the objection had nothing to do with her beliefs.

The discovery was made during the recovery of a shipwreck off the coast of Caesarea, Israel.

The evangelical faith, while feeling totally part of the history of the faithful church, is ultimately submitted to Scripture alone.

How should Christians respond to recent financial  developments in the light of the Bible’s teaching? An article by Paul Mills.

The initiative responds to a concern over several attacks on freedom of expression. It will be called the "Forum of Elah".

The Swiss Evangelical Alliance invites churches “to dedicate a Sunday service to reflect on children in need", under the theme ‘To leave no child behind’.

The new law states that Chinese Christians need a state permit to publish religious content, which “should not incite subversion or oppose the communist party leadership”.

Alianza Solidaria seeks to launch a digital classroom project to stop school dropouts among children from Latin American vulnerable families.