As we take stock after two years of Covid-19 disruption, we will see how local church involvement is critical for all aspects of a healthy life.

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”.

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 most interesting stories according to our readers include a French Minister, a British evangelist and an Olympics recordwoman.

During her Christmas broadcast, the British monarch paid tribute to her late husband. “Christmas teaches us all a lesson that in the birth of a child, there is a new dawn with endless potential”.

Maybe those shepherds, the wise men, Mary and Joseph, would take the baby in their arms and try to imagine what kind of Saviour he would be.

Indoor church gatherings with over 100 participants can only allow people who have been vaccinated. The Swedish Evangelical Alliance says it restricts religious freedom.

The Holy Synod of the Greek Orthodox Church pointed out in a statement that they “support the government’s efforts to battle the resurging pandemic”.

Three evangelical leaders in Switzerland speak about the tensions in churches caused by opposing views. A respectful dialogue seems to be the only way to maintain unity.

Marcus Lamb, co-founder of a US satellite broadcaster that reaches millions worldwide, was an outspoken sceptic of Covid-19 vaccines.

IFES calls Christian university students to reach out to foreigners: “What if every student befriended one international student?”

The fight between the government and Tigray's rebels remains unresolved as millions face starvation. “Our hearts weep when we see the recent situation”, evangelicals say.

A multi-national Children’s Ministry Report warns that “there needs to be clearer communication and a stronger sense of purpose amongst all who are involved in children’s faith formation”.

Attending church services will still be allowed for those who are not vaccinated. The Austrian Evangelical Alliance admits that there are “different points of view” among evangelicals.

Miguel Wickham analyses the COP26 development, the challenges in addressing climate change, and the role of Christians.

A report shows that closure was particularly acute in inner-city areas. “There is hope. We encourage people to find hope and relevance in their local churches”, researchers say.

A Christian couple serving among Afghan refugees arriving in Pakistan, explain their difficult situation, especially that of Christians with a Muslim background.

Church trends in the 21st century.

Evangelicals in Portugal, Germany and Italy strive to be salt and light and build bridges with society through their socio-political work.

More than 40.3 million people are victims of human trafficking today. Marches aimed to denounce that “human trafficking is modern slavery”, Christian NGO A21, says.

The vitality of migrant faith does not represent the de-Christianisation of Europe but the de-Europeanisation of European Christianity.

Europe 2021 is a document which church and mission leaders everywhere should download and study. It is an evangelical rarity.

The President of the Moroccan Christian Union explains why, although the change of government has raised expectations, many Christians remain cautious.

Fear is a feature of life in this fallen world. Fear Jesus, for he is more powerful and significant than any evil.

The Italian Evangelical Alliance expresses doubts about the “disproportionate restriction of fundamental freedoms”. Two pastors on the ground also express their doubts.