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Christian Bakers Threatened with Personal Violence After Declining Same-Sex Couple's Wedding Cake
A Christian couple in Texas with devout religious beliefs who own a bakery and refused to make a wedding cake for a same-sex couple said they received a threatening phone call that warned their house would be burned down and their 17-year-old son harmed.

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ISIS 'Genocide' Against Christians, Minorities Declared by U.S. House Resolution
U.S. House of Representatives approved a resolution Monday declaring Islamic State extremists are committing true "genocide" against Christians and other religious minorities in the Middle East. The resolution passed with a unanimous vote of 383-0. There is a similar measure in the Senate on which to be voted. Historically, it is rare for Congress to make a genocide determination.
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Hillsong Church to Get 24-Hour TV Channel with Trinity Broadcasting Network
Globally oriented megachurch Hillsong Church is about to expand to non-stop status by teaming up with Trinity Broadcasting Network to launch a new 24-hour TV network. The Hillsong Channel is slated to launch June 15. The program will feature worship performances, messages from Christian leaders, conferences, documentaries, kids programs, talk shows and features for a global audience.

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Christian Children in Egypt Sentenced for Reverse Blasphemy After Mocking ISIS Video
Egyptian authorities sentenced four Christian children and their teacher with blasphemy charges and prison time regarding a video mocking the extremist group Islamic State, also known as ISIS. "These children shouldn't face prison for expressing themselves, even with an immature joke," said Nadim Houry, deputy Middle East director. "The continued prosecution of blasphemy cases in Egypt goes against the government's claim to be promoting a more inclusive vision of religion."

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War Crimes of Africans Burned Alive, Mass Rapes Confirmed by South Sudan Church Reps
South Sudan local church officials confirmed a recently released United Nations report describing the horrors of Africa's civil war, including mass rapes as well as children and disabled people being burned alive, hanged or cut to pieces. The U.N. report is definitely reliable, stated the unnamed church sources to news agencies. The violent conflict produced shocking news stories of people being forced to eat human flesh and drink blood, the African Union revealed in October 2015.

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Qatar Evangelical Alliance breaks ground on worship center, witnessing Christ in a Muslim nation
A worship center for evangelical churches has commenced construction in Qatar, marking a significant spiritual milestone in the history of evangelicals in the country.

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Hong Kong's deadliest fire in a Century: churches mobilize and pray to support the community
On 26 November, a severe level‑five fire broke out at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po. Early reports said at least 13 people died and 23 were injured. Local churches mobilize to support the community and pray.

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Faith and freedom: USCIRF Chair Vicky Hartzler shares insights on China’s religious landscape
As China continues to update its religious regulations, changes in the country’s faith environment and space for religious practice have drawn increased global attention. In this interview, USCIRF Chair Vicky Hartzler responds to questions about religious policy, human rights, and faith, offering her perspectives on China’s current situation and sharing words of support and encouragement for Christians facing challenges.

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U.S. Congressional hearing highlights religious freedom challenges facing Chinese Christians and other faith communities
A recent U.S. congressional hearing cast a spotlight on religious freedom conditions in China, with witnesses sharing firsthand accounts of pressure faced by Christian, Muslim, and Tibetan Buddhist communities.

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Christians gather in Hong Kong to pray for victims of Tai Po Hong Fu Court fire
More than 1,000 Christians gathered in Hong Kong on Dec. 5 for a united prayer service commemorating the victims of the five-alarm fire that devastated Hong Fu Court in Tai Po on Nov. 26, destroying thousands of homes and killing 159 people.
