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Together 2016: Christians Flock to DC National Mall, 'Only Agenda is Jesus' Says Nick Hall
Saturday's "Together 2016" prayer and music event in Washington, D.C., organized by evangelist Nick Hall, was aimed at attracting millennials, with the purpose of giving people an opportunity to "reset," or get a second chance. Although Hall, a college pastor and founder of PULSE, started planning the occasion several years ago, it ironically came at a time of violence across the world, a time during which Christians are seeking solace.
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California Classrooms Now to Include LGBT History Lessons, Same-Sex Parents' Models
New lessons for elementary, middle and high school students that recognize the contributions of minorities including "lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Americans," were approved by the California Board of Education members Thursday. The updates are part of a broader overhaul of California's history and social science curriculum.

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Pokémon Go California Players Fall Off 90-Foot Ocean Cliff, Others Stabbed Or Robbed
In North San Diego County in California Wednesday, two men fell off a bluff while playing the Pokémon Go smartphone game. Sgt. Rich Eaton of the San Diego County Sheriff's Department said he thinks people need to realize this is just a game. "It's not worth your life. No game is worth your life."

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'God's Not Dead 2' Film Sign Banned From GOP National Convention, Called 'Incendiary'
Politically associated media buys are ramping up in Cleveland, Ohio, where the Republican National Convention will take place next week. But one potential sponsor, representing the "God's Not Dead 2" new Christian drama movie, was nixed, which prompted an accusation of religious persecution.

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U.S. Churches Vow to Not Leave Russia Even After New Law Makes Evangelizing Illegal
Representatives of several U.S.-based religious denominations rooted in evangelizing and missionary work are choosing to defy the new "Yarovaya laws" laws in Russia that would ban them from proselytizing. The package of laws, billed as anti-terrorism measures, was passed by the Russian Duma, or parliament, on June 24 and signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin on July 7. Leading Russian human rights activists said authorities used an air disaster -- the October bombing of a Russian passenger

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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.
