News

Secret witness testifies against US pastor Andrew Brunson
A witness testifying anonymously against Andrew Brunson, the US pastor accused of spying and terror-related charges in Turkey, claimed yesterday that Brunson helped Kurdish militants and aimed to create a Christian Kurdish state, the country's state-run news agency reported.

Australian Christian rugby star Israel Folau shares anti-gay sermon by US evangelist David Wilkinson
Israel Folau, the outspoken Christian rugby star, has shared an anti-gay sermon from late American evangelist David Wilkerson in an apparent refusal to back down from controversy.

Vladimir Putin sworn in for fourth term, backed by Orthodox Church's Patriarch Kirill
President Vladimir Putin stuck with his long-serving prime minister in his first act after being sworn in for a new term on Monday, signalling that he would keep faith with a policy direction that has brought Russia into conflict with the West.

Justin Welby quotes Stormzy to sooth Royal Wedding nerves
The archbishop of Canterbury has confessed to liking grime artist Stormzy's music, saying he is taking inspiration from his song Blinded By Your Grace to calm his Royal Wedding nerves.

Planning a World Cup 'outreach' event? Then please, do it right, and plan it now...
6 tips to plan your ideal church event at the FIFA World Cup
Boris Johnson urges Trump not to abandon Iran nuclear deal
Boris Johnson has appealed to US President Donald Trump not to end the Iran nuclear agreement, saying the deal had weaknesses but these could be addressed given time.

'It is reality': US embassy to open in Jerusalem next week as road signs installed
US Embassy road signs went up in Jerusalem on Monday ahead of next week's opening of the mission in accordance with President Donald Trump's recognition of the city as Israel's capital.

Afghanistan: 17 dead after explosion hits mosque's evening prayers
An explosion at a mosque used as a voter centre in the eastern Afghan province of Khost on Sunday killed at least 17 people and wounded 34, local officials said, in the latest attack on preparations for long-delayed parliamentary elections.

Pope's Swiss Guards show off new 3D printed plastic helmets
The Swiss Guards have unveiled the new 3D printed plastic helmets that will eventually replace their current ones made of metal in an effort to make the guard members more comfortable while providing protection for the pontiff.

Thousands 'March for Life' in London anti-abortion demonstration
The UK 'March for Life' movement held its first London-based March in Britain's capital yesterday, with thousands marching to oppose the liberalisation of abortion laws. Pro-choice activists held a peaceful counter-demonstration.

Iran jails 16 women for joining ISIS in Syria
Sixteen women who went to Syria to join Islamic State have been jailed in Iran, a Tehran prosecutor said on Sunday.

Lava eruptions destroy Hawaii homes, hundreds evacuated amid gas threat
Nearly 2,000 people on Hawaii's Big Island have been evacuated from homes after lava eruptions destroyed five houses and sulphur dioxide gas threatened to harm anyone who stayed in the residential area, officials said.
Anger in France, Britain over Trump's gun law speech
US President Donald Trump sparked anger in France and Britain by suggesting looser gun laws could have helped prevent deadly attacks in Paris in 2015, and linking a wave of knife crime in London to a handgun ban.

France's Macron, after overture to Church, to visit pope in June
President Emmanuel Macron, accused of straining France's secular foundations by saying he wanted to mend ties with the Catholic Church in his country, will travel to the Vatican in June to meet Pope Francis, the Vatican said on Friday.
Trump says date, place set for North Korea summit
President Donald Trump on Friday said the date and location have been set for a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, building suspense for the unprecedented talks, as South Korea said it would oppose a withdrawal of US troops from the area.

Israeli troops fire shots, tear gas at Gaza protesters, 1,100 Palestinians hurt
Israeli troops fired live rounds and tear gas at Palestinians who thronged the Gaza-Israel frontier and rampaged at a border terminal on Friday as part of a long-running protest, injuring about 1,100 people.