Samuel Smith and World Watch Monitor

Latest

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  Dec 21, 2019

  Hero missionary doctor celebrates 20 years in Africa, continues serving hundreds each day

  It’s been nearly 20 years since award-winning American Catholic missionary Dr. Tom Catena arrived in Africa. But next month, Catena will complete his second decade of service as he has become one of the continent’s most important people.  

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  Dec 20, 2019

  Trump officials call on 69 countries to decriminalize homosexuality

  The Trump administration is calling on 69 countries that criminalize homosexuality to expand protections for LGBT citizens, a call that is backed by at least one conservative evangelical leader.

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  Dec 20, 2019

  Nigeria: Gunmen kidnap pastor amid spike in abductions

  A bivocational pastor was abducted by gunmen in Nigeria earlier this week, according to multiple news reports from the African nation. Police have mobilized a search team to track down the abductors.

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  Dec 19, 2019

  Tennessee to continue accepting refugees as Republican gov. upsets conservatives

  Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee has given consent to allow refugee resettlement in 2020 in accordance with President Donald Trump’s executive order giving states and localities the ability to block resettlement. 

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  Dec 19, 2019

  Church settles breastfeeding lawsuit after telling mother she could cause men to lust

  A church in Michigan has settled a lawsuit brought against it by a mother who claimed she was shamed by church staff for breastfeeding her baby during a service in 2018. 

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  Dec 19, 2019

  Senate compromise to reauthorize USCIRF included in spending bill as deadline looms

  The U.S. Senate has agreed on a compromise for the reauthorization of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom as funding for the congressionally mandated watchdog body is set to expire this month if Congress does not act. 

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  Dec 18, 2019

  Supreme Court to hear 2 cases on employment decisions for religious institutions

  The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday agreed to hear appeals brought forth by two California Catholic schools sued for terminating religion teachers, a case that could determine how far ministerial exceptions go in protecting employment decisions for religious institutions.

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  Dec 18, 2019

  Christian university blocks pro-life group but says it doesn't support abortion

  A Christian university in Tennessee is standing behind its student senate’s decision not to officially recognize a local chapter of the pro-life activist organization Students for Life of America. However, students are still hopeful they will be able to get recognition in the spring.

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  Dec 18, 2019

  Coptic activist arrested on 'preposterous charges' in Egypt; UN agency demands release

  The international community is condemning Egypt’s imprisonment of a prominent Coptic Christian activist who they say has been jailed on “preposterous charges” despite the government’s promises to promote religious coexistence. 

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  Dec 18, 2019

  New York school district reverses decision to reject student's Christian club

  A public school district in New York will allow a freshman student to form a Christian club after school officials refused her request for months, a national legal group reports.