Samuel Smith and World Watch Monitor

Latest

• 
  Dec 26, 2019

  Top 5 global persecution stories of 2019

  2019 was deadly for many believers across the globe whether they were killed while worshiping peacefully inside their churches or murdered by radicals as the slept at night.

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  Dec 23, 2019

  Sudan removed from State Dept. list of worst religious freedom violators after dictator ousted

  The U.S. State Department removed Sudan from its list of governments that are engaging in or tolerating systemic and ongoing religious freedom violations and has placed Nigeria, Cuba, and Nicaragua on a special watch list for “severe violations of religious freedom” for the first time. 

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  Dec 22, 2019

  Tyndale House publishes 'Pray for America Bible' to guide Christians in 2020

  As the United States heads into yet another contentious election year, one of the nation’s most popular Bible publishers is trying to help Americans pray more efficiently and in a non-partisan manner for the needs of the country.

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  Dec 22, 2019

  Tajik pastor charged with singing 'extremist songs' released from prison after 2.5 years

  A pastor in Tajikistan has been released from prison over two-and-a-half years after authorities raided his church, according to advocacy organizations. 

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  Dec 21, 2019

  Stone tablet found in ancient 'temple' might be linked to Ark of the Covenant

  Archaeologists in Israel have discovered a stone tablet that somewhat resembles a description in the Old Testament that played a role in the story of the Ark of the Covenant, an Israeli newspaper has reported. 

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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.

• 
  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.