Archaeologists Discover Rich Hoard of Artifacts and Coins at German Medieval Church

Archaeologists Discover Rich Hoard of Artifacts and Coins at German Medieval Church

Renovations of a medieval church in Germany have led to the discovery of more than 1,000 artifacts, some of which date back to the church's founding in the 13th century. Excavations at St. Mary's Church in Gardelegen began in June 2022 to install a new underfloor heating system. The excavation work continued until September 2023, covering an area of 145 square meters and reaching a depth of approximately 40 centimeters.
  • European Parliament Urges Release of Nigerian Musician Imprisoned for Blasphemy
    The European Parliament has reiterated its call for the immediate release of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu, a young Sufi musician imprisoned for blasphemy in Nigeria, while urging the repeal of the blasphemy laws that support his detention. Sharif-Aminu is facing the death penalty for allegedly circulating song lyrics deemed blasphemous under Kano state's blasphemy laws.
  • Formerly Pardoned Christians Re-Arrested in Iran After Years in Prison
    Two Christians who were previously released from prison in Iran were re-arrested last Thursday, according to advocacy group Article 18. Intelligence agents took Nasser Navard Gol-Tapeh and Joseph Shahbazian from their homes in Tehran province and returned them to Tehran's notorious Evin Prison, along with other Christians detained for their faith.

Patriarch Emphasizes Christians' Critical Role in Syria's Reconstruction

Moran Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, the supreme head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church, has presented a vision for how Christians worldwide can help rebuild Syria under Islamist-led rebel control. Speaking at the International Religious Freedom Summit in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, the patriarch called on the international community to assist in Syria’s reconstruction.
  • EU Warns Pakistan's Trade Status Over Human Rights Concerns
    Pakistan's preferential trade status could be at risk if it fails to address human rights issues, including controversial blasphemy laws, forced marriages and conversions of religious minority girls, and freedom of religion, according to a European Union (EU) delegation. The delegation, led by EU Special Representative on Human Rights Olof Skoog, issued a warning in a press statement on Friday, indicating that Pakistan should not take its Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) status for
  • Pakistan's Christian Twin Brothers Cleared of Blasphemy Allegation
    A court in Pakistan has cleared Christian twin brothers of false blasphemy charges, as the prosecution was unable to provide sufficient evidence against them. Eighteen-year-old Christian twin brothers Sahil Shahid (Kalu) and Raheel Shahid (Tabish) were prosecuted for false blasphemy accusations but were recently released from prison, according to their attorney Javed Sahotra.
  • Protestant Pastor Detained in Vietnam for Allegedly Spreading Anti-State Messages
    Vietnamese authorities have arrested 71-year-old Pastor Nguyen Manh Hung in Ho Chi Minh City, charging him with spreading “anti-state propaganda.” According to Radio Free Asia, the police conducted a raid on Pastor Nguyen's home, reportedly cutting off electricity before entering.
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  • Iranian Christians Experience Sixfold Surge in Prison Sentences in 2024

    Three Christians who were rearrested for their faith in Iran were subjected to torture, as it has been revealed that prison sentences for Christians in the country increased sixfold in 2024, according to a recent report. Article 18, a London-based religious freedom NGO, released its annual report this month detailing rights violations against Christians in Iran.

  • Ancient Structure from First Temple Period Discovered in Jerusalem's City of David

    A structure used for ritual religious practices from the First Temple Period has been uncovered on the eastern slope of the City of David, according to All Israel News. The structure uncovered by the Israel Antiquities Authority consists of eight rock-hewn rooms, including a standing stone (matzeva), an olive oil press, and a winepress, all used to provide oil and wine for rituals.

  • 1,300 Korean Church Leaders Oppose WEA General Assembly in Seoul

    The Council of Church Leaders Opposing the Hosting of the 2025 WEA Seoul General Assembly, composed of 1,300 pastors and elders from the Presbyterian Church in Korea (Hapdong), the largest denomination in Korea, released a statement on January 16 titled “Our Position on the 2025 WEA Seoul General Assembly.”

  • Israel and Hamas Reach Agreement for Ceasefire and Hostage Release

    Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire deal that is expected to halt fighting in the Gaza Strip temporarily. The agreement aims to secure the release of hostages taken by the terror group since October 7, 2023. A U.S. official informed The Jerusalem Post that both parties agreed to the ceasefire and hostage arrangement, while an Israeli official confirmed that “differences in negotiations” had been resolved.

  • UK Council Instructs Staff to Ban Use of ‘Christian’ Names to Foster Inclusivity

    Sutton Council in south London has instructed employees to avoid asking for “Christian” names and to use “first name, forename, or given name,” while also eliminating other religious and gender-related terms. This guidance states that staff should no longer ask members of the public for their “Christian” name and advises using “first name, forename, or given name” instead.

  • Eternal Wall: A New Christian Monument to Document Global Answered Prayers

    The largest Christian monument, the Eternal Wall of Answered Prayer is one step closer to being established in the United Kingdom. With initial wind tunnel testing planned for February, designers envision the monument as an “ongoing testimony to God’s faithfulness,” inviting Christians globally to share their stories of answered prayers.

  • Archaeologists Find Byzantine Monastery with Deuteronomy Mosaic Near Kiryat Gat

    An ancient Christian monastery has been discovered north of Kiryat Gat, as announced by the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA). The IAA stated, “The monastery is dated to the Byzantine period (fifth to sixth centuries CE), and it is part of an ancient site that already existed during the Roman period and continued for approximately 600 years.” 

  • 10-Year-Old Boy Discovers 100-Year-Old Cross Medallion in Jerusalem

    A remarkable discovery was made by a 10-year-old boy during a school field trip to Ein Kerem in the Judean Hills. Nehorai Nir discovered a golden medallion with a micro-mosaic technique, which was later examined by Amit Re’em, the Jerusalem District Archaeologist for the Israel Antiquities Authority, according to the Jerusalem Post.
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