(COMMENTARY) Several centuries after the birth of Jesus, Syrian scribes offered the names for the wise men who came to Bethlehem. Over the centuries, images of them have shaped countless Nativity scenes, church pageants and carols. Comparing the simple biblical account with many colorful "Three Kings" stories, is rather like comparing the humble, pious, 3rd century St. Nicholas of Myra with the Santa Claus found in Hollywood flicks.
Read MoreWhile the transgender community in the West has scored political victories and turned public opinion in favor of more rights, 4.8 million members of the transgender community in India still struggle to fight for their rights and against social stigma.
Read MoreWith its postmodern skyline and first world reputation, Singapore seems to be the perfect place for many migrants to pursue fortune. But, in his wildest dreams, one man from Bangladesh could never have imagined that his dream job opportunity would lead him to become a “modern day slave”.
Read More(OPINION) Lottie Moon was a pioneer missionary and educator in the late 19th Century who remained steadfast and true to her calling. She let God use her in a remarkable way during her lifetime and her work is still touching people around the world.
Read More(OPINION) U.S. President Donald Trump and India Prime Minister Narendra Modi may differ in their leadership styles and values, but the two share common ground when it comes to their rise in popularity in conservative nationalist movements in their countries.
Read MoreKamal Fahmi left his 35 years of formal missionary work trading it for a new cause: Religious freedom. Operating from Egypt, he founded an NGO dedicated to fight the blasphemy and apostasy laws that ironically limit the rights of Muslims.
Read MoreCatholic church bells in the Northern District of the Philippines will be ringing every night for three months to protest the alarming rise in casualties in anti-drug operations.
Read MorePolice identified the slain journalist as Leodoro Diaz, columnist of Sapol, a weekly tabloid newspaper in General Santos City
Read MoreThe often toxic mix of religious identity mixed with politics – either real or imagined – accounts for so much of what we think of as religion news. This story ties together some of those powerful symbols.
Read MoreLife at the Tebuireng boarding school is rigidly structured and disciplined, yet it also has rhythm and meaning – intentional stepping away from the rat race and becoming a better person. It is about seeking and serving God every day.
Read MoreBased on reports from individuals who escaped Maute control, the military disclosed that Islamist terrorists are using hostages as human shields and forcing female hostages into sex slavery.
Read MoreLSPT is a small but effective charity based at a private, Muslim academy in the town of Jombang, Indonesia. LSPT serves some 1,000 of its neighbors each month with its mission of meetings needs in the local community first.
Read MoreAt least 80 local and international journalists are risking their safety to cover government clashes with Islamist insurgents in Marawi City, where thousands of civilians have fled their homes to avoid being caught in the crossfire.
Read MoreAs the heavy fighting entered its 24th day, the military steadily gained the upper hand, killing 207 militants and capturing their matriarch, tagged as the financier of the militant group.
Read MoreThe shocking ruling against Ahok reveals the tension between Indonesia's policy of unity in diversity and blasphemy laws still in force. Indonesia may be in danger of losing the qualities that distinguish it from the rest of the Islamic world as a model of democracy and pluralism.
Read MoreIslamic terror groups laid a destructive siege to Marawi City in the southern Philippines on Tuesday, battling soldiers out to arrest their leader. They have taken hostages including a Catholic priest and church workers.
Read MoreSince Narendra Modi become prime minister of India in May 2014, a nuisance of cow politics and vigilante "cow protectors" have moved to the forefront across India.
Read MoreIn Buddhist-majority Burma, tension between the infamous nationalist monk U Wirathu and a prominent journalist and critic has dominated the country's news since early in 2017.
Read MoreThe Philippines scored a major victory on its unrelenting war on terror, killing 37 Islamic terrorists, including four foreigners during four days of fierce fighting in Mindanao.
Read MoreThe defeat of Jakarta’s Christian governor (Ahok) on April 19 after an ugly campaign featuring mass rallies by hardline Islamists and a trial for blasphemy revealed the extent to which Saudi-inspired Salafis have made inroads into Indonesia.
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