Posts in North America
Religion Can Shape Abortion Views, But What About A Woman’s Actual Decision?

(ANALYSIS) Many factors can shape how someone views abortion – gender, age and education, to name a few. Around the world, however, religious belief is the most powerful predictor that someone will disapprove, as I document in my 2025 book, “Fetal Positions.” Faith traditions’ teachings about abortion vary — and there is diversity of opinions within faiths, too.

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IHOPKC Leader Mike Bickle ‘Permanently Disqualified’ From Church Office

Mike Bickle, former leader of International House of Prayer in Kansas City (IHOPKC), has “disqualified himself permanently from holding any such high and honorable office anywhere in the Body of Christ in his lifetime,” according to a Pastoral Recommendation Team report. Bickle “failed to live in a manner commensurate with the Gospel message.”

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Grieving President Nelson And Finding Light After Michigan Tragedy

(OPINION) I went to sleep this past Saturday night with a heavy heart. Just before saying goodnight to my family, I had picked up my phone and saw an Instagram post stating that Russell M. Nelson, the president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, had passed away just hours before. He had recently turned 101, so his passing was not wholly unexpected, but I felt a wash of grief hit me nonetheless.

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Christian Families Wait To Complete Chinese Adoptions, But Hope Dims

Herbie Newell, the president and executive director of Lifeline Children’s Services — said the agency some U.S. families are using for their adoption — is cautiously hopeful that something can still be done to unite the 300 waiting children with their new parents.

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How Drums And Dance Can Be A Bridge Between Heaven And Earth

When people say they “lose themselves in music,” it can describe the spiritual-like experience of entering a trance or altered state evoked by rhythm or melody. In various cultures and faith traditions, music acts as a bridge to spirituality. Interpretive choreography, beating on drums, humming and chanting — all create an atmosphere that draws people into connection with something greater. 

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Texas’ Camp Mystic To Partially Reopen Next Summer

Camp Mystic, a Christian girls camp where 27 campers and counselors died in the July 4 flooding along the Guadalupe River in Texas, has said it plans to host camps next summer. The owners said they plan to open Camp Mystic Cypress Lake to campers in the summer of 2026. The elevated Cypress Lake section of the campground opened in 2020 and operates independently from the older Guadalupe River camp, which was severely damaged by the floods.

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Truett McConnell University Fires Suspended President Emir Caner

Emir Caner’s tenure as Truett McConnell University (TMU) president ended on Friday. when trustees announced his firing from the Southern Baptist school in Cleveland, Georgia. The dismissal comes five months after it was reported that for years, Caner ignored allegations of grooming and sexual abuse by Bradley Reynolds, the school’s academic vice president. The woman alleging the abuse was TMU graduate and former soccer coach Hayle Swinson.

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Mamdani’s Bid To Be NY’s First Muslim Mayor Tests Limits Of Identity Politics

Zohran Mamdani's candidacy offers a lens into the future of American urban politics — one that is both multicultural and deeply polarizing. It’s also a referendum on whether a candidate can be unapologetically Muslim, unflinchingly progressive and still viable as a leader in America’s largest city.

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A Year Later, Southern Baptists Still Serving Areas Impacted By Helene

Hurricane Helene made landfall near Perry, Fla., late on September 26 and carved a unique, destructive path across the Southeast before dropping a deluge on South Central Appalachia. The extent of 2024’s most destructive storm would not be known until days later as flooding in Western North Carolina and East Tennessee permanently altered the landscape, wiping away entire communities and claiming the lives of at least 250 people.

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New Bill Would Punish Nigeria For Religious Freedom Violations

A new congressional bill would require the U.S. to designate Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), indicating egregious, systemic and ongoing religious freedom violations in the country that is the deadliest for Christians. The Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025 echoes a longstanding call by many religious freedom organizations.

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Crossroads Podcast: The New York Times’ Surprisingly Solid Erika Kirk Story

Doing this interview was consistent with Charlie Kirk’s history of reaching out to leaders on the other side of the chasm between red and blue America. I would argue that many other conservative groups should take a similar approach, if their leaders are sharp enough to handle these kinds of encounters (with both sides recording what happens).

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Church Leaders Bring Christ-Centered Leadership to Public Service

As he took the bench, Jerry Crosby II told the court that he was serving as the circuit court judge. Crosby intentionally used the word “serving” because of his faith. “I never say I am the judge,” he said. “I understand the only person that’s the true judge of all things and of all of us is God. I want to make sure each and every day.”

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Pastors Urged To Keep Gospel Central Amid Cultural Tensions

After the assassination of Charlie Kirk, pastors found themselves in a difficult position — whether or how to address the event from the pulpit. Todd Fisher, executive director of Oklahoma Baptists, received messages from pastors confused by their congregations’ reactions, prompting him to address the issue. Many pastors were unaware of Kirk’s cultural influence, especially among younger members.

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On Religion: At Charlie Kirk Memorial, Faith And Forgiveness Meets Politics And Power

In her 30-minute testimony, Erika Kirk said her husband knew his life was in danger, but he stressed the biblical message in a verse from Isaiah: “Here I am, Lord. Send me.” Kirk said she once told him: “‘Charlie, baby, please talk to me next time before you say that statement.’ ... When you say, ‘Here I am, Lord. Use me,’ God will take you up on that.’ ... God accepted that total surrender from my husband, and then called him to His side.”

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Pope Leo Strikes A Diplomatic — And Distinctively American — Path For The Papacy

(ANALYSIS) In his first major interview as pope, Leo XIV offers a glimpse into a papacy shaped by his American identity and a diplomatic, morally grounded approach. Speaking to Crux for an upcoming biography, the first U.S.-born pontiff addressed global issues including President Trump, artificial intelligence, and the crisis in Gaza.

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