RELIGION HEADLINES
Written by on September 5, 2024
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(SN NEWS) – October is Pastor Appreciation Month and the National Association of Evangelicals is already gearing up. The organization is putting out ideas for how congregations can express gratitude to their clergymen at a time when those men are under more stress than ever. NAE spokesman Brian Kluth says “Many Christians don’t realize how difficult and demanding it is to be a pastor. They often face conflict and criticism while serving their church 50 to 70 hours per week. The NAE’s “Bless Your Pastor” program now involves thousands of congregations across the U.S.
An Australian pastor is in trouble for refusing to allow a pagan ceremony at his religious conferences. Dave Pellowe (PELL-oh) has been called before the Queensland Human Rights Commission for violating an Australian law that requires all major gatherings to include an Aboriginal smoking ceremony. Pellowe says he doesn’t want pagan ceremonies at his Christian events and is prepared to go to jail if the state wants to force the issue. The Australian constitution does protect religious freedom, but not as broadly as the U.S. Constitution.
Christians in Sudan are caught between the hammer and the anvil. Two rebel groups that overthrew the government are now fighting each other for control of the country and both of them are attacking Christians. More than 90 percent of the population in Sudan is Muslim and Christians have been the target of persecution for decades. International Christian Concern reports that 165 churches have had to close since the war broke out, adding that “members of the clergy have been singled out for particular violence, with soldiers shooting or stabbing pastors and elders during their raids.”
Nicaragua continues its campaign against churches. Lawmakers have now passed a bill that will remove the tax-exempt status of houses of worship, requiring them to pay taxes on their property and the tithes that they receive. Last month the government closed down hundreds of churches and ministries as President Daniel Ortega seeks to punish clergymen who have criticized his dictatorial regime. International Christian Concern reports that the regime has made a particular point of targeting the Catholic church, having ousted nearly 250 clergy since 2018, including three high-ranking bishops.
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