| | Monday, November 15, 2021 |
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| Church & Ministries | | USCCB eyes ‘teaching document’ for Catholic politicians | | U.S. Catholic Bishops are expected to vote this week on a proposed document focused on the meaning of communion that could call for Catholic public servants to “embody Church teaching.” The USCCB explained, “It will include a section on the Church’s teaching on the responsibility of every Catholic, including bishops, to live in accordance with the truth, goodness and beauty of the Eucharist we celebrate.” |
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| World | | Iranian authorities order pastor back to prison after temporary reprieve | | Iranian authorities have ordered a pastor from the Church of Iran denomination to return to prison to begin serving a five-year sentence for “sectarian activities,” indicating that Christian persecution might be intensifying after a brief respite due to the spread of COVID-19 that led authorities to the temporary release of many people from prison. Pastor Amin Khaki is now in prison in Karaj, the capital of Alborz Province near Tehran, after last Wednesday’s summon, the U.K.-based group Christian Solidarity Worldwide reported. |
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| U.S. | | Defense attorney in Arbery trial apologizes for ‘black pastor’ comment | | An attorney for one of three white men standing trial for the 2020 killing of 25-year-old unarmed black man Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia has issued an apology in court after expressing concern with the presence of prominent black pastors like Al Sharpton in the courtroom. On Thursday, attorney Kevin Gough told the court that he believed the presence of Sharpton and potentially other high-profile African American activist pastors in the courtroom could sway the jury. |
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| Entertainment | | Tony Evans, daughters bring Holy Land to life in new film | | Tony Evans and his daughters Chrystal Evans Hurst and Priscilla Shirer are hoping to bring hope and encouragement to the Body of Christ through their new documentary, “Journey with Jesus.” The pastor said that “everybody needs hope” and wants his new documentary to “instill that sense that the living Christ can give us ... a jab of hope.” |
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| Church & Ministries | | Carl Lentz’s wife talks depression, PTSD after cheating scandal | | Laura Lentz, the wife of former Hillsong NYC Pastor Carl Lentz, has opened up about how she suffered from worsening depression and PTSD after her husband was fired from the global megachurch due to alleged moral failures and infidelity last November. "I have struggled with a mild depression for many years, but this year it got to be so bad that there were days I didn’t want to get out of bed," she explained in an Instagram post last week. |
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| Opinion | | Op-ed: Christians, let go of 'Let’s go Brandon' | | Robin Schumacher writes about the viral "Let's go Brandon" movement and why disagreement with the Biden administration does not justify a Christian's acceptance of the satirical statement. "[A]s a follower of Christ, if I am to 'not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good' (Rom. 12:21), then I need to swap out 'Let’s go Brandon' with 'Pray for Joe Biden.'" |
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| Hi Friend,
As we enter the final months of 2021, we want to know: How are you doing?
In the midst of ongoing injustice, rising rates of extreme poverty, disasters and mass displacement, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. You may have begun to wonder, is it even possible to create lasting change? I want to respond to Jesus’ call to love and serve the vulnerable. Does anyone else?
We understand how you feel.
And yet, in Acts chapter 17, the apostle Paul writes that God has marked out the appointed times in history and the very places where each of us exists. That’s a powerful thought! And that’s why we invite you to join us as we pause and reflect through the Advent season this year. | | JOURNEY WITH US THROUGH ADVENT | In this four-part devotional series, we’ll journey together through the themes of HOPE, PEACE, FAITH and JOY. As we pause to connect with God and one another, we’ll be renewed and reminded that Jesus — God with us, Emmanuel — is still inviting us to be his hands and feet in the world today.
Here’s what to expect when you sign-up: A live kick-off event on December 1st to gather with others from across the World Relief community Weekly devotionals from voices across World Relief sharing prayer, scripture and reflection resourcesWeekly activities for families to participate togetherSurprise pre-Advent resources to inspire and prepare your heartCreating change that lasts isn’t easy, but it’s possible when we move together. Will you join us?
Moving Towards Change Together,
World Relief | | SIGN-UP FOR THE ADVENT DEVOTIONAL |
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