RELIGION HEADLINES SAT 7-12-25

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(  )  China is targeting a popular church as part of its on-going crackdown on Christianity.  International Christian Concern reports that the Communist government has carried out multiple raids on the Zion Church this summer.  Pastors have been arrested, parishioners questioned and Christian literature confiscated by police.  The Zion Church is a house church and it counts 1,500 members meeting at multiple private locations.  In China is it illegal for anyone to worship God outside of the state controlled official churches. 

(  )  A Missouri judge has blocked many of the state’s pro-life laws, reimposing a preliminary injunction against them just a little over a month after the state’s highest court had lifted a previous hold.  The order by Jackson County Circuit Judge Jerri Zang says the abortion restrictions likely violate a state constitutional abortion amendment that was approved by voters last year.  Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey says his office “will expeditiously appeal this ruling.”  Planned Parenthood says the order clears the way for it to again perform abortions in Missouri. 

(  )  The North Carolina legislature is scheduled to reconvene this month and consider overriding several vetoes by Democratic Governor Josh Stein.  One of the bills he rejected would protect parents from charges of child abuse if they refuse to allow their child to live as the opposite sex.  Three other vetoed measures would eliminate Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs in the North Carolina government.  It’s not clear if Republicans in the legislature will be able to amass enough votes to reverse Governor Stein’s multiple vetoes. 

(  )  Christian relief agencies are rushing aid to Texas where deadly floods have killed scores of people and destroyed a lot of property.  Samaritan’s Purse is leading the charge and CEO Franklin Graham is urging all Americans to intervene spiritually, saying “We need to continue to surround these devastated families and communities in prayer.  Also pray for the hundreds involved in search and rescue efforts.”  Samaritan’s Purse has already dispatched a disaster team and it will work in concert with local churches in the affected areas to provide relief and help the search and rescue teams.