(SRN NEWS)-( ) Lawmakers in St. Petersburg, Florida are considering the adoption of an LGBT flag in response to Republican Governor Ron DeSantis’ order that Gay Pride messages be removed from all public streets. Several city council members say they want more information about what the state might do in response to the adoption of […]
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(SRN NEWS)-( ) Lawmakers in St. Petersburg, Florida are considering the adoption of an LGBT flag in response to Republican Governor Ron DeSantis’ order that Gay Pride messages be removed from all public streets. Several city council members say they want more information about what the state might do in response to the adoption of the flag — a clear violation of the governor’s effort to keep public spaces neutral. Some St. Petersburg leaders say they want to hear from the voters too. A growing number of states are opting to limit Gay Pride expressions on public property.
( ) A pastor of a prominent underground church in China was detained by the police last week along with a number of parishioners. They may face charges of “illegal dissemination of religious content via the internet”. Pastor Ezra Mingri (MIN-gree) of the Zion Church was held at his home along with some of the others. Zion Church is among the largest house churches that are unregistered with the Chinese authorities. They defy Chinese government restrictions requiring believers to worship only in registered congregations. It has about 5,000 members.
( ) Religious freedom advocates are unhappy that the global community is accepting the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. International Christian Concern says “As the Taliban deepens its control and international attention wanes, many Afghans — especially those from minority faiths — face an uncertain and perilous future. Sustained international pressure remains crucial to prevent Afghanistan from descending further into repression and isolation.” The Taliban regime is making open war on the country’s tiny Christian community and it is also severely restricting the rights of girls and women to obtain an education.
( ) Open Doors International says a lack of Bibles is hindering Christian growth in many countries — especially those in Africa. The ministry says in many cases people are coming to know Christ through the work of missionaries, but without a Bible to read they are slipping into error. Open Doors points to tribal people in Malaysia who grow up Christian but continue to visit witch doctors because they have no Biblical instruction. In some places, illiteracy makes the problem more complex, leaving people unable to read the scriptures even if they can get a copy. In these cases, audio Bibles are being distributed where possible.