January 23 William Carey is known as “the father of the modern missionary movement,” but it turns out another Baptist, George Liele, left America to preach Christ in Jamaica in 1782 — a decade before Carey left for India. Liele was a Black Virginian born into slavery in 1750 but freed by his “owner” after being licensed to preach in 1773, becoming the first ordained Black Baptist preacher in America. He went on to plant three churches. (Baptist Press)

January 22 Long considered hostile to religious viewpoints, academic institutions like Oxford are reportedly shifting back toward greater spiritual openness. Students, disillusioned with modern institutions and longing for community and moral guidance, are exploring faith as secular narratives falter. This renewed curiosity suggests a potential religious revival — although New Age “TikTok spirituality” pervades the scene as well. (The Gospel Coalition)

January 22 Is the erosion of trust in religious institutions damaging our societal and mental health? Only 15 percent of Americans — including religious ones — have high confidence in religion (in part due to sexual abuse scandals in both conservative and progressive churches). Meanwhile, 58% of young adults report lacking “meaning or purpose” — and that number is much higher among atheists than those of any religion. (The New York Times)

January 22 Israeli Bible scholar Yitzhaq Feder carefully examined the complex system of ritual purity laws in the Bible, particularly in Leviticus 11–15 and Numbers 19. Despite modern people’s reluctance to explore these aspects of human experience, he says, they serve important historical and psychological purposes, including early understandings of pathogen avoidance (contagion) in ancient societies. (Biblical Archaeology Society)

January 21 Arthur Blessitt, a hippie minister known for carrying a 12-foot cross around the world, died age 84. Starting in Hollywood in 1969, he walked 43,340 miles through diverse terrains and cultures to share the gospel, blowing through a Guinness Record and continuing for decades. Despite arrests, gunshots, and wild animals, Blessitt never wavered from his mission. In lieu of a funeral, he said, “Share Jesus with someone today.” (Christianity Today)

January 21 Today marks the 500th anniversary of the birth of Anabaptism and the “Radical Reformation,” when a group of young Christians (many of whom were later martyred) initiated adult, believer’s baptism outside Zürich, Switzerland. Celebrations include the release of the new Anabaptist Community Bible and global events culminating in a major gathering in Zürich on May 29. (RNS)

January 21 Israeli and American archaeologists discovered a late-Roman-era boundary stone at Tel Abel Beth Maacah in Upper Galilee. The basalt stone, inscribed in Greek, dates to about 300 AD and reveals insights into land ownership and taxation under Emperor Diocletian’s reforms. It mentions two previously unknown villages, Tirathas and Golgol, and an imperial tax official, Basiliakos. (Jerusalem Post)

January 21 A proposal to remove tax-exempt status from churches has stirred Canada’s (already volatile) political pot. The Standing Committee on Finance suggested redefining charities to exclude “advancement of religion” — which naturally sparked opposition from various faith groups. The proposal is unlikely to advance, but it reflects a growing debate on religion in public life; some local governments have already begun taxing churches. (Christianity Today)

January 20 The Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C., is showcasing President Donald Trump’s personal Bible, used during his inauguration, alongside other presidential inauguration Bibles. Trump’s Bible, a 1953 Revised Standard Version, was given to him in 1955. The exhibit also features the Lincoln Bible, used by Abraham Lincoln, Barack Obama, and Trump, and Bibles from other presidents like Jimmy Carter and Grover Cleveland. (Catholic News Agency)

January 18 In 2025, the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, held from January 18-25, coincides with the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, which established the Nicene Creed. Resources to celebrate this ecumenical event are available in multiple languages, including a child-friendly version. The theme, “Do You Believe This?” from John 11:26, emphasizes unity and shared faith. (World Council of Churches + Aleteia)

January 16 A 3,000-year-old religious shrine was discovered near Temple Mount in Jerusalem, featuring eight rock-hewn rooms with an altar, standing stone, oil press, and winepress. Dating to the First Temple period, it appears to have been sealed by “Jesus’s ancestors” (actually King Hezekiah) and aligns with that king’s reforms to centralize worship in Jerusalem (cf. 2Kg 18:4). Artifacts like cooking pots and inscribed jars were also found. (New York Post, from ‘Atiqot)

January 15 Open Doors released their 2025 World Watch List tracking persecution of Christians, with 380 million affected globally. Key regions include sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, especially North Korea. The report notes significant displacement and increased violence in 29 of the top 50 countries, largely due to authoritarian regimes and Islamic extremism. A few places, like Indonesia and Colombia, showed improvement. (RNS & CT)

January 15 The Megiddo Mosaic is now on display at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C. until July 6. Originally discovered in the floor of an Israeli prison in 2004, the 580-square-foot mosaic was excavated and conserved by the Israeli Antiquities Authority. It was funded by a Roman centurion around 230 AD and includes inscriptions referencing the divinity of Jesus and the important role of women in the early church. (CT & Museum of the Bible)

January 14 Jost Zetzsche, head of United Bible Societies’ Translation Insights and Perspectives tool and occasional Bible Gateway contributor, spoke with Ruth Anna Spooner, the lead translator on the American Sign Language Chronological Bible Translation, about the unique insights gained from sign language Bible translations (such as how names are rendered) — even for those unfamiliar with sign languages. (Christianity Today)

January 13 Bill McCartney, former college football coach and founder of the Promise Keepers movement, died age 84. Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2013, McCartney’s passion for sports was eclipsed only by his passionate faith. He and his organization drew controversy among progressives for promoting traditional marriage and gender roles, and with conservatives for emphasizing racial reconciliation. (RNS & CT)

January 12 The secret to the success of the University of Notre Dame’s Fighting Irish football team is no secret at all: it’s faith. According to quarterback Riley Leonard, the team has “like 40 guys” show up to their weekly Thursday Bible study. Leonard, whose great-grandfather also played for the team in the 1940s, is proud to highlight the school’s Catholic roots in an age of “mission drift” among Catholic institutions. (Aleteia)

January 11 In a matter of days the California wildfires have increased the death toll to at least 11, with 180,000 displaced and over a dozen houses of worship destroyed, mostly Protestant churches. Some pastors are hosting services online for now, while others have moved church offices to their own homes. Many churches and Christian organizations are stepping up to provide aid. “Neighbors are getting to know one another,” said one local pastor. “God is at work in it all.” (RNS, RELEVANT, and The Gospel Coalition)

January 10 Mel Gibson plans to cast a de-aged Jim Caviezel in his sequel to The Passion of the Christ, titled The Resurrection of the Christ. Speaking on Joe Rogan’s podcast, Gibson described the film as an “acid trip” that has to “start with the fall of the angels” and “go to hell.” He intends to use advanced de-aging techniques to bridge the 20-year gap since the original film, and expects to start filming “next year.” (The Guardian)

January 10 A new document from the Italian Bishops’ Conference, approved by the Vatican, allows openly gay men to be ordained as priests if they commit to chastity (which is a requirement for all Catholic priests). The new guidelines, which will be valid for three years, emphasize evaluating candidates holistically, and are the latest step in the Vatican attempting to modernize in the face of all-time low vocation. (RNS)

January 9 Wildfires in Los Angeles, California have so far claimed at least 5 lives, 2,000 homes, and 10 religious communities — including a synagogue (whose Torah scrolls were bravely rescued through the flames), a mosque, a Catholic parish, and seven Protestant churches from various evangelical and mainline traditions. The indiscriminate tragedy has brought a rare sense of solidarity, with prayers and donations from Catholic, Episcopal, Baptist, Harvest (nondenom), Salvation Army, Muslim, atheist, and other sources. (RNS, etc.)

January 9 Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter’s traditional Christian funeral, held at Washington National Cathedral, included readings from Romans 8:1–18,38–39; Matthew 5:1–16; and selections from the Gospel of John. Among the many hymns were “Amazing Grace,” the Navy hymn “Eternal Father, Strong to Save,” and (incongruously) a rendition of John Lennon’s “Imagine.” Rev. Andrew Young provided the homily; other attendees included former and current Presidents Clinton, Bush, Obama, Trump, and Biden. (RNS & CT)

January 9 PSA: Please don’t wire money to your pastor over the phone. Phishing scams involving clergy impersonation are on the rise, with scammers using pastors’ identities to solicit money from unsuspecting Christians. The FTC reported nearly 854,000 impostor complaints in 2023 totaling $2.7b in losses. Watch for red flags like urgency and unusual payment methods, and always verify claims through multiple channels. (Christianity Today)

January 9 The Vatican’s 2025 Jubilee mascot Luce has gone viral. Commissioned by the Dicastery for Evangelization to engage younger Catholics, the anime-style character has faced criticism from traditionalists. But she has now successfully inspired a meme culture and even a cryptocurrency valued at $50 million. Luce and her companions will feature in the Holy See’s pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, beginning in April. (RNS)

January 9 In Syria, following a takeover by rebel forces linked to jihadist groups, Christians are beginning to face subtle changes in their daily life, such as being forced to use the traditional Muslim greeting in their workplaces. While the new regime claims to protect Christian rights, incidents like the burning of a Christmas tree in Suqaylabiyah raise concerns. Syrian Christians and the international community alike are watching closely. (Christianity Today)

January 7 Lifeway Research found that 99% of U.S. Protestant pastors encourage Bible reading outside of Sunday services, using an average of five methods. Popular strategies include providing free Bibles (93%) and sermon reminders (92%) — both up from 86% in 2016. Larger churches less frequently include Bible readings in services, but are more likely to use digital plans and email reminders to encourage private study. (Lifeway Research)

January 7 A small church in West Springfield, Massachusetts is making an outsized splash with its “Let’s Start Talking” program, which teaches English as a Second Language through Bible reading. The program, which began in 2011 and now draws volunteers from across the U.S., serves mostly immigrants and refugees, helping them integrate into the local community while also bringing them the gospel. (Christian Chronicle)

January 6 Ahead of new construction in Kiryat Gat, Israel, archaeologists uncovered a significant early Christian settlement, featuring a monastery with a detailed mosaic floor inscribed with Deuteronomy 28:6. The Roman/Byzantine-era site includes a winepress, ceramics industry, and evidence of continuous occupation dating back 6,000 years. Excavations are ongoing to uncover the full extent of the settlement. (Haaretz)

January 6 Italian nun Simona Brambilla was appointed head of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life, becoming the first woman to lead a dicastery in the Roman Curia. This follows Pope Francis’ push for more women in Vatican leadership, as per his 2022 Praedicate Evangelium. Women now comprise 23% of Vatican employees, with 5% in high-responsibility roles. (Aleteia)

January 6 A recent report shows rising anti-Christian hate crimes in Europe, especially in France, the UK, and Germany. There were 2,444 incidents in 2023, including personal attacks, workplace discrimination, and vandalism. The report recommends creating an “EU Coordinator combating anti-Christian hatred,” similar to roles addressing discrimination against Jews and Muslims, and improving general religious literacy and fair representation. (Christianity Today)

January 6 A schism in the 1,700-year-old Ethiopian Orthodox Church is casting a pall over the church’s Christmas celebrations on January 7. The rift began in 2021 when Tigray’s clergy broke from the Holy Synod in Addis Ababa, accusing it of silence during the Tigray war. The division reflects broader national tensions following a flawed ceasefire — but the church’s involvement in politics on both sides adds to the contention. (The Guardian)

January 4 Richard Hays, a renowned New Testament scholar and former dean of Duke Divinity School, died from cancer at 76. He was perhaps best known for his 1996 book opposing same-sex relationships and his 2024 self-rebuttal, The Widening of God’s Mercy, co-authored with his son. That work drew controversy for suggesting God could change his mind, while Hays saw it as his last act of repentance for past harm. (RNS and Christianity Today)

January 4 In Kosovo, a new “return movement” encourages ethnic Albanians, mostly Muslim, to convert to Christianity, reviving their pre-Islamic identity. Despite Kosovo’s Muslim majority, the movement has not faced violent opposition, only online denunciation. Critics argue it imposes modern politics on history, while supporters see Christianity as a path to European integration. (The New York Times)

January 4 Christians faced significant persecution amid global conflicts in 2024, according to International Christian Concern’s “2025 Global Persecution Index.” The report highlights mass displacement in Africa and elsewhere, while countries like Afghanistan and North Korea were also placed in the “red zone” for severe persecution. There was a positive development, too: “popular discontent with repression” in places like India and Myanmar. (Christian Today)

January 4 Operation World (OW), a key prayer resource for Christians, celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2024. Remarkably, the original work was undertaken painstakingly by Patrick Johnstone in apartheid South Africa in 1964. Initially a small 32-page booklet, it has grown into a global ministry with editions in 20 languages. (Christian Today)

January 3 In 2024, thirty evangelical colleges saw significant enrollment growth, with institutions like Calvin and Asbury setting records. Others faced shrinking budgets and a few had to shut down, though religious colleges generally fared better than secular ones. Leaders cite successful strategies such as focusing on transformational education, strategic recruitment, and expanding online and dual-enrollment programs. (Christianity Today)

January 3 Faith leaders continue to wrestle with the practical and ethical implications of using A.I. in religious settings. One rabbi had it write and record a sermon in his voice, while a pastor used it to create an entire service, including a new hymn (both were open with their congregations about the experiments). Most have so far found it lacking, but the question remains: “Can God speak through A.I.?” (The New York Times, paywalled)

January 2 This year marks the 500th anniversary of the Anabaptist movement, a “radical” response to the Protestant Reformation that emphasized believer’s baptism and strict adherence to the Sermon on the Mount. To celebrate the milestone, the Anabaptist Community Bible hopes to reconnect Mennonite, Amish, Brethren, and other faith groups with Anabaptist history and outlook. Many other events are planned as well. (The Christian Century)

January 1 During excavations underneath Berlin, Germany’s historic Molkenmarkt, archaeologists uncovered a trove of Christian relics, including saintly bone fragments, dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries. Among the finds was a nearly intact clay statuette of St. Catherine, a revered medieval saint, as well as fragments from 188 female figurines with bone inlays. (Aleteia)

January 1 Astronaut pastors and (alleged) fascist nuns… Santa’s tomb and Solomon’s mine… models playing Jesus and actors becoming ministers… plus the latest faith and mental health research, religious persecution reports, and tons of buried treasure from Israel to the Alps — it’s the biggest, strangest, and most inspiring Bible and church news stories of December 2024.