July 10 Christian leaders representing 80% of Australian church members are gathering in Brisbane for the Australian Evangelism Roundtable on July 11–12. Organized by the Baptist World Alliance, GO Movement, and Finishing the Task, the event aims to unite denominations for national evangelism. With Australia’s Christian population declining from 96.1% in 1901 to 44% in 2021, leaders see this as a “Kairos moment” for Australian revival. (Christian Daily)
June 9 Nazareth, Jesus’ hometown, was a small fishing village in his day. Now, it is a diverse, multi-faith city of 80,000 — but its streets remain dense with biblical history. Sites include the Basilica of the Annunciation (Lk 1:26–38), and St. Joseph’s Church, once a carpenter’s shop. Visitors can also explore a recreated first-century settlement and landmarks like Mt. Precipice (Lk 4:28–30) and follow Christ’s footsteps on the Jesus Trail. (Biblical Archaeology Society)
June 9 In 1999, U.S. Navy officer John Meyer single-handedly coded the Catholic Catechism into HTML, making it accessible online — a fact that only became known last month thanks to a viral Facebook post that begins, “You can just do things.” Frustrated by the lack of digital resources, Meyer scanned and meticulously digitized the Catechism over nine months, working evenings and weekends. He eventually received Vatican approval, and his work became a global resource. (Aleteia)
July 8 It can be easy to lose sight of the good things happening around the world amid the regular news cycle. Gen Z’s faith is growing, with Bible engagement among men up 19% last year. Over a dozen African nations have eradicated local diseases, benefiting 1.6 billion people. Global extreme poverty hit a record low of 8% in 2024. Coral reefs are showing signs of recovery. And U.S. recidivism rates improved, with 62% of 2012 prison releases staying out after five years. (RELEVANT)
July 8 Erton Köhler was elected the first South American president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, a global Protestant denomination with 23 million members across 200 countries. Köhler emphasized unity amidst political polarization and aims to engage youth, expand women’s leadership, and leverage technology for outreach. Known for promoting healthy living, Adventists advocate vegetarianism and abstinence from alcohol and tobacco. (RNS)
July 8 The IRS clarified that the Johnson Amendment, which restricts nonprofits from endorsing political candidates, does not apply to religious services. Critics have long argued the law is unconstitutional, while supporters warn that weakening it could turn the church into a political tool and harm its witness. American Christians largely agree, with 70% believing clergy should not endorse political candidates. The IRS has only ever enforced the law once, in 1992. (RNS)
July 8 In a heartbreaking story from the Texas floods, Catholic sisters Blair and Brooke Harber, 13 and 11, were found holding hands and clutching rosary beads, 15 miles downstream from the cabin where they were staying with their grandparents. Moved by their final moments, the sisters’ community is rallying around the grieving family with prayers and support — and the faith “that Christ has defeated death, and that eternal life is waiting for those who love Him.” (Aleteia)
July 6 Flash floods in Texas have devastated Camp Mystic, a historic Christian girls’ camp, leaving at least 43 dead, including 15 children, and more still missing. Rescue efforts have saved over 850 people, but families remain anxious as search operations continue. The Southern Baptist Convention has deployed rescue teams while prayers arrive from all corners, including Christian author Beth Moore, pastor Franklin Graham, and Pope Leo XIV. (AP and Christian Today)
July 5 Some experts are calling into question the report of a “Quiet Revival” in England. Although a recent Bible Society report found a significant rise in church attendance, particularly among young men, from 2018 to 2024, attendance reports from the largest UK denominations (Anglican and Catholic) suggest about a 20% drop in attendance during that period — though attendance is gradually recovering from COVID-era lows. Only time will tell which statistics are correct. (Religion Unplugged)
July 3 A volunteer at the American Baptist archive in Massachusetts accidentally discovered a 5-foot-long anti-slavery scroll signed by 116 New England Baptist ministers in 1847. “A Resolution and Protest Against Slavery” was found in pristine condition, untouched since the late 1800s. Adopted 2 years after the issue caused a schism between Northern and Southern Baptists, the document sheds light on pre-Civil War abolitionist debates and their impact on the history of American Christianity. (AP)
July 3 A mass grave containing the bodies of eight Christian leaders was discovered in Calamar, Colombia. The victims, members of Evangelical Denominations of the Alliance of Colombia and the Foursquare Church, were conducting humanitarian work when they were abducted in April by FARC militants. Colombian President Gustavo Petro and international organizations condemned the murders. (Christian Daily)
July 2 A survey of U.S. Catholics revealed they overwhelmingly define their faith through a “personal relationship with Jesus Christ.” Devotion to Mary, helping the poor, receiving the Eucharist, and Church marriage also ranked highly. The study also found that 47% of Americans have some connection to Catholicism, though only 20% are practicing. (Aleteia and Pew Research)
July 2 In the latest in a string of legal victories for Christian schools in America, the Texas Supreme Court ruled that the United Methodist Church (UMC) can proceed with its lawsuit to retain governance over Southern Methodist University (SMU). The legal battle began in 2019 when UMC alleged breach of contract after SMU’s board of trustees amended its articles of incorporation to delete the phrase “to be forever owned, maintained and controlled” by the denomination. (The Christian Century)
June 30 A new poll of U.S. adults reveals nuanced opinions about religion in public schools. While 58% support religious chaplains, only 44% favor teachers leading prayer. Most oppose mandatory prayer time, and opinions are split on taxpayer-funded vouchers for religious schools. In general, white evangelicals and non-white Protestants are more likely to support such activities, followed by Catholics, then mainline Protestants, while the religiously unaffiliated are (unsurprisingly) opposed. (Catholic News Agency)
June 29 Two Brazilian nuns have become viral sensations after their breakdancing and beatboxing performance on a Catholic TV show captivated millions. Their song “Vocation,” a techno-pop track about God’s calling, has drawn global attention and inspired over 50 women to inquire about joining their congregation. The nuns aim to connect with youth and promote Christian faith, particularly in a time when Catholicism in Brazil faces declining numbers. (The New York Times)
June 29 AI Bible characters take over social media. An all-ages Bible study video game. Commemorating the birthday of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” and looking forward to more Bible TV. China forces Christians forced to sing communist anthems while Russia tortures Ukrainian evangelicals. How long was Jesus’ hair? And do atheists prefer religion to atheism? All this plus tons of Bible, church, and pastor statistics — catch up on the biggest, strangest, and most inspiring Bible and church news stories of June!
