Here it is, your source for all the latest Bible-related and Bible-adjacent news from the month of March 2025 — from archaeological discoveries and academic research to cultural events and conversations, developments in the global church, and more.
Updated regularly throughout the month.
Week of March 9
- March 13 — Islamists in Syria massacred over 1,300 people, mostly Alawite Muslims who traditionally lived side-by-side with Christians. The violence sparked fears among Christians who, though not directly targeted, often face theft, displacement, and vulnerability as an unarmed minority. Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria’s interim leader, promised justice but ties to radical groups continue to generate scrutiny and doubt. (Christianity Today)
- March 12 — Churches in Britain are releasing a special edition of the Gospel of John to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE (Victory in Europe) Day. Designed to resemble the Bibles issued to British soldiers in World War II, the special edition includes the gospel text alongside four real-life stories of faith and courage from the war. The initiative, led by Hope Together and Biblica, also encourages prayer for peace during the celebrations. (Christian Today)
- March 12 — Robert Morris, founder of Gateway Church in Texas, was indicted on five counts of child sexual abuse stemming from allegations dating to the 1980s. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Justice concluded its sexual abuse investigations of the Southern Baptist Convention with no charges filed, aside from one count of lying to the FBI. (Christianity Today and RNS)
- March 11 — Analysis of the 2023 Annual Church Profile (ACP) revealed a “complicated picture” for Southern Baptist churches (the largest Protestant denomination in America). Small congregations continue to shrink, with 70% of churches having fewer than 100 attendees. Baptisms increased by 47% over two years, with urban and younger churches showing higher rates. But the only region where membership grew was in New England. (Lifeway Research)
- March 11 — Persecution of Indian Christians rose by 6.5% in 2024, with 640 verified incidents including physical violence, arrests, vandalism, and social boycotts, driven by Hindu nationalism and stricter anticonversion laws in 10 states. Christians face fabricated charges, denial of burial rights, and forced reconversions. Christian networks provide legal aid and advocacy, striving for the religious freedom promised by India’s Constitution. (Christianity Today)
- March 10 — Archaeologists at Megiddo in Israel uncovered evidence supporting the biblical account of King Josiah’s death at the hands of Pharaoh Necho II around 609 BC. Excavations revealed a sudden influx of Egyptian and Greek pottery, indicating a significant Egyptian military presence during that period, aligning with the account in 2 Kings 23:29. This discovery provides the first archaeological link to this biblical event. (Biblical Archaeology Society)
- March 9 — Pastor John MacArthur, 85, addressed the Shepherds Conference via video after a seven-week hospital stay due to complications from heart and lung surgeries. Appearing frail but optimistic, he expressed gratitude for prayers and support, acknowledging he is on his “last lap” of life and ministry. MacArthur, who has led Grace Community Church since 1969, shared his ongoing recovery journey, including physical therapy to regain strength. (Christian Post)
Week of March 2
- March 8 — More women lead Christian ministries in the U.S. than secular businesses. A recent survey found that while the vast majority of Christian leaders (77%) are male, women leaders have increased from 16% last year to nearly 23%. (Only 10% of Fortune 500 companies have women CEOs.) The survey also found over half of ministers expect positive impact from Trump administration policies. Fundraising and staffing remain their biggest challenges. (MinistryWatch)
- March 7 — Christian NGO leaders representing 35 organizations like World Relief and Samaritan’s Purse met with the Trump administration to address the USAID foreign aid freeze. The suspension has caused program closures and layoffs for many longstanding evangelical missions. Administration officials acknowledged concerns but emphasized reducing government reliance and increasing private donor support. (RELEVANT)
- March 7 — Gather25 brought together 7 million participants in 21,000 locations last week. Hosted from seven global sites, including Rwanda, India, and the U.S., it featured diverse worship styles, languages, and performances aiming to reflect Rev. 7:9‘s vision of worship across all nations. A related album included songs in multiple languages but leaned toward Western pop worship styles. (Christianity Today)
- March 7 — African theologians are marking the 1,700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea with major renewal events such as the Sixth World Conference on Nicaea in Egypt. Delegations across the continent are hosting lectures and discussions to highlight Africa’s rich theological heritage. Methodist Rev. Jackie Makena and Orthodox Rev. John Njoroge both emphasize the need to foster unity and address divisive theologies in the postcolonial era. (RNS)
- March 7 — Greenland’s population of 57,000 are mostly native Inuit — and almost entirely Lutheran Christians, a legacy of Danish missionary Hans Egede, who arrived in 1721. Though not all members regularly attend services, the church’s traditions continue to unite the community amid discussions of the nation’s future. The quiet country was surprised to find itself in the global spotlight following President Trump’s recent comments. (RNS)
- March 6 — Gen Z is sparking a spiritual awakening. While institutional religion struggles, young people are gathering for unpolished, authentic worship at universities across the U.S. and UK, such as the 16-day Asbury Outpouring in 2023. Leaders like Jennie Allen and Jonathan Pokluda note Gen Z’s hunger for integrity, accountability, and transformation, rejecting the polished megachurch programming and celebrity pastors of recent generations. (RELEVANT)
- March 6 — Amid ongoing health issues, Pope Francis shared a voice recording from the hospital, thanking the faithful for their prayers during a rosary gathering in St. Peter’s Square. Speaking in a raspy voice, he said, “May God bless you and the Virgin protect you.” His condition has remained stable since Monday, but he continues to receive noninvasive mechanical ventilation and oxygen therapy while alternating rest and work. (RNS)
- March 5 — How does archaeology illuminate the Bible? The discipline’s emphasis has shifted from proving the Bible’s histories to better understanding them. For example, the absence of pig bones in the region of Judah sheds light on dietary laws in Deut. 14 and Lev. 11, while the discovery of artifacts such as altars and figurines clarifies household worship practices alluded to in Jdg. 17. (Biblical Archaeology Society)
- March 5 — Jason Wilson’s Cave of Adullam in Detroit provides a Christ-centered approach to address the masculinity crisis. Inspired by 1 Samuel 22, the program uses martial arts, prayer, and scripture to teach both self-discipline and reliance on Jesus. The Cave of Adullam, Wilson writes in his book, strives to cultivate the “comprehensive man” who embodies “both courage and compassion, strength and sensitivity.” (Christianity Today)
- March 5 — Pixar’s new animated series, Win or Lose, introduces the studio’s first openly Christian character, Laurie, the coach’s daughter. Set in the world of Inside Out, the series follows a middle school softball team the week before their championship game, with each episode highlighting a different player. In the first episode, Laurie prays aloud, saying, “Dear Heavenly Father, please give me strength.” (RELEVANT)
- March 4 — A recent survey shows only 26% of Americans observe Lent. (Are you one of them?) Among those who do, key practices include fasting from favorite foods or beverages (50%), attending church services (49%), fasting from bad habits (37%), and giving to others (36%). Younger adults (18-29) are more likely to give (50%), while African Americans often incorporate prayer (54%). Protestants are more likely to read Bible verses (35%) than Catholics (12%). (Lifeway Research)
- March 4 — A recent study showed a surprising shift toward traditional values in relationships among Gen Z, with 62% avoiding one-night stands and only 23% engaging in casual hookups, compared to 78% of young millennials in 2004. Only 21% of Gen Z believe marriage is irrelevant, a significant drop from the 39% of millennials 20 years ago. Rising divorce rates and the pandemic’s forced isolation have led them to prioritize commitment. (RELEVANT)
- March 4 — Veteran rock radio DJ Matt Talluto found Jesus after losing his job during the pandemic. Now he has started Iron-FM, a Christian “dad rock” radio station targeting men age 25-51 and playing hits of the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s. Though he enjoys today’s worship artists, Talluto says they are mostly targeted toward women — and he’s ready for a hard rock revival. (Christianity Today)
- March 3 — Australian blood donor James Harrison died peacefully, age 88, having saved the lives of 2.4 million unborn babies (not a typo) between 1954 and his last donation (his 1,173rd) in 2018. Harrison’s plasma contained a rare and precious antibody called anti-D, which can prevent a potentially fatal disease in unborn babies in as many as 17% of pregnancies. He “never missed a single appointment, and expected nothing in return.” (NPR)
- March 3 — Los Angeles Lakers center Trey Jemison III is using his platform to host Bible studies on Instagram. Not just posting inspirational quotes, Jemison encourages his thousands of followers to read along, ask questions, and engage in discussion. Raised in Birmingham, Alabama, Jemison’s faith became central going undrafted in 2023. He credits prayer and God’s guidance for his NBA career. (RELEVANT)
- March 3 — How would you describe the Bible — in seven words or less? Here’s a project that asks that question of many different pastors, scholars, and laypeople (they are allowed to expound upon their answer in a few additional sentences), with more responses to come. (The Christian Century)
- March 3 — The Church of Saint Paraskeva in Serbia, which dates back to 1331, houses a rare White Angel fresco. It depicts the archangel Gabriel dressed in a white chiton and himation, sitting on a stone of burgundy and indicating the place of Christ’s resurrection. Despite damage during Turkish rule (including the angel’s eyes being gouged out of the wall), the fresco remains significant, one of only three White Angel frescoes in the world. (Jerusalem Post)
- March 2 — A look at the three oldest Bibles in the world — and the latest updates to the ESV. Why sheep were holy — and pork was banned — in ancient Israel. The overlooked impact of female ascetics in the early church, and Black nuns in America. Oh, and a guy who was literally swallowed by a whale. Go back through the biggest, strangest, and most inspiring Bible and church news stories of February!
Reading news about the Bible is great — but reading the Good News of the Bible is better! Bible Gateway Plus offers Study Bibles, commentaries, encyclopedias, and tons more resources to help you get more from God’s Word — all for less than $5/mo. Start your free 14-day trial today!
Bible Gateway is the internet's premier Bible reading and research tool. With more than 200 versions of the Bible in over 70 languages freely available to read, research, and reference anywhere — plus a library of audio Bibles, mobile apps, devotionals, email newsletters, and more — Bible Gateway equips you not only to read the Bible, but to understand it.