May 28 The ancient land of Cush, mentioned many times in the Bible (Gn 2:13, 2Kg 19:9-10, Ez 30:4-5, etc.) and located in modern Sudan, was a wealthy, powerful civilization known for its gold, trade routes, and over 200 pyramids—twice as many as Egypt. But today, ongoing conflicts have devastated the region, displacing 12 million people and endangering its heritage. Now, local communities are stepping in to protect these historic, biblical sites. (Biblical Archaeology Society)
May 28 Love your neighbor, sure — but should you trust them? The General Social Survey shows American trust in others has declined from 46% in 1972 to 34% in 2018, with similar findings in 2023-24. But evangelicals are more likely to trust neighbors, know them by name, and engage with them. Leaning on Biblical texts like 1 Peter, Christians can learn to build trust by being humble, hopeful, welcoming, dependable, and collaborative. (Lifeway Research)
May 28 The Texas House of Representatives advanced a bill requiring public schools to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms. The bill, which now heads to the Senate for review, mandates a 16-by-20-inch visible display funded either by private donations or district funds. Proponents argue it reflects foundational American values, while critics warn it may violate constitutional protections and parental rights. Legal challenges are anticipated. (Christianity Daily)
May 28 France has seen a troubling rise in attacks on churches and clergy, with incidents such as arson, vandalism, theft, and physical assaults increasing by 30% from 2023 to 2024. Reports indicate that 31% of religiously motivated offenses in France in 2024 targeted Christians, sparking concerns about “Christianophobia,” though antisemitism remains the largest issue with 62% of offenses. (Christian Today)
May 26 Commissioned on May 23 at the AEA General Assembly in Nairobi, the second edition of the Africa Bible Commentary will add 122 contextual articles and 53 new authors, 21 of whom are women. Developed over eight years, it applies a three-dimensional interpretive approach and uses African idioms to engage Scripture without compromising biblical authority. The English edition launches in October 2025, with translations planned. (Christian Daily)
May 25 Faith-based (Catholic) streaming platform CREDO launches globally May 28, offering à la carte rentals and purchases instead of subscriptions. Its debut features top-grossing documentary Carlo Acutis: Roadmap to Reality about the “first Millennial saint.” Created by Castletown Media’s Tim Moriarty, CREDO emphasizes artistic quality and theological depth. Upcoming titles include Leo XIV: A Pontiff’s Path, a biopic on the new pope. (Aleteia)
May 23 Archaeologists in Israel’s Negev Desert have uncovered African-style figurines in Christian graves dating back 1,500 years. These figurines, carved from materials like bone and Indian-imported ebony, likely reflect Ethiopian artistic traditions. They were personal items, possibly symbolizing identity and memory, rather than religious deities. The finds suggest remarkable early Christian connections between Africa, India, and the Holy Land. (Biblical Archaeology Society)
May 22 Despite a growing trend among Gen Z, women in the U.S. remain more religious than men, with 66% identifying as Christian compared to 59% of men. Women are also more likely to pray daily and report a sense of spiritual well-being. However, among Gen Z, young men are now more religious than their female peers, attending services more frequently and maintaining stronger Christian identities. (Baptist News Global)
May 22 Pope Leo XIV has appointed Sister Tiziana Merletti as the Secretary of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life. Sr. Merletti, a former Superior General of the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor, brings extensive experience in canon law and religious leadership. She is the third woman to hold a Secretary position within a Vatican dicastery, reflecting the Church’s increasing inclusion of women in leadership roles. (Vatican News)
May 21 A French Egyptologist identified ancient “propaganda” on the Luxor Obelisk in Paris, praising Pharaoh Ramesses II (a likely candidate for the Pharaoh in the book of Exodus). The hieroglyphs, which date back to 1280 BC, were designed to assert Ramesses’ legitimacy and divinity, emphasizing his authority, divine knowledge, and role as a provider of the Nile’s bounty. (New York Post)
May 21 At the 13th General Assembly of the Association of Evangelicals in Africa, Bishop Dr. Goodwill Shana emphasized the need for the African Church to reclaim its prophetic voice to shape the continent’s future. Addressing the paradox of rapid church growth alongside societal stagnation, Shana called for a recommitment to the “three V’s” — vision, virtue, and values — to engage constructively with contemporary culture and global Christianity. (Christian Daily)
May 20 Beloved Bible teacher, author, and co-founder of Precept Ministries, Kay Arthur has died age 91. Known for her inductive Bible study method, she authored over 100 books and studies, inspiring millions globally. Her ministry, Precept, operates in 190 countries and 110 languages. She received numerous awards, including four Gold Medallions from the ECPA and induction into the National Religious Broadcasters Hall of Fame. (RNS)
May 20 It’s the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. So what? Convened in 325 AD by Emperor Constantine, the council addressed theological disputes such as Arianism and produced the Nicene Creed. This foundational statement, affirming the Trinity and other articles of faith, remains central to Catholic, Orthodox, and most Protestant traditions. The anniversary is a reminder of the unity and shared beliefs that transcend denominational differences. (Christian Today)
May 19 The ancient city of Nicaea, now İznik, Turkey, where the Nicene Creed was established 1,700 years ago, no longer has a Christian presence. İznik’s population is now entirely Muslim, with no churches or active Christian communities, due to Turkey’s restrictions on religious freedom and popular anti-Christian sentiment. Yet the site remains a destination for religious tourism, and remaining Turkish Christians hope visitors will pray for a revival. (Christianity Today)
May 18 Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born pope, held his inaugural mass at St. Peter’s Square, attended by 150,000 people, including global leaders such as U.S. Vice President JD Vance. Leo emphasized the church’s role as a “leaven of unity” amid global discord, calling for peace in conflict zones like Ukraine and expressing the Vatican’s readiness to mediate peace talks. He also received traditional papal symbols, including the Fisher’s Ring and pallium. (The Guardian)
May 17 The World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) responded to a whistleblower report (see May 13, below), reaffirming its commitment to evangelical tenets such as the authority of Scripture and salvation through Christ alone. The WEA’s statement emphasized unity in diversity based on these tenets, evangelical visibility in interfaith dialogues to address issues like religious freedom, and alignment with its governance framework. (Christian Daily)
May 16 In April, the first Chinese Diaspora Network Consultation (CDNC) convened over 100 global pastors and theologians in Toronto around the theme of “Chinese Diaspora and Global Evangelism.” Speakers highlighted the need for multilingual theological training, adaptive pastoral care, and multi-ethnic ministry, while noting the underrepresentation of younger and second-generation voices. (Christian Daily)
May 16 A new Gallup report echoes other recent studies showing the stabilization of U.S. religious composition over the past five years. As of 2024, 69% of Americans identify as Christian, with 45% Protestant, 21% Catholic, and 22% religiously unaffiliated — a shift from the rapid declines between 2000 and 2017, where Protestants dropped from 57% to 46% and Catholics from 25% to 21%, while “nones” rose from 8% to 20%. (RELEVANT)
May 16 Data from the Association of Theological Schools, a group of over 270 schools in the U.S. and Canada, Master of Divinity enrollments have declined 14% since 2020, though overall enrollments have increased by 1.8% due to students in M.A. and non-degree programs. Seminaries are adapting with hybrid models such as theology/sustainability and justice/public life tracks to better support non-clergy students and young professionals. (RNS)
May 16 The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) highlighted escalating violence against Christians in Nigeria, with over 62,000 killed since 2000. Recent attacks during Lent and Easter left over 240 dead, mostly at the hands of Islamic extremists, with the Nigerian government struggling to protect religious minorities. USCIRF urged the U.S. to re-designate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern,” which could lead to sanctions. (Religion Unplugged)
May 15 The American Bible Society (ABS) released Chapter 2 of its State of the Bible 2025 report, “The Bible Around the World.” There’s a ton of data; here are a few highlights. The U.S. leads the “Secular West” in Bible engagement, with 63% of Americans using it compared to a regional average of 50%. And while more than 5 billion copies have been distributed globally in 2,000 languages, 76% of Asians know nothing about the Bible and 56% have never even heard of it. (ABS)
May 15 Research from the Evangelical Alliance in the UK found twice as many people committing to follow Jesus since the COVID-19 pandemic, though fewer are attending weekly. The “Changing Church” report highlights a 13% rise in average church attendance since 2020. Larger churches grew significantly, especially among young people, while smaller ones saw declines. These results reinforce similar data from the “Quiet Revival” report released last month. (Christian Daily)
May 14 Looking for more evidence of a resurgence of faith in the U.S.? For the first time in 11 years, two Christian songs are simultaneously charting on Billboard’s Hot 100 and Christian charts. Brandon Lake’s “Hard Fought Hallelujah” has held its place on the Hot 100 for 11 weeks, currently at No. 44, while Forrest Frank’s “Your Way’s Better” climbed from No. 72 to No. 62 in its second week. Two others are close to breaking the Hot 100, too. (RELEVANT)
May 13 A recent study reveals 44% of Americans believe the Bible is worth reading repeatedly … but only 9% have actually done so (though 51% have read at least half of it). While unsure about the Bible’s trustworthiness, more view it positively than negatively. Those who read it are evenly divided between reading systematically, following suggestions, and looking up passages as needed. Surprisingly, young adults (18-34) are most likely to read daily. (Lifeway Research)
May 13 A whistleblower at the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) is questioning its theology, leadership, and finances. Ecumenical relations with Catholic and interfaith groups is a chief concern, while leaders have been criticized for everything from divorce and “personal integrity” to alleged ties to prosperity theology and progressive denominations. Meanwhile, affluent board members have declined to intervene amid deepening financial struggles. (Christian Daily)
May 12 Josh Buice, founder of G3 Ministries, resigned after his church uncovered his use of anonymous social media accounts to criticize Christian leaders, including his own congregation’s elders. G3 canceled its 2025 conference following the revelation. Buice confessed after initially denying the allegations. While G3 stated his actions were sinful and divisive, they decided not to remove his teachings from their platform. (Christianity Today)
May 12 A “quiet revival” is emerging in the UK, with young people, particularly men, driving renewed interest in Christianity. Church attendance among 18-24-year-olds rose from 4% in 2018 to 16% in 2024, with young men’s attendance increasing to 21%. Bible engagement has also grown, and churches are becoming more diverse thanks in part to immigration, with 19% of attendees from ethnic minorities. (Baptist Press)
May 9 The Australian Defence Force (ADF) launched a new edition of the NIV Bible, 20 years after the last release. Tailored for ADF personnel, it includes prayers for the Navy, Army, and Air Force. The launch featured historical military Bibles, including one that saved a soldier’s life in WWI. The Bible Society Australia emphasized its role as a source of hope for service members. The edition also includes a foreword by former Governor-General David Hurley. (Christian Daily)
May 8 Ever feel like Bibles are too small? Mainz Cathedral in Germany is displaying the world’s largest Bible page, measuring 5 x 7.2 meters (16.4 x 23.6 feet), to honor Johannes Gutenberg’s 625th birthday. The page, which uses traditional letterpress printing, features the first chapter of John’s Gospel. The exhibition also includes a reading corner and invites visitors to share favorite Bible passages. A cathedral concert on August 24 will conclude the event. (Christian Daily)
May 8 Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the spiritual leader of Orthodox Christians, warned against the unchecked rise of artificial intelligence and automation, referring to it as an “impending robotocracy.” Speaking in Athens, he emphasized the importance of Orthodox tradition in preserving human-centric values amidst rapid technological advancements. Bartholomew’s comments align with similar concerns from other Christian leaders. (AP)
May 8 After less than two days of deliberations, the papal conclave in Rome has selected the new Pope: Robert Francis Prevost, who has chosen the name Leo XIV. Pope Leo XIV will be only the second pope from the Americas (after Francis) and the first from the United States. His first words as he greeted the crowd at St. Peter’s were, “Peace be with all of you,” and his speech focused on the theme of peace. (Vatican News)
May 7 A Pew Research Center study involving over 50,000 participants across 36 countries reveals widespread belief in spirits and life after death. Over 80% of adults in Indonesia and Kenya, and 70% in the U.S., affirm belief in an afterlife. Perhaps more surprising, 81% in Turkey, 70% in Israel, and 57% in the U.S. believe that animals can have spirits. Younger adults are often more likely than older generations to hold these beliefs. (Religion Unplugged, from Pew Research)
May 7 A study by Florida State University suggests that God-centered relationships are stronger and more enduring. Couples who prayed together daily reported feeling closer, more unified, and trusting compared to those who engaged in other positive interactions. The Institute for Family Studies supports these findings, noting that shared spiritual practices like prayer enhance forgiveness, communication, and resilience during challenges. (RELEVANT)
May 6 Data from the “State of Church Tech 2025” report reveals that while AI adoption in U.S. churches has surged by 80%, pastors remain hesitant to use it for sermon preparation. Instead, AI is primarily used for operational tasks like creating emails, social media posts, and other communication materials. Most church leaders (86%) say it can help strengthen community connections, but prefer to rely on the Holy Spirit for spiritual leadership. (Christian Today)
May 5 On Saturday, over 7,750 people were baptized at Huntington Beach, California, marking the largest single-day baptism event in U.S. history. Organized by more than 300 churches, the event included worship led by Bethel Music, Kari Jobe, and Cody Carnes. It also previewed “Baptize America,” a nationwide synchronized baptism initiative set for June 8, Pentecost Sunday, aiming to unite churches in fulfilling the Great Commission. (RELEVANT)
May 5 The “Adopt a Cardinal” initiative, launched during the 2013 conclave and revived for the current one, allows lay Catholics to spiritually support cardinals by praying for them. The program assigns participants a cardinal to pray for, fostering unity and connection across the global body of Christ. Other people, perhaps not the praying types, are putting money down instead (except in Italy, where it’s illegal). (RNS and AP)
May 4 The 2025 Evangelical Press Association convention in Branson, Missouri, gathered Christian communicators to explore their calling. Author Mary DeMuth opened with a keynote urging writers to persevere through obscurity, rejection, and pain, and emphasizing lament as a tool for healing. Citing Isaiah 59:14, she called truth-telling a form of spiritual warfare, urging writers to remain faithful to their mission. (Christian Daily)
May 4 Over 60,000 Christians gathered in Mexico City on April 26, 2025, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the March for Jesus. The peaceful event featured music, prayer, and gospel messages, emphasizing unity and faith. Organized by Pablo Quiroa, the march included worship bands, dances, and Bible distribution. Participants called for peace and healing amid national concerns about violence, concluding with a prayer for Mexico’s leaders. (Christian Daily)
May 4 The death of Pope Francis and the start of the conclave. Graffiti in the Upper Room and tax forgery in the Judean desert. Conventions in Europe, Korea, and America; growth of the church in England; persecution of the church in Nicaragua, China, and Nigeria. Some very controversial back-and-forths about the manner of Jesus’ crucifixion. And tons of statistics (26% of all April posts contained a trend or statistic)! Revisit the biggest, strangest, and most inspiring Bible and church news stories of April!
