ALGERIA The leader of Algeria's network of Protestant churches was ordered by his governor to "close down … all the Christian worship places, which are not designated for religious purposes." The May order enforces Ordinance 03-06, a 2006 law restricting non-Muslim worship. The ordinance led to the closure of over half of the nation's then-50 Protestant churches in 2008. Churches must register in order to legally operate, yet Protestant leaders have tried for years to have church applications approved by the government without success. The Algerian government also restricts Muslim worship, given fears of radicalism that fueled waves of domestic terrorism in the 1990s. Despite government intimidation, churches throughout the country continued to gather weeks after orders to shut down.
Christian president retains office
NIGERIA Voters gave Christian president Goodluck Jonathan his job back in what many agreed was one of Nigeria's fairest elections. But supporters of Muslim opposition candidate Muhammadu Buhari took to the streets. The ensuing riots left an estimated 800 Christians and Muslims dead and hundreds of churches burned. Many believe the balance of power in Nigeria has shifted to the Christian-dominated south. The shift began when then–vice president Jonathan took over after his northern predecessor's death in 2010, breaking the Muslim-Christian presidential rotation.
Florida will vote on Blaine repeal
The Florida Senate has moved the state one step closer to repealing a Reconstruction-era constitutional amendment that bars religious organizations from state funding. The Blaine Amendment was created in the 1800s to limit Catholicism. Supporters of the repeal argue that Blaine ...
1
You have reached the end of this Article Preview
To continue reading, subscribe now. Subscribers have full digital access.
You have reached the end of this Article Preview
It’s time to say what we said 20 years ago when a president’s character was revealed for what it was.
How to heal a medical system that abandons the vulnerable.
But very few do so from the pulpit, according to the latest from LifeWay Research.
