In the US, more Protestant churches closing than opening, study finds
RNS A new study from Lifeway Research suggests more Protestant churches closed in 2019 than opened – continuing a decades-long congregational slide that is only expected to accelerate. The study, which analysed church data from 34 Protestant denominations and groups, found that 4,500 churches closed in 2019, while about 3,000 new congregations were started. The 34 […]
“Sad day” in Algeria as officials seal buildings of country’s largest churches
Tizi-Ouzou, AlgeriaMorning Star News Authorities in Algeria on Wednesday closed the Tafath (Light) church building in Tizi-Ouzou, a day after sealing shut the country’s largest church despite resistance, sources said. A third church in northern Algeria – the Source of Light church in Makouda – was also closed on Tuesday. Sealing of Tafath church in Tizi-Ouzou, […]
United Methodist Church scraps plans to host General Conference in the Philippines
RNS The United Methodist Church has scrapped plans for its first General Conference meeting outside the United States. The global denomination had been planning to hold the 2024 meeting of its decision-making body in Manila, capital of the Philippines. But plans for a meeting there, first announced in 2015, are now off. Delegates attend the day […]
Protestant churches in Cuba push for freedom of religion to be guaranteed under country’s updated constitution
A cross-denominational group of Protestant Christian leaders in Cuba have launched a campaign pushing for provisions guaranteeing freedom of religion to be included in the country’s updated constitution, according to religious freedom advocacy CSW. The UK-based organisation said in a statement that the group, which is being led by representatives of the Methodist and Assemblies […]
US Protestant churchgoers say gifts to charity, needy count as tithing
RNS Most US Protestant churchgoers believe that giving 10 per cent of their income is a Biblical requirement they should follow but they define the practice of tithing in a variety of ways, a new survey shows. About half say they can give their tithes to a Christian ministry instead of a church. One in […]