Baptist pastor rearrested in Myanmar after mere hours of freedom
KACHIN, Myanmar (BP) – A Baptist pastor and religious freedom advocate in war-torn Myanmar was rearrested by junta leaders April 17 after mere hours of freedom, the Associated Press reported April 18.
State of the Bible: Americans less engaged, but Gen Z bucking trend
PHILADELPHIA (BP) – Scripture engagement among American adults is at its lowest point in the 14 years the American Bible Society has commissioned the annual State of the Bible report, researchers said in releasing the first chapter of the 2024 report.
U.S. High Court allows Idaho ban on gender-affirming care for minors
WASHINGTON (BP) – A law criminalizing gender transition care for minors in Idaho can be applied while two anonymous teenage plaintiffs’ challenge to the law continues in court, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled April 15.
LifeWise Academy teaching Bible during public school days grows nationally
HILLIARD, Ohio (BP) -- LifeWise Academy founder Joel Penton was on Bluetooth, driving a vibrant red and yellow school bus fashioned into a camper, heading from Ohio with his wife and five school-age children to the newest academy sites in Arkansas, Tennessee and Georgia.
12 mainstream media giants accused of sex abuse, exploitation, enablement
WASHINGTON (BP) – Many turn to LinkedIn for updates on industry insiders, but among the billion professionals featured alongside respected companies are sexual exploitation leaders such as Pornhub and OnlyFans.
Arizona High Court’s 1864 abortion ban ruling likely to face ballot issue
PHOENIX (BP) – The revival of an 1864 Arizona law criminalizing abortions for providers, expectant mothers and advertisers will likely face a November state ballot measure asking voters to enshrine abortion rights in Arizona’s constitution.
Jewish plaintiffs, others claim religious exemption to state abortion ban
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (BP) – Hoosier Jews for Choice and four others can proceed in a class action challenge to Indiana’s abortion ban, claiming it violates their individual rights under the state’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), an appeals court ruled April 4.
‘Jesus’ in sign language set for local premiere, broader release in works
ARLINGTON, Texas (BP) -- A new version of the Jesus Film, performed in American Sign Language (ASL) by Deaf actors and crew members, premieres April 4 at the Deaf Missions Conference in Arlington, Texas, its promoters have announced.
Many cite rise in hatred against Jews, Muslims during Israel-Hamas War, study says
WASHINGTON (BP) – Many Americans believe antisemitism and Islamophobia have increased during the past three years and are especially driven by the Israel-Hamas War, Pew Research said in a study released April 2.
Florida High Court clears way for six-week abortion ban, November vote
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (BP) – A six-week abortion ban with exceptions will be implemented in Florida, but voters will also have the option of enshrining abortion rights in the state constitution in November.
