India: Christian leaders criticize repressive anti-conversion law

Christian leaders in India’s Uttar Pradesh state have publicly criticized a new bill that oppressively restricts and regulates conversion from one faith to another, International Christian Concern reports. Passed on February 24 by the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly, the new bill violates Article 25 of India’s constitution, which provides that citizens have the right to profess, practice, and propagate the religion of their choice.

Up to 13,000 unaccompanied children expected at US border in May

Following record numbers of unaccompanied children arriving at the US border in February, Health and Human Services officials are reportedly expecting these arrival numbers to surge to as many as 13,000 in May, Fox News reports. Customs and Border Protection officers reportedly informed the Biden administration of the expected surge during a telephone meeting attended by senior officials from HHS, Homeland Security, and the State Department on Thursday.

Largest US Christian adoption agency to place children with LGBT parents

As legal and cultural fighting continues over religious convictions and LGBTQ rights, America’s largest Christian adoption agency, Bethany Christian Services, has decided to change a longstanding policy and begin placing children with LGBT parents for foster care and adoption through all its offices in 32 states. Christianity Today reported Monday.

Nigeria: Pastor abducted by Islamic State terrorists to be executed March 3 unless ransom is paid; “Please pray for me”

Pleading for his life, a pastor abducted by Islamic terrorists in northeastern Nigeria on December 24 last year has said on video that his captors will execute him on Wednesday, March 3 if their ransom demands are not met, Morning Star News reports. Pastor Bulus Yikura of the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria was (EYN) was abducted during an attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) on Pemi village in Borno state; 11 other people were slaughtered during that attack.