Religion

Hajj costs for 2026 lowered without reducing service quality

October 29, 2025 Raj Patel

Indonesia's House Commission VIII and the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah have set the hajj service cost for 2026 at Rp87.4 million per pilgrim, down about Rp2 million from the previous year. This reduction does not compromise service quality for pilgrims. Pilgrims pay Rp54.2 million directly, with the rest covered by hajj fund management.

Daughter of detained pastor warns of Christian persecution wave in China

The daughter of a prominent Chinese pastor detained by authorities has warned of an impending nationwide crackdown on Christians. Grace, speaking to The Daily Wire, described the recent arrests of her father, Mingri “Ezra” Jin, and at least 22 other church leaders as the start of a broader wave of persecution. The detentions, which occurred last week, targeted members of the underground Zion Church network.

American delegation calls Nigeria’s anti-Christian violence a ‘genocide’ as officials and analysts dispute label

October 28, 2025 Petra Hartmann Fact checked

A U.S. activist-led fact‑finding team that visited Abuja in mid-October said the targeting of Christians in parts of Nigeria amounts to “a calculated, long‑running genocide,” a characterization Nigerian officials and several independent analysts reject as a gross misrepresentation of a broader security crisis that kills both Christians and Muslims.

Al-Sisi reaffirms Egypt’s commitment to religious freedom in WCC meeting

President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi met with a delegation from the World Council of Churches on Tuesday, reaffirming Egypt's firm commitment to protecting freedom of worship and belief, and strengthening interfaith dialogue as a cornerstone for tolerance, coexistence, and peace. The meeting was attended by Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark. It highlighted Egypt's diplomatic efforts in global conflicts.

Pope Leo XIV marks Nostra Aetate’s 60th anniversary, reiterates Church’s rejection of antisemitism

October 29, 2025 Petra Hartmann Fact checked

At a Vatican commemoration of the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate, Pope Leo XIV underscored the declaration’s enduring call to interreligious dialogue and reaffirmed the Church’s rejection of antisemitism and all forms of discrimination.

Mormon women group influences Utah congressional redistricting

A group called Mormon Women for Ethical Government played a key role in redistricting Utah's congressional seats. Their efforts aimed to promote fairer representation in the state's political map. The involvement highlights growing civic engagement among Mormon women in politics.

JD Vance visits Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem

Vice President JD Vance toured the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, one of Christianity's holiest sites, on October 23, 2025. Accompanied by Second Lady Usha Vance, he spent about 90 minutes inside, participating in confession and a private mass. The visit highlighted his Catholic faith amid a broader trip to Israel.