U.S., Iran Reach Ceasefire Agreement to End War

 The U.S. and Iran announced a preliminary agreement on June 21 to end their months--long war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz to global shipping, the Reuters website reports today (June 24,2026).

The memorandum of understanding is set to be signed on  June 26 in Switzerland.

U.S. President Donald Trump declared the agrement complete in a June 21evening post on his Truth Social platform. "The Deal with Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete," he wrote,adding that ships should prepare to move as the strait reopens on June 26.

The conflict began in February, when the U.S.and Israeli forces launched coordinated strikes on Iran following the regime's violent crackdown on domestic protests that saw thousands of civilians killed.

New Survey: Men Say Religion Is Very Important

New research gives hope that a shift is happening in the masculine landscape, as new fathers are stepping to the plate, the Christian Post website reports today (June 22, 2026).  

Men matter, and many are coming home and turning to God. Recent Gallup data reported that 42%of men ages 18 to 29 now say religion is very important in their lives, up from 28%in 2022--2023. Another Gallup report found that 40%of young men now attend religious services monthly or more, the highest level for that group since 2012--2013. 

Young men are telling us something, and we should pay attention. Many are looking for faith, brotherhood, and an anchor at home. Today's dads are spending more time with their children than any prior generation of fathers, according to survey data highlighted by the Institute for Family Studies. Our kids want and need that presence.

America Celebrates Its 250th Anniv. This Summer

The United States is preparing  for a sweeping series of celebrations designed to commemorate its 250th birthday this summer, the Christian Post website reports today (June 19,2026).

From  mass prayer gatherings on the National Mall to a nationwide traveling exhibit featuring an AI--powered George Washington, organizers ae planning months of events tied to the smiquicentennial of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Many of the festivities ae being coordinated by Freedom 250 in partnership with the White House and the Trump administration. The celebrations will blend faith, history, entertainment, and civic pride, ranging from scholarship competitions to Indy Car racing through the streets of the nation's capital.

Raising Kids to Follow Christ

 Once born, infants find comfort in their parents'voices and their mothers'embrace, the Crossmap website reports today (June 5, 2026). 

By the age of five, a child's brain has already developed to 90% of its potential.

Parents and grandparents serve as a child's primary and most impactful teachers,followed by church and ministry leaders

Our commitment to living out and sharing our faith must be consistent so that our children can witness Christ in us. We must pray for their strength in their faith journey while acknowledging God as the leader of our homes and personal lives.

UN urged to Investigate Genocide againstln Christians ln Nigeria

 A memorandum has beensubmitted at the United nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion oramounts t Belief,alleging that escalating violence 

against Christians in Nigeria amounts to genocide, the Christian Today website reports today (June2, 2026).

The submission urges the UN o investigate systeWatchmatic religiously motivated violence carried out by jihadist groups across part of Nigeria.

It was prepared by Genocide  Watch and Alliance Against Genocide, and addressed UN Special Rapporteur Nazila Ghanea.Prov(ISince 

The organizations claim militant groups, including Boko Haram,IslamicState West Africa Province (ISWAP), Fulani jihadist militias, and Lakurawa have collecively killed more than 60,000 people and uprooted over 2.2 million people from their homes since 2001, targeting churches, Christian villages, schools, and civilians in the country's Middle Belt and northern regions.

New Survey: More Americans Say Religion Is Gaining Influence

 A new survey by Pew Research Center shows a growing share of Americans believe religion is becoming more influential in public life, but most still oppose churches endorsing political candidates or taking sides in day--to--day political debates, the Christian Daily website reports today (May 27, 2026).

The survey, conducted April 6--12 among 3,592 U.S. adults, found that 37% now say religion is gaining influence in American life --the highest proportion recorded in Pew surveys going back to 2002. That figure has climbed 19 percentage points in just two years.

Despite the uptick in perceived influence , 79% of respondents  said churches and other houses of worship should not endorse candidates during elections.Two--thirds said religious institutions should stay out of day--to--day social and political matters. Those figures have changed little in recent years.

Sacred Heart of Jesus Statue Beheaded at NY State Church

Suffolk county police in New York state are investigating whether a hate crime was committed after a suspect beheaded a Sacred Heart of Jesus statue at the Church of St. Mary in East Islip on May 15, the Christian Post website reports today (May 20, 2026). 

The church's pastor, the Rev. Anthony Iaconis told the Christian Post that the Crimes Unit in the Sufolk County Police was called to the church around 11 a.m. on May15after a group doing planting on the property discovered the statue's head in nearby bushes.

Iaconis said the group didn't realize the statue had been vandalized until they found the head.

A review of the church's security camera footage showed that the beheading of the statue, made of resin and fiberglass, was carried out by one person.