Survey: Religiously Unaffiliated Now Outnumber Cath. and Protestants in Germany

For the first time in modern German history, more Germans identify as religiously unaffiliated than as Roman Catholics or Protestants, according to a new survey published by Weltanschauungen research group, the Christian Daily website reports today (April 30, 2025). The 2024 data reveal that 47%  of Germany's population -- an estimated 39 million people -- now consider themselves to have no religious affiliation. In contrast, the combined number of Protestants and Roman Catholics stands at 38 million, or 45% of the population.  

The shift marks a significant milestone in Germany's religious landscape and underscores the ongoing decline in membership among the country's two historically dominant Christian denominations

Over one million church members left the church in 2024.

Who Is Jesus?

 Jesus and His disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way, He asked them, "Who do people say I am ?" (Mark 8:27), the Crossmap website reports today (April 29, 2025). 

After Peter had spent so much time with Jesus, he had become familiar with who Jesus was, so his answer was fitting to Jesus' question. "You are the Messiah."  It wasn't the right time for everyone to know who Jesus fully was,  even though the whole time He was on earth, He was revealing the Father God. Was it a big surprise? The fullness of the glory of God was revealed in Jesus after He died on the cross. Jesus became our Messiah, He won the victory over sin and became the exalted Son, who sits at the right hand of God. 

People are very interested in asking the same question about who are you? They try to guess our identity and sometimes want to tell you who you  are. This is who you should be!

Who knows what makes your heart swing? Who can tell what makes you soar on the wings of eagles? The one  thing about our identity that we should never forget is that God tells us who we are and calls us His sons and daughters.  We are a new creation  because of Jesus and belong to God's Kingdom. 

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"

Chrisrtian Hope Is Different from All Other Hopes

 As Christians, our hope must be anchored in one person : Jesus Christ, the Christian Today website reports today (April 28, 2025).

You may have heard the Gospel before, but I'll ask you: Do you truly believe that Jesus is the Son of God? That He came to Earth, lived a sinless life, died on a cross, and rose again -- conquering death and ofering salvation and eternal life?

Jesus is the bridge from death to life. We were destined to eternal separation from God, but "God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life (John 3:16). 

Through Jesus, death is not the end. It's the beginning of eternity with God. 

Through Christ, the Kingdom of God has already begun here on Earth. When we place our hope in Him, His Kingdom lives in us (Luke 17:20--21). And that means we're not meant to turn away from the world's brokenness, we're called. 

We carry the hope of restoration, just as God does (Romans 8:19--21). And we must share it. 

Scripture says in Peter 3:15: "But in your hearts revere  Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give a reason for the hope that you have." 

Pope Francis Wanted a Small Funeral; He's Getting Fighter Jets

 Pope Francis specified in his last wishes he wanted a "simple" funeral "without particular decoration," in keeping with his aim during his papacy to eschew formalities and bring the Roman Catholic Church closer to the people, the USA Today website reports today (April 26, 2025). 

Security experts, however, say the operation to secure the pope's funeral in front of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City will be anything but uncomplicated and straightforward. It will be attended by dozens of religious and political leaders from around the world, including President Donald Trump, and thousands of ordinary worshipers. 

"This is what I would call a 'Grade A' event," said Dai Davies, former dividional commander in Britain's Metropolitan Police and Head of Royal Protection. Davfies' job was to keep the country's royal family, including the late Queen Elizabeth II, safe. 

Matteo Piantedosi, Italy's interior minister, told local media authorities are working on the assumption that about 200 high--profile visitors and their delegations will attend the funeral on April 26, along with a crowd of up to 200,000 well--wishers.

Pope Francis, like all popes for the last 500 years, was protected by 135 so--called Swiss Guards, whose striped blue, red, and yellow uniforms paired with a feather--topped black helmet belie their elite training in counterintelligence, close--quarters combat, and bomb disposal. According to the Corriere della Sera daily newspaper, they are getting subsrtantial backup for the funeral in the form of a tight security ring around the world's smallest country -- Vatican City measures just 0.19 square miles -- comprised of snipers with high--powered rifles on rooftops and specialist soldiers toting anti--drone bazookas that can disable unauthorized UAVs with radio waves. 

Rome's police chief, Marcello Fulvi, has said roughly 8,000 security agents will be on hand, including 2,000 uniformed police officers and another 1,400 plain--clothes ones who will patrol the basilica and other surrounding and nearby areas. 

Most U.S. Church Leaders Believe in Climate Change, But Rarely Discuss It

 A recent study shows that while most U.S. church leaders believe in human caused climate change , few regularly discuss the issue in their congregations, the Christian Daily website reports today (April 25, 2025). 

The findings were published March 25 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Journal in a study titled "Most Christian American Religious Leaders Silently Believe in Climate Change, and Informing Their Congregation Can Help Open Dialogue." 

The research showed that 90% of U.S. Christian leaders accept the scientific consensus on "anthropogenic climate change," the view that human activity is the primary cause. 

Yet, only half of the respondents reported discussing climate change with their churches, and just one--quarter said they had "mentioned  it more then once or twice." 

"U.S. Christians substantially underestimate the prevalence of their  leaders who believe in climate change," the report said. 

The survey sampled Christian leaders from major U.S. denominations. 

Those leaders who speak on climate issues are more likely to attend climate events and show "greater  willingness to discuss it with fellow churchgoers." 

How a New Pope Will Be Selected

Following the death of Pope Francis at age 88 on April 21, the office  of the pontiff will remain vacant until a successor is chosen and elected, the Christian Post website reports today (April 24, 2025).  

Francis served for 12 years, longer than predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, but less than half of the 26 years of t he late Pope St. John Paul II.

Matthew Schmalz, a professor of religious studies at the Roman Catholic Church--affiliated Holy Cross College in Worcester, Mass. , is a noted expert on Catholicism and the papacy. 

In an interview with the Christian Post, Schmalz explained the process for electing a new pope and shared his thoughts about potential successors to Francis and rthe future of the Catholic Church.

"A pope is elected in a conclave, which literally means a room that can be locked," Schmalz explained. "And so, they're locked away in the Sistine Chapel, and a pope, in order to be elected, needs a two--thirds majority of the eligible voting members of the College of Cardinals." 

After voting that many of the Cardinals appointed by Pope Francis "come from the margins of the Catholic world," he stressed how this means "many of the cardinals don't actually know each other that well before the conclave begins."

While Schmalz believes there won't be " a deadlocked conclave that would last for days and days," he anticipates that "it will be longer than most recent conclaves because many of the cardinals don't know each other that well."

How to Show Christlike Compassion in Everyday Interactions

In a world that often feels divided  and filled with chaos, showing compassion can seem like a small act, the Crossmap website reports today(April 22, 2025). 

However, when we choose to reflect Christ's love in our everyday interactions, we can create a ripple effect that transforms not only our own lives, but the lives of those around us. Chrisrtlike compassion is more than just a feeling  -- it is love in action, demonstrated through kindness, understanding, and selflessness.

Christlike compassion goes beyond sympathy. It involves not only feeling for someone in their suffering, but also helping where possible to alleviate their pain. Jesus demonstrated this through countless acts of kindness -- whether healing the sick, feeding the hungry, or comforting the brokenhearted. He didn't just recognize the needs of others. He took action to meet those needs.

One of the most powerful ways to show Christlike compassion is by listening with empathy. Jesus often took the time to listen to people, understanding their struggles and offering a kind word or healing touch. In the same way, we can show compassion by giving others our full attention and understanding when they speak. 

In James 1:19 we are reminded: "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry." 

When we listen, we not only validate the emotions  of others, but also create an opportunity to offer support, whether through words or actions. 

Jesus demonstrated unconditional love and kindness without expecting anything in return. Whether He was washing His disciples' feet or healing  those  who had nothing to give, Christ's love was freely given. Showing compassion means extending kindness to others without waiting for recognition or rewards. 

This unconditional love is the heart of Christlike compassion. When we show love and kindness to others, we reflect the love Jesus showed us. 

Pope Francis Dies of a Stroke and Heart Failure at 88

 Pope Francis, 88, a humble reformer who sought to make the Catholic Church more inclusive and clashed with world leaders over the rights of immigrants, died Easter Monday, following a lengthy bout of double pneumonia, the USA Today website reports today (April 21, 2025).

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who oversees the pope's affairs, announced his death from Casa Santa Marta, where Francis lived at the Vatican. A funeral date has not been announced, but the Vatican said it would likely take place between Friday and Sunday. 

Francis died of a stroke and irreversible heart failure, Vatican doctor Andrea Arcangeli said in a death certificate released today. The certificate, which was published by the Vatican, said the pope had fallen into a coma before his death early that day. The Vatican also said Francis had relayed in a final statement his wishes to be buried at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome. 

"Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis," Farrell said in a statement on Vatican News.""At  7:35 this morning , the Bishop of Rome, Francis," returned to the house of the Father." 

The pope's death comes one day after a frail but determined Francis greeted thousands in St. Peter's Square after Easter Mass in his open popemobile -- and just weeks after an extended hospital stay during which he battled bilateral pneumonis and other health issues.

The pope, who shunned pomp and privilege and loved to be among the public. sat in a raised chair in the vehicle as people cheered "viva  il papa." He stopped at several places along the square, much to the delight of  the crowd. 

"His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church," Farrell said. "He taught us how to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage , and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized. As a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of God." 

President Donald Trump announced on social media that he and first lady Melania Trump will attend Francis' funeral. saying, "We look forward to being there!"

The Importance of Good Friday

 Good Friday, the Friday before Easter, is the Christian day to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus and His death at Calvary , the Christianity website reports today (April 19, 2025).

For Christians, Good Friday is an important day of the year because it celebrates what we believe to be the most momentous weekend in the history of the world. Ever since Jesus died and was raised, Christians have proclaimed the cross and resurrection of Jesus to be the decisive turning point for all creation. 

On Good Friday, we remember the day Jesus willingly suffered and died by crucifixion as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins (1 John 1:1`0), Easter follows it, the glorious celebrartion of the day Jesus was raiseed from the dead, heralding His victory over sin and death and pointing ahead to a future resurrection for all who are united to Him by faith (Romans 6:15).

The name Good Friday is appropriate because the suffering and death of Jesus, as terrible as it was, marked the dramatic culmination of God's plan to save His people from their sins. 

Jesus' death on the cross was not the end, but rather the beginning of something new. Through His resurrection, Jesus conquered death and opened the way for eternal life for all who believe in Him. 

Churches Celebrate a United Easter This Year

The Presidents of Churches Together in England (CTE) have issued a joint statement celebrating the fact that this year Christians of all denominations will celebrate Easter on the same day and in honor of a formational meeting of the early church, the Christian Today website reports today (April 17, 2025).  

Due to their use of the Julian calendar,Eastern Orthodox churches nearly always mark  religious events like Easter at different times to Wesrtern Churches which use the Gregorian calendar. This year, however, a happy coincidence means that both calendars are in agreement about the date for Easter.

The statement by CTE was made in celebration of this fact and in recognition that 2025 marks the 1,700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicea.

The council, held in 325 AD, discussed setting a unified date for events such as Easter, but more importantly, laid some of the theological groundwork for determining some of the key beliefs of Christianity shared by all denominations. 

The Presidents of CTE include representatives of the Roman Catholic Church, Orthodox churches, Pentecostal churches, Lutheran and other Protestants. The Anglican Archbishop of Canterbury is also one of the presidents, but that position is currently vacant.

In their statement, they said, Often divided by our sins and arrogance, we now come together in unity, with one voice and one heart, as did those divinely --guided individuals seventeen hundred years ago to defend the Truth that has been entrusted to us. We come together to reiterate the message and ruth of Nicea."

"It is a special blessing from God that rthis year all Christians will celebrate Easter -- Pascha --on the same Sunday. We are empowered by this and we draw strength to face the realities of our divisions with a new hope of reconciliation."   

U.S. Senator Seeks to Make Easter Monday a Federal Holiday

 A  United States Senator has introduced legislation to make the day after Easter a federal holiday, so many families can more easily celebrate the Christian holiday together, the Christian Post website reports today (April 16, 2025). 

In a thread on X, Sen. Eric Schmitt, R--Mo., announced that he had introduced a bill that would make Easter Monday a federal holiday. His social media post came one week before Easter Monday, which falls on April 21  this year.

"81%  of Americans celebrate Easter," Schmitt wrote. "But our current holiday schedule makes it way too difficult for families to celebrate together."

Schmitt noted that "Easter falls on the longest unbroken work stretch of the calendar," adding, "March and April are the only back--to--back  months without a federal  holiday. This isn't a radical idea." 

He continued, "It's a federal recognition of a tradition that is central to Western civilization -- a tradition that's already recognized as a public holiday in nations across (and beyond) the West, including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and most of Western Europe." 

"It isn't even novel in America," Schmitt said of the idea of making Easter Monday a federal holiday. "We already have a 'National Day of Prayer,' signed into law by Missouri's own President Truman. A federal Easter Monday holiday allows Americans to celebrate the most extraordinary day in world history, Easter -- the day of Christ's resurrection." 

Church Safeguarding Is Rooted in Scripture

If anyone has doubts whether church safeguarding is firmly rooted in Scripture, today's Epistle reading from the Anglican Book of Common Prayer can dispel them, the Christian Today website reports today (April 15, 2025).  

The passage is from the Apostle Paul's New Testament letter to the Christians in the First century Philippi:

"In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Jesus Christ: Who, being in very nature God, did not onsider equality with God something to be used in His own advantage; rather, He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death -- even death on a cross! Therefore, God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every  tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:5 --11 NIV).

Shortly after the publication of her strongly critical report into Church of England safeguarding practices in February 2024, the former chair of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sex Abuse, Professor Alexis Jay, addressed the General Synod by video. 

She said: "Safeguarding in the Church today falls below the standard expected and set in secular organizations, which are required to follow statutory guidance." 

She called on the Church  to "challenge erroneous beliefs about safeguarding which continue to be held."

"For example, we heard from a number of people that safeguarding should be rooted in Scripture and that being a practicing Christian should be a prerequisite to holding a safeguarding role," she said.

The followers of Christ must take care to ensure that the inflated egos that led to abusive  behaviors are not allowed to flourish in their hearts and in their churches, Safeguarding is every Christian's responsibility.  

What Jesus' Sacrifice Teaches Us about Marriage

Jesus laid down his life  for us, in the ultimate act of selfless love, the Christian Post website reports today  (April 14, 2025).

He calls us to do the same thing in our marriages, too -- in dozens of ways every day. It is importqnt to remember that Jesus' posture of sacrifice is centrally one of love. 

That posture of loving humility and self--sacrifice is our template for how to love selfllessly in every part of our lives, but especially within marriage and family.

Remember the encouragement of Ephesians 5: "Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave Himsaelf  up for us. a fragranrt offering and sacrifice  to God. 

Every day, you get up and choose to serve your spouse. Every day, you choose to respond to God's call to sacrificial love. Every day, you seek to love your spouse and others as Christ loved us. 

A lot of marriages have resulted in mutual hurt or selfishness. It's not uncommon for couples to fall short of God's call for mutual love, sacrifice, and respect -- but that's because we're all fallen, all broken. 

Despite our selfish, sinful nature, God loves us unconditionally. He has overcome both sin and death on our   behalf. This is the  powerful transformative hope and joy of Easter. We can follow Him. We can be healed. We can learn to love each other well and learn to accept His love. 

God gives us the power to break hurtful and sinful cycles of behavior, no matter how  impossible that might  feel. He has already made the ultimate gesture of sacrificial love, so that we can see it, know it, and embrace it in our lives. 

13 Southern Baptist Ethnic Leaders in U.S. Urge Trump to Show Compassion for Migrants

Thirteen Southern Baptist ethnic groups, representing 10,99 churches, have issued a joint statement on immigration calling for the Trump administration in the U.S. to show compassion for immigrants fleeing persecution, the Christian Daily website reports t oday (April 12, 2025). 

The leaders warned that current immigration policies are fueling fear even among those in the U.S. legally. with many too afraid to attend worship services or seek spiritual care in their local churches. 

Signatories shared the federal government's "desire to protect citizens, promote legal immigration and refugee policies, and robustly safeguard the country's borders," but "enforcement must be accompanied with compassion that does not demonize those fleeing oppression, violence, and persecution," as quoted by the Baptist Press. 

"As our greatest hope and courage can only be found in Jesus Christ, we also call on Southern Baptist pastors and church leaders to look for opportunities to share the gospel and care for immigrants and refugees." 

What Churches Learned 5 Years since COVID

Many churches closed down or have considerably shrunk in size since COVID--19, the Christian Post website reports today (April 8, 2025).

Reasons range from " church --goers are still scared to return," to "they prefer watching live feeds." But why have bold churches experienced tremendous growth? This issue is much deeper  -- it's crystal clear that people are hungry for the truth. 

When you lose intimacy with God , you lose boldness and the Spirit's fire. Return to Him and He will return to you. The strength of a church is in its purity and spiritual power, not in its numbers. God doesn't need a majority  -- He is the  Majority. Prayer can no longer be a footnote at the end of a sermon; instead, prayer and worship must guide the church in these critical times.  

Pope Remains in Hospital in Critical Condition

 Doctors have given Pope Francis a "guarded" prognosis as he continues to be treated in a hospital for double pneumonia, the Christian Today website reports today (April 6, 2025). 

The pope spent a ninth night in Rome's Gemelli hospital after experiencing an "asthma--like respiratory crisis of prolonged intensity" on March 29.

Doctors treated the pope with high--flow oxygen and blood transfusions , and said he spent the rest of the day in his armchair,  as he remains "fatigued." 

"The condition of the Holy Father continues to be critical," says a  a statement from t he Holy See press office.

The statement continued, "Today's blood tests also revealed thrombocytopenia, associated with anemia, which required the administration of blood transfusions.

"The Holy Father remains alert and spent the day in an armchair, although he is more fatigued than yesterday. At the moment the prognosis remains guarded." 

One week ago ,doctors said they expected the pope to remain in the hospital all of t he coming week, and that although he is not "in danger of death, he is not completely out of danger yet. "

Who and "What" Is the Holy Spirit?

 The Holy Spirit is God and part of t he Trinity, the Crossmap website reports today (April 4, 2025). 

God is in three Persons. He is a blessed Trinity, and we worship Him as Father, as Son, and as Holy Spirit. All three Persons are God. They want to love and serve the Lord with all of their heart, soul, and might.

The Holy Spirit's main work is to manifest the active presence of God in the world, and especially in the church. 

In other words, He loves God's work in the world.

The Spirit is the One--in the Trinity -- who is most PRESENT  with us now. He is near. He is with us if we have trusted Jesus as Savior. 

The Holy Spirit purifies us and makes us more holy. 

The Holy Spirit unifies believers and churches. 

The Holy Spirit gives stronger or weaker evidence of God's presence and blessing as we respond to Him. 

Report: 10M Christians Face Deportation from U.S. under Trump Plan

 A new report by several Christian organizations warns that up to 10 million Christians could face deportation under proposed Trump administration policies -- raising concerns for families and churches across the U.S. -- the Christian Daily website reports today (April 2, 2025). 

"One Part of the Body: The Potential Impact of Deportations on   American Christian Families" is a  multi--agency report produced by the Center for the Study of Global Christianity, the National Asssociation of Evangelicals, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Migration and Refugee Services, and World Relief.

The report highlights that the Bible teaches that there is one body of Christ, which is "not made up of one part but of many" (Corinthians 12--13--14)and if one part suffers, every part suffers with it;" if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it" (verse 26). 

The authors note that immigrants that are "integral parts" of American churches, whether they have permanent legal status or not, are vulnerable to deportation. This puts millions of Christians at risk under President Donald Trump's pledge to carry out the largest deportation in history.