The churches have enjoyed an unofficial tax-exempt status for centuries.
Middle East
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
Church leaders and U.N. officials decry escalating situation in Syria
As Syria’s war soon enters its eighth year, the conflict is escalating in the country’s north, between Turkey and the Kurds, and in the south, between Iran and Israel.
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Pope Francis and Turkey’s President Erdoğan discuss refugee issues, status of Jerusalem
In the period in between their two meetings, the Turkish leader squashed a weak attempt at a coup and has imprisoned thousands of opponents.
Posted inFaith, Features
Aramaic, the language of Jesus, comes to New Jersey
The language spoken by Jesus and kept alive by Syriac Christians finds an unlikely haven in Paramus, New Jersey.
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
Persecution based on religious belief is unacceptable, pope says
Pope Francis called on the world community to do more to protect the Yezidi minority in Iraq and Syria.
Posted inFaith, News
The top 10 worst countries for Christian persecution
A watchdog organization identified three global trends in persecution against Christians.
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
Is Trump widening a rift between the evangelicals and Middle Eastern Christians?
The embassy move appears to make an already delicate existence even more complicated for Palestinian Christians.
Posted inFaith, News
Bishop urges prayers for peace after attack on Coptic Christians
Pope Francis also prayed for the victims of the attacks on Sunday.
Posted inFaith, News
Christians and Muslims join for Christmas Mass in liberated Mosul
The Iraqi national anthem opened the Mass as women wailed with emotion.
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
Middle East Catholic patriarchs express hope amid uncertainty at Christmas
“This is our homeland and we insist (we) remain here.”