🔥🕊️ DOJ Launches Task Force to Combat Anti-Christian Bias

GOOD MORNING.

Smoke’s up, eyes on Rome. 

In a headline that’s turning heads well beyond the Vatican, the Catholic Church just elected its first-ever American pope. Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago is now Pope Leo XIV, bringing a blend of Midwest roots, Peruvian mission work, and Vatican leadership to the global stage.

At 69, he inherits a Church grappling with internal reform, global growth, and generational shifts. Whether you’re Catholic, Protestant, or just tuning in for the pageantry, this is a spiritual leadership change with worldwide ripple effects.

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SPECIAL REPORT

Attorney General Pam Bondi Launches Task Force to Combat Anti-Christian Bias

In a significant step toward addressing concerns of religious discrimination, U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi convened the first official meeting of the Task Force to Eradicate Anti-Christian Bias, established by Executive Order 14202. The task force aims to investigate and correct instances of systemic bias against Christians, particularly in federal institutions.

Investigating Discrimination and Restoring Protections

During the meeting, witnesses alleged unfair treatment under the previous administration, including IRS audits of churches, fines imposed on Christian universities, and religious exemption denials in the military. The Department of Justice committed to reviewing such claims, proposing policy changes, and ensuring federal compliance with religious liberty laws. A full report is expected later this year as the task force continues its investigations and policy work.

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REGIONAL THREATS

AFRICA

• CROSS RIVER, NIGERIA — On May 3, 2025, four seminarians from the Enugu Catholic Church died and nine others were injured when their bus suffered brake failure and plunged into a valley near Ikwette village, Obanlikwu LGA, after touring Obudu Ranch Resort. Governor Bassey Otu expressed condolences and announced a review of safety measures at the resort.

• GQEBERHA, SOUTH AFRICA — On May 5, 2025, five armed and masked men stormed a church in Booysens Park during an evening service, robbing approximately 50 congregants of their cellphones and valuables. The assailants fled in the priest’s white Toyota RAV4, later found abandoned in Chatty 5 and taken for forensic analysis. No injuries were reported, and police are actively investigating the incident.

• TAMBURA, SOUTH SUDAN — On the night of May 7, 2025, Paul Tamania, a 39-year-old Catholic Church secretary and youth group leader, was fatally shot near St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Tambura. The attack occurred close to a camp for displaced persons. Authorities have not identified any suspects, and investigations are ongoing. Local officials have deployed security forces and are urging community unity amid concerns over escalating violence in the region.

• BARKIN LADI, NIGERIA — On May 8, 2025, six Christians were killed and others injured in coordinated attacks by suspected Fulani militants in Barkin Ladi County, Plateau State. The assaults are part of a broader pattern of religiously and ethnically motivated violence targeting Christian farming communities in central Nigeria.

MIDDLE EAST & CENTRAL ASIA

• HOMS, SYRIA — On May 5, 2025, masked men in military uniforms attacked a liquor store in the predominantly Christian town of Rabla, assaulting a young man present, vandalizing the premises, and stealing money. Before fleeing, the assailants threatened to kill local Christian residents, marking a targeted act of intimidation against the community.

SOUTH & SOUTHEAST ASIA

• No current updates.

LATIN AMERICA & CARIBBEAN

• CARAPICUÍBA, BRAZIL — On May 4, 2025, a doorman was stabbed at the entrance of an evangelical church during a service. Security footage shows the assailant, dressed in red, conversing briefly with the victim before stabbing him in the abdomen and fleeing. The victim was taken to a hospital, and police are investigating the incident, seeking information on the suspect’s whereabouts.

• TAGUATINGA, BRAZIL — On May 7, 2025, a fire broke out at the Igreja Batista da Lagoinha in Taguatinga Norte. The fire was confined to the audio-visual control room and the mezzanine above it. The fire department responded promptly with seven vehicles and managed to control the flames without any reported injuries. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

NORTH AMERICA

• No current updates.

EUROPE

• ROME, ITALY — Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline of Marseille was reportedly robbed near Termini station while visiting Rome. His bag, containing personal effects, was later found by police with only a small amount of cash missing. The theft occurred in a public area known for pickpocketing, and local authorities have opened an investigation to identify the perpetrators. Cardinal Aveline was not harmed during the incident.

• BELGOROD, RUSSIA — On May 3, 2025, a Ukrainian drone strike set fire to the domes of the Church of the Great Martyr George the Victorious in the village of Tolokonnoe; local defense forces acted quickly to contain the blaze and prevent wider destruction.

• SUMY, UKRAINE — Russian shelling struck the St. Nicholas Monastery in Myropillia, causing damage to several buildings including churches and monastic residences, underscoring continued threats to religious heritage in the conflict zone.

AUSTRALIA & OCEANIA

• No current updates.

PRAYER REQUESTS

Please pray for a group of missionaries preparing to travel to India amid rising regional tensions. Pray for their protection, courage, and clarity as they go to boldly proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. May hearts be open, doors be made clear, and the gospel be preached with power despite the challenges.

OUR SERVICES