The week brought poignant tributes to a civil-rights giant, urgent papal appeals for peace amid Middle East tensions, a major realignment in global Anglicanism, and ongoing signs of a “Quiet Revival” among younger generations. Reports continued to reference the lingering “Charlie Kirk Effect” from his 2025 assassination, while new data highlighted Pope Leo XIV’s unexpected draw for both Catholics and Protestants.
1. Pope Leo XIV Issues Strong Peace Appeals and War Critique
- In his March 15 Angelus address and recent general audiences, Pope Leo XIV lamented “atrocious violence” in the Iran-related conflict, called for an immediate ceasefire (“Let the roar of bombs cease!”), and urged Christian political leaders who initiate wars to “go to confession.” He also expressed concern over political violence broadly and offered prayers for the family of the late activist Charlie Kirk. Vatican observers noted his balanced approach, continuing Francis-era priorities on migrants and ecology while adopting a more traditional style. New Pew and Vatican data this week suggested his papacy has contributed to a measurable uptick in Catholic conversions and interest among Protestants. thedailybeast.com +2
2. Passing of Dr. John M. Perkins at Age 95
- On March 13, beloved evangelical leader, author, and civil-rights pioneer Dr. John M. Perkins died peacefully in Jackson, Mississippi. Perkins founded the Christian Community Development Association and spent decades championing racial reconciliation, holistic gospel ministry, and community justice. Tributes from across the evangelical world (including Christianity Today and Religion News Service) underscored his influence on forgiveness after personal experiences of brutality and his model of “relocation, reconciliation, and redistribution.” religionnews.com
3. Historic Anglican Realignment at GAFCON G26 in Nigeria
- Conservative Anglican leaders gathered in Abuja formally launched a new Global Anglican Council (replacing the former GAFCON Primates Council) and elected Archbishop Laurent Mbanda of Rwanda as chairman. The body signaled a “principled disengagement” from Canterbury over doctrinal differences on LGBT issues, women’s ordination, and authority. Organizers described the gathering as a “kairos moment” representing the majority of the world’s practicing Anglicans. biblegateway.com
4. Signs of “Quiet Revival” and Gen Z Church Growth
- The Bible Society and Albert Mohler highlighted record Bible sales in the UK (up over 130% since 2019) and sharp rises in church attendance among 18–24-year-olds the core of the ongoing “Quiet Revival.” In the U.S., King’s Church DC reported ~2,000% growth over seven years (largely Gen Z and millennials), while pastors continued crediting the “Charlie Kirk Effect” for increased Bible reading and first-time church visits among young conservatives. Broader Barna and American Bible Society data noted sustained spiritual interest amid secular trends, though nearly half of American Christians still report not attending services in the past six months. denisonforum.org +1
5. Other Notable Developments
- Francis Chan publicly apologized this week for past endorsements of leaders later accused of misconduct (including Mike Bickle), acknowledging the hurt caused and clarifying he no longer supports those in “unrepentant immorality.”
- A 1,000-person U.S. evangelical pastors’ delegation to Israel (largest since the nation’s founding) wrapped up follow-up activities, training “ambassadors” against antisemitism and producing related media.
- Faith-based entertainment continued its cultural footprint: coverage of The Chosen’s impact and the Movieguide Awards spotlighted how such projects are reaching millions and sparking spiritual conversations.
These stories reflect Christianity’s ongoing global influence through leadership transitions, calls for peace and justice, institutional realignments, and pockets of cultural resurgence—amid persistent challenges. Organizations and media outlets across evangelical, Catholic, and Anglican spheres provided the primary reporting.
Source: Grok on X
I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’
John 1:33
Georgia’s apple farmers concerned over months-long drought’s impact on upcoming harvest
In Gilmer County, at the foot of Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, fourth-generation farmer Joshua Aaron is worried about the upcoming fall apple season. Aaron’s great-grandparents started Aaron Family Orchards decades ago, so he’s seen a lot of times, both good and bad. But during the midst of the state’s months-long drought, the future is beginning…
Colorado tourism railroad postpones summer operations due to drought conditions, wildfire concern
The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad (C&TS), originally scheduled to open its 2026 season on Saturday, announced earlier this week that it will postpone operations due to severe drought conditions and elevated wildfire danger across the region. C&TS management held an emergency meeting and voted to postpone opening until June 9. Management will conduct a…
California Gov. Newsom declares state of emergency for Orange County chemical leak as DA launches probe into its cause
California Gov. Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency in Orange County on Saturday as officials desperately search for a safe resolution to a leaking toxic chemical tank at an aerospace facility. “The safety of Orange County residents is the top priority,” Newsom said. “We are mobilizing every state resource available to support local responders and make…
Blackstone recalls seasoning over salmonella contamination
This recall includes three lots of the seasoning products sold nationwide at Walmart and on the Blackstone website. Source: Blackstone recalls seasoning over salmonella contamination – CBS Chicago
Ice cream sold in 17 states recalled for potential metal fragments
Straus Family Creamery is voluntarily recalling a variety of organic ice cream flavors and sizes sold in 17 states because of concerns there may be metal fragments in the frozen treats, the Food and Drug Administration said Friday. No injuries have been reported because of the issue, the FDA said. The recall affects some products…
More rain, flash flooding expected in metro Atlanta during Memorial Day weekend
The CBS News Atlanta NEXT Weather team has issued a NEXT Weather Alert for the holiday weekend. Increasing rain chances will impact North Georgia and metro Atlanta for Memorial Day. After a day of flooding in downtown Atlanta and at the I-75/I-85 connector during rush-hour traffic, more rain is expected. While there is not a…
Heavy rain moving into North Texas; flooding possible as chances for showers, storms continue throughout weekend
Thursday, heavy rain moves into the metroplex by the afternoon. As a result, it’s a First Alert Weather Day in North Texas. There is a level 2/4 risk for flooding from DFW toward the Red River counties. Expect heavy downpours to continue into the evening. Thursday night will be cloudy and muggy. Overnight lows will…
Kyle Busch, two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, dies at 41 after severe illness, family says
Kyle Busch, a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, died Thursday after being hospitalized with what his family called a “severe illness.” He was 41. “We are devastated to announce the sudden and tragic passing of Kyle Busch,” his family, NASCAR and Richard Childress Racing said in a joint statement. “Our entire NASCAR family is heartbroken…
Maryland inmate convicted of 2-month-old niece’s murder found dead in prison cell
A Harford County man who was serving prison time for killing his niece in 2013 was found unconscious in his cell in Washington County, and later died, according to the Maryland State Police. Colin Wolf, 32 of Bel Air, Maryland, was serving a 30-year sentence after he pleaded guilty to the first-degree murder of two-month-old…
The tale of a Ford, a nest, and a Robin
A Ford dealership in Kansas can’t let a customer take home an already-bought F-250 Super Duty, and the reason is for the birds—quite literallySee, Olathe Ford of Olathe, Kansas, which posted its conundrum to Facebook, is dealing with an unusual circumstance: a robin has decided to make a nest and lay its eggs on the…
Subscribe
Enter your email below to receive updates.

You must be logged in to post a comment.