Religion Today Summaries – Jan. 10, 2007
Daily briefs of the top news stories impacting Christians around the world.
In today's edition:
- New Year’s Bible Study in Communist Party School Raided in China
- Joel Osteen Tops Most Influential Christians in America
- D. James Kennedy’s Health Improving
- Police in Vietnam Detain Members of Pastor’s Family
New Year’s Bible Study in Communist Party School Raided in China
The new year got off to a difficult start for some Christians in China, ASSIST News Service reports. According to China Aid Association (CAA), the local police in Baoding city attacked a Christian Bible Study held in a Communist Party School. On Jan. 1 a group of Christians had gotten together in an office in the Party School to celebrate New Year by studying the Bible. However, the meeting was raided by local law enforcement officials. According to CAA, more than 40 attendees were subsequently interrogated. Most of them, CAA reported, were not released until 6 p.m. that night. Those questioned included Dr. Li Baiguang, a well known Christian legal activist from Beijing.
Joel Osteen Tops Most Influential Christians in America
The Christian Post reports that Joel Osteen now tops the list of the 50 Most Influential Christians in America. Osteen, from Lakewood Church in Houston and author of New York Times bestseller, Your Best Life Now, was also recently featured as one of Barbara Walters' 10 most fascinating people of the year. The Church Report announced Osteen as the most influential Christian in its annual report, stating, "Pastor Osteen has a gift for reaching unreached people with his message of positive thought and God's plan for our lives." Billy Graham still ranks high (2nd), while Franklin Graham placed 14th. Bill Hybels, T.D. Jakes (last year's most influential), and James Dobson round out the top five.
D. James Kennedy’s Health Improving
Doctors have said that the Rev. D. James Kennedy's post-Christmas heart attack was the result of arrhythmia, which they've treated by implanting a pacemaker-defibrillator in his chest, ASSIST News Service reports. The Associated Press has reported that the 75-year-old founder of Coral Ridge Ministries remains hospitalized in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Coral Ridge spokesman John Aman says Kennedy is “stable and improving.” Aman says the Reverend Kennedy appreciates everyone's prayers and hopes to be able to leave the hospital soon and resume his ministry.
Police in Vietnam Detain Members of Pastor’s Family
Police burst into the Vietnam Mennonite church and residence of the Rev. Nguyen Hong Quang at 8:20 this morning, broke up a prayer meeting and arrested 17 people, including his son and elderly mother-in-law, Compass Direct News reports. They were all released at 5 p.m. – after officials had demolished part of the family’s church/residence. The 17 people had complied with authorities’ request to halt the prayer meeting and exited the building, but nevertheless they were taken into custody and detained at the police station of Binh Khanh Ward, District 2. While virtually all buildings in the area were constructed irregularly without proper building permits more than 20 years ago, ward authorities have long singled out the Mennonite church and residence for selective enforcement because of Pastor Quang’s advocacy activities.
Originally published January 10, 2007.
