Christmas traditions around the world
Across the world, Christmas is celebrated through traditions shaped by history, folklore, and local culture. In Sweden, the 43-foot-tall Gävle Goat raised every year traces back to Norse mythology, where goats symbolise strength,…
Israel again the deadliest country for journalists
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) report that 2025 was the third consecutive year in which Israel was identified as the deadliest country for journalists; 29 Palestinian reporters were killed amid Israel’s ongoing military campaign…
Global: one woman killed by a partner or relative every ten minutes
Violence against women remains a deadly global crisis, with more than 50,000 women and girls killed in 2024 by intimate partners or family members - an average of one life taken every 10…
Environment: five innovative Earthshot Prize winners
A star-studded Earthshot Prize ceremony in Rio de Janeiro celebrated global ingenuity and hope for the planet, honouring five remarkable winners across its key categories. Brazil’s re.green, which uses AI and satellite technology…
Evangelical movement’s centre has shifted to the Global South
Researchers agree that the centre of the Evangelical movement has decisively shifted from the West to the Global South. At a recent webinar, Dr Gina Zurlo of the World Christian Database and Jason…
UN report says world fertility rates in unprecedented decline
In India, Namrata Nangia and her husband long to have another child, but are held back by financial and time pressures - a dilemma increasingly shared worldwide. According to a new UN report,…
Catholic Church: after Francis, who?
As preparations are made for Pope Francis’s funeral, there is already much speculation about who might succeed him, a risky process as supposed ‘front-runners’ are seldom elected. Also, Francis’ appointments of many new…
World leaders plan to attend Pope’s funeral in spite of previous differences
As tributes flood in for Pope Francis, attention turns to his legacy of engaging controversial issues such as migration, climate change, and global conflict – and therefore clashing with world leaders. Notably, Francis…
Earth Day: highlighting different types of pollution
To celebrate Earth Day (22 April), environmental activists gathered at a beach in Cape Town to clean the coastline and raise awareness about plastic pollution. Organiser Lyniel Traut called for a 60% reduction…
Global: different Easter food traditions
Easter food traditions beautifully reflect regional heritage and faith across the world. In central and eastern Europe, the celebrations might include Paska bread, a braided loaf often paired with sweet cheese, jam, or…
