Germany's Ruhr region, once a thriving industrial hub, is using hundreds of its disused post-war 'slipper churches' as venues for Manifesta 16, a travelling art biennale. The exhibition explores themes of deindustrialisation, unemployment, and migration, reimagining these community spaces to bridge the past and future.
A survey by the Hong Kong Christian Council found systemic issues in how churches handle sexual harassment complaints, with at least 69 victims reporting abuse over two decades. Recommendations include broader policy implementation and better victim support.
Manifesta 16, a European contemporary art biennial, is transforming 12 disused churches in Germany's Ruhr region into art installations and community spaces. The "This is not a church" program features international artists and explores the history of postwar German church architecture, reflecting social change and democratic ideals.
Die Manifesta 16 Ruhr verwandelt zwölf verlassene Kirchen im Ruhrgebiet in Kunstorte. Unter dem Titel „This Is Not a Church“ präsentieren über hundert Künstler Transformationen und kulturellen Austausch jenseits religiöser Dimensionen, wobei der Strukturwandel und die Einwanderungstradition der Region thematisiert werden.
Thousands of Southern Baptists overwhelmingly voted to advance a ban on women pastors, sending a message that men alone should preach. The amendment requires a two-thirds vote next year to become part of the constitution.
Samoan tenor Pene Pati, once told islanders don't sing opera, is now a global star. A new documentary, 'Tenor: My Name is Pati,' details his journey from Upolu to world stages, highlighting his powerful voice, cultural humility, and sacrifices for family and future Pacific singers.
Zeppelin Witheridge, 18, faces charges after a 'Scientology speedrun' social media challenge in Brisbane went awry, involving using a police car as a BMX ramp.
New planning guidelines in Selangor, Malaysia, restrict non-Islamic places of worship in commercial areas, sparking concerns over minority rights. Approved on Nov 12, the rules by PLANMalaysia Selangor prohibit new sites and conversions in commercial zones, where many groups operate due to land scarcity.
Police see off gatherings of teenagers in London and Edinburgh after videos of similar stunts in US go viralHundreds of teenagers have attempted to “speed run” Scientology buildings in different parts of the UK as part of a TikTok trend that started in Los Angeles.Scientology speed running is where people rush into churches and see how far they can get before being ushered out by staff. The Church of Scientology said using its church spaces for viral stunts was “trespass, harassment, and disruption of religious facilities”. Continue reading...
Coober Pedy in South Australia has evolved from a 1915 opal discovery into the world's largest producer of precious opal, with residents adapting to extreme desert heat by living underground. The town features dugout homes, underground churches, restaurants and hotels carved into sandstone, with the first underground church built in 1967. Today, visitors can tour underground homes, mines and churches, experiencing a settlement designed for survival in harsh outback conditions.
Ha Sung-ki has sold large speakers to churches and event halls from his electronics shop inside Seoul's Sewoon Plaza for 42 years. Now, fewer than 10 customers visit daily, down from the bustling merchant network of the past. Redevelopment rumors and the disappearance of vintage electronics culture have nearly emptied the historic shopping corridor.
Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia expressed concern at a Russian Foreign Ministry reception about violence and pressure against Orthodox believers in Syria, where brutal attacks on Christian churches continue. He noted a similar situation in Nigeria.
