Christian world

Syrian army recaptures Ma`loula

Syrian armed forces have reportedly managed to retake full control of the Christian town of Ma’loula as the army continues to gain more ground in its fight against Takfiri militants.

“The army has taken full control of Ma’loula and restored security and stability,” AFP quoted a Syrian security official, speaking on condition of anonymity, as saying on Monday, adding, “Terrorism has been defeated in Qalamoun,” which is situated in the countryside of the capital, Damascus.

Ethiopia Christian group to stage rally against homosexuality

An Ethiopian religious group on Thursday announced plans to stage an anti-gay rally this month to protest what it called "rising incidents" of homosexuality in the conservative Horn of Africa nation.

The initiative comes after Uganda and Nigeria recently passed tough anti-gay laws, although Ethiopian authorities said they were "indifferent" to the demonstration.

"The country has seen an increase in gay-related activities and this has reached an alarming stage," said Dereje Negash, the head of a Christian Association, Woyniye Abune Teklehaimanot.

Police, Palestinians clash on Temple Mount

After opening of Mughrabi Gate, dozens of Palestinians entered the area; 3 were arrested and others dispersed by stun grenade after throwing rocks at police.

Police clashed with dozens of Palestinian youths at the Temple Mount in Jerusalem who threw rocks and fireworks at them following the opening of the Mughrabi gate on Tuesday morning. Some of the men wore masks, according to police.

Pope Francis meets King Abdullah II for second time at Vatican

King Abdullah II of Jordan met Monday Pope Francis on his second visit to the Vatican to discuss bilateral efforts on the Middle East ahead of the head of the Roman Catholic Church''''s visit to Amman and Jerusalem in May.
The talks between the King and the Pope, which were held behind closed doors, lasted 45 minutes, after that the visitor had received a warm welcome from Vatican''''s prime minister Cardinal Pietro Parolin and foreign minister Monsignor Dominique Mamberti.

Bible banned from world famous Trinity College crest

Trinity College Dublin is to remove the bible from its crest, it has been there since 1592. 

They will also change the color scheme on the ancient crest to avoid a clash with Ryanair’s corporate image. The world famous college is set to be rebranded as ‘Trinity College, the University of Dublin’ in a strategic plan to be launched next year.