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Southern Europe
Portuguese jurist hopes that President will veto euthanasia law
If the current draft law on euthanasia that is being considered in Portugal manages to survive the consultation round of the Constitutional Court, the Portuguese President can still veto it. Jurist Pedro Vaz Patto hopes he does. Even though the President does not have the power to completely block a…
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Northern Europe
Swedish Christian Democrat resigns after sexual assault scandal
Johan Ingerö, party secretary of the Swedish Christian Democrats, resigned recently after being accused of sexual assault at a party where alcohol flowed abundantly. Even though he will not be prosecuted for it, the scandal caused debate about alcohol abuse in the party. He had only been a prominent figure…
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Western Europe
French citizen's convention speaks out in favour of euthanasia
After several intense debates, the French Citizens' Convention has concluded its consideration of legalising euthanasia and assisted suicide in the country. A large majority is in favour of allowing self-determined death. On Sunday, the Citizens' Convention gathered for the last time to discuss self-determined death. In total, 184 citizens participated…
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Eastern Europe
Romanian churches speak out against diversity clause in draft Education law
The Romanian Education Minister has presented a draft law on pre-university education. It includes a clause on teaching sexual diversity in the classrooms. Churches in Romania strongly oppose the article. The draft for a new Education Law states that diversity is one of the core values that form the basis…
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Northern Europe
New Danish Christian Democrat leader wants to shift focus
The newly elected Christian Democrat leader from Denmark, Jeppe Hedaa, wants to expand the party's focus. The Christian Democratic Party must focus more on sustainability but, above all, expand its scope beyond ethical dilemmas, Hedaa says. Last Saturday, the Danish Christian Democrats elected Hedaa, a businessman, as their chairman, Kristeligt…
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Eastern Europe
Several court trials in Russia for demonstrating with Bible texts
“Thou shalt not kill”. Walking around with these words on a banner is considered illegal in Russia. Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, several people have been sentenced for “expressing a negative attitude towards the use of the Armed Forces”, which is illegal by Russian law. One of those persecuted…
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Eastern Europe
Russian court: pacifist Christian does not have to fight in Ukraine
A Russian court upheld a conscript's right to alternative service on religious grounds for the first time. Instead of going to the front in Ukraine, the man may perform alternative civil service. Pavel Mushumansky, an Evangelical Christian, had already done alternative service in 2019 instead of his military service. However,…
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Eastern Europe
Russia fined for violating religious freedom
Russia is fined for violating the right to religious freedom and discriminating against a Christian pastor. According to a European Court, Russian authorities breached human rights.This is the judgement of the European Court of Human Rights published last week. The case concerns an American Baptist who was fined for holding…
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European Union
European statement of confession turns 50
Lutherans and Reformed people in Europe lived separately for five centuries until March 16th, 1973. Then, some drafted a joint statement of confession: the Leuenberg Concord. The theological document is now 50 years old. ***What is the Leuenberg Concord?*** Lutherans and Reformed tried to reconcile differing views on, for example,…
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Central Europe
New sect in Germany damages mental health members
The so-called Shincheonji sect tries to gain footing in Germany. German churches and authorities worry. Expert Johannes Lorenz says to Domradio that the sect creates “a great psychological fear, which can even lead to admission into mental hospitals.” Lee Man-hee, leader of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus. Photo EPA, Yonh…
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