Politics
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European Union
EU doubts about enlargement; what do Moldovan Christians think?
For Moldovan Christians, joining the European Union means freedom. “We bring new, conservative voices.” Valeriu Ghile?chi has high expectations from the EU. The former Moldovan MP hopes that European government leaders will decide on Thursday and Friday to start negotiations with his country to join the Union. “Europe is at…
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European Union
Europe's Jews on edge as anti-Semitic violence rises to record levels
As the Israel-Hamas war continues to rage, many Jewish communities in Europe are seeing sharp rises in hate-based crimes. “This feels like being in Poland in 1941.” Several Jews now feel that they can no longer wear the star of David in public. Some have taken down their Jewish mezuzahs…
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Christian Life
If science is true, Ayaan Hirsi Ali becomes happier after becoming a Christian
When the Institute for the Impact of Faith in Life (IIFL) published the results of their November study on faith and mental health, it revealed a promising result. Religious people are 20 per cent happier than those identify as atheist or less involved. In addition to elevated happiness scores, the…
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Northern Europe
Critical report on conversion therapy spurs debate in Norway
Yes or no for conversion therapy? The Norwegian government asked for a report. The content is clear. But the opponents say this is more a pamphlet than a research report. At six years old, Elisabeth Meling (at the time Edvard Meling) could already feel he was in the wrong body.…
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Eastern Europe
Russian Christians remain sceptical of Family Party
After the punk-rock band Pussy Riot desecrated a Russian Orthodox church in 2012, Andrei Kormukhin believed that something had to be done. “Westernised” punk bands were considered threats against his Orthodox faith. Years later, Kormukhin still saw a need to revive Russia’s religious foundation. That was when the father of…
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European Union
European Commissioner highlights need for more justice and equality in family and migration
On 13 September 2023, the European Commission presented its annual State of the Union Address. The issue of childcare needs correction said European Commissioner Ursula von der Leyen. She noticed that many parents, mostly mothers, are struggling to reconcile work and family because there is no childcare. The Union is…
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Southern Europe
Why Giorgia Meloni fights for the family
In a new move to defend traditional family values, the Italian authorities removed lesbian mothers from birth certificates on Friday. Why is the family so important to Prime Minister Meloni? Only biological parents should appear on a birth certificate. That is the strong conviction of the public prosecutor of the…
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Western Europe
Dutch court: Child does not need a mother after birth
A Dutch court ruled that intended parents can have their child's birth certificate drawn up without the surrogate mother's name. “A woman is thus reduced to a womb.” Although the two men were “unable to realise their desire for children on their own”, according to the court in The Hague,…
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Western Europe
Dutch government plans to regulate surrogacy
The Dutch government wants to forbid women to bear children for profit. But altruistic surrogacy should be made easier. Women will also be allowed to offer themselves in advertisements. “Something is going to shift.” This said Minister Franc Weerwind of Legal Affairs (D66) on Friday afternoon. Any form of payment…
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Northern Europe
New Finnish government chooses for Christian values
Family values are central for the new Finnish government. In the coalition talks, the Christian Democrats have had a significant impact on medical and ethical issues. It will be the “most right-wing government since World War II”, said the Finnish public broadcaster Yle on Tuesday. Although with four parties from…