The slogan of the United Methodist Church (UMC) is “Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors.” But UMC officials are now under fire for being closed-minded and intolerant after they banned Discovery Institute, an intelligent design group, from sponsoring an information table at the denomination’s upcoming General Conference in May. Intelligent design is the idea that life and the universe show evidence of being the result of purposeful design rather than unguided processes.

Faith leaders held a news conference to discuss Pastor Saeed’s release and continued efforts to fight for religious freedom around the world. The news conference took place last Saturday in Washington, D.C.

Leadership Journal was first published in 1980, and over 36 years and 145 issues, the journal has championed faithfulness and effectiveness in church leaders. However, Christianity Today International recently made the difficult decision to no longer publish Leadership Journal as a print quarterly. The Winter 2016 issue will be its last.

Church of God Communications has released the Winter 2016 issue of Engage, a journal for Church of God ministries. Engage is published online three times a year (January, May and September) and contains articles of interest to ministers and church staff members on how to minister more effectively in the local church and every day.

Faith-Based PR Experts is helping churches, religious nonprofits and faith-based business owners build the kingdom with innovative strategies and a leading edge approach. The public relations and marketing agency announced today that since its launch in June, it has been able to help clients grow by up to 200 percent, a significant achievement in an era where church attendance is on the decline.

WAR ROOM, the #1 theatrical hit movie from the filmmaking duo the Kendrick Brothers, launched on Blu-ray™ and DVD Dec. 22nd and quickly topped both Christian and mainstream retail charts, reports Provident Films SVP Ben Howard. WAR ROOM ranked #1 of all DVD projects of any genre. “We are thrilled that WAR ROOM is the #1 DVD in America following its record-breaking theatrical run,” said Howard. “We anticipate the sales trajectory will continue.”

Clemson football finished second in the final AP football poll this week. The Freedom From Religion Foundation has been harassing them for Christian activity for a few years.

Once again Operation Compassion will be a part of a combined federal campaign charity federation of “America’s Most Cost-Effective Charities.” In order to be listed in this group, charities must not spend more than 1% of the total income for overhead expenses.

A vacant home in our neighborhood sat for sale for a very long time! I thought it would never sell. When I walked by it, it made me sad because it was so beautiful but empty. But the home has finally sold and now it’s beautiful, full of life and activity. It reminds me of some of our prayers; they sit unanswered and we become hopeless and lonely, giving up on God and our prayers.