COGNICURRENT

Finnish Bishop Raimo Goyarrola highlights the growing interest in Catholicism amid increasing attendance in a context where the Catholic Church represents a small minority.

Many medieval churches in Gotland remain unheated throughout winter, resulting in costly heating expenses when used for events like weddings and baptisms.

A Florida bill aims to enable churches and other places of worship to employ armed volunteers for security purposes without requiring a professional security license.

The article discusses the trend of renovating old churches in rural Australia, particularly focusing on the case of Our Lady of the Annunciation Catholic Church in Peranga.

The article discusses how victims of sexual violence in schools and churches may be entitled to compensation from statutory accident insurance, revealing long-hidden information known by the state and churches.

A Lithuanian priest raises fundamental questions about the role of the church in contemporary society as churches face large energy bills after being categorized as non-domestic consumers by the energy supplier ESO.

The Finnish congregation in Vaasa has permitted same-sex marriages and blessings of unions in their churches, a significant change following a previous rejection of such practices by church officials.

The article discusses the survival of Lutheran churches and congregations in Latvia during the Soviet era, as explored in upcoming exhibitions.

The Anglican Diocese of North Queensland has received approval to sell its church properties to fund compensation for victims of historical child sexual abuse.

In Manaus, churches and shrines will celebrate special masses on Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of Lent for Catholics.

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent for Catholics, with 23 masses celebrated in Roraima.

Experts are documenting medieval graffiti in Gotland churches, highlighting the need for preservation before these historical inscriptions are lost.

Violence against churches in America has surged over the past 25 years, with nearly 380 incidents resulting in significant casualties.

Salvador will host a series of masses on Ash Wednesday, marking the start of Lent with celebrations across various churches and chapels.

The Archdiocese of Teresina announced the mass schedule for Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of Lent with rituals involving the imposition of ashes.

Several parishes in Chicago have announced their schedules for Ash Wednesday services, which begin the Lenten season on February 18, 2026.

Catholic churches in Bahia prepare for Ash Wednesday, marking the onset of Lent—a 40-day period leading to Easter.

Nigerian media personality Toke Makinwa expresses her preference for supporting hospitals and the needy over giving monthly tithes to wealthy churches.

A record 419 couples married in churches across Norway today for Valentine's Day, marking a significant increase from last year's 277.

On Valentine's Day, over 120 churches offered drop-in weddings, with 11 couples marrying at Oslo Cathedral, including Eli Karine Navestad and Øystein Formoe Dambakken who described their spontaneous decision to wed.

In response to a growing demand for places of worship, the Diocese of Rome and the Italian Bishops' Conference have announced the construction of five new churches in the city.

Quebec churches face closures as government funding for renovations is halted and secularism rises amid increasing repair costs.

February 11 is celebrated as the feast day of the Virgin of Lourdes, the patroness of the sick, drawing many believers to congregate in churches.

The article discusses the debate around church tax exemption in Brazil, comparing it to practices in other liberal democracies.

Former Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf is advocating for zoning regulations to manage the placement of churches and mosques to reduce noise pollution affecting residents.

A legislative proposal in Florida aims to allow armed volunteers to provide security at places of worship, advancing steadily through the state Senate with no opposition.

In occupied Ukrainian territories, Russians are actively persecuting priests from both the Greek Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church under the Moscow Patriarchate.

In 2024, a pastor in California is using a custom GPT to enhance church activities, emphasizing the positive role of AI in spiritual growth.

Eighty-nine Christians kidnapped during an attack on three churches in northern Nigeria have been released amid a surge in mass kidnappings in the country.

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani welcomed the complete return of 172 Christian worshippers who were abducted by bandits during attacks on three churches in January.

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani welcomed back the 172 Christian worshippers freed from abduction by bandits during attacks on three churches in Kajuru Local Government Area.

All worshippers abducted from churches in Kurmin Wali, Kaduna state, Nigeria, were freed weeks after their kidnapping by gunmen during January services.

All worshippers abducted from churches in Kurmin Wali, Kaduna state, Nigeria, have been released over two weeks after their capture by gunmen.

A vandalism incident involving satanic symbols and threats occurred at a church in Poznań, Poland, similar to previous incidents in other churches across the country.

89 people who were abducted after armed assaults on churches in Kaduna state, Nigeria, have been released.

All 166 churchgoers who were kidnapped by armed gangs during attacks on two churches in northern Nigeria in January have been released, according to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani welcomed freed worshippers abducted from churches in Kajuru Local Government Area at the Government House.

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani welcomed the return of freed worshippers abducted from three churches, as they arrived showing signs of trauma.

Security forces have rescued all 166 worshippers who were abducted by armed attackers during raids on two churches in northern Nigeria last month.

Bandits have released the remaining worshippers who were abducted during a Sunday attack on churches in Kaduna State.

Police are investigating a burglary and vandalism case involving two churches in Oslo, where valuables have likely been stolen and damage has been inflicted.

There have been burglaries at both Ullern and Skøyen churches overnight, with damage reported and valuable items likely stolen, according to the Oslo police.

The Vatican expressed bitterness after a restored angel featuring the face of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni caused a stir, leading to its painting over in one of Rome's oldest churches.

In occupied Ukraine, Russian forces are reportedly persecuting and killing Orthodox priests who refuse to collaborate with them, as exemplified by the case of Father Stepan Podolchak who was executed for his refusal.

The Supreme Court's General Assembly will rule on amendments to the Churches and Congregations Act, which the President has not proclaimed due to constitutional concerns.

On February 8th, altar boys will collect donations outside churches in the Gniezno and Warsaw archdioceses to support residents of Ukraine facing severe winter conditions and the impacts of Russian aggression.

The Supreme Court discussed the president's request to declare amendments to the law on churches and congregations unconstitutional, citing concerns about disproportionate restrictions on freedom of association and religion.

A 36-year-old man in Kampala has been arrested for deceiving churches into giving him condolence money by falsely claiming his daughter had died.

A 28-year-old man, Rangel Gonçalves Magalhães, was arrested in Anápolis, Goiás, for allegedly raping a 5-year-old girl and targeting children in churches where he offered to supervise them.

The Supreme Court is set to publicly deliberate on President Alar Karis' request to declare amendments to the laws governing churches and congregations unconstitutional, arguing they disproportionately infringe on freedom of religion and assembly.