Prophecy News Watch provided by Worthy Ministries
Prophecy News Watch is a service hosted by Worthy Ministries to provide Christians daily news from a Biblical, and yet Prophetic worldview. Our news is gathered by our Christian News Service, Worthy News. For more about our vision for how we assemble our daily headlines, please read, "What is Worthy News?"
Around the World
UK data suggest hospitalization 50-70% less likely with Omicron than Delta
Preliminary data suggest that people with the Omicron variant of the coronavirus are between 50 and 70 percent less likely to need hospitalization than those with the Delta strain, Britain’s public health agency said Thursday.
Iran, world powers to launch fresh round of talks to salvage nuclear pact
Negotiators from Iran and five world powers that are trying to revive a tattered 2015 nuclear deal will resume talks in Vienna next week, the European Union said Thursday, confirming that a new round will be officially launched on Monday.
Lebanon’s top Christian party signals possible end of Hezbollah alliance
Lebanon's top Christian party has indicated it is considering ending a political alliance with Iran-backed Hezbollah, threatening a fragile union that has shaped Lebanese politics for nearly 16 years.
Philippines Christians Fear Looting After Typhoon
Christians in the Philippines‘ central Province of Bohol wracked by super Typhoon Rai pleaded for prayers, food and water Wednesday after the governor feared looting amid growing hunger.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel said to delay rollout of 4th COVID shots amid signs Omicron less severe
The Health Ministry has reportedly decided that Israel will not begin offering fourth doses of the COVID-19 vaccine starting on Sunday as planned for Israelis over 60 and others at risk.
Israeli drug prevents 100% of COVID patients from deteriorating in trial
All 18 COVID-19 patients hospitalized with moderate or severe symptoms who received the drug Amor-18 developed by Israeli biotech company Amorphical recovered and were discharged in a few days, the company announced on Wednesday. Of the 19 individuals who were given a placebo, six had to be transferred to intensive care, and two died.
Inside the United States
Nearly 50,000 Afghans resettled in U.S., 25,000 remain at military bases
All Afghan evacuees have been processed and released from the Marine Corps base at Quantico, the Biden administration announced Thursday, shutting down the second of eight bases that had been housing the refugees who were rescued as part of the August airlift.
New inflation report shows fastest rise in decades
The U.S. is experiencing its highest inflation in four decades, newly released federal economic numbers show.
Christian News
“Prayer can help patients’ health” says respected cancer practitioner
A well-respected cancer practitioner stated in a recent USA Today article that he believes prayer can have a significant positive impact on patients’ health, Christian Headlines (CH) reports. A medical director at the Center for Recurrent Cancer in Florida, Dr. Gary Onik said his belief is based on both personal and clinical experience.
US Evangelical Lutheran Church suspends its first transgender bishop over racism
A ministerial branch of Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has suspended the denomination’s first transgender bishop following allegations of racist conduct against the “Latinx community” in Stockton, California, the Washington Times reports.
UK data suggest hospitalization 50-70% less likely with Omicron than Delta
Preliminary data suggest that people with the Omicron variant of the coronavirus are between 50 and 70 percent less likely to need hospitalization than those with the Delta strain, Britain’s public health agency said Thursday.
Iran, world powers to launch fresh round of talks to salvage nuclear pact
Negotiators from Iran and five world powers that are trying to revive a tattered 2015 nuclear deal will resume talks in Vienna next week, the European Union said Thursday, confirming that a new round will be officially launched on Monday.
Lebanon’s top Christian party signals possible end of Hezbollah alliance
Lebanon's top Christian party has indicated it is considering ending a political alliance with Iran-backed Hezbollah, threatening a fragile union that has shaped Lebanese politics for nearly 16 years.
Philippines Christians Fear Looting After Typhoon
Christians in the Philippines‘ central Province of Bohol wracked by super Typhoon Rai pleaded for prayers, food and water Wednesday after the governor feared looting amid growing hunger.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel said to delay rollout of 4th COVID shots amid signs Omicron less severe
The Health Ministry has reportedly decided that Israel will not begin offering fourth doses of the COVID-19 vaccine starting on Sunday as planned for Israelis over 60 and others at risk.
Israeli drug prevents 100% of COVID patients from deteriorating in trial
All 18 COVID-19 patients hospitalized with moderate or severe symptoms who received the drug Amor-18 developed by Israeli biotech company Amorphical recovered and were discharged in a few days, the company announced on Wednesday. Of the 19 individuals who were given a placebo, six had to be transferred to intensive care, and two died.
Inside the United States
Nearly 50,000 Afghans resettled in U.S., 25,000 remain at military bases
All Afghan evacuees have been processed and released from the Marine Corps base at Quantico, the Biden administration announced Thursday, shutting down the second of eight bases that had been housing the refugees who were rescued as part of the August airlift.
New inflation report shows fastest rise in decades
The U.S. is experiencing its highest inflation in four decades, newly released federal economic numbers show.
Christian News
“Prayer can help patients’ health” says respected cancer practitioner
A well-respected cancer practitioner stated in a recent USA Today article that he believes prayer can have a significant positive impact on patients’ health, Christian Headlines (CH) reports. A medical director at the Center for Recurrent Cancer in Florida, Dr. Gary Onik said his belief is based on both personal and clinical experience.
US Evangelical Lutheran Church suspends its first transgender bishop over racism
A ministerial branch of Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has suspended the denomination’s first transgender bishop following allegations of racist conduct against the “Latinx community” in Stockton, California, the Washington Times reports.
Around the World
Hungary Defies EU Court Ruling On Migration (Worthy News In-Depth)
Hungary’s hardline prime minister warns that his country will defy a ruling by the European Union’s top court and stick by its controversial immigration legislation.
COVID Group Asks Court To Try Fauci, Johnson For Genocide
A group led by a former executive of biotech giant Pfizer has asked the International Criminal Court (ICC) to try White House adviser Anthony Fauci, Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson and others for various “crimes against humanity.”
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israeli study urges ‘rethink’ of COVID’s nature, indicates antioxidants may help
It’s time to “rethink” the notion that COVID is above all a respiratory illness, as new research suggests it’s actually an “immune-and-respiratory” condition, Israeli scientists say.
Israel’s incoming Air Force chief: In next war Hezbollah will suffer ‘unimaginable blow’
Israel's incoming Air Force commander said Wednesday that in the next war in Lebanon the Hezbollah terror group will suffer the kind of blow "it can't even imagine".
Inside the United States
Supreme Court to hear challenges to Biden vaccine mandates
The Supreme Court will hear cases challenging President Biden’s vaccine mandates.
Protecting Female Abuse Victims: Federal Court Rules Anchorage Cannot Force Christian Women’s Shelter to Admit Trans Males
After a lengthy court battle, a federal judge ruled that the city of Anchorage cannot force a faith-based women's shelter to accept trans-identified biological males.
Pfizer Pill Becomes 1st US-Authorized Home COVID Treatment
U.S. health regulators on Wednesday authorized the first pill against COVID-19, a Pfizer drug that Americans will be able to take at home to head off the worst effects of the virus.
Illinois allows Satanic Temple to install a display at state capitol
Illinois has allowed members of the Satanic Temple to install a display of the demonic entity Baphomet as a baby at the state Capitol in Springfield, the Washington Times reports.
Progressive backlash? California suffers largest population loss in 2021, Census data shows
California saw the largest loss in domestic migration out of all 50 states this year, yet still holds top spot as the most populous state in the nation, the U.S. Census Bureau reported Tuesday.
Christian News
Christian pastors told to implement alignment with Chinese Communist Party principles
China’s President Xi Jinping has declared that Christian leaders in the country must “immediately” implement new government directives on attaining close alignment with Chinese Communist Party (CCP) principles, Bitter Winter reports.
Christians continue to be slaughtered in Nigeria
On December 19, Boko Haram terrorists affiliated with Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) murdered 12 Christians in Borno state, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports.
Chinese authorities continue raids on Christian schools
China’s communist regime raided two more Christian schools last week, as part of its ongoing effort to suppress Christianity in the country, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports.
Hungary Defies EU Court Ruling On Migration (Worthy News In-Depth)
Hungary’s hardline prime minister warns that his country will defy a ruling by the European Union’s top court and stick by its controversial immigration legislation.
COVID Group Asks Court To Try Fauci, Johnson For Genocide
A group led by a former executive of biotech giant Pfizer has asked the International Criminal Court (ICC) to try White House adviser Anthony Fauci, Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson and others for various “crimes against humanity.”
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israeli study urges ‘rethink’ of COVID’s nature, indicates antioxidants may help
It’s time to “rethink” the notion that COVID is above all a respiratory illness, as new research suggests it’s actually an “immune-and-respiratory” condition, Israeli scientists say.
Israel’s incoming Air Force chief: In next war Hezbollah will suffer ‘unimaginable blow’
Israel's incoming Air Force commander said Wednesday that in the next war in Lebanon the Hezbollah terror group will suffer the kind of blow "it can't even imagine".
Inside the United States
Supreme Court to hear challenges to Biden vaccine mandates
The Supreme Court will hear cases challenging President Biden’s vaccine mandates.
Protecting Female Abuse Victims: Federal Court Rules Anchorage Cannot Force Christian Women’s Shelter to Admit Trans Males
After a lengthy court battle, a federal judge ruled that the city of Anchorage cannot force a faith-based women's shelter to accept trans-identified biological males.
Pfizer Pill Becomes 1st US-Authorized Home COVID Treatment
U.S. health regulators on Wednesday authorized the first pill against COVID-19, a Pfizer drug that Americans will be able to take at home to head off the worst effects of the virus.
Illinois allows Satanic Temple to install a display at state capitol
Illinois has allowed members of the Satanic Temple to install a display of the demonic entity Baphomet as a baby at the state Capitol in Springfield, the Washington Times reports.
Progressive backlash? California suffers largest population loss in 2021, Census data shows
California saw the largest loss in domestic migration out of all 50 states this year, yet still holds top spot as the most populous state in the nation, the U.S. Census Bureau reported Tuesday.
Christian News
Christian pastors told to implement alignment with Chinese Communist Party principles
China’s President Xi Jinping has declared that Christian leaders in the country must “immediately” implement new government directives on attaining close alignment with Chinese Communist Party (CCP) principles, Bitter Winter reports.
Christians continue to be slaughtered in Nigeria
On December 19, Boko Haram terrorists affiliated with Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) murdered 12 Christians in Borno state, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports.
Chinese authorities continue raids on Christian schools
China’s communist regime raided two more Christian schools last week, as part of its ongoing effort to suppress Christianity in the country, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports.
Around the World
US negotiator warns of ‘escalating crisis’ if no Iran deal in next few weeks
There are only “some weeks” left to revive the nuclear deal with Iran if it continues its nuclear activities at the current pace, US negotiator Rob Malley said Tuesday.
WHO: ‘Don’t Celebrate Christmas As Omicron Strikes’
The World Health Organization (WHO) has effectively urged Christians planning to celebrate Christmas and other religious groups to cancel their holiday plans citing rising Omicron infections.
Americans evacuated from Afghanistan by vets group land at JFK
Setting foot in the US was a joyful but fraught moment for Mujtaba Ebadi, one of 50 US citizens and legal residents evacuated from Afghanistan who arrived at John F. Kennedy Airport Saturday morning.
Russia’s Putin says NATO, West to blame for surging tensions
Russian President Vladimir Putin said Tuesday the U.S. and its allies, not the Kremlin, are to blame for rising tensions in Europe that have revived talk of war.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel To Have 4th COVID Jab As Europe Struggles
Israel says it plans to become the first nation to introduce a fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine as the new Omicron variant already overwhelms hospitals in several countries.
Israel Prepares Military Strike to Confront Iran, With or Without the US
The war of words between Israel and Iran is intensifying. The rhetoric comes at a time when the nuclear talks in Vienna to stop Iran's nuclear program seem stalled.
Inside the United States
Durham zeroes in on Clinton campaign, could call some aides to testify, court memo reveals
Hillary Clinton's team long fought to keep its ties to Christopher Steele's dossier from public view, but Special Counsel John Durham is now making clear he has a strong interest in her campaign's behavior during the Russia collusion probe. He is even suggesting some of her aides could be summoned as trial witnesses.
Federal judge says Christian photographer must accept work at same-sex weddings
A federal judge in New York has ruled that Christian photographer Emilee Carpenter must provide her photographic services at same-sex weddings although she is against gay marriage, the Christian Post (CP) reports. Carpenter will appeal the decision to the US Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit.
Conservative Christians file suit requesting Supreme Court to block Biden’s vaccine mandate for business
Three major conservative Christian organizations filed suit in the US Supreme Court Saturday, urging the Justices to block a Biden administration COVID-19 vaccination mandate that requires all companies with 100 or more employees to ensure all their staff are vaccinated or take regular tests. The plaintiffs assert there will be a “constitutional crisis” if the Supreme Court does not act.
Christian News
Poll: Less than half of Americans pray every day
A 2021 poll by the Pew Research Center has found that 45% of US adults say they pray every day, compared to 55% in 2014 and 58% in 2007, the Christian Post (CP) reports. Conducted from May 29 to August 25, the poll found that 32% of US adults rarely or never pray.
India’s Southern Christians Fear Sad Christmas With Anti-Conversion Law
Christians in India’s southern state of Karnataka anticipated a sad Christmas as details emerged of a perceived “draconian” law proposal against religious conversions.
US negotiator warns of ‘escalating crisis’ if no Iran deal in next few weeks
There are only “some weeks” left to revive the nuclear deal with Iran if it continues its nuclear activities at the current pace, US negotiator Rob Malley said Tuesday.
WHO: ‘Don’t Celebrate Christmas As Omicron Strikes’
The World Health Organization (WHO) has effectively urged Christians planning to celebrate Christmas and other religious groups to cancel their holiday plans citing rising Omicron infections.
Americans evacuated from Afghanistan by vets group land at JFK
Setting foot in the US was a joyful but fraught moment for Mujtaba Ebadi, one of 50 US citizens and legal residents evacuated from Afghanistan who arrived at John F. Kennedy Airport Saturday morning.
Russia’s Putin says NATO, West to blame for surging tensions
Russian President Vladimir Putin said Tuesday the U.S. and its allies, not the Kremlin, are to blame for rising tensions in Europe that have revived talk of war.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel To Have 4th COVID Jab As Europe Struggles
Israel says it plans to become the first nation to introduce a fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine as the new Omicron variant already overwhelms hospitals in several countries.
Israel Prepares Military Strike to Confront Iran, With or Without the US
The war of words between Israel and Iran is intensifying. The rhetoric comes at a time when the nuclear talks in Vienna to stop Iran's nuclear program seem stalled.
Inside the United States
Durham zeroes in on Clinton campaign, could call some aides to testify, court memo reveals
Hillary Clinton's team long fought to keep its ties to Christopher Steele's dossier from public view, but Special Counsel John Durham is now making clear he has a strong interest in her campaign's behavior during the Russia collusion probe. He is even suggesting some of her aides could be summoned as trial witnesses.
Federal judge says Christian photographer must accept work at same-sex weddings
A federal judge in New York has ruled that Christian photographer Emilee Carpenter must provide her photographic services at same-sex weddings although she is against gay marriage, the Christian Post (CP) reports. Carpenter will appeal the decision to the US Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit.
Conservative Christians file suit requesting Supreme Court to block Biden’s vaccine mandate for business
Three major conservative Christian organizations filed suit in the US Supreme Court Saturday, urging the Justices to block a Biden administration COVID-19 vaccination mandate that requires all companies with 100 or more employees to ensure all their staff are vaccinated or take regular tests. The plaintiffs assert there will be a “constitutional crisis” if the Supreme Court does not act.
Christian News
Poll: Less than half of Americans pray every day
A 2021 poll by the Pew Research Center has found that 45% of US adults say they pray every day, compared to 55% in 2014 and 58% in 2007, the Christian Post (CP) reports. Conducted from May 29 to August 25, the poll found that 32% of US adults rarely or never pray.
India’s Southern Christians Fear Sad Christmas With Anti-Conversion Law
Christians in India’s southern state of Karnataka anticipated a sad Christmas as details emerged of a perceived “draconian” law proposal against religious conversions.