Christian bank ranked among top 500 fastest growing UK companies
Kingdom Bank, a Christian financial institution dedicated to serving churches and believers, has been listed among the UK’s 500 fastest-growing companies. Ranked 380th overall, the bank attributes its success to God’s provision and the faithfulness of Christians who save with them. Their deposits enable the bank to provide mortgages for evangelical churches seeking permanent buildings for worship and community outreach. Chief Executive Paul Houghton said the recognition reflects “the increasing and urgent demand from churches across the UK” and the vital role of faith-based finance in supporting Gospel ministry. Kingdom Bank was also placed 302nd for profit and 193rd for profit margin, with all surpluses reinvested to expand lending capacity to churches, charities, and ministry workers. Looking ahead, the bank’s continued growth depends on more Christians choosing to save with them. “Every pound saved helps more churches secure a permanent home for mission,” said Houghton, reaffirming Kingdom Bank’s vision to strengthen the Church’s long-term witness across the UK.
Wegovy and Ozempic shown to slash risk of heart attack and stroke
Groundbreaking research has revealed that the diabetes and weight-loss drug semaglutide—sold as Ozempic and Wegovy—can significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes, even for patients who do not lose much weight. The global trial, involving over 17,000 participants across 41 countries, found that semaglutide cut major cardiovascular events by around 14–20%. Researchers discovered that shrinking waist size accounted for about one-third of the benefit, but two-thirds remained unexplained, suggesting the drug directly protects heart health rather than simply improving it through weight loss. Professor John Deanfield of University College London said the results “reframe what we think this medication is doing,” calling it a “disease-modifying therapy for ageing.” Experts describe the findings as “profound,” urging that the drug’s use not be limited to severely obese patients. However, they also cautioned that side effects must be carefully monitored as its use expands. The breakthrough could mark the most significant advance in cardiovascular medicine since statins.
Zelenskyy joins European summit as EU and US ramp up Russia sanctions
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy joined European Union leaders in Brussels as both the EU and the US announced fresh sanctions on Russia for refusing a ceasefire. Arriving at the summit, Zelenskyy reaffirmed that Ukraine will make “no territorial concessions,” rejecting any pressure to surrender land occupied by Russian forces. EU leaders pledged continued unity with Kyiv while discussing a new proposal to use frozen Russian assets in Belgium to fund Ukraine’s defence and postwar reconstruction—though legal and political hurdles remain. The summit also addressed Europe’s wider security strategy, economic competitiveness, and climate commitments, alongside debates on migration and the Middle East. US President Donald Trump supported the tougher sanctions and acknowledged that Vladimir Putin still seeks control over all of Ukraine. Zelenskyy thanked allies for their backing, emphasising that Ukraine’s struggle is not just for national sovereignty but for the defence of freedom across Europe. EU officials said the meeting’s goal was to maintain solidarity and prevent fatigue in supporting Kyiv’s resistance.
Dublin: Three gardaí injured and 23 people arrested in second night of Citywest public disorder
Serious unrest broke out for a second consecutive night near the Citywest Hotel in Dublin, leaving three gardaí hospitalised and 23 people arrested. Around 500 people, mostly young men and teenagers, were involved in violent disturbances outside the hotel, which currently houses asylum seekers. Projectiles including bottles, bricks, and flares were thrown at officers, with one garda struck on the head. Over 300 police were deployed, supported by mounted, dog, and air units, though water cannon use was not required. The violence followed an alleged sexual assault on a 10-year-old girl earlier in the week. Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan condemned the “thuggish violence” and promised those responsible would be “dealt with relentlessly.” Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly warned of a “robust response” to any further disorder, stressing that the gatherings were not peaceful protests. Taoiseach Micheál Martin praised officers for their bravery, describing the attacks as “vile abuse” against those protecting the community. A senior investigating officer has been appointed to lead inquiries. See
France: Death threats for former President Sarkozy in prison
Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy has received death threats just one day after beginning his five-year prison sentence for criminal conspiracy at La Santé prison in Paris. A video circulated online appeared to show an inmate verbally threatening Sarkozy as he arrived at the facility. Prosecutors have launched an investigation, questioning three prisoners and seizing two mobile phones believed to be linked to the video. In response to security concerns, authorities have assigned two police officers as permanent bodyguards housed in nearby cells, a move that has drawn criticism from prison unions who say they were not informed. Interior minister Laurent Nunez defended the arrangement, saying Sarkozy’s protection was justified “because of his status” and “a clear threat.” Sarkozy, who led France from 2007 to 2012, was convicted of taking illegal campaign funds from Libya, a charge he continues to deny as politically motivated. His lawyers have appealed the ruling and are seeking early release before Christmas.
China: update on Zion Church following arrest of Church leaders
Zion Church, one of China’s largest and most influential house church networks, is facing a severe government crackdown under new online religious restrictions. Founded in 2007 by Pastor Jin Mingri (Ezra Jin), the 10,000-member movement operates across 40 cities. In October, coordinated raids led to over 30 arrests, with 22 believers—including many leaders—still detained in Guangxi Province. Pastor Jin and four others have been charged with “illegally using internet information” under China’s new Online Code of Conduct for Religious Professionals, which bans unregistered online ministry. Observers say this marks a new phase of persecution targeting large, cross-regional, and digitally active churches, as authorities intensify efforts to “Sinicise” Christianity. Homes and bank accounts have been seized, families and lawyers harassed, and further arrests are expected. Despite fear and grief, Chinese believers are responding with unity and steadfast prayer, calling this the “10.9 Church Persecution.” They ask the global church to intercede for protection, endurance, and revival as they stand firm under growing repression. See
Footballer’s faith guides him both on and off the pitch
Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu, Manchester United’s young Danish defender, openly acknowledges his Christian faith as the foundation of his life and career. For Dorgu, prayer is not a ritual but a rhythm - something he has practised since childhood and continues amid the pressures of elite sport. His faith keeps him grounded in both victory and disappointment, reminding him that his purpose lies beyond football. By embracing his full Igbo name, meaning ‘God answers prayers’, he is honouring his Nigerian roots and testifying to God’s faithfulness. Dorgu’s move to Old Trafford, which he believes was divinely arranged, reflects his conviction that God’s plan governs every step. His example shows how belief can guide ambition, humility and resilience in a world where success often overshadows spirituality.
France: a nun has become a powerful evangelist, thanks to social media
Sister Albertine, a young French nun, has become a surprising yet powerful online evangelist. Through videos, social media posts and candid personal sharing, she invites many - especially younger people - to encounter Jesus. What makes her ministry effective is her authenticity: she speaks of her own struggles, questions and faith journey, and thereby becomes relatable. Her online presence challenges the stereotype of nuns as remote or rigid; instead, she shows a warm, accessible discipleship. By combining tradition with digital outreach, she bridges generational and cultural gaps. Her approach reminds us that God can use unexpected channels to draw hearts, and that faith expressed in vulnerability can reach places formal teaching sometimes cannot.
Bursaries for trainee RE teachers to be axed
The decision to remove bursaries for trainee Religious Education (RE) teachers has sparked alarm among church and education leaders, who warn it will deepen an already severe recruitment crisis. The Government’s new funding guidance for 2026–27 excludes RE, English, music, and art and design from bursary eligibility. Last year, RE trainees received £10,000 in financial support - a measure credited with boosting applications by 40%. The RE Policy Unit, representing national teaching bodies, called the cut ‘devastating’, noting that current recruitment stands at just 54% of target. The CofE’s chief education officer, Rev Nigel Genders, said the decision threatens efforts to build ‘religious literacy’ and mutual understanding in an increasingly polarised society. RE is compulsory in all state schools, yet many lessons are taught by non-specialists due to shortages. Advocates argue that restoring bursaries is essential not only for education quality but also for social cohesion and informed citizenship.
UK economy: encouraging forecast by IMF
The IMF has forecast that the UK will be the second-fastest-growing economy among the G7 nations this year - behind only the USA - despite ongoing global trade tensions. The IMF projects UK growth at a modest 1.3% in both 2025 and 2026, signaling resilience but also stagnation compared with past performance. Per capita growth, at less than 0.5%, remains the weakest in the G7. Inflation, however, continues to cloud the outlook: the UK is expected to record the highest price rises among advanced economies, driven by elevated energy and utility costs. The IMF anticipates inflation will ease to 2% by late next year, yet households still face financial strain. Rachel Reeves, attending the IMF’s Washington meetings, pledged to tackle what she called a ‘stuck’ economy, while the Bank of England urged caution on rate cuts. Amid geopolitical uncertainty and trade disruptions, Britain’s challenge is how to sustain growth without deepening inequality. Reeves has recently hinted that she may raise some taxes in the November budget: see