Haiti: UN votes to create a ‘gang suppression force’
The UN Security Council has voted to expand its international mission in Haiti, transforming it into a ‘gang suppression force’ tasked with restoring order in the country. The resolution raises the force’s personnel ceiling from 2,500 to 5,550 and calls for a new UN support office in Haiti to provide logistical assistance. The mission will work with the authorities to ‘neutralise, isolate, and deter’ gangs, secure key infrastructure, and help stabilise institutions. While Haitian leaders welcomed the move as a lifeline, the Russian envoy described it as ‘an ill-conceived and rushed mandate to use force against anyone and everyone labelled with the vague term 'gangs'’. The Kenyan-led police force, deployed for the last fifteen months, remains woefully understaffed and underfunded. Haiti faces dire conditions: nearly all of Port-au-Prince is under gang control, over 3,000 were killed in the first half of 2025, 1.3 million are displaced, and millions more face hunger.
The Gospel was preached at Charlie Kirk’s memorial
The memorial service for Charlie Kirk at Arizona’s State Farm Stadium blended elements of political rally and charismatic evangelical worship, yet its defining feature was the bold proclamation of the Gospel. Speaker after speaker - from Ben Carson and Marco Rubio to JD Vance and even Donald Trump Jr - clearly articulated salvation through Christ. The most powerful moment came when Erika Kirk forgave her husband’s assassin, declaring that the forgiveness she has received through Jesus must also be extended to the one who made her children fatherless. Her testimony of grace was a profound witness before millions watching worldwide. Even Donald Trump appeared touched, seemingly showing an awareness of the cost of true faith and forgiveness. The service became a reminder that the Gospel is for all - even those we may struggle to accept. The legacy of Charlie Kirk now points beyond politics to the transforming power of Christ, challenging Christians everywhere to live and proclaim forgiveness and grace.
God sent a vision and the name of a church
Born into a devout Muslim family in Tehran, Mohsen Khaleghi grew disillusioned by the contradictions he saw in Islam. As a young man, he pursued wealth, gambling, and pleasure, but the emptiness left him suicidal. After a failed attempt to end his life, Mohsen moved to the USA to study. One night, in desperation, he prayed to the unknown God for help. He then had a vivid vision of an older man named Randy, who urged him: 'Search for the light … Mariners’. Finding out about Mariners Church in Irvine, California, he drove for nine hours to visit it. There, he heard a pastor declare, 'Jesus is the light of the world. If you follow Him, you will find peace.' Amazed, Mohsen realised God had answered his prayer through a supernatural encounter. Later, he met Randy in person - exactly as seen in his dream. Now discipled at Mariners, Mohsen serves the homeless, ministers in rehab centres, and leads a small group. He has dedicated his life to Christ, testifying that true joy is found in Jesus.
CAFOD and CofE bishops welcome recognition of Palestine by UK
CAFOD and Church of England bishops have welcomed the Government’s recognition of Palestinian statehood, calling it a long-overdue step towards peace. CAFOD’s Middle East representative said the move, alongside similar actions by France, Canada, Australia, and Portugal, affirms Palestinians’ right to a viable, independent state amid the devastation of Gaza and rising settlement violence in the West Bank. Bishop Christopher Chessun and fellow bishops stressed the recognition offers parity of esteem, countering extremism and strengthening moderates, though it will not immediately end the suffering in Gaza or West Bank abuses. They see it as a moral and political signal that occupation is unjust and must end through negotiation. Families of Israeli hostages have condemned the decision as rewarding Hamas; by contrast, Hamas has celebrated the recognition as a victory. UK church leaders have also warned that Israel’s ongoing military assault will only deepen human misery. Despite bleak realities, Christian leaders urged perseverance in seeking a just peace that upholds dignity for all communities. See
'Disgust and fear' over spate of racist graffiti
Residents of Bootle and Litherland, Merseyside, have voiced anger and fear after racist graffiti, including swastikas and slogans such as 'send them home’, appeared across canal bridges and public spaces. The offensive markings, condemned as 'sickening’, prompted disgust from locals who described how every bridge had been daubed with hate-filled messages. Merseyside police confirmed they are treating the incidents as hate crimes and are conducting enquiries to identify the perpetrators. Sefton Council has begun removing the graffiti. Dedicated hate crime police officers are investigating and have appealed for public help, urging residents to check CCTV, doorbell, and dashcam footage for evidence. Authorities pledged to take the strongest possible action against offenders, stressing that racist graffiti and intimidation will not be tolerated. Community leaders and police are seeking to restore trust, ensuring residents know that efforts are being made to protect and uphold respect, safety, and unity in the area.
Huntington’s disease: groundbreaking new therapy brings hope to many
Doctors have reported a groundbreaking success in treating Huntington’s disease, a hereditary neurodegenerative disorder that combines symptoms of dementia, Parkinson’s, and motor neurone disease. A gene therapy trial at University College London slowed disease progression by an average of 75%. This means that a decline expected in one year would now take four, offering patients decades of improved quality of life. The therapy, delivered in a single dose through 12–18 hours of intricate brain surgery, permanently reduces production of the toxic huntingtin protein that kills brain cells. Early treatment may even prevent symptoms from developing. Among 29 trial participants, markers of brain cell death decreased instead of rising, and some patients regained independence: one returned to work after medical retirement. For families like Jack May-Davis’s, who lost his father to Huntington’s and carries the faulty gene himself, the breakthrough brings unprecedented hope. While the treatment will likely be costly, researchers call the results ‘spectacular’ and potentially life-changing.