Religions Around The World

In the early morning hours, monks can be seen walking on their alms round in Kanchanaburi, Thailand
Showing humility and detachment from worldly goods, the monk walks slowly and only stops if he is called. Standing quietly, with his bowl open, the local Buddhists give him rice, or flowers, or an envelope containing money.  In return, the monks bless the local Buddhists and wish them a long and fruitful life.
Christians Celebrate Good Friday
Enacting the crucifixion of Jesus Christ in St. Mary's Church in Secunderabad, India. Only 2.3% of India's population is Christian. 
Ancient interior mosaic in the Church of the Holy Saviour in Chora
The Church of the Holy Saviour in Istanbul, Turkey is a medieval Byzantine Greek Orthodox church.
Dome of the Rock located in the Old City of Jerusalem
The site's great significance for Muslims derives from traditions connecting it to the creation of the world and to the belief that the Prophet Muhammad's Night Journey to heaven started from the rock at the center of the structure.
Holi Festival in Mathura, India
Holi is a Hindu festival that marks the end of winter. Also known as the “festival of colors”,  Holi is primarily observed in South Asia but has spread across the world in celebration of love and the changing of the seasons.
Jewish father and daughter pray at the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem, Israel.
Known in Hebrew as the Western Wall, it is one of the holiest sites in the world. The description, "place of weeping", originated from the Jewish practice of mourning the destruction of the Temple and praying for its rebuilding at the site of the Western Wall.
People praying in Mengjia Longshan Temple in Taipei, Taiwan
The temple is dedicated to both Taoism and Buddhism.
People praying in the Grand Mosque in Ulu Cami
This is the most important mosque in Bursa, Turkey and a landmark of early Ottoman architecture built in 1399.
Savior Transfiguration Cathedral of the Savior Monastery of St. Euthymius
Located in Suzdal, Russia, this is a church rite of sanctification of apples and grapes in honor of the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord.
Fushimi Inari Shrine is located in Kyoto, Japan
It is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, which straddle a network of trails behind its main buildings. Fushimi Inari is the most important Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice.
Ladles at the purification fountain in the Hakone Shrine
Located in Hakone, Japan, this shrine is a Japanese Shinto shrine.  At the purification fountain, ritual washings are performed by individuals when they visit a shrine. This ritual symbolizes the inner purity necessary for a truly human and spiritual life.
Hanging Gardens of Haifa are garden terraces around the Shrine of the Báb on Mount Carmel in Haifa, Israel
They are one of the most visited tourist attractions in Israel. The Shrine of the Báb is where the remains of the Báb, founder of the Bábí Faith and forerunner of Bahá'u'lláh in the Bahá'í Faith, have been buried; it is considered to be the second holiest place on Earth for Bahá'ís.
Pilgrims praying at the Pool of the Nectar of Immortality and Golden Temple
Located in Amritsar, India, the Golden Temple is one of the most revered spiritual sites of Sikhism. It is a place of worship for men and women from all walks of life and all religions to worship God equally. Over 100,000 people visit the shrine daily.
Entrance gateway of Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple Kowloon
Located in Hong Kong, China, the temple is dedicated to Wong Tai Sin, or the Great Immortal Wong. The Taoist temple is famed for the many prayers answered: "What you request is what you get" via a practice called kau cim.
Christian women worship at a church in Bois Neus, Haiti.
Haiti's population is 94.8 percent Christian, primarily Catholic. This makes them one of the most heavily Christian countries in the world.

World Religions News

21Wilberforce recognizes Churches for Middle East peace with Frank Wolf Award


21Wilberforce President Wissam al-Saliby has announced that the 2025 honoree of the Frank Wolf International Religious Freedom Award is Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP). The award will be presented at a recognition dinner during the Global Religious Freedom Conference at Dallas Baptist University on October 20, 2025.

Founded in 1984, CMEP is a coalition of more than 30 Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, and Evangelical denominations and organizations. Through education, advocacy, and direct engagement with policymakers, CMEP mobilizes U.S. Christians to promote equality, human rights, security, and justice for Israelis, Palestinians, and all people of the Middle East.

CMEP equips churches, leaders, and individuals across the United States to advocate effectively and knowledgeably for peace and justice in the Middle East. Their work is grounded in the belief that sound, holistic U.S. policy is essential to achieving and sustaining just and stable relationships in the region.

Under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Cannon, who became executive director in 2016, CMEP has deepened its role as a convener and advocate for peace. Cannon, an ordained pastor in the Reformed Church in America, previously held senior leadership roles at World Vision U.S., Compassion International, and Willow Creek Community Church, and has long been a voice for justice in the Middle East.

CMEP’s work has drawn praise from faith leaders across the globe:

  • Botrus Mansour, Secretary General–Designate of the World Evangelical Alliance, noted: “In a time of upheaval and conflict, CMEP demonstrates empathy and kindness… Under the leadership of Mae Elise Cannon, CMEP is modeling a theology and practice of loving the neighbor and the enemy. CMEP is working for peace by modelling the Prince of Peace.”
  • Bob Roberts, Jr., President of the Institute for Global Engagement and former Frank Wolf IRF Award laureate, added: “It has been my privilege to have been associated with CMEP for the past 20 years. Their consistent, clear voice for justice for Palestine/Israel as an organization is unmatched. I, for one, am grateful for their voice and pray it continues in the current conflict and into the future.”
  • Dr. Fares Abraham, Founder and President, Levant Ministries shared: “CMEP represents the kind of biblically grounded voices we desperately need in this moment. In a region often reduced to politics and polarization, CMEP has consistently lifted up the call to peacemaking and armed the God-given dignity of every person—Israeli, Palestinian, Jew, Muslim, and Christian alike.”
  • Michael el-Daba said, “For years, as a Regional Director of the Lausanne Movement in the Middle east and Director in the Coptic Evangelical Organization for Social Services on Egypt, I have witnessed that CMEP has stood as a beacon of hope, advocating tirelessly for the rights of all individuals to practice their faith without fear of persecution.”
  • Dr. Sameh Maurice, Senior Pastor, Kasr El Dobara Evangelical Church commends this recognition given to CMEP: “In a region too often torn by conflict and injustice, they stand as a prophetic voice for peace, reconciliation, and the sacred worth of every human being. Through tireless advocacy, education, and bridge-building, they remind the world that peacemaking is not passive but requires moral courage and persistent action.”
  • Elizabeth Prodromou, Professor at Boston College observed: “CMEP’s mission and Frank Wolf’s worldview draw from the same conviction, that religious freedom is intrinsic to human dignity, human security, and peace in our world”
  • Dr. Jack Sara, President of Bethlehem Bible College shared: “CMEP’s work is vital because it recognizes that a peaceful future for the Middle East depends on a balanced approach that addresses the needs of all people in the region.”

21Wilberforce President Wissam al-Saliby notes: “When I meet with pastors, Christian leaders, and philanthropists, I am often asked about the solution for Israel, Hamas, and the Palestinians. And I reply: How are we, followers of Jesus Christ, engaging (or not) and shepherding our influence for peace? The solution is, and has always been, the Church. It is about us, not about them. We need to love our neighbor, grow into peacemakers, and share hope.

Amid theological, political, and ethical distortion of Christian engagement with Jews, Palestinians, and Christians in the Holy Land and the Middle East, I commend Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) for the humility, persistence, thoughtfulness, and Gospel hopefulness of their engagement for peace in my region. We encourage more Christians to assume their role and calling as peacemakers, like CMEP and Mae Elise Cannon.”

The Frank Wolf International Religious Freedom Award honors an outstanding organization or individual advancing freedom of religion or belief by standing against oppression. It is named for Congressman Frank Wolf, long recognized as the House’s “Champion of Human Rights” and “Conscience of Congress.” After serving 34 years in Congress, Wolf joined 21Wilberforce as Distinguished Senior Fellow where he contributed significantly for five years.

“The Christian community is seeing great declines in numbers in this Cradle of Christianity. We see how bad things are for all religious minorities in the Middle East” said Congressman Wolf.

“In Luke 4, Jesus said the Lord sent him, to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and to release the oppressed. Working together on peace in the Middle East is so important. I believe Jesus would be helping the persecuted Christians and other religious minorities of the Middle East. I am grateful for the work that Churches for Middle East Peace does to educate, elevate, and advocate for all people of the Middle East based on values inherent to the Gospel.”

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About 21Wilberforce

21Wilberforce is a Christian human rights nonprofit working globally to protect and advance freedom of religion, belief, or conscience. To learn more visit 21Wilberforce.org.

Contact:
Lou Ann Sabatier
21Wilberforce
703-216-2941
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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of RNS or Religion News Foundation.

Original Source:

https://religionnews.com/2025/10/14/21wilberforce-recognizes-churches-for-middle-east-peace-with-frank-wolf-award/