CHRISTIAN LEADERS AND CORONAVIRUS
According to Premier Christian News, 2,700 Christian leaders have signed a document supporting the scientific conclusions about coronavirus and the subsequent need for a workable vaccine. The statement was published by the Biologos Foundation – a Christian organisation seeking to promote “the harmony between science and biblical faith” which was established by prominent Christian geneticist Francis Collins.

AMERICAN CHRISTIANS AND COVID-19
A new survey from Pew Research , reported in The Christian Post, reveals how most Americans have been coping with the pandemic and lockdowns, and it isn’t through faith in God or spiritual practice. In fact, more than any other religious or non-religious population surveyed, 90% of Christians report watching the most TV and movies at home to decompress from COVID-19-related stress. Only 55% of participants reported praying weekly and only 29% said Scripture reading was part of their weekly routine.

CHRISTIANITY AND SPORT
Stephen Liggins is an Anglican minister in the Blue Mountains in New South Wales, a former first grade cricketer and current ‘Masters’ athlete. Eternity News reports that his new book on Christianity and sport – The Good Sporting Life: Loving and playing sport as a follower of Jesus offers insights for all Christian athletes. Former Australian hockey international, Susie Harris, states that the book balances “athlete experience with practical advice and faithful biblical truth.”

WORLD VISION IN BEIRUT
World Vision is busy assisting people affected by the recent blast in Beirut, Lebanon with primary needs of food, water and shelter. World Vision worker Rami Shamma reports that emotional care is also provided, which is crucial for Lebanese children. He says the trauma is ‘stacked up’ and they are providing psychological first aid.

MEGHAN MARKLE’S FAITH
Meghan Markle’s faith in God has got her through ‘the darkest moments’ in her life, according to a new biography about her marriage to Prince Harry, Finding Freedom. The authors, Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand, claim that belief in God plays ‘a central role’ in Meghan’s life. Christian Today reports the book as stating: ‘It’s prayer and conversations with God that have gotten her through the darkest moments.’

STATUE OF BILLY GRAHAM
A life-sized statue of the late Billy Graham will be installed in the U.S. Capitol’s Statuary Hall collection. The late evangelist’s statue will replace a statue of a white supremacist, Charles Aycock, that the government wants removed. Franklin Graham told Religion News Service the statue is not something his father would have pushed for.