Your source for all the latest Bible-related and Bible-adjacent news from the month of October 2024 — from archaeological discoveries and academic research to cultural events and conversations, developments in the global church, and more.
Updated regularly throughout the month.
Week of September 29
- October 3 — Church-backed groups such as the Lutheran nonprofit Finn Church Aid and the Catholic Salesians of Don Bosco are helping refugees resettle and develop financial independence in Uganda by providing education, skills trainings, and farming equipment. The country has received over 1.6 million refugees from South Sudan, Congo, and elsewhere — the highest number in Africa. (Religion News Service)
- October 2 — A new documentary film by Nicholas Ma (son of famous cellist Yo-Yo Ma) brings together 12 pastors of different denominations, politics, races, classes, and genders to answer a familiar question: “Won’t you be my neighbor?” Participants said while they had initially hoped to change each other’s minds on certain issues, a “different kind of small miracle” occurred: they became friends in spite of their differences. (Religion News Service)
- October 2 — In an inspiring story from hurricane-ravaged Tennessee, a father crossed 17 miles of debris on foot throughout the night — at one point scrambling through knee-deep mud while bulldozers plowed fallen trees nearby — to reach his daughter’s wedding. After walking her down the aisle he presented her with the reflector he carried to avoid being hit by cars, as a reminder “to be a reflection of God’s goodness.” (People)
- October 2 — The Vatican convened its final meeting of the Synod of Bishops to finalize decisions on church reforms after a year of unprecedented dialogue between clergy and laypeople. Conversations around topics like women’s ordination and same-sex relationships initially prompted excitement among reformers and anxiety from traditionalists — but today major changes seem unlikely. (Religion News Service)
- October 2 — A wide-ranging study across various faiths and continents found that Gen Z Protestants were more interested in being known for their talents, abilities, and education than for their faith. Many view religion as a private matter that can help them through difficult times. Echoing other research, the report also found mental health to be Gen Z’s greatest concern, and prayer one of their top coping mechanisms for stress. (Christianity Today, from Young Life)
- October 1 — The Vatican announced a new initiative called the Pope’s Global Alliance for Children’s Health, which aims to provide healthcare for one million children worldwide over the next three years. Led by a U.S.-based nonprofit, the alliance will establish a hub-and-spoke network through which bigger, better-resourced hospitals lend aid to smaller healthcare facilities struggling to meet demands. (Aleteia)
- October 1 — A report by International Christian Concern shows a correlation between government corruption and increased religious persecution. The wide-ranging survey examines countries from Nigeria (which accounts for nearly 70% of all Christian killings worldwide) to China and North Korea, as well as across the Middle East and South Asia. ICC calls for both increased sanctions against these regimes and asylum for their victims. (Christian Today)
- October 1 — Contemporary Christian music (CCM) was the fourth fastest-growing genre in music worldwide during the first half of 2024, largely thanks to Millennial and Gen Z listeners and streaming platforms like Spotify. Despite declining religious affiliation among young Americans, CCM popularity is buoyed by increased quality, diversity, and global religious growth. (The Gospel Coalition)
- Sept. 30 — Christian charity groups have mobilized rapidly in the wake of Hurricane Helene’s devastation across the southeastern United States, but they’re finding their resources stretched thin. Organizations like Samaritan’s Purse and the Salvation Army are on the ground with food and other supplies — but many remain stranded and inaccessible, especially in North Carolina. Here’s how you can support the efforts. (Christianity Today and RELEVANT)
- Sept. 30 — NBA forward A.J. Griffin of the Atlanta Hawks announced his abrupt retirement from basketball to follow Jesus into ministry. The 21-year-old was drafted in 2022 and played two seasons with the Hawks, but found his priorities changing after becoming Christian during the COVID pandemic. Griffin acknowledged that some of his fans might find his decision “crazy or abnormal” but that he was ready to serve God “with my full ‘yes.'” (RELEVANT)
- Sept. 29 — From the latest updates on Lausanne to early petitions in Egypt; expanding religious freedom in Oregon and tightening it in China; a festival for the Cross in Ethiopia and a convention for geeks in D.C.; ancient seeds and swords; and brand new research on religious demographics, mental health, and doctrinal opinions — catch up on all of last month’s biggest, strangest, and most inspiring Bible and church news stories.
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