In a statement released on Facebook on Sunday, they said: “We have decided to cancel our show in Byblos in solidarity with Mashrou’ Leila and in support of tolerance, freedom of speech and expression.”

Within Temptation was due to perform at the festival on Wednesday.

The popular Middle Eastern band, Mashrou’ Leila, were banned from performing at Byblos music festival on 9th August, after Christian critics of the band labelled their lyrics as “blasphemous” and threatened to attack the concert on social media.

Members of the organising committee said they decided to pull the band from the program “to prevent bloodshed and preserve security”.

Within Temptation criticised the Lebanese government for their failure to provide adequate security to enable entertainers to “perform in peace”.

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Rt Rev. Julian Henderson, alongside his wife Heather, will be travelling to Kenya and South Africa to teach and equip ministers on ‘Authentic Christian Ministry’.

The Bishop will be making his second visit to the Church’s link diocese in Free State, South Africa, before heading to the Kenyan Diocese of Voi, upon invitation by Bishop Liverson Mng’onda.

Speaking in advance of the trip, Bishop Julian outlined the teaching programme they plan to give: “Heather and I will be leading training sessions arising out of Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians”

“Paul received much criticism of his leadership and in his defence, he outlines some of the key aspects of Christian Ministry that reveal it is genuine and authentic.

Explaining what prompted the trip Bishop Julian continued: “The Free State visit followed a conversation I had with the Bishop of the Free State Diocese, Rt Rev. Dintoe Letloenyane; and planning was arranged by the Dean of the Cathedral of Bloemfontein, The Very Rev. Lazarus Mohapi.

“The Kenyan part of the trip was arranged by Rev. Jonathan Milton-Thompson of St Andrew’s, Livesey in Blackburn. Jonathan has been instrumental in arranging for clergy from Blackburn Diocese to share in this work for several years.”

The Bishop has encouraged the Church to pray for blessing over their times of ministry and for good health and protection as they travel.

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The appointment by the Charity Commission, will seek to address the issues raised during its investigation into Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries International – a global family of Pentecostal churches based in the UK.

The inquiry was launched after the charity repeatedly failed to file financial information on time, and made a number of questionable administrative decisions which resulted in significant losses.

Following their investigation, the Commission is concerned over the trustees’ unwillingness to report serious incidents, after two alleged cases of fraud by former employees involving significant sums, both of which were not reported until a number of years after the frauds were discovered. In addition to this, the Commission has concerns over the charity’s Chair of Trustees conduct.

Questions have also been raised after the charity was found to be in breach of its governing terms by paying three trustee members.

The Charity Commission has said: “Despite the Commission’s continued engagement the trustees are still not complying with their legal duties, this includes failing to submit accurate financial accounts on time.

“The Commission has therefore appointed an interim manager whose remit includes reviewing the charity’s financial and governance processes, inspecting a number of the charity’s branches and their handling of serious incidents. The…

Following news that a gunman opened fire at a shopping centre in the Texan city of El Paso, in which 20 people died and more than two dozen were injured, the US President responded on Twitter with a series of posts condemning the attack and offering his heartfelt prayers to those involved.

One read: “Terrible shootings in ElPaso, Texas. Reports are very bad, many killed. Working with State and Local authorities, and Law Enforcement. Spoke to Governor to pledge total support of Federal Government. God be with you all!”

Terrible shootings in ElPaso, Texas. Reports are very bad, many killed. Working with State and Local authorities, and Law Enforcement. Spoke to Governor to pledge total support of Federal Government. God be with you all!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 3, 2019

In a second tweet he said: “I know that I stand with everyone in this Country to condemn today’s hateful act. There are no reasons or excuses that will ever justify killing innocent people….”

Today’s shooting in El Paso, Texas, was not only tragic, it was an act of cowardice. I know that I stand with everyone in this Country to condemn today’s hateful act. There are no reasons or excuses that will ever justify killing innocent people….

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 4, 2019

“…Melania and I send our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the great people of…

Father Jorge Luis Pérez of the Havana Catholic Youth Ministry, explained in a Facebook video earlier this week that the Office of Religious Affairs of the Cuban Communist Party (ORA), had banned all public activities associated with National Youth Day, with the exception of one event in the city of Santiago.

Despite the arbitrary cancellation of all public National Youth Day celebrations, Father Pérez said that celebrations would continue to go ahead, but would have to be adjusted to take place inside Catholic Church properties.

Earlier this week, Pope Francis wrote a public letter to participants of the festival, inviting them to be “witnesses of His Resurrection” and willing to let themselves be transformed into missionary disciples, “so that many other young people may discover the presence of the Lord Jesus, listen to His call, grow in His friendship, and, in this way, live an existence founded on faith and mercy.”

Last month in the capital city of Havana, police officials prevented a number of believers from attending the funeral of former Archbishop, Cardinal Jaime Ortega.

Some members of the clergy we denied entry to the service, and threatened with arrest, while other mourners were forced to remain in their homes as the funeral proceedings took place.

Christian and friend of the late Cardinal Ortega, Mr Valdés Hernández shared his frustration at not…