Global Scans · Religion · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: Huge growth is expected over the next several decades as the world's Muslim population grows faster than every other major religious demographic, and as urbanization and rising incomes in developing countries with large Muslim populations mean more will be buying, rather than producing their own food.

• [New] A report from Christian Aid projects that Brazil could see a 33.1% hit to its GDP growth by 2100 if the world stays on its current path. The Cool Down
• [New] The grim economic outlook means that for many Palestinian Christians, even though there are now public events as well as religious services, it will be an austere Christmas. BBC News
• [New] The demographic shift of Christianity's center of gravity toward the Global South includes significant Asian populations, suggesting that Asian perspectives will increasingly shape worldwide Christian thought and practice. APN News
• A consortium led by Abilene Christian University, Natura Resources, and several other university partners is developing the MSR-1 molten salt research reactor, with a goal to operate by late 2026. GovExperts
• If current trends continue, Islam could equal Christianity by 2070. FSSPX News
• Trump's public threats of sanctions and military action against Nigeria-framed around allegations of inadequate protection for Christian communities-have triggered economic volatility, diplomatic uncertainty, and regional instability. Ainvest
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• As 2025 unfolds, the United States is gearing up for a powerful lineup of Christian events filled with hope, healing, worship, and community. Jared Horne Ministries
• The Al-Qaeda-linked Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims, as it is formally known, is the most significant threat in the Sahel. / Mali Counter Extremism Project
• Trump threatened military action in Nigeria over Christian persecution concerns, and the U.S. announced it would boycott the G20 summit in South Africa, citing disagreements over treatment of white farmers. RealTime DemTrends
• Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria and radical Islamists. The Guardian
• One-third of Canada's 27,000 faith buildings - largely Christian - will likely close permanently in this decade. pniatlantic
• President Trump has designated Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern and has justified the threat of U.S. intervention based on the Christian genocide narrative that has recently gained traction in conservative circles. Time
• The establishment of a professional army that both responds to civil control and protects all of the Syrian people, regardless of ethnic, religious, or sectarian background, will be necessary to ensure Syria's long-term stability in the wake of Syria's civil war. American Enterprise Institute - AEI
• While religious tourism remains at the core of its tourism agenda, developing more diverse and affordable tourism products will be essential for Saudi to achieve its ambitious 150-million-visitor target by 2030. Nasser Saidi & Associates
• The Christian charity the Just Money Movement has criticised the UK government's spending review for its deep cuts to disability benefits and overseas aid, which it says will herald tough times for many of the most vulnerable people in the world. Religion Media Centre
• Pray for Christian pastors in many other countries around the world such as Iran, Eritrea, Nigeria, Laos and Algeria who face daily discrimination, threats of violence, and arrest. Release International
• A Romanian man has pleaded guilty to orchestrating a years-long swatting and bomb threat conspiracy that endangered over 75 public officials, journalists, and religious institutions across the U.S., prompting armed law enforcement responses to fabricated emergencies. AMATAS
• Religious groups call for mutual respect and social cohesion, warning against letting overseas conflicts divide Singapore and threatening the safety of anyone. ST
• President Trump has threatened to send troops to Nigeria, where he says Christianity faces an existential threat, an accusation that Nigeria has denied. The New York Times

Last updated: 15 December 2025