Rising economic pressures in China have led to a new wave of persecution against Christians. The government is arresting pastors simply for collecting tithes and offerings, and foreign missionary activities are now restricted. However, despite the latest crackdown by Supreme Leader Xi Jinping, Christianity continues to spread throughout the country.

<p>The Internal Revenue Service says pastors may now freely discuss politics from the pulpit without losing their tax-exempt status. The move provides an exemption to the Johnson Amendment, a 70-year-old tax provision that forbids all 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations from endorsing or opposing political candidates.&nbsp;</p>

The Internal Revenue Service says pastors may now freely discuss politics from the pulpit without losing their tax-exempt status. The move provides an exemption to the Johnson Amendment, a 70-year-old tax provision that forbids all 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations from endorsing or opposing political candidates. 

<p>The Senate is set to vote on a rescissions package that would allow approved federal funds to be cancelled for certain foreign aid programs. The proposal narrowly passed the U.S. House last month. &nbsp;</p>