2 Christian missionaries kidnapped in Haiti have been freed

Two of 17 Christian missionaries kidnapped in Haiti have been freed, says Christian Aid Ministries (CAM). 

"We praise God for this!" the US-based non-profit said. 

In a statement, it added that it could share only limited details about the pair, but confirmed that they "are safe, in good spirits, and being cared for".

The group of 17 were kidnapped on 16 October while on their way to the airport at Port-au-Prince after visiting a CAM-supported orphanage in the country.

One is from Canada while the other 16 are all from the US. The group includes five children, the youngest being an 8-month-old baby.

They were abducted by the criminal gang 400 Mawozo, which has demanded $1m per person for their release.

CAM did not elaborate on whether a ransom had been paid to secure the release of the two missionaries.

"We cannot provide or confirm the names of those released, the reasons for their release, where they are from, or their current location," CAM said.

"We ask that those who have more specific information about the release and the individuals involved would safeguard that information." 

CAM is asking people to pray that the remaining hostages would be released soon. 

"We encourage you to continue to pray for the full resolution of this situation," it said.

"While we rejoice at this release, our hearts are with the fifteen people who are still being held. Continue to lift up the remaining hostages before the Lord." 

News
New research sheds light on why women are more religious than men
New research sheds light on why women are more religious than men

Gender gaps were found to narrow in line with degrees of modernisation, secularisation, and gender equality. But, the paper finds, the "gap does not vanish entirely – even in highly secular countries women remain more religious than men".

Prince and Princess of Wales visit Lambeth Palace to meet new Archbishop of Canterbury
Prince and Princess of Wales visit Lambeth Palace to meet new Archbishop of Canterbury

The Prince and Princess of Wales have paid an official visit to Lambeth Palace.

Pastor, daughter and son-in-law slain in Plateau state, Nigeria
Pastor, daughter and son-in-law slain in Plateau state, Nigeria

Fulani herdsmen last month killed a pastor, his daughter and her husband, leaving the couple’s 3-month-old baby with a machete wound, in Plateau state, Nigeria.

Christian group welcomes British sanctions on Iranians
Christian group welcomes British sanctions on Iranians

Britain stopped shot of designating the Revolutionary Guard a terrorist organisation.