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French Soccer Player Jeremy Helan Quits 'Football' To Follow Religion
Jérémy Hélan, a French professional footballer (or soccer player) announced Sunday (Sept. 18) he is quitting the game at the age of 24 to devote himself to religion. The left-sided player is a devout Muslim. He plays for Sheffield Wednesday, with whom he joined from Manchester City for an undisclosed fee in July 2013.

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Christian Federal Employee Who Refused to Watch LGBTQ Video May Be Fired
A Christian employee of the Illinois Social Security Administration who refused to watch a video on LGBTQ "diversity and inclusivity" is in danger of losing his job. David Hall, 42, said he is protesting over the video because "I don't believe God wants me to do that."

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Catholic Diocese Will Suspend Athletes, Coaches Who Don’t Stand for National Anthem
Catholic Diocese officials of Camden, N.J., issued an edict to its schools through a letter that indicated any player or staffer who "failed to demonstrate appropriate respect" (opted not to stand) for the national anthem would be subjected to suspension. "Let me be clear. We are not public institutions and free speech in all of its demonstrations, including protests, is not a guaranteed right," stated the superintendent in the letter.

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Heaven Afterlife: NBC's New 'The Good Place' Will include All Creeds, Faiths, Opinions
Executive producer and creator of a new NBC series entitled "The Good Place," Michael Schur, explained that while the comedy is set in the afterlife, that plot doesn't make it just a religious show. Is The Good Place actually heaven? The series premieres Sept. 19, at 10 p.m. ET/PT before moving to its regular time slot on Thursdays at 8:30 p.m., starting Sept. 22.

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Religion Debate Led to Fatal Stabbing in Toronto Near York University
A Toronto man was charged with second-degree murder after he allegedly stabbed to death a 28-year-old man near the York University campus in Toronto Tuesday. Neighbors told police the stabbing was fuelled by a repetitive argument over religion.

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Biopic ‘Hudson & Maria’ to Begin Filming in Malaysia This August, Recreating Iconic Missionary Faith Story
After 15 years of preparation, the historical biopic Hudson & Maria begins filming in Malaysia this August, telling the story of 19th-century missionaries who crossed cultural barriers to bring the Gospel to China.
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Freed After 266 Days: Zion Church Pastor Ezra Jin Unexpectedly Released to Reunite with Family in US
Pastor Ezra Jin was unexpectedly released after 268 days of detention and flown to the U.S. for a family reunion, following high-level diplomatic negotiations between the U.S. and China.
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Pastor Ezra Jin Speaks Out for First Time Since Release: ‘I’m Free. Now Pray for China!’
Released after 266 days of detention, Pastor Ezra Jin uses his Wall Street Journal op-ed to thank international supporters, advocate for imprisoned church members, and call for religious freedom in China.