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] On the diplomatic front, a growing number of states have expressed concern over the threat to the Armenian presence in the Old City, a presence that is not merely historical, but essential to Jerusalem's religious and cultural balance. Horizon
• [New] The centuries-old Armenian community, one of the oldest continuous Christian communities in the world, is now confronting an existential threat. Horizon
• [New] The Vatican may be preparing for a potential encounter with extraterrestrial beings, with the Pope possibly becoming the first religious leader to address humanity's first contact with aliens within 2027. Irish Star
• [New] By end of 2026, a major world religion (> 200M adherents) will have issued an official doctrinal statement on whether AI can have a soul, moral status, or spiritual significance. Retaining Agency
• [New] Rebuilt around undisciplined militias, many of which are motivated by sectarian vengeance rather than national reconciliation, the new military apparatus represents a clear threat to Syria's ethnic and religious landscape. Counter Extremism Project
• [New] The threat of violence from domestic extremists could intensify if Iran's leadership issues a religious decree urging attacks on U.S. soil. Industrial Cyber
• [New] ISIL could destabilise Syria by targeting state security forces, religious minorities - like it did in the Damascus church attack in June - or any foreigner on Syrian soil, from US soldiers to humanitarian or United Nations workers. Al Jazeera
• [New] In recent weeks, President Donald Trump has threatened Nigeria with the possibility of a US military intervention if the government in Abuja fails to guarantee adequate protection for its Christian population. Med-Or
• [New] Appeals court could decide Colorado's Catholic preschool caseA federal appeals court could decide in 2025 whether religious schools in Colorado's state-funded preschool program have to abide by non-discrimination rules protecting LGBTQ children and families. Nine Colorado education stories to watch in 2025
• At the federal level, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is expected to increase its focus on religious discrimination and accommodation. / USA DLA Piper
• New rules governing religious accommodations for facial hair and new military fitness programs for some Airmen are coming - but probably not until 2026. Air & Space Forces Magazine
• 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
• 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
• 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

Last updated: 05 January 2026