If anything, 2022 was a year of change. Not only did Russia invade Ukraine, which brought suffering and hardship to millions of people, but other major events occurred.
In the middle of the year, America’s Supreme Court decided to overturn Roe v. Wade in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization ruling, which stated that the constitution does not uphold the right to abortions. Furthermore, the United Kingdom witnessed the end of an era with the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
All these events affected believers and have special relevance to the church and practical ministry. The following list includes some of the biggest Christian news stories of last year.
As we reflect on these events, let us learn from the mistakes and complex discussions, seeking to grow in Christlikeness and love for others.
1. Russian Invasion of Ukraine
The news of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, caused dismay to people around the world. Because of the invasion and ongoing war, thousands of Ukraine civilians have died.
In addition to the tragic loss of life, millions of Ukrainians became refugees when they fled from their homes to escape the fighting. Such suffering is what many world and religious leaders, such as Ukrainian Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk and Pope Francis, sought to avoid and instead urged for peace.
After the invasion and continual attacks in Ukraine, many Christians around the world sprang into action. Believers offered prayers for the war to end and prayed for those who had been displaced from their homes.
Christian organizations, such as Samaritan’s Purse, dispatched emergency relief to provide medical help, food, and other assistance to the Ukrainian refugees.
Both local and international believers helped those affected by the war. God was at work, using His followers to bring hope into this situation of suffering and fear.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine was one of the biggest news stories of last year, but it has continued to impact the world. People around the globe have been negatively affected by the increased prices of fuel and food due in part to the war.
Also, the ongoing conflict contributed to a global food crisis that started in 2022, which has added to the number of those who are starving because of the lack of food resources.
2. Overturning of Roe v. Wade
The overturning of Roe v. Wade on June 24, 2022, reversed the initial 1973 ruling and gave the decision to individual states to determine if abortions would be allowed or banned. Abortion is no longer a constitutional right. In America, this news caused a stir both in the secular and Christian worlds.
For many Christians, the news that Roe v. Wade was overturned caused them to praise God for answered prayers. Other Christians, though, held mixed views about the 2022 Supreme Court decision. Even though the ruling was a major turning point, abortions are still happening.
Thus, numerous believers advocate for renewed effort and increased involvement in helping women and ending abortion.
While this news story affected the entire American nation, it especially impacted churches and ministries. As a result of the ruling, pro-abortion groups began to protest and damage pregnancy centers across the USA.
Many of these centers are Christian based and seek to show compassion to women and protect the life of the unborn. Churches also faced attacks by pro-abortionists who were angry over the loss of the right to abortion.
3. Southern Baptist Convention Scandal
In May 2022, a list of names of people who were charged with sexual abuse was released from the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee.
This list brought the information on sexual abuse in the SBC to the attention of churches with the purpose of motivating reforms and preventing further abuse.
The released list brought sorrow to many believers who learned of the terrible actions and attempts to hide the abuse.
According to an article by Charles Duncan for Spectrum News, “The list includes more than 700 details on people associated with the church accused or convicted of sex crimes. The crimes include molesting children, rape, and soliciting prostitutes.”
Although victims repeatedly tried to come forward, SBC leaders had tried to hide the crimes and accusations. These details in the list released in 2022 revealed the cases of abuse, which extend back to the 2000s.
Considering that the Southern Baptist Convention is a major denomination in America, this news affected many people, including Christians associated with the SBC, the victims of abuse, and unbelievers outside the church.
The failure to follow biblical principles in dealing with the sin of sexual immorality in SBC churches and the attempt to hide the scandal for legal purposes gave a poor testimony to the world (1 Corinthians 5:11; 2 Thessalonians 3:6).
However, the release of this list was meant to promote change, which many Christians are praying for and working toward.
4. Hillsong Church Scandal
The release of the SBC list of sexual abusers was not the only church scandal of last year. One of the most documented scandals of 2022 was the Hillsong Church sexual abuse and misconduct scandal.
Brian Houston, a founder of Hillsong, stepped down in March 2022 from his position as global senior pastor after the church became aware of his inappropriate interactions with women. He has also been accused of covering up his father’s sexual abuse of a boy.
Since Hillsong is a megachurch with campuses across the world, the sexual misconduct and abuse from major leaders caused alarm to Christians and the secular media.
As a result of the news coverage, a docuseries was released called “Hillsong: A Megachurch Exposed,” which covers the various scandals, including the information about Houston and the scandal in 2020 relating to Carl Lentz and his extra-marital affair.
Numerous church campuses associated with Hillsong decided to break away from the main Hillsong body to form their own churches after learning about the sexual abuse.
This news story shows us that more churches need to work to prevent and properly handle problems in church leadership, such as sexual immorality and lack of accountability.
5. Schism of United Methodist Church
Several churches broke away from the United Methodist Church in 2022. Issues about homosexuality and gay marriage were the cause of the schism.
According to the doctrinal teachings of the UMC, they do not condone homosexuality, gay marriage, or LGBTQ clergy based on the Bible.
However, multiple members became worried and frustrated at the presence and acceptance of homosexual practices and LGBTQ clergy in individual churches within the UMC.
Since many congregations were concerned about these issues, they chose to break away from the denomination.
To provide alternatives, Christians who disaffiliate from the UMC over the scriptural issues of homosexuality, gay marriage, and LGBTQ clergy can choose to join the new Methodist denomination, the Global Methodist Church (GMC), which formed in May 2022.
The schism affects the ongoing discussion about sexuality and marriage within the UMC denomination.
6. The Death of Queen Elizabeth II
Like the news of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the death of Queen Elizabeth II had a global impact. On September 8, 2022, the Queen died at the age of 96. Her funeral was broadcast on television and the internet so that people in other countries could also honor her life.
Around the world, people mourned the loss of the longest-reigning British monarch and remembered her legacy of faith. As the “Defender of the Faith,” Queen Elizabeth II used her position to uphold the cause of the church and Christianity.
She was well-known for her Christmas speeches which often included passages from the New Testament.
Based on her statements, her faith in Jesus was significant in her life. As she said in her Christmas speech from 2014, “For me, the life of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, whose birth we celebrate today, is an inspiration and an anchor in my life.”
Believers were saddened by the death of Queen Elizabeth II, but also expressed joy knowing that she is now with the King of kings (Revelation 19:16).
Because of her faith in Christ, she resides in her heavenly home with the Lord and other believers. Therefore, the news of her death in 2022 brought grief but also reminded us of the impact of a life focused on following Jesus.
Another Year of Reflection
As we reflect on the failures, heartache, and answers to prayers from 2022, we can learn from the past and grow. While many of the biggest Christian news stories of the past year were filled with suffering and scandal, believers can take heart knowing that the Lord is still at work.
Meanwhile, we can find the strength to continue serving Christ and live according to biblical standards by looking forward to that future day when “there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain” (Revelation 21:4, NLT).
For further reading:
A Lifetime with the Queen: The Defender of the Faith
5 Prayers for Women after Roe v. Wade Decision
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/May_Chanikran
