Bishop Robert Barron of Minnesota is rebuking Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey’s controversial statements on prayer following the Annunciation Catholic School shooting.

According to Fox News, Barron makes it clear that people of faith do not pray simply because it is some magic fix-all, but because it is our way of connecting to the Lord.

“Catholics don’t think that prayer magically protects them from all suffering,” Barron told Fox. ” After all, Jesus prayed fervently from the cross on which he was dying.”

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Barron further says that “Prayer is the raising of the mind and heart to God, which strikes me as altogether appropriate precisely at times of great pain.” He also noted that prayer does not negate us from action, but rather goes hand-in-hand with our greatest decisions. “…prayer by no means stands in contrast to decisive moral action. Martin Luther King was a man of deep prayer, who also effected a social revolution in our country…”

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Beyond this attack against prayer, Barron points out that what happened at the Catholic school is part of something that is happening to Christians all over the world: persecution.

“”In the past seven years in our country, there has been a 700% increase in violent acts against Christians and Christian churches,” says Barron. “Worldwide, Christianity is by far the most persecuted religion.”

He also noted that when attacks happen on other religious groups, no one questions whether or not the crimes were part of a hatred for that group of people. However, he finds it shocking that many refuse to call this an attack against Catholics.

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“…why would we even hesitate to say that a maniac shooting into a Catholic Church while children are at prayer was committing an anti-Catholic act?” Barron asked.

As Christians, we must remain sober-minded and on guard at all times, recognizing that persecution is not something reserved for distant nations—it is rising here in America. To think that the faithful will be spared is to deceive ourselves. Scripture reminds us that those who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will face opposition, and this moment is a sobering reminder that our faith will be tested.

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Now more than ever, we must be vigilant, steadfast in prayer and unwavering in our witness, knowing that persecution is not a matter of if but when.

Abby Trivett is content development editor for Charisma Media.

Amid a dark and horrifying moment, one middle schooler turned to his faith in Jesus.

According to ChurchLeaders, 13-year-old Javen Willis said that when gunfire hit through the chapel windows of Annunciation Catholic School, he dropped to the floor in prayer, believing he would be protected “with God on my side.”

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Willis also told the TODAY show that “A lot of my classmates thought it was confetti and fireworks, but I didn’t think they’d have that during the middle of the church service.”

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He says that he hid under the pew and prayed and then came to realize “I can’t just sit here and focus on myself, knowing that with God on my side, I will be fine.” After this, Willis went to “help out my fellow classmates, keep them calm and safe and let them know that they will be okay.”

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Willis was baptized the previous week, and his faith brought comfort and peace to those around him in the middle of a nightmare.

His mother, Melissa Willis, said that she “…thanked God and cried and held [him]…”

Willis is a true hero.

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Another student, Weston Halsne, described how his friend also shielded him as well, covering him from gunfire while getting hit.

The bravery of these children during this horrific scene is a reminder that God has called us to be bold and courageous and to care for one another with the same kind of sacrificial love that Christ has for us. Continue to pray for all those impacted by this tragedy.

Abby Trivett is content development editor for Charisma Media.

Peter Thiel’s upcoming series about the Antichrist just may be something we should all be wary of.

According to the Christian Post, the Palantir CEO’s lecture will discuss the Antichrist from “how his Christian faith informs his understanding of the world.” The four part series is set to be held at San Francisco’s The Commonwealth Club on Sept. 15, Sept. 22, Sept. 29 and concluding on Oct. 6.

The purpose of Thiel’s lecture series is to “explore the theological and technological dimensions of the Antichrist,” as the Christian Post noted. The event is being organized by The Acts 17 Collective.

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Thiel has previously given his thoughts on the Antichrist and humanity. As the Christian Post reported, Thiel discussed last year in an interview how he believed “…that if the Antichrist were to come to power, it would be by talking about Armageddon all the time. The slogan of the Antichrist is peace and safety, which is nothing wrong with peace and safety…”

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Thiel also made some stark and unbelievable comments about humanity, the church and the end times during an interview with the New York Times.

When asked by Ross Douthat from the New York Times if he would “prefer the human race to endure,” Thiel could not answer the question without a long hesitation.

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“This is a long hesitation,” Douthat said.

“There’s so many questions implicit in this,” Thiel said.

Finally saying “yes,” Thiel noted that he would “like us to radically solve these problems.”

Thiel then spoke about transhumanism and transgenderism as means of changing the body before stating, “Orthodox Christianity, by the way, the critique Orthodox Christianity has of this is these things don’t go far enough. That transhumanism is just changing your body, but you also need to transform your soul.”

As the conversation discussed how those who try to change their bodies in their own way and ability without God’s doing are, as Douthat put, “likely to end up as a dystopian character.” Thiel then tried to connect our fallen humanity with this notion.

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“The closest thing you can say to nature is that people are fallen,” says Thiel. “And that’s the natural thing in a Christian sense, is that you’re messed up.”

Peter Thiel’s upcoming lecture series on the Antichrist is not just an academic discussion—it reflects a worldview that raises serious concerns. As this series approaches, it is wise for Christians and the public alike to approach Thiel’s ideas with caution and discernment, recognizing that his perspective could subtly influence thought in ways that conflict with Scripture and the foundational values of faith.

Abby Trivett is content development editor for Charisma Media.

As Netflix continues to highlight shows about the worst of the worst, one may ask a simple question: Can even the most violent, demonically used people be saved for the sake of the gospel?

In their show “Monster,” Netflix is now highlighting the story of serial killer Ed Gein, which comes after their seasons showcasing the stories of Jeffrey Dahmer and the Mendez Brothers. The creators of the show, Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan are focusing on the 1950s killer that was known for committing heinous crimes in Wisconsin. As the Netflix description presents, Gein’s crimes were the inspiration for “multiple classic horror films, including “The Silence of the Lambs,” Psycho” and “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.”

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Netflix further describes the show about how Gein murdered multiple women, and was “driven by isolation, psychosis, and an all-consuming obsession with his mother…”

As these true crime shows highlight the very worst of the worst, it makes a person wonder if anyone that dark and twisted truly can change.

The answer?

Yes.

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While Netflix is also highlighting the crimes of David Berkowitz in their show “Conversations with a Killer: The Son of Sam Tapes,” Berkowitz’s tale has dramatically changed since his killing sprees. Berkowitz gave his life to Christ and has never been the same person again. His story of redemption, while perhaps not told by the mainstream media, is the one that makes the eternal difference.

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No matter how vile the crime, how twisted the past, or how deep the darkness, the truth of the gospel stands unchanged: as long as a person still has breath in their lungs, redemption is possible. The same God who reached into the prison cell of David Berkowitz and transformed him from a “Son of Sam” into a son of salvation is still in the business of saving today. What the world writes off as hopeless, God sees as a testimony waiting to be written.

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The blood of Jesus Christ is not limited by the depth of sin—it is greater, stronger and more powerful than the darkest evil humanity can produce.

Abby Trivett is content development editor for Charisma Media.

Vice President J.D. Vance has spoken out against the cries of those who are dismissive of prayer.

In light of the Annunciation Catholic School Shooting, those on the left have taken the stance that prayer does not work, including former White House Press secretary, Jen Psaki. After she commented about prayer not being “enough,” Vance took to social media to reply back to her.

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We pray because our hearts are broken. We pray because we know God listens. We pray because we know that God works in mysterious ways, and can inspire us to further action.

Why do you feel the need to attack other people for praying when kids were just killed praying?

Vance further commented that the decision to attack prayer is one of the strangest tactics that the left has tried throughout the culture wars of the past few years.

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Of all the weird left wing culture wars in the last few years, this is by far the most bizarre. “How dare you pray for innocent people in the midst of tragedy?!”

What are you even talking about?

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Prayer is not a last resort, nor is it a powerless gesture—it is the very foundation of everything else that follows. Before policies are made, before communities heal, before any act of restoration takes place, prayer is what pushes back the darkness and invites the presence of God into the situation. Without prayer, all human effort is hollow, because it is prayer that aligns us with the God who holds true power.

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No matter what critics may say, prayer is the lifeline that connects earth to heaven and brings divine intervention into impossible situations. It is not about public approval or cultural acceptance; it is about calling on the God who still moves in our world today. The world may mock, dismiss or even rage against it, but prayer remains the first and most essential response—because it is through prayer that the darkness is stopped, the light is preserved and God’s truth is brought forth into the world.

Abby Trivett is content development editor for Charisma Media.

History continues to prove to be more fascinating each and every day.

According to Fox News, archaeologists in Europe found a historic grave that was first uncovered over a 1,000 years prior. The dig was located at the Nowy Chorów cemetery in Poland, and it is believed that this site was owned by an upper class person.

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One of the most intriguing factors is that the graves were “reopened within a generation, with cremated remains laid directly over emptied burials,” as Fox notes, showing that this was likely due to the grave being reused, not robbed. In fact, this likely happened largely due to incoming rituals that were trying to “correct” burials and help the dead in the after life. This signals a use of both Christian and pagan rituals that were taking place during the medieval period in European history.

Sławomir Wadyl, who is an archaeologist with the University of Warsaw, said that the bodies facing east-to-west with less elaborate grave items in their tomb point to the influence of Christian burials, with their bodies lined up by their heads, not their feet. However, cremation, and symbolism with the burial sites mimic pagan traditions.

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Wadyl said he believes this is “one of the most fascinating aspects of this project.” He also noted that “…these were not fully Christian or fully pagan burials… They represent a blended, transitional funerary tradition, which is why this cemetery is so significant.”

He points to this being during a shift from paganism to Christianity in the wider culture.

“It’s about a community living through a time of profound change… from pagan to Christian belief, from tribal structures to early states, from old traditions to new identities.”

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This discovery highlights how history preserves the story of human transition, belief and identity. Far from being a simple burial ground, it stands as evidence of a cultural shift that shaped the spiritual and social foundations of Europe, reminding us that even in death, people carried the marks of change that defined their time.

Abby Trivett is content development editor for Charisma Media.

Did God give a glimpse to prophetic voices about what is next for George Soros?

In a compelling prophetic message, Tomi Arayomi delivered a vision highlighting what he calls the “end of S O R O S,” a phrase signaling a new season for the church and the exposure of global manipulation. Arayomi interprets this as a prophetic declaration concerning George Soros, his networks, and the spiritual principalities operating through him.

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“God is revealing the hidden works of Soros,” Arayomi said. “His influence over governments, media and financial systems is being confronted in this season.”

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What Arayomi didn’t know is right after he shared this word in a livestream on Monday, Aug. 25 is that George Soros would take center-stage amid world news.

On Wednesday, Aug. 27, President Trump called out George Soros on Truth Social, threatening charges against him.

George Soros, and his wonderful Radical Left son, should be charged with RICO because of their support of Violent Protests, and much more, all throughout the United States of America. We’re not going to allow these lunatics to rip apart America any more, never giving it so much as a chance to “BREATHE,” and be FREE. Soros, and his group of psychopaths, have caused great damage to our Country! That includes his Crazy, West Coast friends. Be careful, we’re watching you! Thank you for your attention to this matter!

For Arayomi, this is a real-world confirmation of his prophetic word. “When God speaks, even the news lines up,” he added.

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Arayomi emphasized that Soros also represents a spiritual principality affecting nations. “This is why ordinary strategies fail. You can’t fight corruption and darkness at this level without God,” he explained. Arayomi described the season as one where hidden manipulation will be unveiled, and those who have profited unjustly will be exposed.

Another central theme of Arayomi’s message is the divine redistribution of resources. “The wealth of the wicked is being laid up for the righteous,” he said. He urged believers to prepare to receive kingdom resources previously held in corruption, noting that God moves supernaturally to transfer influence and provision from darkness to light. This, he stressed, is part of the church stepping into new authority and favor.

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Drawing on Scripture, Arayomi referenced Matthew 14, where Jesus walks on water, illustrating how believers can move supernaturally even amidst chaotic circumstances. He also cited Acts 12, describing Peter’s miraculous escape from prison as an example of God opening impossible doors—doors that, like the strongholds Soros represents, cannot be breached by human effort alone.

Ultimately, Arayomi’s prophetic word emphasizes both accountability and opportunity, calling the church to recognize spiritual forces at work behind global events and to prepare for a season of divine intervention and provision.

Abby Trivett is content development editor for Charisma Media.

A mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis on Tuesday left two children dead and 17 others injured. The tragedy has sparked calls for prayer and reflection across Minnesota and beyond. Among those responding to the horrific events is prophetic voice Amanda Grace, who believes the attack carries spiritual significance.

“Please pray for these families right now. This is a nightmare for them,” Grace said in a message shortly after news of the shooting broke.

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Grace pointed to the name of the school — Annunciation — as symbolic. “Annunciation means announcement. In the Catholic faith, it refers to when the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary to announce that she would conceive Jesus Christ,” she said. “This is an announcement from the kingdom of darkness, a counterfeit to the announcement of the Light of the World.”

She also shared excerpts from prophetic messages she said the Lord had given her in recent years concerning Minnesota.

On Oct. 25, 2024, she said she received a word stating: “Minnesota will begin to turn on its own, for that spirit of provocation has gone forth to resurrect anger… The enemy in this hour is attempting to stir a spiritual cauldron that was set there with the help of the governor and those in the dark arts. Pray, My children, that this is thwarted, that the plan is exposed and the cauldron is destroyed.”

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Grace noted additional words from March 17, 2025, referencing Minneapolis in connection with what she described as the “spirit of Amalek,” and a July 18, 2025, prophecy declaring a “changing of the guard” in Minnesota’s leadership amid scandal.

“These things are not happening by accident,” she said. “John 10:10 says, ‘The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy. But I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.’ This attack is a reflection of that verse.”

Grace urged Christians to be “watchmen on the wall” and to remain vigilant during what she described as a spiritually dangerous window between September and late October.

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“The enemy is stirring, but the prayer of the saints and the intercession can dismantle such attacks,” she said. “Be sober-minded and vigilant right now.”

As the investigation continues, lift up the families in Minneapolis that are left mourning and praying for healing, comfort and peace.

Abby Trivett is content development editor for Charisma Media.

Heroes still exist today.

The mass shooting that took place at the Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis on Tuesday left two children dead and 17 other individuals injured. In the middle of gunfire, one young boy did the heroic: he tried to shield his friend.

According to the BBC, 10-year-old Weston Halsne told WCCO about how his friend did the unthinkable by jumping in to save him.

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“My friend got hit in the back,” Halsne says. “He went to the hospital…I was super scared for him, but I think now he’s okay.”

Halsne says that he was sitting only two seats from the window where the shots came through.

“I think I got gunpowder on my neck,” says Halsne. “I just ran under the pew, and then I covered my head. My friend, like, saved me though ’cause he laid on top of me, but he got hit.”

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NEW: Fifth grader at the Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis says he was saved by his friend who jumped on top of him during the shooting.

"My friend… he was lying on top of me, like, making sure I was safe, and he got hit."

Hero. pic.twitter.com/hGtxrO0JB4

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) August 27, 2025

Another witness in the neighborhood, Patrick Scallen, spoke with the BBC where he noted that three children were running out of the building, including a girl with a wound in her head.

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“She kept saying, ‘please hold my hand, don’t leave me,’ and I said I wasn’t going anywhere,” Scallen said.

In the middle of this horrific tragedy, it is the bravery of those like Halsen’s friend and Patrick Scallen that remind us directly of Jesus’ words, “Greater love has no man than this: that a man lay down his life for his friends,” (Jn. 15:13).

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In the face of such unspeakable evil, the light of courage and love still shines. As we grieve with the families and community devastated by this tragedy, let us lift them up in prayer. May the Lord bring comfort to the brokenhearted, healing to the wounded and peace to every child, parent and teacher impacted by this horrific act.

Abby Trivett is content development editor for Charisma Media.

Is there more to the faith story of Donald Trump than meets the eye?

In an exclusive behind-the-scenes look from Media Day 2025 hosted by Charisma Media, Travis Johnson and Jonathan Cahn shared personal stories regarding president’s faith in God.

Cahn first compared the president to the biblical figure of Jehu. “Jehu was like vengeance against those who were against God,” says Cahn. “But He was standing for God’s people…the persecution of believers ended with Jehu back then.”

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Pastor Travis also commented on Trump’s personality and convictions.

“He’s very, very strong, very bold, he knows what he’s after,” says Johnson. He then noted how in a previous meeting, the president talked about changing some decor in the White House from the Biden administration and replaced it with decorative angels for protection.

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“He said, ‘But don’t worry, I took them down and I put angels up there because angels protect you,'” Johnson recounts. “He said it very declaratively…”

Cahn then noted that Trump has a sense of fear for the Lord.

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“He has a sense of reverence for God,” says Cahn. “God’s doing something. Do you think that he ever imagined that he’d be drawn to Christians, [that he would be] supporting all these things way back then.”

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Beyond political headlines, these moments reveal a leader influenced by divine reverence and surrounded by voices pointing him toward God’s purposes. As America faces pivotal times, understanding the spiritual influences shaping its leaders can help believers discern the times, pray with wisdom and remain steadfast in their own faith.

Abby Trivett is content development editor for Charisma Media.