7th February 2026

US President Donald Trump has told reporters that he directed aides to post a racist video depicting Barack and Michelle Obama as apes on his social media platform, but claimed not to have seen that part of the 62-second clip.  Trump said, "I didn’t see it, I just, I looked at the first part… then I gave it to the people [aides]. Generally they look at the whole thing, but I guess somebody didn’t and they posted – and we took it down.” Asked if he would apologize, Trump said, “No, I didn’t make a mistake.”  

Loving God, we see in your creation wonderful diversity.  We believe that all people are made in your image and that you breathe the breath of life into each one of us. We know that in your Kingdom there is no Jew or Gentile, no distinction made between people born in different places - for you love all.  We know that your Son, Jesus Christ was approached by people of many different nations, cultures and faiths, but he never turned them away.  He listened to their cry for help, treated them with love and compassion, and brought them healing and wholeness.  So, we pray that no one is abused, exploited, or disadvantaged, simply because of the colour of their skin, or where they were born, or who their parents were.  May all people be treated with dignity and respect, for Christ teaches that what we do for others we do for him. Guide the leaders of nations to root out all racial discrimination and to encourage every person to be a good neighbour just as the Samaritan was a good neighbour to the Jew on the road between Jerusalem and Jericho. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

On 18 January as services were going on 177 people were abducted from from churches in a village in Nigeria's northern Kaduna state. 11 escaping shortly after and a further 80 eventually fleeing from their captors and hiding in neighbouring villages. Now all the worshippers kidnapped by gunmen have been freed. It is not clear exactly what lead to their release. Kaduna state governor Uba Sani said in a statement that those freed will be reunited with their families in due course after being medically and psychologically certified fit. Rev John Hayab, president of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Northern Nigeria, said the community was "celebrating [the abductees'] safe return" and their "rescue", adding that people had "been in pain" worrying about their situation in the bush. 

God, we praise you!

God the Father, we bless you!

You are King of kings and Lord of lords!

You are mighty creator;

all creation shows your glory.

Heaven and earth praise your name

singing, 'Holy, holy, holy,

Lord God of hosts!'

God we praise you!

Jesus Christ, God the Son, we bless you!

You were born as a man into this world

and defeated sin by your death upon the cross

All glory be to you.

You have justified sinners by your grace

and opened the gates of heaven.

Heaven and earth praise your name

singing, 'Holy, holy, holy,

Lord God of hosts!'

God we praise you!

God the Holy Spirit, we bless you!