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CP Daily distills the most essential Christian news of the day, recapping compelling headlines and important stories. The show, which runs weekday mornings, offers news and analysis from across denominational lines, exploring the award-winning faith, cultural and political content published each day by The Christian Post. Tune in to "CP Daily" on your favorite podcast platforms.
A Washington pastor, Cristian Popescu, has been indicted on 10 counts of wire fraud and five counts of money laundering after allegedly bilking over $13 million from parishioners and others through a fake internet company called Followone, Inc. The 46-year-old pastor, who leads the Passion for Christ Church in Kirkland, Washington, allegedly used his position of trust to convince investors—many of them church members—that their money would be safely invested in a growing social media platform with plans for a Nasdaq listing. Prosecutors say Popescu diverted more than $4.5 million to personal accounts, paid himself over $1 million, and funneled nearly $900,000 into his personal stock trading account. When investors demanded their funds back, he allegedly dismissed them as "demon-possessed," claiming their questions would disrupt an ongoing audit or Nasdaq process. Acting U.S. Attorney Neil Floyd condemned the scheme, stating Popescu "betrayed them financially and faithfully." Popescu, who has pleaded not guilty, faces up to 30 years in prison and $500,000 in fines if convicted. His trial is set for December 21.
https://www.christianpost.com/news/pastor-allegedly-bilked-13-million-from-parishioners.html
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Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer, the Vatican announced, confirming a surgery to remove a malignant tumor in his right lung. The pontiff, who is 71 and the first U.S.-born pope, underwent video-assisted thoracic surgery, a minimally invasive procedure, and the operation was successful with no complications. According to a statement from the Holy See Press Office, the intraoperative histological exam confirmed the diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer in the U.S. The Pope, who revealed his condition during a live broadcast from St. Peter’s Square, said the nodule was detected early and that he chose to act swiftly. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio responded, stating he and his wife were “united in prayer” for the Holy Father, while U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Archbishop of Canterbury Sarah Mullally also extended their well-wishes. The surgery marks a significant moment in the Catholic Church’s leadership, as Pope Leo XIV assumed office nearly 18 months ago following the death of Pope Francis.
https://www.christianpost.com/news/pope-leo-xiv-has-lung-cancer-vatican-provides-surgery-update.html
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The mother of 19-year-old Colleen Slemmer, who was murdered by Christa Pike in 1995, has spoken out after Pike’s botched execution in Tennessee. May Martinez, who traveled to Riverbend Maximum Security Institution to witness the execution, said she broke down in tears as Pike, now 50, survived two rounds of lethal injections and was seen laughing and speaking afterward. “She was laying on the table, talking, still laughing, picking up her head,” Martinez recalled. She expressed outrage, telling WTLV-TV, “I think the state owes me a big apology.” Martinez and her husband were forced to wait for hours and were not allowed to leave without an escort. She questioned the state’s integrity, saying, “I said, ‘I don’t agree with what you guys are doing. Now I have to worry about her being out.’” Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has since halted all remaining executions and ordered an investigation. The failed execution has reignited the national debate over the death penalty, with critics like Laura Porter of the U.S. Campaign to End the Death Penalty declaring, “The state of Tennessee has shown the world it cannot be trusted to implement capital punishment in a way that preserves human dignity.”
https://www.christianpost.com/news/mother-of-christa-pikes-murder-victim-speaks-out.html
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Former CNN anchor Don Lemon is publicly considering a run for the White House, just months after being indicted on federal charges stemming from his coverage of a protest at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. Lemon, who was arrested in January for allegedly inciting unrest during a service, told a podcast host he’s "leaning" toward a presidential bid, stating, “I think I could be a better president than Donald Trump.” He emphasized that he’s not ruling it out, noting that people often ask if he’d consider running, and he responds, “Oh, well, definitely.” Lemon, who pleaded not guilty, said he’s 65 to 70 percent confident about a potential campaign, adding he’d only do it if the public demands it. He remains committed to journalism, hosting “The Don Lemon Show,” while his legal team argues the charges are a “vindictive” prosecution. Despite facing homophobia and racism, he believes America is ready for a gay Black president. The storming of the church, where Lemon confronted Pastor Jonathan Parnell, remains a flashpoint in a high-stakes political and legal drama.
https://www.christianpost.com/news/don-lemon-eyes-potential-white-house-run-months-after-indictment.html
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A South Carolina circuit court is expected to rule in favor of approximately 70 churches seeking to leave the United Methodist Church, dismissing a lawsuit filed by the UMC’s South Carolina Conference. The decision, anticipated from Circuit Court Judge Brian M. Gibbons, stems from a broader schism within the denomination, driven largely by theological disagreements over LGBTQ+ inclusion. The churches argue they are legally entitled to take their property under Paragraph 2553 of the UMC Book of Discipline, which expired in 2023, and later under Paragraph 2549, though the UMC’s Judicial Council ruled in October 2024 that this clause cannot be used for doctrinal disaffiliation. The UMC South Carolina Conference, while acknowledging the ruling, says it plans to appeal, potentially reaching the South Carolina Supreme Court. Bishop Leonard Fairley, speaking on behalf of the conference, said, “We will continue to seek justice faithfully, pursue the appropriate legal avenues available to us, and trust God with what lies ahead.” The legal battle reflects a national trend, as more than 7,500 conservative churches have left the UMC over the past several years.
https://www.christianpost.com/news/court-to-side-with-70-south-carolina-churches-seeking-to-leave-the-umc.html
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A high-profile campus event at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, has been canceled after Christian apologist Frank Turek accused the Baptist-affiliated institution of actively trying to shut it down. The planned October 5 event, featuring Turek and Corey Miller, was to address the question, “Is Christianity true? Is it good?” but was postponed due to a last-minute spike in security fees—from $2,600 to $8,500—despite university policy capping such costs at $3,500. Turek called the move “extortion” and claimed Baylor “did everything they could to shut down” the event, citing multiple administrative roadblocks, including the event’s classification as an “expressive activity” that limited promotion and attendance. He also criticized the university’s recent acceptance and subsequent return of a $643,000 grant to study LGBT inclusion, contrasting it with its treatment of conservative speakers. “Yes, the Baylor University that advertises itself as a Christian school — a Baptist school,” Turek said, underscoring the tension between the school’s stated values and its actions. The controversy adds to a growing debate over campus speech and religious expression at a historically Baptist university.
https://www.christianpost.com/news/frank-turek-says-baylor-u-did-everything-they-could-to-shut-down.html
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"The Chosen" stars Paras Patel and George Xanthis have opened up about the final season of the hit series, confirming that Season 6 will conclude the groundbreaking biblical drama. Patel, who portrays the disciple Matthew, said, "We’ve poured our hearts into this journey, and now, after five seasons, it feels like we’re coming home." George Xanthis, known for his role as the disciple Simon Peter, added, "This story has touched millions, and to bring it to a close with truth and grace is a profound honor." The show, celebrated for its emotional depth and authentic portrayal of Jesus’ life, has become a cultural phenomenon, drawing over 10 million viewers weekly. With Season 6 now in production, fans are eager for the final chapter, as Xanthis noted, "We’re not just ending a show—we’re finishing a movement."
https://www.christianpost.com/video/the-chosen-stars-paras-patel-george-xanthis-talk-season-6.html