It’s Wednesday, October 21st, A.D. 2026. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com. Written by Johnathan Clark.  Filling in for Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) I’m Ean Leppin.

Christian Group Calls on Colombia South America To Protect Religious Leaders

Members of a criminal gang killed a Protestant pastor in Colombia on October 7.

Jesús Alberto Puerta Pérez worked as a taxi driver in the coastal city of Cartagena. He was affiliated with the La Antorcha Encendida Church. Pérez regularly shared his faith with members of local criminal groups. Gang members killed him after he refused to let them use his motorcycle for smuggling drugs. 

Christian Solidarity Worldwide is calling on Colombia to protect religious leaders as violence against Christians increases in the country. You can sign the organization’s petition through a link in our transcript today at theworldview.com. 

Psalm 116:15 says, “Precious in the sight of the LORD Is the death of His saints.”

Christian Teacher in England Sues School That Fired Her

A Christian teacher in England is suing the school that fired her for her pro-life beliefs.

Anita Meston taught at Biddick Academy, a state-funded school in Sunderland. Last year, a student asked her if she was pro-abortion. She explained that she is a Christian and is pro-life. The school responded by terminating her contract. 

Meston said, “With the support of Alliance Defending Freedom, I am now taking legal action against Biddick Academy to ensure nobody else faces discrimination for expressing pro-life beliefs.” Her final tribunal hearing is scheduled for February 2028.

Episcopal Church In America Is Seeing Record Low Numbers

Here in the United States, the Episcopal Church continues its decline in membership.

The mainline denomination reports it had about 1.4 million members last year. That’s down nearly 500,000 from 1.9 million members in 2015. Sunday worship attendance also declined over the last decade. 

The Christian Post noted, “Many factors have contributed to the decline in membership and attendance, but the denomination’s increasingly progressive theological direction has alienated some.”

Trump Announces New Harvest Fuel Relief Program

President Donald Trump announced a relief program for farmers on Monday.

Listen to his comments during a midterm election campaign speech in Kansas.

TRUMP: “Tonight I am also pleased to announce that the Department of Agriculture will be launching a new harvest fuel relief program, providing our farmers with 8 billion dollars in support to offset diesel costs during this harvest season.”

It’s the latest financial incentive President Trump has announced ahead of the midterm elections. The cost of living remains high, especially fuel prices as the U.S.-Iran war continues. 

U.S. Budget Deficit for 2026 Nearly $2 Trillion

The U.S. budget deficit for 2026 was nearly $2 trillion. 

That’s up 12 percent from the previous fiscal year. The federal government has been spending more than it receives for 25 straight years.

The U.S. spent over $1.3 trillion this year just to service its record $40 trillion of total national debt.

Proverbs 22:7-8 says, “The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. He who sows iniquity will reap sorrow, and the rod of his anger will fail.”

Political Preferences of Religious Voters

Pew Research released a survey on the political preferences of religious voters.

Overall, 44 percent of registered voters said they would vote for the Democrat candidate for U.S. House of Representatives if the election were held today. Thirty-six percent said they would vote for the Republican candidate. And 20 percent would not vote for either party. 

Among religious groups, Protestants and Catholics lean Republican. Support for Republicans was the highest among White Protestants and White Catholics. Support for Democrats was highest among Black Protestants and Hispanic Catholics. The religiously unaffiliated overwhelmingly supported Democrats.   

TN Couple Visits Every County in the U.S.

And finally, a Tennessee couple completed the challenge of visiting all 3,144 counties in the U.S.

Bill and Jan Larson are among just 80 people to complete the challenge through the Extra-Miler Club, founded in 1973. The Larsons have been married for 58 years and have always enjoyed traveling together.

They visited their final county in Washington State earlier this year. Bill Larson described  the experience to WBIR Channel 10. 

Listen.

LARSON: “The whole family gathered on the ferry, so when we crossed the county line on the ferry, we all celebrated.”

The Larsons said they saw so much beauty across the United States, but do they still think they’re home state of Tennessee is the best place to be?

LARSON “Absolutely, and the Smokies are without a doubt our favorite national park.”

Close

And that’s The Worldview on this Wednesday, October 21st, in the year of our Lord 2026. Subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com.  Plus, you can get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. Filling in for Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com) I’m Ean Leppin. Seize the day for Jesus Christ.