Gospel artist Walter Hawkins, Grammy-winning songwriter of such hits as "Goin' Up Yonder," "Changed" and "Be Grateful," died July 11 after a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer. Also founder of the Love Center Church in Oakland, Calif., Hawkins was 61.

Gary Bergel retired as president emeritus of Intercessors for America after 36 years, effective July 1. The ministry has been led by David Kubal for the last year.

The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel named the Rev. Tammy Dunahoo as its general supervisor in what is viewed as the denomination's most significant female appointment since 1950. A longtime pastor and church planter with her husband, Dunahoo had served in the church's No. 2 position since September 2009, and her appointment was effective immediately. The Foursquare Church was founded in the 1920s by Aimee Semple McPherson and led by the well-known evangelist until her death in 1944.

Mosab Hassan Yousef, the son of a founder of Hamas who converted to Christianity and spied for Israel, was granted political asylum in the U.S., pending fingerprinting and a background check. The Department of Homeland Security previously denied his request for asylum, saying he posed a terrorist threat.

Oral Roberts University (ORU) sold its 9-acre presidential estate for $1.55 million in late June. The property, which includes six houses, was the home of former ORU President Richard Roberts until he resigned in 2007 amid allegations of financial impropriety. The estate had been vacant since the Robertses' departure.

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