Posts tagged Africa
God In The Algorithm: Coders Are Building AI For The Church

After the first wave of Bible chatbots, independent developers are now building AI tools to solve problems that arise during live worship, and that can operate despite Nigeria’s spotty internet. However, some groups question just how involved an AI tool should be during Sunday services. Critics have said AI will only help spread misinformation in Nigeria and across Africa.

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What A Muslim Folk Trickster Can Teach A ‘Might Makes Right’ World

(ANALYSIS) Stephen Miller’s “might makes right” worldview reflects a broader shift toward prioritizing power over understanding in global affairs. Through the tales of Nasreddin Hoja, the piece argues that curiosity, humility, and engagement with other cultures are essential — and that relying solely on strength risks blinding societies to complexity, difference and their own limitations.

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Nigeria Convicts Nearly 400 Terrorists As Christian persecution continues

A Nigerian federal court convicted nearly 400 individuals on terrorism charges this month in what persecution watchdog International Christian Concern said is one of the largest criminal crackdowns in the nation’s history, but none appeared to face murder charges.

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This Muslim Nation Is One Of The Most Religiously Inclusive In The World

Every year, between late May and early June, something happens on the 43-mile road to the Catholic sanctuary of Popenguine, outside Dakar, that is unremarkable in Senegal and extraordinary almost anywhere else in Africa or the world: Muslim youth walk the route alongside their Christian peers.

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Pope Leo’s Africa Trip: How Each Stop Reflects A Message Of Peace

(ANALYSIS) Pope Leo XIV will begin his journey to four African countries — Algeria, Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea — on April 13. Africa represents the fastest-growing part of the Catholic Church worldwide, seeing an increase from 281 million members in 2023 to over 288 million in 2024.

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Lamine Yamal, Islam And Spanish Soccer’s Growing Religious Fault Lines

(ANALYSIS) What should have been a routine game for Spain’s national soccer team at home against Egypt on March 31 instead became a revealing and deeply uncomfortable moment — one that placed superstar striker Lamine Yamal at the center of a broader conversation about identity, faith and belonging.

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‘We Have Endured’: Islam’s Third Branch Has Deep Roots On This African Island

Wedged between a pizzeria and a clothing shop in Houmt Souk, the capital of Tunisia’s island of Djerba, lies an ancient treasure. The El Barounia Library is one of the oldest centers preserving Ibadi heritage in North Africa. Ibadism presents itself as a third path — between the two major branches — within Islam.

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Dozens Killed In Nigeria As Violence Mars Easter Celebrations

At least 54 Christians were killed early Easter in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, many during worship, with dozens more abducted from Evangelical Church Winning All Souls and other sites, International Christian Concern reported.

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53 Killed In Palm Sunday Attacks In Nigeria’s Christian Areas

At least 53 Nigerians were killed in three Palm Sunday attacks in predominantly Christian communities in North Central Nigeria. Not all of the victims were Christians in the deadliest attack when at least 30 people were killed and several others hospitalized, Open Doors UK reported. But all attacks occurred in areas known to be predominantly or significantly Christian, with a Voice of the Martyrs field worker describing the Jos community as “100 percent Christian.”

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Miracles Through Sound: How Audio Bibles Are Transforming Faith In Kenya

Losing one’s sight can be difficult, but Christians who are blind in Kenya are finding new hope through solar-powered audio Bibles. Koki Ann, who works with the Montana-based “Your Network of Praise” in Nairobi, said: “Getting to reach people who are visually impaired was such a great breakthrough and pure providence.”

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Conservative Anglicans Reshape Church Leadership At Historic Gathering

It’s a rupture that may not be reversible. Conservative Anglicans from around the world voted to part ways with the church’s leadership in England. When Sarah Mullally — the first woman chosen as the Archbishop of Canterbury — is formally installed later this month, she will be inheriting a church already reorganizing itself without her.

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DNA Tests Uncover Hidden Trauma As Africa Grapples With Widespread Abuse

Until recently, DNA technology was not widely available in most African countries. However, in the past few years, it has not only become widely available but also increasingly affordable for many. At the same time, various social media platforms are abuzz with cases of ‘paternity fraud’, creating increased demand for these tests.

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Need A Lawyer? How This Nun Might Help You Out.

In Kenya, you may often encounter religious sisters in classrooms, hospitals or churches. But Sister Immaculate Muthoni occupies a different space. She is a Catholic nun and a practicing lawyer of the High Court of Kenya, working within the country’s formal legal system while drawing firm limits around the kinds of cases she will handle.

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Latter-Day Saints Open First-Ever Temple In Zimbabwe

In a nation defined by profound Christian commitment, theologians said that the construction and dedication of an LDS temple shows the growth of the faith in a country where many people still struggle to equate Mormons with other Christian denominations. The temple, which opens on March 1, will now serve as a home to the thousands of Mormons who live in Zimbabwe.

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Are ‘Christian Nations’ Less Corrupt? Not In This Case.

Since Frederick Chiluba declared Zambia a Christian nation in 1991, religious rhetoric has shaped governance and elections in the African nation. Despite widespread faith, political corruption, poverty and inequality persists — leading some critics to argue the declaration remains largely symbolic rather than transformative in practice today.

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‘A lot Of Time Praying’: Meet The Man Building Affordable Homes In Nigeria

The housing crisis in Nigeria is fueled by a shortage of affordable houses and a surplus of substandard houses. The Nigerian housing report has estimated that a housing deficit of 20 million units. The Millard Fuller Foundation allows beneficiaries to pay half of the cost of construction in an effort to create more housing that’s cheaper for residents.

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The Original Eco-Warriors: Desert Monks Who Lived With The Land

(ANALYSIS) The ecological and environmental crisis is undeniable. Discussions around political action, however, quickly fragment into a rivalry of socio-economic interests that result in seemingly inescapable deadlocks. Religious traditions still play rather marginal roles in ecological thought, which often reflects narratives that seek liberation from religion.

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Pope Leo Is Coming To This Muslim Country: Here’s What It Means For Africa

Karim Kaarar guides visitors through the church of Saint Augustine and the archaeological ruins of ancient Hippo Regius nearly every day, tracing the footsteps of Augustine, one of Christianity's most influential thinkers. But the Algerian Christian knows that in 2026, this small community will host its most significant visitor yet: Pope Leo XIV.

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A Disabled Anglican Priest Has A Message For Churches: ‘Be A Bridge To Others’

The Rev. Erickson Mugo knows what it means to be a Christian living with a disability. “We have been called upon by the Lord to always proclaim peace and blessings in our homes and society,” he said. “When we encourage one another … we invest ourselves in doing good. May the Lord enable us to invest ourselves in our homes, villages and societies.”

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Pulpit Predators: Vicky Abraham Explores South Africa’s Church Abuse Crisis

South Africa faces a sexual abuse crisis, with assaults occurring in homes, streets, and increasingly, churches. Pastors have exploited trust, targeting victims of all ages and backgrounds. Investigative journalist Vicky Abraham details the challenges survivors face, the cycle of abuse and the urgent need for accountability.

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