While urban churches in Uganda have moved online during the COVID-19 pandemic, churches in rural areas with less Internet access have become more creative, using “horn” speakers to broadcast preaching, prayers and music to their communities inside their homes and allowing community leaders to give health announcements and guidance.
Read More(ANALYSIS) Nigerian diaspora academics discussed the findings of a U.K. government report on July 6, concluding that several factors like water scarcity are affecting violence in Northern Nigeria, complicating a designation of genocide. Many acts of violence carried out by Boko Haram against Christians bear Quranic punishments for so-called infidels, and the Nigerian army is struggling to contain the violence.
Read MoreIn his third attempt, Lazurus Chakwera, not unlike his biblical namesake, resurrected his political fortunes and was sworn in as president of Malawi. Apart from a senior leadership role in the Assembly of God as bishop, he was a sought-after theology professor supervising PhD candidates as far as Kenya and other African countries.
Read More(OPINION) As Italians gained in power, Columbus Day officially became a U.S. federal holiday starting in 1968. Amerigo Vespucci, however, is barely mentioned in American classrooms.
Read MoreBefore the coronavirus pandemic, Ugandan church weddings were a show of financial prowess and status. Now during a lockdown, brides and grooms are holding small-scale events dubbed “scientific” weddings.
Read MoreEaster, Ramadan, and Eid al-Fitr—amid COVID-19 lockdowns, religious celebrations have looked different this year. Thankfully, they don’t have to taste different. Most of us are still practicing our faith with social distancing, but staying home is the perfect way to venture into new recipes and maybe even taste a new religious tradition.
Read MoreGladys Kwedyo has not been able to walk since she contracted polio at 2 years old, but she’s never allowed the disability to stop her from having a fulfilling career and marriage or going into church ministry to help those in need. Though the pandemic has effectively shut down Zimbabwe, Kwedyo has a hand-controlled car, two hands and a big heart.
Read More(OPINION) Was this the equivalent of hearing Frenchman Alexis de Tocqueville’s impressions of America in the 19th century, except we are hearing from a Nigerian man about his impressions in 21st-century America? And does it offer any lessons for retaining rule of law and good governance even as we rethink policing and racial inequality in America?
Read MoreWith the swelling challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic further depriving the impoverished, Danielle Schneider, Brad Brunsch and Rachel Simmons face a year of ministry like no other.
Read MorePresident Pierre Nkurunziza, who died June 8 at 55 years old, was a study in contrasts. He was known for public demonstrations of his Christian faith, yet his political opponents were often silenced or disappeared mysteriously. However, it was his biggest — and last — contradiction that will remain etched in the minds of Burundians. As the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, Nkurunziza and his officials ignored the virus, but reports now say he may have died from it.
Read More(OPINION) Thousands of Christians in Nigeria have been affected by a litany of mass atrocities perpetrated by Boko Haram and Fulani herders. The Nigerian government should respond with comprehensive investigations and prosecutions, but it is clear that will not happen until we, as an international community, recognize the nature and severity of these crimes.
Read MoreRenewed fighting between Sudan’s army and militants killed an Anglican priest last week, despite a negotiated peace agreement and the pause of a church-mediated peace process when the Rome-based organization began grappling with coronavirus in Italy. Since 2013, Sudan’s civil war has displaced thousands of civilians. Now they must grapple with displacement during a pandemic and food insecurity.
Read More(OPINION) It appears the general consensus in Kenya is that the U.S. police are a racist lot who derive much fun from bullying people of color. However, some Kenyans are questioning why their compatriots are so irked by what is happening in far away USA while not condemning similar prejudices in their own country.
Read More(OPINION) While media reports focus on protests in Minneapolis, New York and beyond surrounding George Floyd’s killing and other racial injustices committed by law enforcement, atrocious violence against black women, children and men is surging in Nigeria. And we hardly hear a word about it.
Read More(OPINION) A Nigerian Christian recounts her experiences struggling with mental illness and letting go of the idea that if she had enough faith, God would heal her.
Read More(OPINION) As the world begins to cautiously emerge from lockdown, it has begun to look beyond its own borders. For most, the lockdown has confined us to the four walls of our homes. Yet for some terrorist organizations, COVID-19 has provided an opportunity to consolidate and expand. This is particularly visible in the case of Boko Haram and Daesh.
Read More(OPINION) The chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic has allowed governments across the world the liberty to heighten existing religious persecution. Many religious minorities are discriminated against in healthcare provision and some are even being blamed for the spread of the virus.
Read More(OPINION) Go with heavy material. Certain translations of holy books offer valuable insights into our world and this era. Thomas Paine’s skewering of biblical religion is a worthy read, along with classics like “Lord of the Flies.”
Read MoreMonday marks the centennial birth of Karol Wojtyla, who became Pope John Paul II and was canonized a saint following his death. John Paul II was one of the longest-serving pontiffs in church history, the first non-Italian elected pope in 455 years and spent much of the 1980s ending communism in Eastern Europe.
Read MoreAn army of locusts has invaded in the midst of COVID-19. Churches of Christ and relief ministries prepare for the region’s next pandemic — hunger.
Read More
