Africa
With Africa trip, Turkey’s Erdogan aims to quash influence of Islamic cleric
By David Gibson — May 31, 2016
ANKARA (Reuters) The continent is not big enough for both Tayyip Erdogan and Hizmet leader Fethullah Gulen, a cleric whose network was once an instrument of Turkey's soft power in Africa.
United Methodism’s global evangelical transformation
By Mark Tooley — May 27, 2016
(RNS) Decades ago it never occurred to me nor to many evangelicals in United Methodism that our church's membership decline and theological liberalism in America would be reversed by dramatic growth in Africa.
United Methodist conference seen as confusing even to God
By Emily McFarlan Miller — May 22, 2016
PORTLAND, Ore. (RNS) But delegates on all sides of the issues were hopeful as the conference ended.
African Methodists worry about the church that brought them Christianity
By Emily McFarlan Miller — May 20, 2016
PORTLAND, Ore. (RNS) "People from the country that brought the gospel to us are now preaching a different gospel."
Kenya Anglicans elect new archbishop
By Fredrick Nzwili — May 20, 2016
NAIROBI, Kenya (RNS) Bishop Jackson Nasoore Ole Sapit is a traditionalist who nonetheless steered clear of gay issues.
Methodists postpone debate of gay issues that could split denomination
By Emily McFarlan Miller — May 19, 2016
PORTLAND, Ore. (RNS) Delegates narrowly agreed to create a commission to "develop a complete examination and possible revision of every paragraph in our Book of Discipline regarding human sexuality."
Religion and politics clash over Sierra Leone abortion bill
By Reuters — April 15, 2016
Sierra Leone has one of the world's highest maternal mortality rates with some 10 percent resulting from unsafe abortions, according to a 2013 report.
Drought in Africa adds pressure to religious groups, relief organizations
By Fredrick Nzwili — March 18, 2016
(RNS) The drought has hit countries such as Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya, South Sudan, Malawi and Zimbabwe, prompting some churches to take action.
Suicide bombers kill 22 at mosque in Nigeria
By Reuters — March 16, 2016
MAIDUGURI, Nigeria -- The attack by two female suicide bombers occurred during morning prayers.
African countries clamp down on churches tied to ‘miracle cures’
By Fredrick Nzwili — February 16, 2016
NAIROBI, Kenya (RNS) Frustrated with tales of clergy fleecing their followers, some African governments are proposing a raft of new measures.
Illegal trade in body parts threatens Africans with albinism
By Melanie Lidman — February 11, 2016
MOSHI, Tanzania (RNS) There is a gruesome trade for body parts of people with albinism in some parts of Africa because of local superstitions that they possess magical properties and can make people rich.
Burkina Faso terrorists indirectly strike the poorest of the poor. How you already help these victims
By Tobin Grant — January 20, 2016
Seven missionaries are killed. Two more are kidnapped. Here's where they served and why they will be missed.
African Catholics embrace Jubilee Year as time for Muslim understanding
By Fredrick Nzwili — December 21, 2015
NAIROBI, Kenya (RNS) African Catholics, numbering about 200 million, hope to take advantage of the Jubilee Year declared by Pope Francis to advance forgiveness and interfaith understanding, especially with Muslims.
Pope Francis: World headed toward ‘suicide’ if no climate agreement is reached
By Reuters — November 30, 2015
ABOARD THE PAPAL PLANE — "Every year the problems are getting worse," the pope said. "We are at the limits. If I may use a strong word I would say that we are at the limits of suicide."
Pope wraps up Africa visit, says ‘God is peace, salaam’
By Tonny Onyulo — November 30, 2015
KAMPALA, Uganda — Pope Francis wrapped up his six-day trip to Africa in the war-torn Central Africa Republic on Monday by warning that religious conflicts are spawning civil war, terrorism and suffering throughout the continent.
