Africa
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.
Ugandans line the streets ahead of Pope Francis’ arrival
By Tonny Onyulo — November 27, 2015
KAMPALA, Uganda (RNS) Some waited more than 12 hours along the route outside Entebbe International Airport.
Pope Francis on interfaith dialogue: ‘It is not something extra or optional’
By Fredrick Nzwili — November 26, 2015
NAIROBI, Kenya (RNS) Bridging divisions between Muslims and Christians is not a luxury, the pope said, alluding perhaps to the conflict with al-Shabab militants who have inflicted multiple terrorist strikes on this mostly Christian nation.
In Kenya, Pope Francis talks about youth, the environment and political corruption
By Fredrick Nzwili — November 25, 2015
NAIROBI, Kenya (RNS) Young people are any nation’s most valuable resource and to protect them, invest in them and offer them a helping hand, were the best ways their future could be assured, Francis said.
Pope Francis’ Africa trip will focus on youth, but security concerns abound
By Rosie Scammell — November 24, 2015
VATICAN CITY (RNS) Engaging Africa's youth is the focus of the trip. But concerns over the pope’s safety have emerged, especially in the Central African Republic, where there has been ongoing violence since a 2013 coup.
LGBT Africans call on Pope Francis to preach tolerance during his visit
By Reuters — November 23, 2015
"If the Pope was here and talking about love, compassion and equality for everyone, Ugandans will listen," said one activist.
Bike lanes * Saint Barbie * So long: October’s Religious Freedom Recap
By Brian Pellot — November 2, 2015
Churches attack bike lanes for "burdening" their religious freedom as Saint Barbie leads a plastic revolution in Argentina. Savor every word of this last ever recap as I say “so long” to On Freedom.
Safe house in South Africa offers gays refuge, hope and ministry
By Brian Pellot — October 15, 2015
CAPE TOWN, South Africa (RNS) Inclusive and Affirming Ministries’ LGBTI safe house provides refuge for at-risk sexual minorities and a safe space to integrate “God’s gift of faith with God’s gift of sexuality.”
Proposal to loosen Anglican Communion ties draws mixed responses
By Trevor Grundy — September 17, 2015
CANTERBURY, England (RNS) Archbishop Justin Welby’s proposal drew some positive responses in Britain and wait-and-see approach in Africa.
Kenyan clergy joins battle against deadly homemade brews
By Fredrick Nzwili — August 12, 2015
NAIROBI, Kenya (RNS) The homemade alcoholic drinks, popularly dubbed chang'aa ("kill me quick") or Kumi Kumi (ten-ten shillings), are popular with the poor, who cannot afford commercially brewed bottled beer, which is heavily taxed.
Let Cecil the lion’s death shine light on Zimbabwe’s human rights abuses
By Brian Pellot — July 29, 2015
The Internet melted when news broke that a Minnesota dentist had killed Zimbabwe’s most beloved big cat. Allow me to steal Cecil’s spotlight for a moment with five facts about the country’s egregious human rights record.
African clergy to protest Obama’s gay-rights ‘agenda’ on trip
By Fredrick Nzwili — July 21, 2015
NAIROBI, Kenya (RNS) Protesters have called for tactics ranging from throwing rotten eggs at the president to encouraging prostitutes to march naked in the streets during his visit.
Milwaukee museum to display portrait of Pope Benedict made of condoms
By Reuters — June 30, 2015
MILWAUKEE (Reuters) The Milwaukee Art Museum says it hopes a portrait of Pope Benedict XVI made of condoms will ignite a conversation about the AIDS epidemic in Africa and the role art plays in public discussions.
Another African country bans Islamic veil for women over terror attacks
By Fredrick Nzwili — June 18, 2015
(RNS) Chad, a majority-Muslim nation in Central Africa, become the second country on the continent to ban women from wearing the full-face veil.
