Africa
Russian patriarch reminds Africans of advantages in following Kremlin’s lead
By Tom Heneghan — August 2, 2023
(RNS) — Kirill's appearance underlined the importance of the soft-power influence that the Russian Orthodox Church exerts for Moscow in Africa.
After troubled decade, Kenya Methodists elect new presiding bishop
By Fredrick Nzwili — July 21, 2023
NAIROBI, Kenya (RNS) — Methodists in Kenya hope the new leader can breathe new life into the church following the bitter wrangles under former Presiding Bishop Joseph Ntombura's leadership.
Catholic bishops in South Sudan call for reexamination of ‘flawed’ peace pact
By Fredrick Nzwili — July 5, 2023
NAIROBI, Kenya (RNS) — The bishops claim the pact that ended the country’s 2013-2018 civil war has allowed political leaders to extend their power at the expense of ordinary people.
Agnes Abuom, global ecumenist, peacemaker and African church leader, dies at 73
By Fredrick Nzwili — June 2, 2023
(RNS) — A longtime official with the World Council of Churches, Abuom played a significant role in the search for peace in Sudan and South Sudan after the latter gained independence from Sudan in 2011.
Sudan’s increased fighting empties Christian clerics from the capital Khartoum
By Fredrick Nzwili — May 15, 2023
NAIROBI, Kenya (RNS) — The brewing civil war in the country has convinced Christians and their leaders to leave the capital en masse, with many fleeing across the border to South Sudan.
Whether or not a man convicted of abusing African ‘orphans’ is exonerated, the missionary system that brought him to Kenya was always deeply flawed
By Andreana Prichard — May 1, 2023
(The Conversation) — Rather than protecting some of the world’s most vulnerable children, many of Africa’s orphanages are exploiting them.
Trashing Pope Francis won’t make Congo’s complex problems simpler
By Thomas Reese — February 13, 2023
(RNS) — The pontiff also blamed the country's leaders for its problems.
The Catholic Church’s upcoming discussion of homosexuality
By Mark Silk — January 30, 2023
(RNS) — The relaxation of doctrine for pastoral purposes is itself a Christian doctrine. Is Pope Francis headed that way?
Pope Francis moves ahead with delayed Africa visit despite violence in Congo
By Junno Arocho Esteves — January 25, 2023
(RNS) — A Vatican spokesman said ‘there was no specific threat’ to the 86-year-old pontiff.
Kenyan faith leaders fight to preserve ‘Sunday best’ at church
By Fredrick Nzwili — January 18, 2023
(RNS) — While some of the new debate over dress codes in church has to do with morality, one Catholic priest explained a more practical concern: ‘One needs to be properly dressed so that they are not a distraction to other worshippers who want to focus on their creator.’
A pilgrimage in the footsteps of Lott Carey’s pioneering mission to Africa
By Angelita Clifton — December 9, 2022
(RNS) — A journey 'home' to a place my ancestors never saw again.
Feared ritual dancers in Zimbabwe try to revamp public image
By Farai Mutsaka — November 18, 2022
(AP) — Performers of the Gule Wamkulu, or “the great barefoot dance,” are seeking to counter such negative impressions and rehabilitate the group’s reputation in society.
Orphanages are a ticket to education for many. Here’s why we need to change this.
By Laura Horvath — September 16, 2022
(RNS) — The education we offer is often the reason children end up in orphanages.
Vatican releases pope’s Canada itinerary, a sign trip is on
By Nicole Winfield and Rob Gillies — June 23, 2022
ROME (AP) — The publication of the itinerary was delayed for nearly two weeks, leading to speculation Francis might be forced to cancel traveling to Canada as he did his before a planned July 2-7 pilgrimage to Africa.
Lost in Ukraine and SCOTUS: Five urgent Christian persecution situations
By David Curry — May 6, 2022
(RNS) — The American media’s single-story focus has crowded out alarming developments on the religious freedom front.
