Africa
In Israel, a rabbinical plan to hide Africans facing deportation
By Lauren Markoe — January 18, 2018
JERUSALEM (RNS) — 'If someone had told me 10 years ago this would happen, I’d have said a Jewish state would never send desperate refugees away to their deaths,' said Rabbi Susan Silverman, sister of comedian Sarah Silverman.
A Catholic priest is mediating Mugabe’s departure
By Lauren Markoe — November 16, 2017
NAIROBI, Kenya (RNS) — The Rev. Fidelis Mukonori agreed on Wednesday (Nov. 15) to mediate between Mugabe and the military shortly after the country's generals arrested the 93-year-old authoritarian leader.
Living with HIV and AIDS, and unwelcome in Zimbabwe’s churches
By Jeffrey Moyo — November 15, 2017
HARARE, Zimbabwe (RNS) — 'The church knew we were in a gay relationship, but preachers used to indirectly attack us each time they stood to preach,' said Liberty Siziba, whose partner died of AIDS.
Martin Luther’s ‘dream’ church? It wasn’t in Europe
By guest — October 28, 2017
(RNS) — The revelation that Ethiopian Christianity possibly had links to the Protestant Reformation is a game-changer for what is generally thought to be an exclusively European phenomenon. (COMMENTARY)
Commuting to Nairobi, the train becomes a church
By Lauren Markoe — October 2, 2017
NAIROBI, Kenya (RNS) — Self-styled preachers unofficially turn two coaches into church each day, ministering to a mobile congregation that might not otherwise attend a service.
Nigerian clergy demand compensation for churches destroyed by Boko Haram
By Lauren Markoe — August 30, 2017
NAIROBI, Kenya (RNS) — 'Churches that have been destroyed should be rebuilt by the state governments,' said the Rev. Felix Omobude, the national president of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria.
Christian groups respond to growing Sudanese refugee crisis
By Lauren Markoe — August 24, 2017
NAIROBI, Kenya (RNS) — Christian agencies and churches are stepping up and coordinating their efforts to respond to the South Sudanese refugee crisis, as the number of people fleeing across the border into northern Uganda reaches 1 million.
Central African Republic foes sign church-mediated peace accord
By Reuters — June 20, 2017
ROME (Reuters) The deal, which was mediated by the Roman Catholic Sant' Egidio peace group, calls for an immediate end to hostilities and recognition of the results of last year's presidential elections.
Catholics surge in Africa but priest shortages persist in other parts of the globe
By Josephine McKenna — April 6, 2017
VATICAN CITY (RNS) While noting the statistics presented a 'mixed picture,' the Vatican reiterated 'the positive trend' of Catholic growth, especially in the African continent.
On World Water Day, African church leaders highlight shortages
By Fredrick Nzwili — March 22, 2017
NAIROBI, Kenya (RNS) On a continent where people spend long hours trekking and queuing for water that is not always clean, church groups are drilling wells to improve the livelihoods of women and children.
Pope asks forgiveness for church role in Rwanda genocide
By Reuters — March 20, 2017
VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Some massacres took place in churches where people who had sought refuge were killed by militias
Faith puts Ghana at heart of global Christianity
By Matthew Mpoke Bigg — March 1, 2017
ACCRA (Reuters) Some 41 percent of the world's 560 million Protestants live in Africa and it could rise to 53 percent by 2050 — and this West African nation is leading the way.
Obama appointee Deborah Birx: President Trump can control AIDS pandemic
By Timothy C. Morgan — January 24, 2017
(RNS) A Q&A with Ambassador Deborah L. Birx of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief on HIV prevention and how churches can help
In Uganda, a new synagogue for a remote group of Jews
By Lauren Markoe — September 15, 2016
(RNS) With the help of some American friends, a Ugandan Jewish community thrives.
As Gulen movement contracts in Africa, worry over who will fill the vacuum
By Lauren Markoe — August 30, 2016
(RNS) At Turkey's request, some African governments are closing Gulen-affiliated schools.
