Religion

The Catholic Church stands on the precipice of a historic transition, preparing for the funeral of Pope Francis on April 26, followed closely by a pivotal conclave. This assembly, consisting of over 100 Cardinals from around the globe, will undertake the sacred responsibility of electing the new Pope. It’s a moment steeped in tradition yet ripe with modern complexities. In recent years, the composition of these conclaves has evolved significantly. Analysts have noted a remarkable shift, highlighting a more diverse…

The office of former President George M. Weah has issued a pointed rebuttal to allegations regarding the non-return of a vehicle used during his presidency. This controversy has sparked discussions surrounding the procurement of a high-end, bulletproof vehicle for the current President, Joseph Boakai. The implications of such claims extend beyond mere accusations; they touch upon perceptions of leadership, responsibility, and the expectations of public service. Weah’s aides didn’t hold back in their criticism. They labeled…

The tapestry of violence in Northern Nigeria has been woven over years, marked by threads of despair and turmoil. The infamous Boko Haram, a militant group that seeks to impose its strict interpretation of Islamic law, has terrorized communities with their relentless campaign. Alongside them, a persistent strife rages between predominantly Muslim Fulani herdsmen and largely Christian farming communities. This volatile clash, driven by factors ranging from land disputes to ethnic tensions, has contributed to the tragic loss…

In a dramatic twist of events, self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri and his wife, Mary Bushiri, welcome an unexpected chapter in their ongoing saga. As the leaders of the Enlightened Christian Gathering Church, they cultivated a prominent following in South Africa. However, the clouds of legal troubles have loomed ominously over their heads. Back in 2020, the couple made an audacious escape from South Africa, leaving behind a trail of serious allegations. Accusations of defrauding investors to the tune of R102 million…

The Nigerian political landscape is at a pivotal juncture as President Bola Tinubu reaches out to the country's youth, emphasizing their crucial role in shaping the future. During the recent inauguration of the National Youth Congress Planning Committee in Abuja, he extended an open invitation for genuine interaction and feedback, underscoring his belief that young voices should be heard and incorporated into the nation's governance. “Your ideas matter,” Tinubu asserted, a sentiment that clearly resonated with the vibrant…

Muhsin Hendricks, renowned as the world’s first openly gay imam, was tragically killed in what appears to be an assassination in Gqeberha, South Africa. The circumstances surrounding his death are nothing short of shocking; his vehicle was ambushed, highlighting a dark chapter in the ongoing struggle for acceptance and safety faced by LGBTQI+ individuals. Hendricks was not merely an imam; he was a revolutionary figure passionately advocating for the rights of LGBTQI+ people within the Muslim community. His mission was…

Archbishop Thabo Makgoba, the Anglican Primate of Southern Africa, has issued a cautionary note suggesting that we may see an uptick in reports of misconduct involving church officials, especially following the resignation of Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby. Welby's departure came on the heels of an investigation that unveiled his failure to report allegations of abuse perpetrated by John Smyth—a barrister, educator, and director of Christian camps—during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Smyth was a prominent figure…

Bishop Samuel J. Quire, the prominent leader of the United Methodist Church (UMC) in Liberia, has recently expressed deep concerns regarding reports of several congregations pondering a split from the denomination. Their contemplation of such a move stems from the heated discussions surrounding the acceptance of same-sex marriage within the church. Quire firmly emphasized that no congregation under the Methodist banner is entitled to sever ties, highlighting that those contemplating such a decision are straying from the…

Recently, stakeholders in Uganda convened to examine a thought-provoking report that sheds light on the rising menace of extremism in the nation. This Rapid Threat Assessment, conducted in partnership with various international organizations, pinpoints emerging trends and identifies communities that are particularly vulnerable. It serves as a stark reminder that “economic progress cannot thrive in an environment of instability.” In the midst of these discussions, Susan Namondo, the UN Resident Coordinator, emphasized that…

The Rwandan government has taken significant action by shutting down thousands of churches, including a remarkable 100 situated in caves. This decision stems from a variety of pressing concerns linked to safety, public health, and regulatory compliance. Many of these places of worship have been critiqued for inadequate sound insulation and the dubious, transactional nature of certain religious practices. As Usta Kaitesi, the Chief Executive of the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB), articulates, a considerable number of these…