Religion

Analysis: Egypt’s luxury resort at Mount Sinai — a test of faith, heritage and development When the first pilgrims come down from Mount Sinai at dusk, they still carry the small, sandy relics of a place that has been consecrated in the imaginations of billions: a rocky peak where, in the stories of Judaism, Christianity and Islam, a prophet received the law. St. Catherine’s Monastery, a fortified Byzantine complex tucked at the mountain’s base, has for centuries been the human anchor in a landscape that Bedouin communities…

In the Crosshairs of Insecurity: Katsina's Call for Urgent Action In the heart of Nigeria's northern Katsina state, a somber cloud hangs over the community following a horrific attack on a mosque that left dozens of worshippers dead. The chilling violence, described by survivors as a retaliatory strike against villagers who had taken justice into their own hands by killing accomplices of armed gunmen, highlights a creeping menace that has become an all-too-common facet of daily life in the region. Calls for urgent…

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…

We still do not know the name of the future president of the Independent National Electoral Commission (Céni). Religious communities are always divided about the choice. Six religious groups are united behind the candidacy of Denis Kadima for which they have submitted a file to the National Assembly office. But Catholics and Protestants who oppose this candidacy hope to be received by President Felix…

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, Catholics (Cenco) and Protestants (ECC) are still opposed to Denis Kadima's candidacy for Ceni's presidency. The other denominations still support this candidacy. Representatives of Cenco and the ECC want to meet with President Tshisekedi to change the situation. as reported from Kinshasa,…

No white smoke this Friday, July 30, in the process of appointing the chairman of the election commission. Work resumed this morning at the invitation of the President of the Religious Confessions Platform and the President of Cenco, Monsignor Utembi. But the discussions quickly ended. The eight representatives decided to submit a joint report to the President of the National Assembly to explain the…

The Grand Magal of Touba will be held well in two months, despite the resurgence of Covid-19. A decision was announced during a meeting between religious and administrative authorities. Magal de Touba empties millions of pilgrims each year to celebrate the departure of the founder of the Mouride Brotherhood, Sheikh Ahmadou Bamba. To be announced at the end of next September Grand Magal of Touba will be celebrated despite the Covid-19 pandemic. A statement from the spokesman for the caliph of the Mouride fraternity to the…