Zikode Phiri calls himself a “freelance prophet.” He has just completed a tour of France and Britain for “private prayer” clients — laying on hands, casting out demons, and interpreting dreams for those who have paid for his visa and…
A war beyond borders: The rippling effect of the Ukraine war on Africa
When Russian President Vladimir Putin made good on his threat to invade and unleash war on Ukraine Feb. 24, 2022 — one year ago today — not many people in Africa, thousands of kilometers away, imagined they would pay a…
Pope Francis arrives in Africa on a two-nation tour seeking peace amid decades of conflict
Pope Francis arrived in Democratic Republic of Congo today, marking the first papal visit to the African nation since John Paul visited there in 1985 when the country was known as Zaire. This is the beginning of a six-day, two-nation…
Martin Luther King preached freedom in Africa too
At the height of his fame in the 1950s and ’60s, Martin Luther King Jr. waged a two-front struggle, battling segregation and racial injustice and inequality in America and drawing attention to the challenges in Africa caused by colonialism. His…
World Food Program warns of ‘unprecedented global food crisis’
“We are facing an unprecedented global food crisis, and all signs suggest we have not yet seen the worst. For the last three years hunger numbers have repeatedly hit new peaks. Let me be clear: Things can and will get…
Religious leaders from Africa join call for Fossil Fuel Non-proliferation Treaty
A coalition of religious leaders in Africa and beyond has proposed a Fossil Fuel Non-proliferation Treaty as an urgent response to the devastation of climate change on the continent and the world. The grassroots multi-faith organization known as GreenFaith held…
Now back in the U.S., an American nun who was kidnapped in Burkina Faso sends her gratitude as violence abounds in the region
Days after regaining her freedom from marauders who invaded her home and kidnapped her in Burkina Faso, Suellen Tennyson, an American Catholic nun, has recounted her experience in the hands of her captors. In an interview with the Clarion Herald, newspaper of the Archdiocese…
In stunning development, United Methodist African bishops repudiate separatist group
Separatist forces suffered a major blow to their political strategy Sept. 8 when a majority of African bishops repudiated a special interest group and its traditionalist sponsor for “working to destroy our United Methodist Church.” The “Statement from Africa Colleges…
A view from the drought: How climate change and hunger and the war in Ukraine are conspiring against life in Africa
In many parts of the world today, two major issues of concern are the rising cost of goods and services, and the scarcity of food. The inflationary aspect is in part connected to the war in Ukraine and the crisis…