Africa

Amidst increasing security issues in several African countries plagued by violence, political turmoil, religious intolerance and lack of democratic governance, churches are called to engage in peace-building, said African church leaders in a presentation on “Burning issues of insecurity in Africa” at a World Council of Churches (WCC) consultation in Kigali, Rwanda.

A World Council of Churches (WCC) consultation in Kigali discussed peace and security issues in Africa, with more than ninety church and ecumenical leaders. Together, they also reflected on Rwandan experiences of ethnic violence, genocide and church initiatives of reconciliation in the past.

For churches in Africa, the Old Testament has historically occupied a prominent place in theological thinking. “Our theology is constructed with the image of God in the Old Testament,” reflects Charles Klagba, theological consultant for the Ecumenical HIV and AIDS Initiative in Africa (EHAIA).

On International Women's Day many events are held in centres across the world to celebrate the achievements of women through the ages.

This is a day to inspire women, especially those who are still advocating for development, equality and justice for women and girls, particularly here on our beloved African continent.

Written by Fredrick Nzwili

A global rollout of pneumococcal vaccine aimed at treating pneumonia in infants has come as a welcome development for faith groups who are significant deliverers of health services in Africa. 


Kenya's President Mwai Kibaki joined parents, health workers, ambassadors and donors in Nairobi to witness the launch of the vaccine on 14 February, which was being unveiled the first time in Africa. 


Written by Sthembiso Msomi

Former deputy president FW de Klerk last week lambasted Western countries for apparently turning their backs on Africa.

According to The Times of London, De Klerk - who was in the British capital to speak at a Holocaust Day event convened by the Anne Mark Trust - is concerned about the US and the European Union's "lack of coherent policy" on our continent.

"The countries worst hit by the economic crunch," De Klerk said, "are more inward looking than I have seen".

Written by Fredrick Nzwili

Food rights experts are cautioning Africa to be wary of what may amount to land grabbing by foreign companies who want to produce bio-fuel crops and food for their home markets. 



The warning was sounded in Nairobi, where members of church groups gathered from 22-26 November, to discuss challenges of food security and justice in southern and central Africa. 



Leading experts in theological education in Africa came together 15-18 November for a continent-wide meeting at the headquarters of the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC) in Nairobi, Kenya.

Pontifical groups on culture and evangelization released a communique on Tuesday announcing an upcoming forum next year in Africa which will highlight development strategies in the country, “focusing on the human person made in the likeness and image of God.”

 “We pray for Africa, especially for Somalia, Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo where violence and suffering are a tragic reality,” was the prayer from Nairobi at an International Day of Prayer for Peace event sponsored by the All-Africa Conference of Churches.

In Jos, Nigeria, prayers for peace included Muslims and Christians praying together in the wake of community and church burnings, looting and killings.