Africa

In giving a word of encouragement before handing over to me to preach last Sunday, the pastor made a correlation between four women in the congregation and two other sets of people in the Bible. The day before, I had preached on Mark 15, so that chapter was on the pastor’s mind. In particular, his attention was fixed on verse 40 which tells of three women “looking on” at the death of Jesus. These were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome.

The Ecumenical HIV and AIDS Initiative in Africa (EHAIA) has recently documented the impact it has achieved since 2002. While commemorating its 10th anniversary this year, EHAIA reflects on how churches have become “HIV-competent”, meaning they are well informed about HIV, are welcoming HIV positive people and are fighting against HIV and AIDS in Africa and beyond.

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.