Attacks on Nigerian Christians persist despite pandemic lockdowns

From Nigeria-

Minutes before 9 p.m. Tuesday, Anglican Rev. Canon Bayo James Famonure was praying with his wife and two sons in the family’s sitting room when at least three armed herdsmen stormed into their home in Nigeria’s central Plateau state. 

The latest in a string of attacks on Christian leaders in central Nigeria began with the gunmen demanding money. Famonure said he had no cash, and the intruders shot him in the head and leg. Then they shot his wife, Naomi, in the back, and their two sons in their legs. 

As the assailants fled, neighbors carried the family to a hospital in Jos, the capital of Plateau state. Famonure’s wife underwent surgery on Wednesday, reported Mark Lipdo of the Stefanos Foundation in Jos. Doctors removed a bullet from her back that narrowly missed her spine. Doctors treated the rest of the family and all are in a stable condition, Lipdo said.

More here-

https://world.wng.org/2020/05/attacks_on_nigerian_christians_persist_despite_pandemic_lockdowns

Kaziimba to Government - Clergy Are Essential Workers

From Uganda-

Church of Uganda Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba has asked government to recognise the clergy as essential workers and allow them to perform their spiritual duties during the lockdown.

In his pastoral letter to bishops and clergy, Archbishop Kaziimba yesterday said for many Ugandans, the impact of lockdown has been much harder than the coronavirus pandemic itself, and urged church leaders to continue offering pastoral guidance to Christians.

"The need has increased because of the fear and uncertainty many are experiencing. I call upon government to recognise the clergy and lay readers as "essential employees," to provide psycho-social services to Ugandans," the Archbishop said.

More here-

https://allafrica.com/stories/202005060604.html

South Sudan peace talks: Machar and Kiir in deadlock over states

From The BBC-

The two rivals are under increasing international pressure to meet a deadline of 22 February to implement a power-sharing deal.

The US last year warned that it would impose sanctions on anyone working against the peace process.

Pope Francis and Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, spiritual leader of the Anglican Church, have said they will visit South Sudan once a national unity government is formed.

Mr Machar has long demanded that President Kiir reverse his decision to increase the number of states to 32, seeing it as a way to give positions to presidential loyalists and boost his power base.

On Saturday, the president agreed to return to a system of 10 states and sacked all 32 state governors, raising hopes of an end to the deadlock.

More here-

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-51521778

ACK Archbishop urges government not to relent in the fight against graft

From Kenya-

The  Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Archbishop Jackson ole Sapit has hailed the progress made in the fight against corruption and urged the head of state and investigation agencies not to relent in the fight against graft.

Speaking at ACK St Paul church in Lodwar on Sunday, ole Sapit said the war on corruption had reached unprecedented levels and urged the institutions mandated to fight the scourge to keep up the war.

“If you see a governor being locked in and hounded out of office because of corruption it means the country is headed in the right direction,” he said.

The clergyman said there should be no sacred cows and anyone found guilty of corruption should carry their own cross.

He said the corrupt must not be made heroes and the nation must guard against introducing language that normalises theft.

More here-

https://www.kenyanews.go.ke/ack-archbishop-urges-government-not-to-relent-in-the-fight-against-graft/

Mozambique Ordains Its First Women Anglican Clergy

From Mozambique-

Joana Chilengue, Lina Maria dos Santos and Fatucha Rosemary are the first Anglican women clergy to be ordained in Mozambique. The presiding Bishop said the ordination of the three transitional deacons was a "very big milestone" for the diocese as it made plain the church's appreciation of women's ministry

The ordination of women in Southern Africa has been authorised by the Anglican church since 1992. However, it was only in 2015 that the synod of the Anglican Diocese of Libombos, Mozambique made the move to "open the altar to women."

Bishop of Libombos, Monsignor Carlos Matsinhe explained during the ordination ceremony that, "At the level of Southern Africa, the decision to ordain women was made 28 years ago, but each diocese has the prerogative to admit to ordination of women at their own discretion and we have been thinking and thinking for the last few years."

More here-

https://allafrica.com/stories/202001290825.html

Row over hijab sparks violence in Malawi

From Malawi-

Blantyre - An ongoing dispute over the hijab - a scarf worn by Muslim women and girls - took a violent turn in eastern Malawi leaving three people injured and property damaged, police confirmed on Tuesday.

"Windows at a mosque and the local priest's home were smashed and three people were hurt during the incident," regional police spokesman Joseph Sauka told dpa.

The clashes - between members of the Anglican church and their Muslim counterparts - erupted on Monday after young men, reportedly from the church, snatched hijabs off the heads of pupils on their way to school in M'manga, about 100 kilometres from the city of Blantyre, he said.

Parish priest Mphatso Bango told dpa that he was living in fear.

"I did not sleep at home as the people destroyed windows of my house," he said, adding that the tense situation was not normal and schools would remain shut.

More here-

https://www.iol.co.za/news/africa/row-over-hijab-sparks-violence-in-malawi-36706031

Anglican Bishop prays for peace during elections

From Namibia-

As eligible Namibians go to the polls on 27 November 2019 to elect a state president and National Assembly members for the next five years, the Anglican Bishop of Namibia, Right Reverend Luke Lungile Pato, has called for peaceful elections.

From its independence in 1990, Namibia has held orderly and fair elections.
In a statement, Pato enjoined Namibians to uphold that peaceful tradition, which he said was essential for socio-economic development.

“Namibia’s democratic architecture has a pluralistic political system characterized by regular, free, and fair elections. Namibia is also known for its political stability and commitment towards the deepening of democracy, which are strongly anchored in its constitution. We, therefore, encourage all eligible citizens to peacefully vote for the leaders of their choice. This would cement the nation-building project in Namibia,” the Bishop Pato said.

More here-

https://neweralive.na/posts/anglican-bishop-prays-for-peace-during-elections

Anglican Church in Ghana consecrates two new Bishops

 From Ghana-

The Anglican Church in Ghana has consecrated two Bishops in Kumasi to lead the Tamale and the Dunkwa-on-Offin Dioceses of the church. 

The consecrated Bishops are Venerable Canon Dennis Debukari Tong for the Tamale Diocese and Rev. Canon Paul Appiah-Sekyere for the Dunkwa-on-Offin Diocese.

The principal consecrator and celebrant was the Archbishop and Primate of West Africa, the Most Rev. Dr Jonathan Bonaparte B. Hart, with other Bishops of the Church of the Province of West Africa as co-consecrators and celebrants.

The Archbishop per the traditions of the church, demanded the mandate for the consecration of which was read out by the Registrar of the Church of the Province of West Africa, and the constituent of legal teams of the two Dioceses presented the legal instruments for the two Bishops elect.

More here-

https://www.ghanabusinessnews.com/2019/09/24/anglican-church-in-ghana-consecrates-two-new-bishops/

Church of Uganda elects new Archbishop today

From Uganda-

The House of Bishops of the Anglican Church of Uganda convenes this morning to elect and later in the afternoon announce the 9th Archbishop of the Church of Uganda.

The House of Bishops is the body that elects the Archbishop and it comprises of all active Diocesan and Assistant Bishops from the 37 dioceses. The Provincial Chancellor presides over the election.

The new Archbishop will be enthroned in March next year taking over from Stanley Ntagali.

Archbishop Ntagali was elected and enthroned as Archbishop on December 16 2012 at the age of 57. He turns 65 years old on March 1, 2020 and that is the mandatory age of retirement. 

Provincial Secretary, Rev. Canon Captain William Ongeng said yesterday in a press statement that the election of the new Archbishop will be announced today at the Provincial Office of the Church of Uganda, Namirembe. 

More here-

https://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/Church-of-Uganda-elects-new-Archbishop-today/688334-5251480-t5aluhz/index.html

Anglican Church ordains new Bishop for Kigali

From Rwanda-

The newly ordained Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Kigali, Rev. Nathan Amooti Rusengo, has said that he will put emphasis on the use of digital platforms in evangelism as he sets sight on endearing the gospel towards the urban youth.  

Officially ordained yesterday by fellow bishops, Rusengo replaces the long-serving, Louis Muvunyi, who has been Bishop of Kigali for about nine years.

Muvunyi relinquished his position following a request from fellow bishops who requested him to pursue a PhD after which he will head a new theology school that the church plans to set up in about four years.

Rusengo has been serving as the bishop of Cyangugu Diocese. He is not new to the Kigali Diocese having served as a pastor as well as a secretary in the Diocese before he moved to Cyangugu.

More here-

https://www.newtimes.co.rw/news/anglican-church-ordains-new-bishop-kigali

Responding to the Drought in Namibia

From Relief Web-

Episcopal Relief & Development is supporting the Anglican Diocese of Namibia in response to the ongoing drought devastating the country. The organization is in contact with the diocese’s development arm, the Namibia Anglican Community Development Organization (NACDO) as it prepares to respond to the needs of impacted communities.

Over the past four years, Namibia has been dealing with a drought affecting crops and drinking water for both people and livestock. Many people have no access to clean water and travel long distances to find water sources. According to the local government, the lack of rain has caused food shortages, leaving one in five Namibians without access to enough food. At least 60,000 domestic animals have died in the past six months.

Working with the diocese and its development agency, Episcopal Relief & Development is helping marginalized communities in the northern part of Namibia. Based on a community assessment, NACDO has identified 1,060 vulnerable families in the Ohangwena and Omusati regions. They will receive critical food supplies and other support. Two communities, Eembindi and Enghandja, will also receive a four to five km pipeline connecting them to a safe accessible water source. In addition, Episcopal Relief & Development and NACDO will provide support for community and home gardens, poultry farming training and the rehabilitation of wells and dams for water sources in six villages.

More here-

 https://reliefweb.int/report/namibia/responding-drought-namibia

Battle for the soul of Kenya’s tainted church

From Kenya-

Anglican Archbishop Jackson ole Sapit boasts vast experience in spiritual warfare from his many years as a church minister.

But he would still be advised to choose his battles carefully when it comes to the earthly fight against corruption in Kenya.

In a direct confrontation with either Satan or the corrupt Kenyan political elite, the good archbishop probably has more of a fighting chance against the former.

UNAPOLOGETIC

For some Kenyan political leaders enjoy the status of demi-gods among their followers.

And although they publicly profess belief in Christian values, they live them more in their breach than observance.

It can’t have escaped Rev Sapit that his suggestion last week that churches should reject fundraising donations from corrupt politicians was greeted with more jeers and cheers.

More here-

https://www.nation.co.ke/oped/opinion/Battle-for-the-soul-of-Kenya-s-tainted-church/440808-5090856-qil8o8z/

Renewed Call to Reveal Location of Remains of Genocide Victims

From Rwanda-

Twenty-five years after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi that claimed the lives of over a million people, Rwandans have been called upon to volunteer information on the location of remains of the victims who did not get decent burial.

The call was made yesterday as hundreds of mourners gathered at Ruhanga Genocide Memorial site to pay their respects to victims who were buried there.

The commemoration event was also an occasion to offer a decent burial to remains of 65 victims at the site.

Ruhanga Genocide Memorial is located at the former Ruhanga Episcopal Anglican Church (EAR Ruhanga) and has a mass grave inside the former church.

This is the only Anglican Church parish in the country which was converted into a Genocide memorial site.

In the wake of the Genocide, thousands of Tutsi flocked to the church as they desperately sought to hide from their tormentors.

More here-

https://allafrica.com/stories/201904160080.html

Responding to Tropical Cyclone Idai in southern Africa

From Relief Web-

Episcopal Relief & Development is supporting the Anglican partner organizations in Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe in response to Cyclone Idai, a category four storm that brought massive flooding, rain and high winds to parts of southern Africa.

Episcopal Relief & Development is in contact with church partners in the affected areas as they assess the needs in their communities. In Mozambique, Episcopal Relief & Development is partnering with the Anglican dioceses of Lebombo and Niassa to provide an immediate and long-term response to those impacted. Episcopal Relief & Development is also supporting partners the Anglican Relief & Development Zimbabwe and the Anglican Council of Malawi in providing emergency relief such as food, water and blankets.

More here-

https://reliefweb.int/report/mozambique/responding-tropical-cyclone-idai-southern-africa

CCN holds mass prayer for rain

From Namibia-

A large number of people turned up at the University of Namibia’s Hifikepunye Campus on Sunday afternoon to pray for rain and other social challenges affecting the country.

The mass prayer was organised by the Council of Churches in Namibia (CCN).

Although an invitation was extended to other churches, only congregants from the Anglican Diocese of Namibia, the Roman Catholic Church and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Namibia (ELCIN) turned up.

The prayer was necessitated by the lack of sufficient rainfall since the start of the rainy season, with farmers concerned Namibia could be headed for the worst drought in decades.

Contrary to the norm, many northern communal farmers have entered the third month of the year without even bothering to plough their crop fields.

More here-

https://neweralive.na/posts/ccn-holds-mass-prayer-for-rain

Kenya hosts 18 Anglican communion primates

From Kenya-

The primates who are currently at a retreat in Maasai Mara are in the country to reflect and pray over their ministry in a visit hosted by the Most Rev Dr Jackson Ole Sapit, the Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK).

In the dinner hosted at the Archbishop’s official residence on Sunday evening, the church leaders reiterated the need for oneness among Christian faithful and the need for peaceful coexistence. “This is an annual meeting where we get together and have a peer review even as we share our experiences and pray for each other and deliberate on our ministry,” said Dr Sapit.

He also stated that the meeting which is held in different countries came to Kenya this year; last year it was held in Ghana while in 2017, the leaders were in Zambia.

The trip has been organized by Trinity Church Wall Street, a leading episcopal church in Manhattan, New York.

More here-

https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/article/2001314042/kenya-hosts-18-anglican-archbishops

Episcopal Church Launches Five-Yr Strategic Plan

From Liberia-

The Episcopal Church of Liberia has launched its five-year strategic plan, which is expected to see more emphasis on evangelism, advocacy and other activities that will cater to the spiritual and physical needs of parishioners and the Christian community at large. The plan seeks to reinvigorate the spiritual activities of the church, while at the same time diverting more attention to health and education needs, as well as engaging in meaningful and responsible entrepreneurial activities to ensure growth.

Bishop of the Episcopal Church, Jonathan B. B. Hart, said at a special convention held on Friday, February 15, that the plan is a systemic process of envisioning a desired future and serves as a guide to the ministry of the church—reflecting all elements of its work in advancement of “God’s kingdom in the Liberian vineyard.

Though approached with renewed vigor, Bishop Hart noted that the idea has been reflected upon in a variety of ways over the past few years. The plan rallies Episcopalians across the country to work towards a more vibrant Diocese. The Episcopal Church is also endeavoring to augment, improve and diversify its investment portfolio in the country.

More here-

https://www.liberianobserver.com/news/episcopal-church-launches-five-yr-strategic-plan/

Anglican bishop attributes drugs use to absence of control measures

From Nigeria-

Retiring Archbishop of Kwara Province and Bishop of Kwara Diocese, Anglican Church, Segun Adeyemi has urged the Federal Government to ensure regulated access to drugs and chemicals to reduce the current prevalence abuse drugs among the youths.

He attributed the prevalence of drug addiction and abuse among youth in the country to unfettered access to drugs and alcohol in most parts of the country.

The medical doctor turned clergy, said that poverty among people must be addressed to check drug use, adding that some people would do anything to get money, even rituals, instead of living quality lifestyle.

He described Nigerian politicians as people of same family irrespective of their political leanings.
He said that people should not be fooled by personalities and different political parties in the country.
Bishop Adeyemi spoke with reporters in Ilorin at the weekend as part of activities to mark his retirement from office.

More here-

http://thenationonlineng.net/anglican-bishop-attributes-drugs-use-absence-control-measures/

N1.6bn fraud: I’m innocent, Jonathan’s ex-aide, Dudafa, says

From Nigeria-

He told the court that contrary to the allegation by the EFCC, the N1.6bn traced to him was not part of proceeds of a criminal act and he did not conspire with anyone to conceal the funds.

“The source of the money is known; the money was not mine; the money belongs to the Anglican Communion of Otuoke Community in Bayelsa State. It was realised from the fundraiser organised by the church and the then President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, who is a member and grand patron of the Anglican Church,” Dudafa said.

According to him, at the fundraiser, a businessman, Prince Arthur Eze, who was the chief donor, pledged $10m, and Jonathan instructed him (Dudafa) to follow up with Eze to redeem his pledge.

Dudafa said Eze redeemed the pledge in installments, adding that the money was kept in the bank account of one Somprei Someibi, a friend of the Jonathan’s family.

More here-

https://punchng.com/n1-6bn-fraud-im-innocent-jonathans-ex-aide-dudafa-says/ 

also here-

http://thenationonlineng.net/alleged-n1-6b-fraud-carried-jonathans-instructions-says-dudafa/

Waripamo-Owei Dudafa, a former aide to the ex-president, Goodluck Jonathan, has told the Federal High Court in Lagos that the N1.6 billion traced to him by the EFCC belongs to the Anglican Communion of Otuoke community in Bayelsa state. Dudafa who spoke through his lawyer, Adegboyega Oyewole (SAN), said he was innocent of all the corruption charges brought against him and urged the court to discharge and acquit him, The New Telegraph reports. "The source of the money is known. The money was not mine, it belongs to the Anglican Communion of Otuoke Community in Bayelsa state," he said. “It was realised from the fundraiser organised by the church and former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, who is a member and grand patron of the Anglican Church. Dudafa explained that the money was gotten at a fundraiser where a businessman, Prince Arthur Eze, who was the chief donor, pledged $10 million. Read more: https://www.legit.ng/1217309-n16bn-traced-belongs-anglican-church-waripamo-owei-dudafa.html

Herdsmen: What we’ll do to Anglican bishops if they ask Buhari to declare us terrorists – Miyetti Allah

From Nigeria-

MIYETTI Allah Cattle Breeders Association, MACBAN, yesterday, flayed Anglican Bishops for describing it as a terrorist organisation, saying the group is made up of herdsmen, not terrorists.

Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/12/were-not-terrorists-herdsmen-warn-anglican-bishops/

 The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, on Tuesday threatened to institute a legal action against Anglican bishops for describing violent herdsmen as terrorists.


The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, on Tuesday threatened to institute a legal action against Anglican bishops for describing violent herdsmen as terrorists.

Recall that an Anglican bishops in Nigeria had called on President Muhammadu Buhari to declare armed herdsmen as terrorists.
However, MACBAN, while insisting they are not terrorists, admonished the bishops to withdraw their remark.

Speaking with Vanguard, the National Coordinator of MACBAN, Alhaji Garus Gololo said herdsmen have the right to graze anywhere across the country.

According to Gololo, “We are not happy with this comment coming from the Bishops who are spiritual heads of the Anglican Church; we want them to withdraw it.

More here-

http://dailypost.ng/2018/12/12/herdsmen-well-anglican-bishops-ask-buhari-declare-us-terrorists-miyetti-allah/

MIYETTI Allah Cattle Breeders Association, MACBAN, yesterday, flayed Anglican Bishops for describing it as a terrorist organisation, saying the group is made up of herdsmen, not terrorists.

Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/12/were-not-terrorists-herdsmen-warn-anglican-bishops/

MIYETTI Allah Cattle Breeders Association, MACBAN, yesterday, flayed Anglican Bishops for describing it as a terrorist organisation, saying the group is made up of herdsmen, not terrorists.

Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/12/were-not-terrorists-herdsmen-warn-anglican-bishops/