Originally published in INContext Ministries’ World In Motion, Issue 99, May 2014. Photos have emerged on Chinese social networks showing the controversial demolition of a large church in eastern China. This followed weeks of protests by parishioners, who saw the move as indicative of a larger crackdown on churches. Sanjiang church was located […]
Opinion
Protect your marriage from attacks
[notice]A fortnightly column on marriage, family and relationships.[/notice] There are many things that will come to threaten the sanctity of your relationship. When you make your wedding vows to your spouse you have no idea how good or bad circumstances will get in your marriage. We do not think of […]
Why people vote what they vote
…and why South Africans can be grateful for the election results By INcontext Ministries As the final ballots of South Africa’s fifth post-apartheid election were tallied on Friday 9 May 2014, the governing African National Congress (ANC) celebrated another victory with their resounding 62 percent of the vote. The official opposition party, the Democratic Alliance […]
Where the cross of Christ unites Jew and Arab
[notice]UK-based South African-born journalist Charles Gardner reports from the At the Crossroads conference in Jerusalem.[/notice] After yet another failure of Middle East talks, it would be perfectly understandable if claims of a successful peace process were met by gross scepticism. But such a claim is being made, and it is very credible, […]
ACDP deserved better support for its strategic role in Parliament
The African Christian Democratic Party, which despite its small representation in Parliament, has played a key role in defending religious freedom in South Africa over the past 20 years, will feel justifiably disappointed at the lack of support it enjoyed at the polls on May 7. Clearly calls by prominent […]
West ignored Islamist attack on CAR Christians until chaos reigned — analyst
Peacemakers desperately needed By Elizabeth Kendal, Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin — Originally published in Assist News In early 2013 the Central African Republic (CAR) government desperately appealed for help as bands of local and international Islamic jihadis backed by Sudan and Iran advanced on the capital, Bangui. But President Bozize […]
If not Us, then Who? If not Now, then When?
Christians charged for following their conscience By Andrew Selley, Founder and CEO of FOR SA In 1946 Martin Niemöller, a Protestant pastor who narrowly escaped execution at the hands of the Nazis, wrote this provocative poem: “First they came for the Communists and I did not speak out because I […]
Family then and now: 20 years of democracy
[notice]A fortnightly column on marriage, family and relationships.[/notice] What will our vote mean to our children? This past Sunday South Africa celebrated 20 years of freedom. It is indeed a huge milestone for our young democracy. Those who were part of the apartheid South Africa know full well the legacy […]
Upholding Christ and the Constitution
By Mogoeng Mogoeng, Chief Justice of South Africa — Originally published in Mail & Guardian Freedom of religion and belief is a constitutional right to be enjoyed by all who live in South Africa, including Christians. However, concerns were raised about my suitability for judicial office after I had openly […]
The steady rise of African zionism
By Rolene Marks — Originally published in the algemeiner There is something quite remarkable happening on the African continent. A groundswell of love and support from African Christians for the State of Israel, forged in biblical ties and a mutual love of the land. It is a relationship that has […]