South African Christian News: Telling the God Stories of Africa
In this series of articles, Freedom of Religion South Africa (FOR SA) discusses existing legal remedies for abuses or strange practices by religious leaders highlighted by the CRL Rights Commission and the media. FOR SA has consistently cited applicable existing laws as one of its objections to state regulation of […]
By Adv Nadene L Badenhorst, Legal Counsel of FOR SA With relations between the CRL Rights Commission (CRL) and the religious community in South Africa severely strained, the religious sector is hoping that President Ramaphosa will carefully consider who he appoints to serve on the commission for the next five […]
Originally published in UG Christian News The Ugandan government is set to implement a new policy that will require all preachers in the country to have theological training before opening up a church. According to the Minister of Ethics and Integrity, Fr Simon Lokodo who says some Church leaders are […]
The Angolan government has given 1 106 “illegal” churches a 30-day ultimatum — which ends on November 4 — to regularise their operations or be shut. The move is the latest government response to improper commercial activities and human rights abuses it says are being carried out by certain churches […]
Freedom of Religion South Africa is starting a nationwide roadshow next week to update religious leaders and concerned citizens on key issues and recent developments. “Freedom of religion in South Africa is facing serious challenges and threats in multiple areas. We cannot afford to fold our hands, close our eyes […]
Originally published in Christianity Today Uzbekistan is an unlikely poster child for religious freedom. Open Doors currently ranks the Central Asian nation as No. 16 on its 2018 list of the 50 countries where it’s hardest to be a Christian. The US State Department named Uzbekistan again this year as a […]
Originally published in The Catholic Herald The Canadian Supreme Court has ruled that law societies can refuse to give accreditation to a proposed Christian law school over claims that it discriminates against LGBT people. Students at the evangelical Trinity Western University must agree to abstain from sexual activity outside marriage […]
By Daniela Ellerbeck, legal adviser to FOR SA In an important decision this month, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) affirmed the right of religious people to have their beliefs treated with dignity and respect by the government. The question the court had to answer in this case, […]
Pastor gets prison sentence for offensive remarks towards gays On Friday, 18 May 2018 Pastor Oscar Bougardt – who found himself in trouble with the law again after making certain “highly insulting, demeaning and uncharitable” statements regarding the LGBT community – was convicted of contempt of court and sentenced to […]