West African Christians say they are marginalized during Ramadan
Upholding minorities religious freedoms in predominantly Muslim countries can be a delicate matter when members of other religions are asked to follow Islamic customs.
For centuries, Muslims and Christians have lived side by side in Muslim-majority countries like Guinea and Gambia, with joint celebration of religious feasts, and even intermarriages, taking place from time to time, says DW s Omar Wally.
However, as the Muslim holy month of Ramadan unfolds, reports indicate that Christian minorities in these two West African nations are complaining of increasing marginalization.
Discriminatory Ramadan rules?
Prior to Ramadan this year, the Gambian government passed a controversial bill that cut the daytime working hours of female civil servants during the holy month.
West African Christians marginalized during Ramadan
The ability to uphold minorities religious freedoms in predominantly-Muslim countries appears to be a delicate matter. Although in Gambia which maintains a secular constitution it s a little more complicated.
For centuries, Muslims and Christians have lived side by side in many African countries, such as Guinea and Gambia both Muslim-majority countries.
DW s Omar Wally confirmed that there have been intermarriages and joint celebration of religious feasts in Gambia.
However, as the Muslim holy month of Ramadan unfolds, reports indicate that Christian minorities in these two West African nations are complaining of increasing marginalization.
Pope Francis visit to Iraq s biblical sites
The Tablet April 14, 2021
Pope Francis walks next to Chaldean Patriarch Louis Sako of Baghdad, right, as he arrives to celebrate Mass at the Chaldean Catholic Cathedral of St. Joseph in Baghdad March 6, 2021. Cardinal Sako offered suggestions for ways Iraqis can put into action what the pope preached while in the country in March. (Photo: CNS/Paul Haring)
By Elise Ann Allen
ROME (CRUX) Pope Francis sent a letter to Iraqi Chaldean Patriarch Louis Raphael Sako voicing thanks for his visit to Iraq last month and praising the local church for its charitable activities and its role in working to rebuild the country.
Archaeology and Bible experts work together to explain the past
Was Christ really crucified and did he really even exist? These questions have mystified not only the followers of Christianity but also scientific experts.
The Dead Sea scrolls were discovered in 1947 in the Qumran Caves
The biblical story of the Passion of Christ tells of how Jesus of Nazareth was condemned to death and nailed to the cross at the orders of Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea.
Much of the story is based on accounts in the Bible s New Testament and not all of it is historically verified.
Nashville, Tenn., Oct 15, 2019 / 01:01 pm (CNA).- In a speech on Christian leadership Friday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo highlighted international religious freedom threats, especially in China, Iran, and Iraq.
Pompeo spoke Oct. 11 in Nashville to the American Association of Christian Counselors, discussing Christian leadership in disposition, dialogue, and decision making.
“Before you can help others, you need to have the right approach to yourself,” he began in speaking of disposition. “How you carry yourself is the first arena of Christian leadership.”
Pompeo noted he keeps an open Bible on his desk, and tries to read it each morning. “I need my mind renewed with truth each day. And part of that truth … is to be humble.”