Muslim leaders in Kenya say they will continue to oppose a decision by Roman Catholic bishops, announced on 19 August, that students in Catholic schools may not wear the hijab, or head covering, worn by many devout Muslim girls and women.
The bishops cited long-existing church tradition, discipline and philosophies when announcing the rule.
At least one Christian was killed and others injured when thousands of Islamic extremists set fire to 59 churches and at least 28 homes in western Ethiopia in the past five days, Christian leaders said.
More than 4,000 Christians in and around Asendabo, Jimma Zone have been displaced as a result of attacks that began on Wednesday (March 2) after Muslims accused a Christian of desecrating the Quran by tearing up a copy, sources said.
The 36-year-old Dutch missionary Ebel Kremer has been shot and killed in Kenya during a robbery, his church confirmed Friday, February 25.
His wife Lora Kremer, 34, was reportedly raped in the overnight attack in the town of Athi River near the capital Nairobi.
In this predominantly Christian nation, Christians are worried about a Muslim community that is growing in numbers and influence, and they have been vocally backed by U.S.-based Christian groups.
Muslims are wary of the rising power of fundamentalist Christian organizations backed by American Christians.
A mob torched a church where hundreds had sought refuge Tuesday, and witnesses said dozens of people – including children – were burned alive or hacked to death with machetes in ethnic violence that followed Kenya’s disputed election.
The mob was bitter that a man, who the preacher had promised to cure through prayer, died during the ‘healing’.
Prophetess Lucy Nduta is among many clerics who’ve put a price on prayers Although Nairobi preacher Lucy Nduta was charged with six more counts of obtaining money by fraudulent means, she is not alone in receiving money for prayer. Ms Nduta of the Salvation Healing Ministry is in the dock charged with obtaining money by pretending to be in a position to cure HIV/Aids patients through prayers. She has denied the charges, that include obtaining Sh80,000 by pretending to be in a position to pray for a woman to conceive, and getting Sh21,000 from another by pretending to be in
The First Lady Lucy Kibaki has strongly condemned individuals who capitalize on the helplessness of people suffering from HIV/AIDS, to make money. The First Lady urged the police; the Ministry of Health and National Aids Control Council to ensure those with HIV/AIDS are not discriminated against, abused or exploited. “As a Kenyan who is deeply concerned about the plight of those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS, I wish to strongly condemn individuals who capitalize on the helplessness of HIV/AIDS patients in order to make money,” the First Lady said. She was referring to the recent reports in the media on
A lavish wedding ceremony has been held for a priest who rebelled against the Catholic Church in western Kenya. Father Godfrey Shiundu, who joined a more accommodating Catholic splinter church called the Reformed Catholic Church (RCC) four years ago, married his long-time girlfriend in Kitale in front of hundreds of members of the congregation. The RCC is a US-based Catholic breakaway group that allows its clergy to marry and openly accepts polygamy, making it an accommodating alternative for some African cultures. Father Shiundu wore a black suit and round-necked shirt, while his bride Stella Nangila wore a conservative white dress.
Kenya’s Anglican Church has issued a public apology for previously shunning those with HIV/Aids. “Our earlier approach in fighting Aids was misplaced, since we likened it to a disease for sinners and a curse from God,” said Archbishop Benjamin Nzimbi. He was speaking to a group of HIV positive Christian and Muslim clergy. The BBC’s Gladys Njoroge in Kenya says there has been lots of church discrimination against those with HIV – some have been excommunicated. Some Muslims have been killed because of their status, advocates for people with HIV have claimed. Archbishop Nzimbi said the Church would now work