Jim Olang

Africa Editor

Articles by Jim Olang

10 days ago

Africa 10 days ago

As Eastern Africa faces "first" cyclone, Christian leaders hope to shift attitudes towards gospel-centered farming

By Jim Olang

As Cyclone Hidaya looms over Eastern Africa, Kenya and Tanzania brace for yet another natural disaster. Still reeling from the aftermath of devastating floods that have claimed hundreds of lives and displaced thousands, torrential rains forecasted to hit the coastal city of Mombasa and the Eastern coast of Tanzania are causing major concerns.
21 days ago

Africa 21 days ago

Message of Global Christian Forum recognizes brokenness, points to healing only in Christ

By Jim Olang and Timothy Goropevsek

As the Global Christian Forum (GCF) concluded in Ghana this past week, the 250 participants from more than 60 countries and all streams of Christianity sent a message reflecting on their joint experience in Accra, Ghana. They had met from April 16-19 for the fourth GCF global gathering, with part of the program including a day trip to slave castles in Cape Coast where they offered a special service of lamentation.
26 days ago

Africa 26 days ago

Global forum kicks off in Ghana, highlights shift of Christianity’s focal point to Africa

By Jim Olang

The Global Christian Forum’s (GCF) fourth global gathering kicked off in Accra, Ghana, with an emphasis on major demographic shifts in global Christianity. With the theme That the world may know, the event held from April 16 to 20 brought together 240 participants from 60 different countries representing all major Christian traditions.
29 days ago

Africa 29 days ago

On 30th anniversary of genocide, Rwanda's evangelicals envision lasting reconciliation

By Jim Olang

As Rwanda commemorated the 30th anniversary of the genocide this past week, the nation has been confronted with reminders of its painful past.
2 months ago

Africa 2 months ago

Africa's migration trends: an opportunity for the Church

By Jim Olang

Recent data from a United Nations report on ‘Migration Dynamics, Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons in Africa’ sheds light on the migration dynamics within Africa, revealing a continent experiencing significant movement both within its borders and beyond.
2 months ago

Africa 2 months ago

Ghana's parliament passes bill introducing new criminal penalties for LGBTQ+ activity and promotion

By Jim Olang

On Wednesday, February 28 Ghana’s legislative body passed a bill in the country’s parliament that introduces new criminal penalties for LGBTQ+ activity, advocacy, and promotion. This development follows the rejection last Wednesday of an amendment by ruling-party lawmaker Alexander Afenyo-Markin that would have replaced prison time with non-custodial sentences including counselling. Currently, gay sex is punishable in the West African nation by up to three years in prison, a penalty that would i
3 months ago

Africa 3 months ago

Evangelical leader warns against spiritual extremism, as leader of Kenyan cult charged for hunger deaths

By Jim Olang

Following the discovery of more than 400 victims buried in shallow graves in a remote forest in eastern Kenya, a cult leader has been charged with murder. Paul Mackenzie and 29 other defendants pled not guilty when they appeared in court in the coastal town of Malindi. Mackenzie is accused of torturing children, committing acts of terror, accusations that he denied.
4 months ago

Africa 4 months ago

Femicide in Kenya on the rise, Church leaders call for justice

By Jim Olang

A ground-breaking study, “Silencing Women,” highlights the devastating toll of women killed by their partners or family members in Kenya from 2016 to 2023. Femicide is the most extreme form of gender-based violence against women. It is often fuelled by gender stereotypes, harmful social norms and an unequal balance of power between men and women.
4 months ago

Africa 4 months ago

Christians in Africa participate in counter-terrorism efforts

By Jim Olang

“Africa has emerged as the key battleground for terrorism, with a major increase in the number of active groups ...
4 months ago

Africa 4 months ago

Africa bracing for “the worst of times” in 2024 – a report from IRC states

By Jim Olang

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) released a report this month forecasting a sharp global increase in the humanitarian crisis in 2024. In its 2024 Emergency Watch list, IRC President David Miliband’s wrote, “it’s the worst of times.” The report lists armed conflicts, rising debt crisis, climate change and donor apathy as contributing factors to what it described as “heightened” humanitarian crisis in 2024.
4 months ago

Africa 4 months ago

African churches are not immune to child sex abuse

By Jim Olang and Heather Pubols

A recent investigation in Spain revealed more than 200,000 endured sexual abuse at the hands of Catholic clergy. The 700-page report, ordered by Spain's Congress, unveils the “devastating impact” on victims, criticizing the Church for its inaction and attempts to conceal or deny the abuse. Is the situation different in Africa? Child Safety Investigator Philip E. Morrison says no.
5 months ago

Africa 5 months ago

New data protection laws have implications for African churches

By Ken Kagicha and Jim Olang

In September 2023, Kenya’s Office of the Data Protection Commissioner issued fines totaling KES 9,375,000 (more than $60,000 USD) to three institutions for contravening the Data Protection Act. The highest penalty (more than $30,000 USD) went to an educational facility for using minors’ pictures without consent from parents or guardians. These were the first penalties given since the law came into effect in 2019.

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Jim Olang

Articles by Jim Olang

As Eastern Africa faces "first" cyclone, Christian leaders hope to shift attitudes towards gospel-centered farming

Message of Global Christian Forum recognizes brokenness, points to healing only in Christ

Global forum kicks off in Ghana, highlights shift of Christianity’s focal point to Africa

On 30th anniversary of genocide, Rwanda's evangelicals envision lasting reconciliation

Africa's migration trends: an opportunity for the Church

Ghana's parliament passes bill introducing new criminal penalties for LGBTQ+ activity and promotion

Evangelical leader warns against spiritual extremism, as leader of Kenyan cult charged for hunger deaths

Femicide in Kenya on the rise, Church leaders call for justice

Christians in Africa participate in counter-terrorism efforts

Africa bracing for “the worst of times” in 2024 – a report from IRC states

African churches are not immune to child sex abuse

New data protection laws have implications for African churches

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