Articles by Vincent Matinde
-
More than 50 Christian and Muslim leaders in Nigeria have signed a peace accord aimed at promoting religious harmony and countering hate speech and extremism, as the country prepares for a closely watched 2027 election. -
Nigerian court blocks arrest of Christian woman over conversion
A Nigerian Federal High Court has ruled that Kano State’s Islamic religious police cannot arrest a Christian woman because she converted from Islam or refused a forced marriage, in a case that has raised fresh questions about the limits of Hisbah authorities in northern Nigeria. -
Churches take a leading role in Ebola prevention as Christian health partners expand outreach in eastern Congo
Churches in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo are stepping up efforts to combat Ebola by equipping pastors and community leaders with lifesaving health information as the region battles one of the deadliest outbreaks in recent history. -
Liberia’s churches welcome army’s massacre apology but insist justice must follow
Thirty-six years after hundreds of civilians seeking refuge inside a Lutheran church were massacred during Liberia’s brutal civil war, the country’s military has publicly apologized for atrocities committed by its soldiers. Church leaders and survivors welcomed the unprecedented acknowledgment but said genuine reconciliation will require more than words. -
Nigeria governor supports mass wedding for 300 Muslim and Christian couples to help overcome financial burdens
Three hundred couples in Nigeria's Kebbi State were married this week in a government-sponsored mass wedding that included both Muslim and Christian couples. -
US church mourns mother of four who died during mission trip to Kenya
A church in Virginia is mourning the death of a mother of four who traveled to Kenya on a Christian mission trip to serve orphaned children before falling critically ill with a severe Salmonella infection. -
Trump praises Tinubu for efforts to protect Christians as US and Nigeria deepen security ties
President Donald Trump has praised Nigerian President Bola Tinubu for his government’s efforts to confront terrorism and protect Christian communities, signaling a significant shift in tone after months of sharp criticism from Washington over deadly attacks on Christians. -
Burkina Faso leader Ibrahim Traoré rejects Sharia law, vows to support vocational education for youth despite religious affiliation
Burkina Faso’s military government appears to have strengthened its commitment to religious freedom and the country's secular identity following the adoption of a new law regulating religious practice. -
Chad gives legal backing to interfaith platform in push for peace and national unity
Chad has formally given legal recognition to a national interfaith platform that brings together Muslim, Catholic and Protestant leaders, marking a significant step in the country's efforts to strengthen peace and social cohesion at a time of political transition and growing regional instability. -
Hijab in schools: Nigeria, Ghana court cases revive debate on enforcement of dress code
Two landmark court cases in Nigeria and Ghana are putting religious freedom in schools under judicial scrutiny, as judges weigh whether constitutional rights allow students to practice their faith even when it conflicts with the rules of private and mission schools. -
US House bill puts Nigeria aid at risk over Christian killings
The United States House of Representatives has approved legislation that could suspend all U.S. assistance to Nigeria unless the West African nation demonstrates measurable progress in protecting Christians from religiously motivated violence, setting the stage for what could become one of the most consequential shifts in U.S.-Nigeria relations in years. -
Christian professionals urge countries to adopt the African Family Values Charter to shield states from financing conditions
The Kenya Christian Professionals Forum (KCPF) has advised African leaders to adopt the African Family Values Charter to safeguard the sovereignty of countries and maintain a level playing field as they negotiate with development partners.
