
Articles by Vincent Matinde
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The Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) and the African Union signed a renewed memorandum of understanding on Feb. 13 in Ethiopia’s capital, formalizing a partnership focused on peacebuilding, governance, humanitarian response and social development across the continent, officials said. -

U.S. House bill seeks tougher oversight of religious freedom abuses in Nigeria
U.S. lawmakers on Tuesday (Feb. 10) introduced a bill aimed at increasing oversight of religious freedom in Nigeria and bolstering accountability for attacks targeting Christians and other vulnerable groups. -

South African Church Defenders accuse CRL Rights Commission of deception over church regulation plans
A Christian civil liberties group has accused South Africa’s Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities (CRL Rights Commission) of misleading the public about its intentions toward churches, warning that a proposed “self-regulatory” framework masks a deeper push toward state regulation of Christian institutions. -

Kenya’s President Ruto, clergy condemn violence during service attended by politicians
President William Ruto has cautioned politicians against politicizing church services following violent attacks that happened at an Anglican Church of Kenya church in Central Kenya on Jan. 25. The incident at Watima ACK Church involved an armed group that stormed the church compound and disrupted the Sunday service that former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and other politicians were attending. -

As Christian organizations mull model, impact of child sponsorship, beneficiaries and research point to gains made
A Compassion UK Trustee has come to the defence of child sponsorship prevalent in many Christian organizations following a recent announcement by ActionAid that it will rethink its child sponsorship programmes that have been running since 1972. -

Uganda's Museveni wins seventh term amid election concerns as church leaders call for calm
President Yoweri Museveni secured a seventh term in office following Uganda's general election on Jan. 15, a vote marred by intimidation, military involvement and an internet shutdown that was only lifted after results were announced. The incumbent, who has ruled Uganda since 1986, secured 71.65% of the vote, according to official figures, but turnout hit a decades-low, raising questions about public confidence in the electoral process. -

Uganda's faith leaders call for peace as internet shutdown marks election day
Ugandan religious leaders are urging calm as the country prepares for elections on Jan. 15, following a nationwide internet shutdown that has cut major communications networks. Authorities blocked internet access on Jan. 13, just days before President Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power since 1986, seeks his seventh term in office. -

African Christian leaders call for alternative health funding after USAID cuts
Christian leaders across Africa are urging governments to step up and fill the healthcare funding gap left by the suspension of USAID programs, warning that millions of lives hang in the balance. -

Ghana’s Komba people receive complete Bible after 16 years of translation work
Ghana's Komba people received their complete Bible after 16 years of dedicated translation work. Speaking during the launch event last month, Rev. Dr. John Kwesi Addo Jnr., General Secretary of the Bible Society of Ghana (BSG), emphasized that this Bible will deepen faith while serving as a major repository to preserve the Komba language and culture from extinction. -

Beyond the headlines: What the evidence shows about anti-Christian violence in Nigeria
When U.S. President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) in late October 2025, few anticipated the fierce debate that would follow. Trump declared that Christians face systematic persecution in the country and accused the Nigerian government of failing to address the crisis. -

Kenya church body release sentiment survey showing ‘despair and frustration’ with the state of the economy
The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), led by Chairman Rev. Dr Elias Otieno Agola, outlined pressing issues the government must address: healthcare, education, and the soaring cost of living. "Kenyans are a devastated people," the council, which represents 32 churches and 18 Christian organisations, declared in its Dec. 4, 2025 statement. -

Zimbabwe Christian leaders voice concern over law that ‘widens access to abortion’
The Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations (ZHOCD) has raised concerns about the Medical Services Amendments Bill, warning that the legislation threatens the sanctity of life and allows for widespread access to abortion services.
