Ugandan Anglican Archbishop bans bodies in churches
The Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Uganda, Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, has stopped Christians from taking bodies into churches during funeral prayers, citing the danger the act poses in spreading COVID-19. Kaziimba has instead advised Christians to take portraits of the deceased for funeral prayers. He has also cautioned Ugandans against complacency, saying the pandemic […]
This Life: Jesus can make all things new
US columnist CAROL ROUND, in an article first published on ASSIST News Service, looks at how Jesus can transform our lives afresh each day…
Guns and teargas in US Capitol as Trump supporters attempt to overturn his loss
Washington DC, USReuters Police in the US Capitol on Wednesday responded with drawn guns and tear gas on Wednesday as swarms of protesters stormed in and sought to force Congress to undo President Donald Trump’s election loss shortly after some of Trump’s fellow Republicans launched a last-ditch effort to throw out the results. Police evacuated […]
Indonesian police kill two suspected militants in raid
Jakarta, IndonesiaAP Members of Indonesia’s anti-terrorism police squad on Wednesday shot and killed two suspected militants who they believe were connected to a deadly suicide attack at a Roman Catholic cathedral in the southern Philippines, and arrested 18 others, officials said. The two men, Muhammad Rizaldy, 46, and his son-in-law, Sanjai Ajis, 23, were fatally […]
US Senate: In Georgia run-off, Warnock and Ossoff win, handing Dems control
Atlanta, USAP Democrats won both Georgia Senate seats – and with them, the US Senate majority – as final votes were counted Wednesday, serving President Donald Trump a stunning defeat in his last days in office while dramatically improving the fate of President-elect Joe Biden’s progressive agenda. Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, Democratic challengers who […]
Pictures – Epiphany celebrations marked by pandemic
Kalofer, BulgariaAP Christians on Wednesday marked Epiphany in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic, which constrained celebrations in many places but didn’t stop some defying warnings to keep to traditions. Orthodox Christians celebrate Jesus’ baptism during Epiphany. In Bulgaria, thousands of worshippers ignored health authorities’ warnings to refrain from mass gatherings, braving icy waters to retrieve crucifixes […]
In the US, Warnock makes history with Senate win as Dems near majority
Atlanta, USAP Democrat Raphael Warnock won one of Georgia’s two Senate runoffs Wednesday, becoming the first Black senator in his state’s history and putting the Senate majority within the party’s reach. A pastor who spent the past 15 years leading the Atlanta church where Martin Luther King, Jr, preached, Warnock defeated Republican incumbent Kelly Loeffler. […]
Church of England welcomes continuation of public service but urges care
The Church of England has welcomed the UK Government’s decision to allow public worship but have said clergy who have concerns and others who are shielding “should take particular care and stay at home”. In a statement issued this week, Sarah Mullally, Bishop of London and chair of the Church of England’s COVID recovery group, said […]
In the US, activist priest Michael Pfleger hit with abuse allegations
Chicago, USAP Activist Chicago priest Rev Michael Pfleger has been asked to step aside due to allegations of sexual abuse that occurred decades ago, the Archdiocese of Chicago announced Tuesday. The archdiocese said its Office for Child Abuse Investigations and Review received an allegation that Pfleger sexually abused a minor more than 40 years ago. […]
Ethiopian police release detained Reuters cameraman without charge
Nairobi, KenyaReuters Ethiopian police released Reuters cameraman Kumerra Gemechu on Tuesday after detaining him without charge for 12 days. Police had told his lawyer Melkamu Ogo that their lines of inquiry included accusations of disseminating false information, communicating with groups fighting the government, and disturbing the public’s peace and security. However, Ogo said he had […]