For many Kenyan TikTok and Facebook users scrolling through their feeds, virtual preachers like Wekesa have become a familiar presence. Anyone who spends enough time on social media in the internet-obsessed country is likely to come across somebody preaching, praying, or singing the gospel live. (Owino, Rest of World)
Read MoreOf the respondents in the study who attend church, 55 percent said they do so because of a feeling of community and belonging, followed by 53 percent who attend because of shared spiritual beliefs and faith, and 51 percent because of meaning and purpose. But two-thirds of Evangelicals, 66 percent, are drawn to church by a shared sense of faith, ABS said April 8 in releasing the fifth chapter of the 14th annual study. (Chandler, Baptist Press)
Read MoreIn a crackdown, Rwanda has shut down more than 5,600 places of worship over failure to meet the conditions required for operation. Churches, mosques, caves and tents affected by the shutdown were found to have fallen short of the standard requirements set by 2018 laws, according to officials conducting the two-week process that started July 29. (Nzwili, Religion News Service)
Read MoreThe Sicilian capital, Palermo, has a long history of cultural melding. Its new arrivals from Sri Lanka have embraced St. Rosalia. (Bubola, The New York Times)
Read MoreIndian Christians are apprehensive about what might happen under the new criminal laws that have replaced their three British-era counterparts. Described as “draconian” by some legal experts, the legislation has elicited criticism and protests, and Christian, Muslim, and other vulnerable communities fear possible abuses of the new laws. (Kaur, Christianity Today)
Read MoreFrom the spiritual gurus promising to change your life by way of crystals and spells, to the actual self-identifying witches who genuinely purport to practise in the occult – and can teach you how to do so as well – there is a litany of spellbinding stuff around right now. But engaging in some of it could set you back several months of your salary. (Petter, The Independent)
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