Emmanuel Samuel’s Post

"The 1st step in #rebuilding #Christendom is to recognize that the #erosion of #institutionaltrust is not a #crisisofinstitutions per se but rather a #crisisoffaith. The #rootcause of this crisis is the #abandonment of the #Christianworldview that once formed the #bedrock of our #civilization. As a result our #institutions have become #secularized & have lost their #moralcompass. To #rebuildChristendom, we must #rebuild & #reevangelize our #institutions to restore the #Christianworldview as the #foundation of our society. This requires a #multifaceted, #multigenerationalstrategy that includes: 1. #Education: We must #invest in #Christianeducation that #teaches the #Biblicalworldview & equips the #nextgeneration with the #knowledge & #skills to engage the #culture & #transform our institutions. 2. #Media: We must build #alternativemediaplatforms (in opposition to antifamily mediaproductions eg France Inter) that are grounded in #Christianprinciples & offer a #counternarrative to the #secularistworldview that #dominates the #mainstreammedia in the Western World. 3. #Politics: We must #engage in the #politicalprocess & #advocate for policies that reflect the #Biblicalworldview & #promote the #commongood. 4. #Community: We must build strong #Christiancommunities that serve as #models of the #alternativesociety we seek to create and provide a sense of #belonging & support for those who are seeking to live out their #faith in the #publicsquare. The #erosion of #institutionaltrust at every layer of society is a #crisisoffaith that presents a #goldenopportunity for #rebuildingChristendom. By #reevangelizing & #rebuilding our institutions to #restore the Christian worldview as the foundation of our society, we can #transform our #culture and create a more #just, #compassionate & #truthorientedsociety that reflects the #glory of #God. by Andrew Torba, #GAB Vaticano Vatican City State Vatican Observatory World Council of Churches FaithInvest Martin Palmer Catholic Investment Strategies Catholic Creatives Summit Catholic Relief Services Catholic Development Fund (CDF) Faith Driven Entrepreneur Faith Driven Investor Faith Driven Stewards Faith-Driven Leaders Faith Driven Entertainment AI and Faith Aliter Invest Imre de Habsbourg-Lorraine Maria Teresa Zappia Nicolas D. LORNE Tamas Lukacsi Xavier Heude Guillaume d'Alançon Brieux Michoud Gabrielle de Carrère Stefano Maifredi Christine Housel Sara-Louise M. Dr. Glenda Miro - Antonio RN RFC REP CFRM DM EM , Fr Calvin Robinson Calvin Mercer Catherine Moon Micah Voraritskul Victor Gonzaga Mwai Makoka Revelation Media Joseph Lukelu Patterns Of Evidence

I promised to share what I learned from Dr. Mensa Otabil and Madam Lucy Quist at the maiden Central Aid Annual lecture. Madam Lucy Quist, shared her journey as a young girl-who almost dropped out of school, how the selfless act of her Au t who took her in; opened doors that eventually led to her applying for and getting a Central Aid Scholarship years back. She shared with us "who a thought leader is and how relevant it is in shaping the African perspective".Why thought leadership? An individual or firm that is recognized as an authority , having influence over others in their area of expertise. Bearing in mind that this individual built this influence, by being shaped, refined, tried and trusted over the years. As a thought leader you should communicate within the context of your audience. Having shared similar difficulties and experiences helps you think like they do and know how to offer practical and feasible solutions or ideas. She explained that as Christians, Jesus is the standard for thought leadership. And the Church (is supposed to) nurture, the mind the soul the heart. In her opinion, Practical Christianity is the wheel that would change this country.As a higher percentage of us profess Christianity, the world would be so much better if we lived by the values and principles of Christianity in our day to day lives. Dr. Mensa Otabil pointed out the fact that Africa's problems existed before colonization. Even the African countries that were not colonized, still have problems with development because of our culture. Bear in mind, we don't mean this on 'traditional culture's rather the inner values and dominant practice of a population.The way we have cultivated ourselves to see ourselves. Here are Four major layers of problems •Foundational level,...who we were and how we were formed and what kind of people before colonization. •How Europe shaped us through colonization, apartheid, slavery etc. what happened to us after the encounter with Europe •How we thought of the colonialist, our reason for the freedom fight and how we rule our nation. •The aftermath of the consistent failure of governments. The disengagement of the people in the country. 5 main centers that control the way we respond to Pro lems •The way we related to God •The nature of the people •Moral expectations •Consequences •Realism What then is the solution, when a proper diagnosis is made. Then prescription is simple. 1.Create a culture of precision and Accuracy. In time,measure things, planning, building. 2.Create a future minded culture. Our culture is too steep on preserving the past. We must impose the burden of long term consequences, one the urgency of the needs of today.We cannot solve the present problems by using the culture of the past where we created them. 3.Create a culture of cause and effects. Move away from fatalism. Destiny is controlable. 4. A culture of trust and merit. It affects who we promote, pay well, employ, reward etc.

Faith Under Fire: Africa's Christian Resilience Explore the challenges faced by Christian communities across Africa and the beacon of hope emerging from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Learn how political leadership can foster religious tolerance and protect faith communities. An eye-opening look at persecution, resilience, and progress.

A reminder that the Centre of World Christianity at SOAS University of London is hosting the talk 'Attacks on Christians in Nigeria and the problem of narratives' on Wednesday 9 October at 5pm. The talk will be delivered by John Newton, who is Communications and Research Manager at ACN International Aid to the Church in Need. This will be a hybrid talk, taking place both on Zoom and in person at SOAS, Paul Webley Wing, S113. Please find more details on Eventbrite: https://lnkd.in/eR2_FghE The Zoom link is provided below (no need to register, please just join): https://lnkd.in/ekWssgar Meeting ID: 927 7469 8657 Code: uCGkrtgVh5 Code: 7467878192 Abstract is provided below: When St Francis Xavier’s Church in Owo, Ondo State was attacked during Mass on Pentecost Sunday (5th June 2022), leaving 41 worshippers dead, Ireland’s President Michael D. Higgins condemned the attack, but linked it to “the consequences of climate change”. Owo’s Catholic Bishop Jude Arogundade responded saying “his reasons for this gruesome massacre are incorrect and far-fetched”. The reasons for the attacks on Christians can only be located in a broader and more complex context, the full complexity of which is sometimes difficult to fully ascertain due to a lack of information regarding which groups are carrying out attacks and why. However, the current trends in government, academia and other institutions, which favour climate change or eco-terrorism as the key narrative to explain attacks in the Middle Belt and elsewhere, oversimplify the situation. Moreover, this can tend to erase the religious dimension which the victims themselves often see as a key part of any explanation. This paper will look at the complexities of the attacks, problematise the use of climate change or eco-terrorism as an overarching metanarrative, and argue that some sort of religious dimension cannot be removed for any adequate explanation for what has been occurring in Nigeria. #CWC #SOAS #seminars #open #public #Nigeria #Christians #attack #narratives Lars Laamann THE INSTITUTE FOR ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN STUDIES ORTHODOXY COGNATE PAGE The Orthodox Christian Studies Center at Fordham University St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary Woolf Institute Oxford Centre For Mission Studies Cambridge Centre for Christianity Worldwide this may be of interest.

The state of the Christian Church today is both humbling and heart-wrenching. According to Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), one in seven Christians worldwide—over 360 million people—faces high levels of persecution, ranging from societal discrimination to violent oppression. This tragic reality is especially severe in regions such as Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Africa. From November 17th to 24th, the “Week of Witness” invites us to reflect on this global crisis, with initiatives like Red Wednesday—when churches are illuminated in red to symbolize the blood of martyrs. This week is a call to solidarity, prayer, and action for those suffering for their faith. The challenges faced by Christians are escalating. ACN’s recent report highlights alarming trends: violent attacks, increased surveillance and oppression, religiously motivated violence, and government-led persecution are increasing in several countries. Displacement, forced conversions, and authoritarian restrictions under the guise of secularism or nationalism are just some of the harrowing experiences endured by millions of believers. While freedom of religion should be a universal right, for too many, it remains an unfulfilled hope. I am deeply moved by these realities that I am spared from in my daily life. This Week of Witness is an opportunity to stand in prayer and advocacy for those who cannot freely express their faith. May we be reminded of the resilience of the persecuted Church and the hope found in Christ, even in the darkest circumstances. #WeekOfWitness #RedWednesday #ReligiousFreedom #PersecutedChurch #FaithInAction #ChristianPersecution #StandForFaith #GlobalChurch #Advocacy #CompassionEmployee #CompassionInternational (The views in this post reflect my personal opinions and do not necessarily represent Compassion International’s views)

God is positioning Kenya as a Springboard of Revival and Leadership.** This moment in history is critical, as the political alignment suggests significant shifts that align with this divine positioning. Currently, **President William Ruto** serves as the Chairperson of the East African Community, guiding regional cooperation and unity. Furthermore, **former Prime Minister Raila Odinga** is a prominent candidate for the African Union Commission Chairmanship position, symbolizing Kenya's potential leadership role on a continental scale. **Spiritually, this is a pivotal time for the church in Kenya.** The prophetic insight reveals that Kenya can rise to a place of spiritual leadership, not only for Africa but also for the global stage. However, this calling comes with a responsibility: the church must **eradicate hypocrisy and unrighteousness**. ### Key Actions for the Church: 1. **Return to Righteousness:** The church must lead by example, embracing integrity, honesty, and upright living. This calls for genuine repentance and a commitment to walk in holiness. 2. **Unite in Purpose:** Unity among believers is crucial. The church must transcend denominational boundaries to work together for the greater good, reflecting the unity that Jesus prayed for in John 17. 3. **Equip and Empower:** Believers must be equipped through sound biblical teaching, discipleship, and leadership training. This ensures that each member is empowered to serve effectively in their community and beyond. 4. **Engage in Community Transformation:** The church should actively participate in social and community development, addressing issues such as poverty, injustice, and education. This practical outworking of faith demonstrates God's love in tangible ways. 5. **Prayer and Intercession:** Persistent and fervent prayer is essential for revival. The church must prioritize prayer, interceding for the nation and its leaders, seeking God's guidance and intervention. By focusing on these areas, the church in Kenya can step into its divine calling and see God's abundant blessings flow over the nation. This spiritual leadership has the potential to influence not only Africa but also the world, as Kenya becomes a beacon of hope, faith, and transformation. --- TRUE Light Christian Assembly Kenya

The Orthodoxy of Ukrainian. .III. The smooth and rapid fusion of churches and the creation of an Orthodox mega-structure would by inheritance of their defects and diseases. These structures have the opportunity to get rid of certain congenital defects, so that they could have a mutual cleansing, the Ukrainian Churches need a certain period of competing, it will become obvious that there will be no reason for them not to be together, the union will happen. In the conflict between Metropolitan Epifaniy and Metropolitan Filaret, which is being talked about as a crisis, the situation is similar. It is about some kind of catharsis, some kind of purification within the OCU. Metropolitan Filaret, who has done a lot to make this structure come into being, is now actually playing the role of a catalyst in the process of purifying, drawing away the negative that came from the Kyiv Patriarchate. Thus, it is obvious that the events related to the intervention of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in the course of the "Ukrainian crisis" led to the overcoming of the more than 30-year-old ecclesiastical schism and the emergence of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine with its canonical status of autocephalous church with metropolitan status.  Therefore, we can say that the Ukrainian Orthodoxy has received two parallel ecclesiastical structures, which have canonical status and are moving towards a possible unification that is historically and canonically required. Finding a solution to the 'Ukrainian problem', which had been preserved and delayed for decades, was the first and most obvious consequence of the creation of the OCU. "...Tomos has already become an instrument of unity for the Ukrainian autocephalous movement..." Whatever the normalisation of relations between the local OCU and the UOC, with the issuing of the Tomos, a historic document, the unification processes that will continue for some time, the real unification will take place when both sides realise the irreversibility of the change and are ready to make concessions and seek a common solution based on compromise. The entire previous path of Ukraine's development, which led to the socio-cultural fragmentation of Ukrainians and the loss of many features of their national identity, including in matters of faith, is responsible for the deep contradictions that have been building up in Ukraine for centuries.

As the conflict in the Israel-Hamas conflict continues, Canadian churches have come together to pray for a ceasefire, and, in some cases, advocate for political change. But the global Church's relationship with the modern state of Israel has a long and complicated history. Read the latest in our Religion Reporting Project here: https://lnkd.in/eRM3bzNq

ChristianHub | Praying for Ghana’s youth One of the key features of ChristianHub is its Praying for Africa section, which is an invitation to join other believers in praying for African countries. Each country profile gives you a glimpse into the current state of the nation, including the size of the Christian population and social and economic issues people are dealing with. Ghana, with its 34.1 million people from diverse ethnic groups and faiths, has been a beacon of peace in Africa. About 63% of Ghanaians identify as Christian, and a vibrant 24% are Evangelical believers. But there's a unique opportunity - and a pressing need - to reach the young generation. With so much of the population under 15, young people hold the potential to lead a revival. Yet, in many rural areas, traditional beliefs prevail, and specific outreach to young people remains limited, especially outside the major cities. Imagine the impact of the gospel in Ghana's secondary schools, universities, and colleges if these young hearts were reached and discipled! Pray with us for a new generation of Christians in Ghana, who will bring light and transformation to the nation’s culture, politics, and economy. Ghana is one of several African countries listed on ChristianHub’s Praying for Africa page. Join us in praying for the continent: https://lnkd.in/dEAuzzha *ChristianHub is a Mergon initiative

Like any field, understanding the origins of humanitarianism is essential. I recently presented on this topic, exploring whether its roots lie in colonialism, Christianity, or capitalism. I argued that colonialism plays a crucial role in shaping humanitarianism. While often seen as compassionate, many humanitarian actions have complex histories influenced by power dynamics and cultural impositions (Barnett, 2011). I also touched on how religion promoted the moral duty to care for others, which, while admirable, often aligned with colonial goals. In the end, I likened humanitarianism to a crooked timber similar to Michael Barnett in his book: The Empire of Humanity. He acknowledges that humanitarianism is imperfect and shaped by the passion, power and politics of its time, even as it tries to rise above them. Recognizing these origins helps us reflect on how we approach humanitarian efforts today. To access the presentation and join the conversation, click on the link below. Your contributions and debates are welcomed. I am looking forward to more discussions on this important topic. https://lnkd.in/dJkFZc83 #HumanitarianStudies #Humanitarianism #Colonialism #Christianity #Capitalism #GlobalIssues #PublicHealth #SocialJustice 🌍📚🤝