Hi ReligionUnplugged readers,
The Baha’i religion, a monotheistic and universalist faith, is growing steadily in Africa, particularly in countries like Uganda and Rwanda.
Its newest development on the continent is the opening of a new house of worship on April 16 in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo — only the third Baha’i temple in Africa overall.
In today’s top story, Uganda-based contributor Amy Fallon writes on the Baha’i faith and how it’s shaping the people of Africa today.
“I think the DRC (Congo) is at that point where they've had so many things, so many challenges generally as a community nationally: war, eruption of volcanoes. All these strengthen the spiritual vitality of the community,” Nancy Oloro Robarts, a member of Africa’s Baha’i leadership, told ReligionUnplugged.
After Pope Francis Visit, DRC Opens Baha’i House Of Worship
It’s hoped that the new Baha’i house of worship in Kinshasa, Congo, which over 2,000 people from across the central African nation and around the world attended the official inauguration of, will be a “force for social betterment,” said Rachel Kakudji of the Baha’i Office of External Affairs there. by Amy Fallon
The Dalai Lama ‘Incident’: How Not To Respond To A Troubling Sexual Situation With A Child
(OPINION) In education circles, an incident like the Dalai Lama asking a boy to suck his tongue is often called a teachable moment. But the real lessons to be learned from this video could be titled “How NOT to respond to possible child sexual abuse” Or “How NOT to respond to a troubling sexual situation with a child.” by David Clohessy
Cambodian New Year: Temples, Buddha Statues And … Water Fights?
In Cambodia, the three days of celebration are centered on religious observances. The vast majority of Cambodians are Theravada Buddhists, and during this time they visit temples to complete various rituals. These include merit-making activities, such as praying and offering food to monks in exchange for a blessing. They also build sand hills on the temple grounds. These symbolize the heavenly “stupa” where relics of the Buddha’s earthly remains are believed to be kept. by James Thompson
5 American Athletes Who Converted To Islam
Islam is one of the fastest-growing religions in the world. Some notable American athletes have converted to Islam starting in the 1960s, a trend that continues to this day. For some, the belief provides a chance to emphasize personal responsibility and social justice. by Clemente Lisi
‘Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret’ Is Nostalgic For The Childhoods Of The Past
(REVIEW) “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” is firmly part of American literary canon, and it’s been adapted into a movie. It’s a perfect nostalgia vehicle for fans of the book and those who grew up nearer to the time it was first published, but it isn’t good for much else. by Jillian Cheney
Annapurna: Why We Need The Divine Feminine, According To Hinduism
(OPINION) After the recent Women’s History Month, I am reminded of the innate power that we hold, something I never really gave attention to as I entered womanhood myself, raised in a nondenominational church. But Hinduism teaches us the important balance of masculinity and femininity. by Brianna Jacobs
Somali Women Recall Pain And Punishment Under Al-Shabaab
‘’The town is free, but my mind is not free, and I am still traumatized and remember the pain and punishment meted on women by al-Shabaab Shariah police,” Suleqha Mahat said. Her story is an example of the kind of displacement and migration experienced by many Somalians forced to leave their home country by radical Islamists. by Abjata Khalif
📫 Does Requiring A Mail Carrier To Work On Sunday Violate His Religious Freedom? 🔌
In this week’s Weekend Plug-in, Bobby Ross Jr. highlights a Supreme Court case involving a mail carrier who quit his job rather than delivery packages on Sunday. Plus, as always, catch up on all the best reads and top headlines in the world of faith.
Don’t forget! You can subscribe to receive Bobby’s column directly in your inbox on Friday mornings!
Thanks again for reading!
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