Over 250 children rescued from Zimbabwe cult
Abuses of African Apostolic churches highlighted by raid
Hi Religion Unplugged readers,
Last month, police saved hundreds of people in a cult on the outskirts of Zimbabwe’s capital. This sect of the African Apostolic church forced its members to live in inhumane conditions and under a strict doctrine while they waited for the end of the world.
“No money, no phones, no school, no medicine — and no questions,” correspondent Cyril Zenda writes.
In today’s top story, Zenda writes about the sect and the African Apostolic churches as a whole, including the influence of doomsday cults in Africa and how activists are fighting to put an end to the enforcement of abusive doctrines.
In other news, Bobby Ross Jr’s column Weekend Plug-in is getting a reboot. Last Friday was the beginning of something new — don’t miss it.
Cult Raid Highlights Abuses Of African Apostolic Churches
No money, no phones, no school, no medicine — and no questions. This is what life was like in Canaan, the shrine of an African Apostolic faith church on the outskirts of Zimbabwe’s capital Harare, where police last month rescued hundreds of people — including more than 250 children — forced to believe they were prepared to depart for heaven. by Cyril Zenda
Ministry At Sea: Ship Travels To South Africa To Spread The Gospel
The OM Ship, carrying a crew of 350 missionaries from 70 nations, arrived at the Richards Bay’s port in the Eastern Cape in South Africa for their five-month ministry stay earlier this year. They are currently stationed at five South African ports and are expected to complete their work in June. by Vicky Abraham
‘Unsung Hero’ Brings Out Good And Bad Of Kingdom Story Company Films
(REVIEW) “Unsung Hero” is a testament to how the Erwin brothers have truly made a studio that can replicate the quality they’ve been able to establish in the faith-based film industry without them in the director’s chair. For those who love the kinds of films they make, this film should be another hit. For those who don’t, there’s nothing in here to change your mind. by Joseph Holmes
American Couple Preaches The Gospel With Help From The Sun
In several districts of central and southwestern Uganda, places with high levels of poverty, a beacon of hope shines bright these days. It’s The Share the Light Gospel Initiative — led by an American couple, Brian and Mary Kluth through HealthyCharity.org — that’s illuminating lives and brightening the future of hundreds of Christian families. by John Semakula
Before Trump Promoted A Bible, Truman Blessed One
(OPINION) When the National Council of Churches, an ecumenical group known for a more progressive approach to social policy, completed its Revised Standard Version of the Bible in 1952, it celebrated the text with a ceremony at the White House. NCC leaders gifted President Harry Truman the first printed copy, looking to gain publicity and credibility from the president. by Brian Kaylor and Beau Underwood
Islamic Terrorists Increase Attacks On Christians In Mozambique
Islamic extremists waging an insurgency in Mozambique have increasingly targeted Christians and churches in the first three months of this year. As a result, priests and their followers — a total of 100,000 people — have been forced to flee following increased attacks that have left scores of dead and some church buildings destroyed. by Cyril Zenda
Threat Or Myth?: The Unending Clamor Over Christian Nationalism
(ANALYSIS) Here are a few added observations to Religion Unplugged’s continued reporting this election year on vigorous agitation against “Christian Nationalism” as a threat to American democracy, with “White” often added to signal racial animus. This accompanies heavy breathing overall about fusing religion with politics in multiplied events, books, articles, Internet postings and broadcast punditry. by Richard Ostling
🖥️ Time For A Reboot: The Start Of Something New 🔌
It’s time for a reboot. In this week’s Weekend Plug-in, Bobby Ross Jr. marks the launch of something new.
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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