Hi ReligionUnplugged readers,
Prophet Elvis Mbonye has amassed a large following based in Kampala, Ugandaâs capital, with many who claim that a variety of his prophecies have been fulfilled. Individuals say he predicted job changes and gifts from family members â plus the election of U.S. President Donald Trump in 2016 and much more.
âThe record he holds is much bigger than those in the Bible,â one of Mbonyeâs circle said.
Worth an estimated $115 million, Mbonye preaches to a primarily middle-class crowd that includes lawyers, doctors, members of Parliament and others.
Todayâs top story from Kampala-based journalist Amy Fallon explores Mbonyeâs prophecies and the cult of personality thatâs built around his name.
See you next week! If you like what you read, share this with your family and friends.
In Uganda âProphet Elvisâ Puts The Profit In Prophet
Ugandaâs Prophet Elvis Mbonye is worth an estimated $115 million. Heâs one of the countryâs most talked about prophets amid claims that a variety of his predictions have come true, from the restoration of broken laptops to the election of U.S. President Donald Trump in 2016 and Brexit. by Amy Fallon
Israel To Restore Ancient Pool For Pilgrims Thatâs Notoriously Frustrating To Reach by Gil Zohar
(ANALYSIS) Stellar attractions slated to open in 2025 promise to jump-start tourism in Jerusalem afflicted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Unresolved is how the masses of visitors and pilgrims will reach them.
In Uganda âProphet Elvisâ Puts The Profit In Prophet by Amy Fallon
Ugandaâs Prophet Elvis Mbonye is worth an estimated $115 million. Heâs one of the countryâs most talked about prophets amid claims that a variety of his predictions have come true, from the restoration of broken laptops to the election of U.S. President Donald Trump in 2016 and Brexit.
Israelâs New Hard-Line Government Has Made Headlines â The Bigger Demographic Changes That Caused It, Not So Much by Michael Brenner
(ANALYSIS) Israelâs new government is the most right-wing and religious leadership the country has had in the 75 years of its existence, as many observers have pointed out. And this style of leadership may last because it represents the next generation of Israelis.
What Is Pentecostal Christianity? by Lloyd Daniel Barba
(ANALYSIS) Though Pentecostals are diverse, all share an emphasis on the Holy Spirit, or Godâs presence in their lives. Yet this also leads to disagreement within the movement about what they believe the Holy Spirit empowers them to do in the real world, especially in activism and politics.
An Interview With Rick Warren by Warren Cole Smith
Rick Warrenâs 2002 book âThe Purpose Driven Lifeâ has sold more than 50-million copies, making it one of the best-selling books of all time. But his work as a pastor and author are just the beginning. Warren Cole Smith had this conversation with Rick Warren at his office in southern California.
Group Of Women Sue Christian Organization Alleging Child Sex Abuse Cover-Up by Anne Stych
Five women in California have filed a lawsuit alleging that the International Churches of Christ perpetrated a âsystemic scheme of abuseâ that included the sexual abuse of children as young as three years old and financial abuse of its members.
Animal Chaplaincy Has Become A Growing Profession by Andrea Cooper
Animal chaplains can help clients prepare for a petâs passing and run animal loss support groups. They partner with clients to develop rituals, from memorial events to a welcome for a new animal companion. They may also lead âblessing of the animalsâ services at houses of worship, or comfort families who have lost an animal following a natural disaster.
Will Pope Francis Resign Now That Benedict XVI Has Died? by Clemente Lisi
(ANALYSIS) One of my five things to watch for in 2023 included media speculation over Pope Francisâ health and speculation over his possible retirement. Within three days of that post â and prompted by the death on Dec. 31 of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI at the age of 95 â speculation increased once again.
Unheralded Voice Of The Truth Celebrates Half Century Of Arabic-Language Ministry by Steve Rabey
After a recent 50th anniversary dinner for about 250 workers, partners, friends and donors, the Voice of the Truth ministry offered to share some of its achievements.
Despite Daily Missile Attacks, Christian Family Keeps Serving At-Risk Ukrainians by Erik Tryggestad
An eastern Ukrainian family traveled 760 miles from their home in Zaporizhzhia, where they worship with a Church of Christ and work with Program for Humanitarian Aid, a nonprofit that, before the war, served primarily orphans and at-risk youths. Now, all Ukrainians are at risk. So the ministry has become one of relief, support and, on occasion, evacuation.
Women Earn Unique Masterâs In Ministry Behind Tennessee Prison Bars by Ted Parks
Thirteen women walked across the gymnasium stage at Nashvilleâs Debra Johnson Rehabilitation Center in mid-December to receive a Master of Arts in Christian ministry, the first graduate degree Lipscomb University has bestowed behind the chain-link and razor wire of the correctional facility formerly called the Tennessee Prison for Women.
Prison Art From China's Ming Dynasty Reflects A Restriction Of Religious Freedom by Jillian Cheney
Ying Zhang, associate professor of history at Ohio State University, is exploring the connections among prison, art and religion in a unique and meaningful way. Her lecture at The American Academy in Berlin accompanies her new book and discusses the way incarceration limits religious freedom.
Tens Of Thousands Mourn Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI At Vatican Funeral Mass by Clemente Lisi
Pope Francis joined tens of thousands of pilgrims in St. Peterâs Square on Thursday at a funeral Mass for Benedict XVI, an unusual gathering for a dead pontiff presided by a living one. The Vatican, enveloped in a thick fog, featured heads of state and bishops from around the world who came to Rome to mourn Benedictâs death and remember his papacy.
Evangelical Publishing Still Going Strong In Post-Communist Romania by Michael Ray Smith
Romanian evangelicals hid their faith during communist rule, but the Eastern European country now ranks as the most religious in Europe. Some evangelical magazine publishers, like Eugenia Rosian, never stopped creating and distributing religious materials.
NFL Players Turn To Prayer, On The Field And Twitter, After Bills Safety Damar Hamlin Suffers Cardiac Arrest During Game by Leocciano Callao
When Damar Hamlin of the Buffalo Bills suffered a cardiac arrest Monday night on the football field, many of his teammates and NFL players at the stadium â some of the toughest men on the planet â broke into a prayer meeting and tears on live TV. The expression of emotion, spiritual care and request for prayer rippled across Twitter and other platforms, igniting both debate and intrigue.
Faint Signs Of Faith Part 7: An Interview About âSeekers And Dwellersâ In The City Of Prague. by Janeth BeltrĂĄn Apodaca and Zoe Sharif
Regardless of one's religious affiliation, Pragueâs Church of Our Lady Victoriousâ breathtaking architecture and rich history make the church an irresistible attraction for travelers. While most can find this to be a unique spiritual experience, locals of Prague have a rather interesting relationship with the church.
Retired Pope Benedict XVI, First Pontiff To Resign Papacy In Six Centuries, Dies At 95 by Clemente Lisi
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who served as head of the Roman Catholic Church from 2005 until his surprise resignation in 2013, was a theologian known for his writings and defense of traditional values to counter the increased secularization of the West.
Faint Signs Of Faith Part 6: Czech Quandaries And An Endless Quest For Answers by European Journalism Institute participants
Although the Czech Republic is the most atheist country in the world, people still practice religious traditions today. Simultaneously, there are many factors contributing to the change of religious food culture in the Czech Republic, like globalization, tourism and immigration.
Faint Signs Of Faith Part 5: Muslims Can Find Halal-Friendly Tourism, Lifestyle And Community In Prague by Dalal Radwan
Muslim tourists and locals in Prague find solace in their accessibility to Middle Eastern, halal food along with tourist hot spots. Whatâs special about such accessibility is that digital media now promotes âhalal trippingâ or âhalal tourism.âÂ
5 Catholic Storylines You Need To Follow Closely In 2023Â by Clemente Lisi
(ANALYSIS) There are only a few days left to go in 2022. It was a busy news year for the Catholic Church â loaded with stories with strong religion angles. As we prepare to ring in 2023, here are five big storylines and trends to watch for over the next 12 months.
Opinion
đ At The Anniversary Of Texas Synagogue Hostage Crisis, A New Report On Antisemitism đ
In this weekâs Weekend Plug-in, Bobby Ross Jr. highlights a new report on rising antisemitism in the U.S. Plus, as always, catch up on all the best reads and top headlines in the world of faith.
Donât forget! You can subscribe to receive Bobbyâs column early on Fridays for only $5 a month. Click the button below to subscribe!
Pope Benedict Lived His Life With Europe In The Rearview by Terry Mattingly
Eros (Sexual Desire) Is Both Vice And Virtue â Rooted In Creation by Michael Metzger
No. 1 US Religion News Story? The Fall Of Roe V. Wade by Terry Mattingly
The Persecution Of Christians Keeps Surging Around The World by Richard Ostling
Donât miss our latest podcast
The Religion of Woke America Misses God and Forgiveness
Georgetown University professor Joshua Mitchell talks with ReligionUnplugged.com about his new book, âAmerican Awakening,â where he explores how identity politics in America bear a some resemblance to Christianity but miss vital concepts such as forgiveness. Mitchell speaks with Paul Glader and Paul Marshall about the book thesis and Mitchellâs observations and concerns about American life. Find it on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify or listen directly on our website.Â
In case you missed it
Editorial picks from our archives
Soccer's Lionel Messi Thanks God For Success In Epic World Cup Win by Clemente Lisi
The soccer star, a practicing Catholic, didnât hide his feelings after Argentinaâs World Cup victory on Sunday at the 89,000-seat Lusail Stadium outside Qatarâs capital Doha. It was a final loaded with ups and downs. Argentina twice squandered a lead â but triumphed in the end on penalties after the game ended 3-3.
A Messi Situation: Examining The Faith Of The World's Greatest Soccer Player by Clemente Lisi
(OPINION) Why is the faith of soccer superstar Lionel Messi so often ignored?
Thanks again for reading!
ReligionUnplugged is a non-profit news organization that benefits greatly from your contributions. Your monetary donations allow us to continue our reporting and expand our coverage. You can always donate on our website by clicking the button below.
Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook. For $5 a month, subscribe to our Weekend Plug-In Substack. Any news tips for us? Is there a story you think we should be covering? We want to know! Email our managing editor Meagan at meagan@themediaproject.org.