Faith
Faith and Freedom: Standing for Belief Rights
Faith Facts
- October is Pride Month in South Africa and also features International Religious Freedom Day on October 27.
- Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) is protected by international agreements and is a core Christian value.
- In Africa, state persecution of both Christians and homosexuals is on the rise, making FoRB increasingly important.
South Africa marks Pride Month in October, a time to reflect on the significance of freedom of belief for all people. On October 27, International Religious Freedom Day reminds us of the value placed by Christians on the right for everyone to practice their faith or beliefs without coercion or fear.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights and similar documents affirm that freedom of thought, conscience, and religion must be protected for everyone.
“Everyone shall have the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion.”
Christian values encourage standing up for the rights of all individuals to live out their beliefs. Advocates like the late Rev. Dr. Joel Edwards have made biblical cases for robust religious freedom.
FoRB is a human right meant to protect not just Christians but all people, including those with different beliefs or lifestyles. This ensures everyone can live in accordance with their conscience while respecting the dignity of others.
“FoRB protects the right to be a homosexual as much as it protects the right to be a Christian.”
Across Africa, where Christian faith is embraced by the majority and religious leaders are trusted, these principles take on added weight. Sadly, state restrictions and persecution against both Christians and homosexuals continue to rise, underlining the need for courage and conviction from believers.
We are called to do unto others as we would have them do unto us, honoring freedom for everyone and resisting unjust coercion.
Let us stand steadfast in our faith, championing God-given freedoms for all people in our communities and across the world.
Faith Facts
- Rev. Franklin Graham was unable to attend a Christian revival in Nagaland, India, due to a visa timing issue.
- Though his visa was officially approved, it came after he needed to leave to attend the event honoring his father’s legacy.
- Colleagues and local leaders expressed disappointment and concern over the situation’s implications for religious freedom.
Rev. Franklin Graham’s planned participation in a powerful Christian gathering in Nagaland was hindered by timing issues with his visa approval.
This event was meant to honor his late father, Rev. Billy Graham, whose 1972 crusade inspired a generation of believers in the region.
A spokesperson for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association clarified that although the visas were granted by Indian authorities, the approval arrived too late for Graham’s intended journey.
The ministry thanked local pastors, the Nagaland Chief Minister Dr. Niephiu Rio, and the Indian Embassy in Washington, D.C. for their ongoing support.
Robert Cunville, an associate evangelist and close friend to the Graham family, stepped forward to proclaim the Gospel in Franklin Graham’s stead.
Organizers, including local church fellowships, pressed on with the revival, emphasizing the enduring impact of the Billy Graham ministry on Nagaland’s Christian community.
Some Indian and American leaders voiced strong concerns that the delay in granting Graham’s visa raises questions about faith freedom in the world’s largest democracy.
Rep. Adrian Smith of Nebraska called the incident
“a troubling affront to Indian Christians and the Indian constitution’s protections for freedom of religion.”
For over forty years, Franklin Graham’s leadership with Samaritan’s Purse has resulted in humanitarian aid for India, reflecting the Christian commitment to compassion and service.
Chief Minister Rio reminded attendees of the seeds of faith sown by the original 1972 crusade that continue to flourish today.
“Many in our state still cherish the memory of that crusade. It sowed seeds of faith, awakening, and spiritual renewal that continue to bear fruit even today.”
As believers, we remain steadfast, lifting our voices in prayer for the continued freedom to worship and for the enduring witness of Christ in every nation.
Faith Facts
- Rev. Frederick Douglass Haynes III announced his candidacy for Texas District 30 after Rep. Jasmine Crockett declared her Senate run.
- In a recent sermon, Haynes challenged his congregation to confront injustice and pray for courageous leadership.
- Crockett faces public scrutiny over ethics, finances, and workplace environment during her congressional tenure.
Rev. Haynes, leader of a large Dallas church, stepped forward to run for Congress as Rep. Crockett aims for the Senate. His decision follows a passionate sermon encouraging believers to resist injustice and pray for God’s guidance.
He urged Christians to stand against moral and social ills, highlighting the challenges facing communities today. Haynes prayed specifically for protection and wisdom for Crockett, framing political service as a God-given responsibility.
“Is anybody tired yet of the politics of gaslighting, where lies come from the highest office in the land as they erase our history?”
Crockett, praised from the pulpit, also faces notable controversies and concerns regarding her conduct in office. These issues remind Christians of the ongoing need for integrity and accountability in leadership.
Now more than ever, believers are called to engage thoughtfully in civic affairs, upholding the righteous standards established by faith, and praying for honest, God-fearing leaders.
Faith Facts
- A Christian teacher was dismissed for telling a Muslim student that Britain is a Christian country.
- The teacher addressed rule-breaking about feet washing and highlighted Britain’s Christian heritage.
- He was initially banned from working with children, but successfully overturned the ban and is pursuing legal action.
The Free Speech Union is supporting the teacher, emphasizing his right to share truthful facts about Britain’s traditions.
This case highlights concerns over Christian freedoms and the importance of biblical truth in public life.
“This teacher lost his job and almost ended up being barred from the profession for life just because he pointed out to a class of Muslim schoolchildren that the national religion of England is Anglicanism.”
“Things have reached a pretty pass in this country if a teacher can be branded a safeguarding risk because he says something that’s incontestably true. If he’d claimed that Islam is the official religion of England, even though that’s not true, I doubt he would have got into any trouble.”
Standing up for Christian values takes courage—let us continue to pray for those working to preserve faith, truth, and freedom in our nation.
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