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
- The Lausanne Movement’s LIGHT research division is exploring how artificial intelligence affects the work of fulfilling the Great Commission.
- The LIGHT Briefing calls the Church to ensure AI is used with discernment, prioritizing Christ-centered mission and authentic human relationships.
- Researchers emphasize biblical values by offering an ethical framework that keeps technology aligned with justice, truth, mercy, and love.
Christian leaders are seeking wisdom as artificial intelligence transforms communication, outreach, and discipleship. The Lausanne Movement urges the Church to govern new technologies by faith and grounding in Scripture.
The church is encouraged to reject both fear and misplaced optimism, choosing instead to prayerfully consider how AI can support—never replace—God’s call to spread the Gospel.
“AI is neither savior nor threat in itself. Rather, its value depends on how it is discerned, governed, and deployed by God’s people.”
Believers are challenged to model transparency, fairness, and accountability while recognizing that digital tools can never replace Spirit-led, personal gospel witness.
“The gospel remains unchanged. Biblical commands transcend technological innovation and demand faithful proclamation, regardless of medium.”
It remains vital that evangelism expresses Christ’s love through genuine presence, as only human ambassadors can fulfill the Great Commission’s relational call.
“While AI may augment, it must always serve, not supplant, the spirit-filled human herald in proclaiming the good news and fulfilling the Great Commission.”
The church must move forward with courage and prayer, trusting God’s mission will not falter in the digital age.
Faith Facts
- The World Council of Churches (WCC) expressed deep concern about violence and unrest following Tanzania’s recent election.
- Key opposition leaders faced arrest and exclusion from the election, raising questions about fairness and transparency.
- The WCC called for an investigation into the violence and urged protection of human rights and accountability.
Christian leaders emphasized the sanctity of human life, highlighting that every life is a gift from God and must be honored, even amid political turmoil. They denounced the use of lethal force against citizens standing for peaceful assembly and free expression.
Dr Jerry Pillay, WCC General Secretary, declared,
“Reports of widespread protests, excessive use of force by security agencies, and numerous civilian casualties are deeply distressing and call for urgent moral reflection and accountability.”
He further stated,
“The sanctity of human life — a gift from God — must be protected at all times, and no political process should ever justify the shedding of innocent blood.”
The WCC stands in solidarity with the people of Tanzania, supporting faith-driven calls for peace, dialogue, and justice, and affirming the vital contributions of Christian organizations in seeking reconciliation.
Faithful believers are called to uphold Christian values by praying for Tanzania and advocating for truth, accountability, and protection of freedoms guaranteed by God.
Faith Facts
- The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to hear Kim Davis’s petition, leaving the 2015 ruling on same-sex marriage in place.
- Kim Davis was previously jailed for refusing to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, citing her Christian convictions.
- Liberty Counsel continues to support Davis, emphasizing the need to protect religious liberty for public officials.
The Supreme Court’s refusal to reconsider Obergefell v. Hodges keeps the national legalization of same-sex marriage unchanged. The decision also leaves in place a ruling requiring Kim Davis to pay substantial legal fees related to her stand for biblical marriage.
“This cannot be right because government officials do not shed their constitutional rights upon election,” stated Mat Staver, Liberty Counsel Chairman.
Believers must remain vigilant, standing for religious freedom and biblical principles in the public square. Our faith calls us to uphold God’s design for marriage while advocating for the rights of Christians to live out their convictions.
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