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.

Read more at Christian Daily

Faith Facts

• The Nashville Church of Christ must return $440,000 to a missionary trust fund and transfer control to Crieve Hall Church of Christ.
• This settlement resulted from a lawsuit over misuse of funds intended for mission work as arranged by a member’s will.
• The court appointed new trustees so the trust will continue to support missionary work as originally intended.

The Nashville Church of Christ in Tennessee has agreed to restore a trust fund meant for missionary endeavors after a court-approved settlement.

This outcome resolves a legal dispute involving the church, Tennessee’s Attorney General, and mismanagement of church assets, with a renewed focus on biblical stewardship.

“The trust was given … for the benefit of missionary endeavors according to the discretion of the elders.”

Under the agreement, the trust—originally valued at $303,356 in 2018 and now $440,000 including interest—will be overseen by elders of the nearby Crieve Hall Church of Christ, keeping the mission in line with Christian intent.

This decision ensures that church resources are returned to their divinely purposed use, reaffirming a commitment to faith-driven ministry and accountability.

Christian stewardship requires honoring commitments and using resources for God’s glory. Stand firm in supporting transparency and faithfulness within our churches.

Read the full article here

Faith Facts

• Rodrigo Paz Pereira thanked God for his election victory, highlighting the importance of faith in leadership.
• Paz’s Christian Democratic Party ended two decades of left-wing rule in Bolivia by securing nearly 55% of the vote in the runoff.
• Both Paz and U.S. officials emphasized a new era of partnership built on shared values and commitments.

Bolivian president-elect Rodrigo Paz Pereira expressed deep gratitude to God during his victory speech, attributing his leadership to divine guidance. He spoke of faith, strength, and the foundations of God, family, and homeland for Bolivia’s future.

“I want, first of all, to thank our God for his energy, for his faith, for his strength, for his audacity,” Paz declared.

He emphasized the audacity and courage provided by the Lord to make decisions for the nation’s good. The Bolivian people have elected a leader who upholds Christian values and prioritizes faithful stewardship.

“God, family and homeland are the foundation of a vision we have regarding our commitment to all of Bolivia, to all Bolivians,” he stated.

Rodrigo Paz promised to serve wholeheartedly, acknowledging God’s blessing over his mission for Bolivia. The Christian Democratic Party’s significant victories in both legislative chambers reflect the nation’s renewed commitment to faith and principled leadership.

“God bless you,” Paz concluded, pledging to work diligently for the people and the nation under God’s providence.

Read the full story at The Christian Post