World
Anglican head Justin Welby opens Church meeting with call for unity
![Justin Welby](https://news365.ng/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Justin-Welby.jpg)
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby urged unity among Anglicans on Monday as he opened a General Synod meeting set to be dominated by controversy over whether to allow priests to marry same-sex couples.
The Church of England announced last month that it would not change its rules to let priests wed same-sex couples, following nearly six years of internal debate.
Couples will instead be able to receive “thanks” and “God’s blessing” in a church for their civil marriage or civil partnership, a move that has drawn criticism from both those who support and oppose same-sex marriage.
The four-day General Synod — the Church of England’s elected governing body, which meets two or three times a year to decide on doctrine and policy — will debate the issue on Wednesday.
Welby, who has said he is “extremely joyful” about the plans for blessings, told the hundreds of lay Anglicans, clergy and bishops in attendance that he acknowledged their “deep and passionately held differences”.
But let us not fall into caricaturing those among us who don’t agree with us, as being those who are trying to construct their lives away from God,” he said. “The evidence is far from that.” Welby argued that the Church of England had not been open enough to the LGBTQ community.
“Where people find it difficult to believe what Christians say about God’s great love for them because they have been excluded, or made to conceal their identity… they have not been spoken to in Christian,” he said, emphasising the importance of “speaking Christian in word and deed”.
“Along the way too many people, especially around sexuality, have heard the words of rejection that human tongues create.”
The General Synod appears set to affirm the Church’s teaching that Holy Matrimony exists between one man and one woman for life, without voting on the issue.
Yet bishops of the Church also apologised directly to LGBTQ people in a pastoral letter last month for the sometimes “hostile and homophobic response” they have faced in parishes.
“As we have listened, we have been told time and time again how we have failed LGBTQI+ people,” the letter added.m The developments follow the church’s “Living in Love and Faith” consultation, opened in 2017.
But the world’s Anglican community remains heavily split on the issue. Opposition from the Anglican Communion that makes up the bulk of its congregation is seen as preventing a bigger shift over same-sex marriages.
The Anglican Communion comprises 43 Churches around the world in 165 countries, with around 85 million members.
In a sign of the different stances being adopted, Welby has said he will not personally offer the new blessings to same-sex couples, given that he is the ceremonial head of the Anglican Communion. But his colleague Stephen Cottrell, the Archbishop of York, has pledged to conduct such blessings.
Source: eNCA
In other news – Big Brother Mzansi’s Mphowabadimo breathes fire and threatens Themba’s baby mama
Big Brother Mzansi winner Mphowabadimo has gone on a rant following Themba Broly’s baby mama’s silent jabs directed at her.
Nqobile Khuzwayo, ex-girlfriend and mother of Themba Broly’s kids, is a cast member of his highly anticipated reality show, Themba: My Inked World on SABC 1. She is undeniably a fan favourite because of the drama she introduces which turns into entertainment for viewers. Learn more
Zimbabwe News
United Nations Peace ambassador, Apostle Paul Aigbokhan calls for peaceful protest
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Nigeria was once hailed as one of Africa’s strongest and greatest nations, but recent years have seen a troubling decline marked by economic downturn, rising insecurity, and deteriorating international standing. The hardships faced by citizens have become unbearable, with many struggling to survive. It is in this context that the youth, the backbone of our nation, are stepping forward to demand change.
To the vibrant and passionate youths of Nigeria, your right to protest is enshrined in our constitution. It is a powerful tool for expressing dissent and demanding accountability. However, it is crucial to remember that the effectiveness of your message is amplified when delivered peacefully. Vandalizing property and engaging in violence not only undermines the legitimacy of your cause but also puts innocent lives at risk.
Peaceful protest is not a sign of weakness; it is a testament to your strength and maturity. It shows that you are capable of demanding change without resorting to destruction. Let us honor the legacy of past leaders who fought for our rights with dignity and respect for human life.
A Call to the Government and Political Leaders
To our government and political leaders, the voices of the people are crying out for change. It is your duty to listen and act. The grievances being expressed are not new; they reflect years of neglect and mismanagement. The time for empty promises is over. Concrete actions are needed to address the economic challenges, improve security, and restore Nigeria’s standing on the global stage.
The youths of Nigeria are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the leaders of today. They deserve a government that listens to their concerns and works tirelessly to create a better future for all. Engaging in open dialogue and taking decisive steps to address the issues at hand will not only alleviate the current crisis but also rebuild the trust between the government and the people.
As the protests is on, let us all remember that our common goal is to build a better Nigeria. This can only be achieved through peaceful and constructive actions. To the youths, march with purpose and resolve, knowing that your peaceful stance speaks volumes. To the government and political leaders, hear the cries of your people and take meaningful steps to make things right.
Source: vanguardngr
South Africa News
Godswill Akpabio advocates reduction in cost of governance
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The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has called for transparency, accountability and the elimination of unnecessary expenditures to cut down on the cost of governance in the country. Akpabio made the call on Monday at a one-day dialogue on the cost of governance in Nigeria organized by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, NILDS, in Abuja.
Akpabio, who was represented by Sen. Agom Jarigbe (PDP-Rivers) highlighted the possible factors contributing to the high cost of governance in the country.He said the size of the country’s bureaucracy, the escalating public service wage bills, the overhead costs of appointed public officials, and the salaries and allowances of elected officials are major factors.
According to him, the running of government institutions among other substantial components contributed to weighing down the economy and hindering development efforts. Let us hold ourselves accountable and take responsibility for the betterment of our nation. We have to ensure that our government operates efficiently and effectively, serving the needs of the people and fostering sustainable development,” he said.
The president of the senate emphasized the need to streamline bureaucracy, eliminate unnecessary expenditures, and ensured transparency and accountability at all levels of governance. We must invest in our human capital, empowering our public officials with the necessary skills and knowledge to drive progress.
“And we must foster a culture of innovation and creativity, where new ideas can flourish and transform our nation,” he said.Akpabio urged all Nigerians to remain united, become agents of change and be committed to making sacrifices for the nation. He said that the 10th Assembly was ready to partner with all stakeholders to do everything within its constitutional powers to make Nigeria for all citizens.
Source: pmnewsnigeria
In other news – Bad leaders making the life of Nigerians miserable – Pastor Giwa
The senior pastor of Awaiting The Second Coming Of Christ Ministry, Adewale Giwa, on Sunday, lamented that the economic situation in Nigeria has gone from bad to worse under President Bola Tinubu.
The clergyman noted that bad leaders were intentionally making life miserable for Nigerians. Read more
Zimbabwe News
Chinese national Li Song accused in Cynide scandal in Zimbabwe
![Chinese national Li Song](https://news365.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Chinese-national-Li-Song.jpeg)
A Chinese national who was arrested yesterday at the Harare magistrate court on allegations of smuggling more than 100 tonnes of Cynide has claimed to be a diplomat.
Li Song who is facing several allegations that include money laundering, extenalisation, theft and attempted murder has been released by the National Prosecuting Authority to the amusement of the complainants who have a solid evidence against her.
According to the source who attended the vetting process Li Song claimed to be a diplomat who is immune from arrest in the country and the members of Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission went to the Chinese embassy to verify her claim..
According to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission officers Somg was taken to Avondale police station cells for verification.
The notorious Chinese national has been implicated in various offences in the country and is also suspected to be one of the suspect in the poisoning of elephants with Cynide in the country.
Song is accused of externalizing more than US$11 million to an offshore bank account and the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe is a complainant in the case.
Song was arrested at the Harare magistrates court by members of Zacc and is expected to appear in court today.
According to the source Li improtedd more than 100 tonnes of Cynide but was later found with 40 tonnes which was stores at different places in a bid to use it in court to obstruct the course of justice.
Li was recently summons to appear in court on May 21 on allegations of externalization and moneylaundering which Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe is the complainant.
She is accused of externalizing US$11 million through the central bank after manufacturing invoices to get forex at the bank’s auction system.
The Chinese national who is also referred as a defacto ambassador of China is also facing allegations of attempting to kill her business partner Franesco Marconati who is the owner of Eagle Italian Leather and Shoes.
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