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Christian roots of African movement recalled at centennial celebrations

South African President Jacob Zuma: "But our roots are Christian and they will shine through whatever our present problems."

The Christian roots of the African National Congress (ANC) were cited during weekend celebrations in South Africa marking the centennial of Africa's best known liberation and political movement. More than a dozen African heads of state and representatives from around the world attended to honor the movement that eventually overcame the apartheid system of racial segregation.

Pope Benedict's cardinals: more Roman, less 'catholic'

The Cardinals

Pope Benedict XVI's announcement on Jan. 6 of 22 new cardinals shows that he is continuing a pattern of stacking the College of Cardinals with Europeans (mainly Italians) and with leaders of the Roman curia, the papal bureaucracy whose officials are often considered more conservative than prelates in dioceses around the world.

'We don't know who really won in the Congo'

Patricia Kisare

On November 28, 2011 the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) held its second presidential and legislative election.

Heifer sale planned for February 17

$4 million heifer of 2011.

After 30 years of raising funds for the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), volunteers for the Heifer Sale are still going strong.

Egyptian Christian leaders consider dialogue with Islamic groups

Christian leaders in Egypt are meeting to discuss opening a dialogue with Islamic groups as a way of addressing sectarian violence.

God's new beginning

Linda Matties

One of the most famous announcements the world has ever heard is stated in this way: “For unto us is born this day ... a Savior.” It is no accident that the fulcrum of human history rests on a birth narrative. Given the limitations of human language, we struggle to find the vocabulary for momentous events. What better metaphor than a birth story!

Haifa's Holiday of Holidays festival embraces differences

Hanukkah dreidels

Both Christmas lights and Hanukkah dreidels (spinning tops) are appearing as decorations as the northern Israeli port city of Haifa throws a multi-faith party on December weekends.

Christopher Hitchens, atheist to the end, dies at age 62

Hitchens, the iconoclast.

Both opponents and advocates of religious faith are mourning the death of author, polemicist, and atheist Christopher Hitchens, who died Dec. 15 after a long battle with esophageal cancer.

In Canada, Jewish, Muslim comedians joke about Christmas

Christmas can be a lonely time for non-Christians in North America. Jews have Hanukkah -- and traditionally go to Chinese restaurants on Christmas Day. Muslims, well, can always go to the movies.

Irony and challenge in Durban

Willard Metzger (2nd row, right) marches through the streets of Durban in support of climate justice with other people of faith. – photo by Kaitlin Bardswich

For Mennonite Church Canada Executive Director Willard Metzger, the 2011 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Durban, South Africa was an eye-opening experience that began with a twist of irony.

On the eve of the event, Durban was in the midst of a dramatic and destructive increase in rainfall – after a spring of exceeding dryness.