Posts by Deborah Laker
Construction Of East African Oil Pipeline Threatens Burial Sites

In order to build the East Africa Crude Oil Pipeline, critics said TotalEnergies is moving over 2,000 graves in Uganda and Tanzania, without adhering to cultural and religious burial customs. GreenFaith — a multi-faith climate justice organization — recently released a report titled “As If Nothing Is Scared” to shed light on the issue.

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Phaneroo Ministries Breaks Guinness World Record for Longest Applause

Last month, hundreds of Phaneroo Ministries International churchgoers clapped in unison for more than three hours, attempting to break the Guinness World Record for the longest applause by “clapping for Jesus.” It will be a few months before the record-keeping organization makes its determination.

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Traversing The Uganda Martyrs Trail

Millions of pilgrims honor the 45 Catholic and Anglican men who were sentenced to death by Kabaka Mwanga II of the Buganda Kingdom. Ugandan reporter Deborah Laker walks in the footsteps of the 22 Catholic martyrs and unearths the tale of religious devotion, complex relationships and colonial oppression.

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Two Asbury Students Reflect on What The Revival Means for Gen Z’s Faith

Over the span of two weeks, Asbury University, a small evangelical college in Wilmore, Kentucky, has been the center of a revival attracting thousands of believers from across the country for 24-hour prayer and worship. 

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5 Unique Variations Of Santa Claus Around The World 

The tradition of a man bringing gifts to children is traced to stories about the early Greek bishop, St. Nicholas of Myra, a small city in modern day Turkey. Santa Claus today goes by different names around the world and is linked to various folktales and cultural practices. Here are the lesser-known variations of Santa, from the beaches of Aruba to the snow-capped mountains of Finland. 

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6 Midterm Election Races Where Religion Could Play A Major Factor

Politicians across the country are in the last stretch of campaigning as Americans prepare to cast the votes in the midterm elections on Nov. 8. ReligionUnplugged.com takes a look at some of the key races where a candidate’s faith could play a big factor in the election results.

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How Congress Is Trying to Fight Against Uyghur Forced Labor

In December 2021, Congress adopted the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act with strong bipartisan support. The Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force has issued guidance instructing companies on how to conduct human rights due diligence and supply chain tracing. But Uyghur activists say more must be done.

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Mariam Ibraheem’s Triumph Over Persecution in Sudan

Born in a refugee camp in eastern Sudan to a Muslim father and a Christian mother, Mariam Ibraheem says “danger lurked in every dark corner.” Disease, abuse and poverty plagued her life. In 2013, a Sharia court sentenced Ibraheem to death for marrying a Christian man. She was pregnant with her second child at the time and gave birth to Maya while shackled in prison. Her story since then has sparked international outcry and admiration.

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Celebrating Freedom From Slavery, Ignorance And Injustice This Juneteenth

Soul food, dancing and laughter are the makings of any memorable Black get-together. But this weekend, African Americans around the nation are gathering for more than just another fun summer cookout — it’s Juneteenth. This vibrant celebration, considered the longest-running African American holiday, honors the liberation of enslaved ancestors.

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