Faith and Leadership: Church Voices Shape Global and Local Narratives in 2025’s Early Days
The historic appointments of women in the Vatican demonstrated tangible progress toward inclusivity and recognition of women’s roles in the Church.
Week 3 of the year 2025 covers the period from Monday, January 13, 2025, to Sunday, January 19, 2025.
This period can be described as A Week of Reflection and Renewal, Church Engagement in Social Justice, Leadership, and Tradition.
Week 3 major News stories aim to capture the interplay of church influence, leadership changes, and significant milestones in the religious community during the week.
Global Developments:
- Pope Francis’ push for greater inclusion of women in leadership roles at the Vatican.
- The beatification of Floribert Bwana Chui Bin Kositi in Congo, highlighting the intersection of faith and social justice.
African Highlights:
- Positive trends in Nigeria with a reduction in clergy kidnappings.
- The announcement of new mission leaders for Africa by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Global Events with Church Involvement:
- The U.S. presidential inauguration and its faith-based customs, such as the National Prayer Service.
Below is a detailed overview of significant church-related news and events from around the world, including Africa, during the third week of January 2025.
Faith and Leadership: Church Voices Shape Global and Local Narratives in 2025’s Early Days
Global Church News
Pope Francis’ Initiatives on Women’s Roles in the Church
Pope Francis has taken notable steps to increase women’s participation in the Vatican’s leadership.
He appointed Raffaella Petrini as the first woman to head the Vatican Governorate and Sister Simona Brambilla as the head of a dicastery.
Despite these advancements, the Pope maintains his stance against the ordination of women as priests, a position that has sparked debate among feminist groups.
In his autobiography “Hope,” published this month, he emphasizes his commitment to “demasculinising” the Catholic Church while upholding traditional doctrines. https://www.thetimes.co.uk
Vatican Sanctions Opus Dei Cardinal
Cardinal Juan Luis Cipriani Thorne, the former archbishop of Lima, Peru,
and the first Opus Dei cardinal, acknowledged that the Vatican sanctioned him in 2019 following a sexual abuse allegation, which he denies.
This revelation underscores ongoing challenges within the Church regarding clergy abuse and the handling of such cases. https://apnews.com
Closure of Historic Irish Abbey
Mount Melleray Abbey, a historic Cistercian monastery in Waterford, Ireland, held its final Sunday mass after nearly two centuries of operation.
The closure results from declining numbers and the aging population of monks.
The community will merge with others to form a new entity named ‘The Abbey of Our Lady of Silence’ in Tipperary.
The future of the original abbey site remains uncertain. https://www.thesun.ie
Faith and Leadership: Church Voices Shape Global and Local Narratives in 2025’s Early Days
During the third week of January 2025, significant church-related events coincided with the inauguration of President Donald Trump for his second term.
Inaugural Church Service
On January 20, 2025, President-elect Donald Trump, accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump,
and their son Barron, attended a traditional pre-inauguration service at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C.
This longstanding custom underscores the role of faith in national ceremonies. https://abc7ny.com
National Prayer Service and Bishop’s Address
The following day, January 21, 2025, the National Prayer Service was held at the Washington National Cathedral.
Bishop Mariann Budde delivered a homily directly addressing President Trump, who was seated in the front pew.
She urged him to show mercy and compassion towards vulnerable groups, including LGBTQ+ individuals, immigrants, and refugees.
Bishop Budde emphasized the importance of leadership qualities such as mercy and humility, stating,
“The country has been entrusted to you. And one of the qualities of a leader is mercy.” (https://en.wikipedia.org
President Trump’s Response
President Trump responded to Bishop Budde’s sermon with criticism,
referring to her as a “so-called Bishop” and a “Radical Left hard line Trump hater” on his social media platform, Truth Social.
He described the service as “very boring” and demanded an apology from both Bishop Budde and the Episcopal Church.
This exchange highlighted tensions between the administration and certain religious leaders. https://en.wikipedia.org
Clergy Participation in Inaugural Events
Cardinal Timothy Dolan and Father Frank Mann played prominent roles in the inauguration ceremonies, offering prayers of invocation and benediction.
Their involvement underscored the continued integration of religious observances in state functions. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news
Policy Actions Influenced by Religious Perspectives
Shortly after his inauguration, President Trump signed executive orders reinstating the Mexico City policy and affirming that federal funds would not be used for abortions.
These actions align with the administration’s commitment to pro-life positions, reflecting the influence of religious perspectives on policy decisions. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news
These events illustrate the complex interplay between religious institutions and the political landscape during the inauguration period.
Faith and Leadership: Church Voices Shape Global and Local Narratives in 2025’s Early Days
Church News in Africa
During the third week of January 2025, several notable church-related events occurred in Nigeria and other major African countries:
Nigeria
Decrease in Clergy Kidnappings
A report published on January 13 by Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) International highlighted a decline in the kidnapping of priests and religious personnel in Nigeria.
In 2024, 11 clergy members were abducted, a significant decrease from the 25 kidnappings reported in 2023.
This development offers cautious optimism regarding the safety of religious figures in the country. https://cruxnow.com/church-in-africa
Passing of Pastor John Obafemi
The Christ Apostolic Church, Nigeria and Overseas, announced the funeral arrangements for Pastor John Obafemi, who passed away in November 2024 at the age of 111.
The burial program is scheduled for later this month, honoring his extensive contributions to the church. https://churchtimesnigeria.net
Other African Countries
Appointment of New Mission Leaders
The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced the appointment of 18 new mission presidents
and their companions for various missions across Africa.
These leaders are set to begin their three-year service in July 2025, aiming to further the church’s mission on the continent. https://news-africa.churchofjesuschrist.org
Beatification of Congolese Martyr
Floribert Bwana Chui Bin Kositi, a former Congolese government worker murdered in 2007 for resisting corruption, has been approved for beatification by Pope Francis.
His martyrdom serves as an inspiration for many in Congo, highlighting a commitment to faith and social justice in a nation grappling with corruption. https://apnews.com
Catholic Communicators Gather in Rome
A diverse group of Catholic communicators, journalists,
and media professionals from Africa convened in Rome for multiple conferences organized in the context of the Catholic Church’s 2025 Jubilee Year.
The gatherings aim to deepen faith and align lives with the teachings of Jesus Christ. https://www.aciafrica.org
These events reflect ongoing developments within the church community in Nigeria and across Africa,
highlighting both challenges and progress in various aspects of religious life.
Faith and Leadership: Church Voices Shape Global and Local Narratives in 2025’s Early Days
Additional Global Church Developments
President Nelson Marks Seven Years as Prophet
President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints completed seven years as the Church’s Prophet on January 14, 2025.
Reflecting on his tenure, he emphasized ongoing efforts to guide the Church in a complex world. https://www.thechurchnews.com
Launch of ‘Living Hope’ Lent Resources
The Church of England introduced ‘Living Hope,’ a set of resources for Lent 2025.
The program explores themes such as trusting, noticing, and courage, aiming to deepen the faithful’s understanding and experience during the Lenten season. https://www.churchofengland.org
These events reflect the dynamic and evolving landscape of church activities and initiatives worldwide,
highlighting efforts to address internal challenges, enhance leadership roles, and inspire the faithful across diverse regions.
Also Read: Week 2 of 2025 – Churches Worldwide Embrace Change: – Diademng
Faith and Leadership: Church Voices Shape Global and Local Narratives in 2025’s Early Days
