FINDING FAITH IN THE CHRISTMAS PARADOX: where life in Syria meets faith in New Zealand
Christmas is the celebration of contradictions. And even though it is filled with profound paradoxes, it reveals deep spiritual truths. There are moments when these paradoxes becomes deeply personal, as we move between worlds so far removed, they seem separated not by borders, but by galaxies. For me, on a personal level, 2025 was the year that stitched these paradoxes together — with visits to Lebanon, Syria and New Zealand, it was a year of contrasts, collisions, and yet quiet acts of coexistence. These paradoxes press upon us three questions.
NIGERIA: the complexities of a Christian community under threat
Christian martyrdom in Nigeria remains a grave and ongoing crisis, with thousands killed in 2025 alone due to targeted violence by extremist groups. This persecution has escalated dramatically in recent years, making Nigeria one of the deadliest places in the world for Christians to live. But is it really as straightforward as Christian media portrays? Or do the complexities of culture and faith, and the context of rivalries and revenge, get overshadowed by the emotional weight of martyrdom and persecution?
A COLLISION OF CHRISTIANITIES: I no longer want to be called a “Christian”
The controversy around Bishop Mariann Budde’s prophetic message to Trump last week at the National Cathedral’s inaugural prayer service made me question whether I still want to be called a Christian. Not because of her message, but because of the way that “Christians” responded. I do not want to be identified as a “Christian” anymore based on my confession. People must see it, suspect it and savour it. Little-Christ or no-Christ. Nothing more, nothing less. Friend of sinners! How about that?
A CHRISTIAN RESPONSE TO MESSAGES OF SUSPICION
A number of messages are currently circulating on social media that are not only completely false but are deliberate attempts to rob the Church of her role as peacemaker and the bearer of Good News. What is even more disconcerting is the eagerness with which these messages are forwarded and passed on to fellow believers. So, how do we respond?