Commonwealth leaders are preparing to challenge the UK on the issue of slavery reparations at their upcoming summit, despite Downing Street's insistence that reparatory justice is not on the official agenda. Diplomatic sources say that Commonwealth officials are negotiating an agreement to begin meaningful conversations about reparations for the transatlantic slave trade. This could leave the UK facing significant financial reparations, with some estimates suggesting it owes over £18 trillion to Caribbean nations alone. Frederick Mitchell, foreign minister of the Bahamas, emphasised the need for an apology and acknowledged that reparations go beyond money, highlighting the importance of respect and recognition of past wrongs. Caribbean leaders have intensified their calls for reparations, but the UK government maintains its position against paying them, focusing instead on present-day challenges, such as climate change. King Charles has expressed regret over colonial wrongdoings but stopped short of an apology. The issue is expected to become a central focus at the next Commonwealth summit in 2026.

British actor Idris Elba plans to move to Africa within the next decade to support its burgeoning film industry. He wants to develop film studios in Zanzibar and Accra, emphasising the importance of Africans telling their own stories. With his roots in Ghana and Sierra Leone, Elba feels a deep connection to the continent and wants to be directly involved in creating an environment where African film-makers can thrive. He stresses the need for better facilities, government support, and investment to showcase Africa's diverse cultures beyond the usual depictions of trauma. Elba believes the continent’s film industry has great potential, but it requires an enabling environment and more infrastructure to flourish. He hopes to contribute to this transformation by being on the ground, working with local talent, and building a stronger global understanding of Africa through its storytelling.

A military airstrike on a mosque in Wad Madani, in the centre of Sudan, has killed 31 people, according to local activists. The attack occurred after evening prayers and was reportedly carried out using barrel bombs. Many victims have not yet been identified, as rescue teams are still working through the remains of dozens of charred and mutilated bodies. Since April 2023, Sudan has been ravaged by conflict between the military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), resulting in widespread death and displacement. The two sides are battling for control of Al-Jazira state, a key agricultural area, currently controlled by the RSF. Both groups have been accused of war crimes, including targeting civilians and looting.

As Indonesia witnesses a leadership transition, its thirty million Christians are cautiously hopeful for positive change under president-elect Prabowo Subianto and vice president-elect Gibran Rakabuming Raka. Subianto, a former military general, secured 58% of the vote in this year’s election. Indonesia, the second-largest Muslim country in the world, is home to a Christian minority (11% of the population). While the government allows Christians to worship freely, evangelism remains illegal, and Muslim converts often face social persecution. There are concerns about Subianto’s past support from conservative Islamic groups who might influence his policies. In the past the government has not actively persecuted Christians, but it has not always defended them either, particularly in areas like Aceh, where Islamic law is enforced. Christians are praying that the new leadership will uphold religious freedoms and protect their rights in a predominantly Muslim nation.

Cement maker Lafarge, part of Swiss-based Holcim, will face trial in France for financing terrorism and violating European sanctions to keep a Syrian plant operational. The investigation, ongoing since 2016, is one of France’s most significant corporate criminal cases. Lafarge’s Syrian subsidiary is accused of making payments to militant groups, including IS, to protect staff and maintain operations during the Syrian civil war. Judges ordered the trial after earlier attempts by the firm to dismiss charges of complicity in crimes against humanity were rejected. The charges also relate to breaching European sanctions that prohibit financial dealings with Islamist militant groups. In a related US case, Lafarge admitted in 2022 to paying terrorist-designated groups, including IS, to secure safety at its factory. Anti-corruption group Sherpa, which brought the complaint, continues to push for accountability.

The French Bible Society is set to distribute a special edition of the New Testament during the upcoming Paris Olympics. They will hand out 140,000 French and 60,000 English copies, aiming to leave a "lasting legacy beyond the athletic arenas." This edition includes testimonies from Christian athletes like French handball champion Joël Abati and Australian high jumper Nicola Olyslagers. The initiative, named "More Precious than Gold," is inspired by 1 Peter 7 and underscores the value of faith. The distribution is a collaborative effort with various Christian sporting ministries, highlighting shared values that transcend sport and spirituality. The initial plan to print 100,000 French and 30,000 English copies was expanded due to high demand. Over 11 million visitors are expected in Paris for the Olympics and Paralympics, which conclude on September 8. Jonathan Boulet, General Secretary of the French Bible Society, emphasized the enduring impact of the Bible and the importance of accessibility provided by Bible Societies worldwide. This initiative is one of over 500 Church and Christian ministry projects during the games. Visit www.lovefrance.world for more information.

IG, a Nigerian missionary in China for two decades, faced immense hardship during his first two years, often going without food and shelter. Despite these challenges, his determination to fulfill God's call kept him going. He had a transformative experience in Nigeria, where he found faith during high school, initially attending Bible studies to impress a girl but eventually feeling a deep conviction to give his life to Jesus. At 18, after his spiritual awakening, he pursued a path of outreach and ministry. Feeling called to be a missionary, he initially attempted to go to Korea but ended up in China after a layover in Hong Kong. There, he struggled with homelessness and hunger but persevered, eventually connecting with other Nigerians and finding stability. IG began ministering in Guangzhou, where he married a Chinese translator and had three children. His work faced instability due to government crackdowns, leading him to rebuild his ministry multiple times. Despite these challenges, he continues to lead two churches, noting the Chinese appreciation for African preachers, who are seen as having "God's fire."

Keir Starmer marked a significant milestone Wednesday with his first PMQs as Prime Minister, and the first for a Labour leader in over a decade. Here are some key takeaways: - The tone was notably more amicable than in past sessions. The leader of the opposition, Rishi Sunak, even made a self-deprecating joke, saying Team GB wouldn't want his advice on "how to win." - Sunak focused his questions on national security, an area where both Conservatives and Labour show strong support, particularly for Ukraine. - When Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey called for more support for carers, Starmer commended Davey as a "tireless campaigner" for carers' rights. - The SNP's Stephen Flynn adopted a more confrontational approach, criticizing the prime minister over the two-child benefit cap. - Several new faces appeared in the Commons. Questions came from Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay and Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe, while Reform leader Nigel Farage observed the proceedings. This PMQs session highlighted a mix of unity and contention as new leaders and members engaged in the debate.

Sir Keir Starmer has suspended seven Labour MPs for six months after they voted to scrap the two-child benefit cap, opposing the government. The MPs—Richard Burgon, John McDonnell, Imran Hussain, Apsana Begum, Zarah Sultana, Rebecca Long-Bailey, and Ian Byrne—joined forces with Liberal Democrats, Green Party, Plaid Cymru, the SDLP, the Alliance Party, and independent MPs like Jeremy Corbyn to support an SNP amendment to the King's Speech. Starmer's decisive action underscores his demand for loyalty within the party. Despite a majority of over 174, he quashed the rebellion with a 363 to 103 vote. Rumors of threatened suspensions before the vote quelled a potentially larger revolt. Ms. Sultana, upon her suspension, voiced her commitment to aiding vulnerable children. Another Labour MP who voted with the government expressed confidence in its commitment to reducing child poverty. The two-child benefit cap, introduced by George Osborne in 2015, restricts Universal Credit or child tax credits for families with more than two children. The policy has been linked to increasing child poverty. Although Starmer previously advocated for its removal, he reversed his stance due to financial concerns. Scrapping the cap is estimated to cost around £3 billion.