Daniel Bowdoin PhD DrTheolHabil

M23 rebels commit widespread abuses in DR Congo’s Goma The Rwanda-backed group is trying to build an administration that wins public support, but civilians report ongoing abuses.

www.thenewhumanitarian.org/investigatio...

Exclusive: Rwanda exercises command and control over M23 rebels, say UN experts Rwanda has exercised command and control over M23 rebels during their advance in eastern Congo, gaining political influence and access to mineral-rich territory, according to a confidential report by a group of United Nations experts.

To anyone with functioning eyes this has been obvious for years:

www.reuters.com/world/africa...

I’ve been out of circulation for several months because of certain aspects of ongoing conditions in Goma. I’ll try posting a little bit again and maybe some of my old friends from the other platform will visit from time to time.

So sorry to hear of the death of Bill Moyers a few days ago. Extraordinary person. Given all the achievements of his remarkable lifetime it’s often forgotten that he was an alumnus of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary back when a SBTS degree actually meant something.

This is a fine summary of the broader ramifications of what’s happening here:
africacenter.org/spotlight/ri...

Things have gotten pretty bad here pretty quickly. Worst I’ve seen since Bangui ten or so years ago. Many deaths, many serious injuries, many wounded with injuries typical of modern small arms fire. Looting of essential supplies. Lots to do.

Out in the streets here most of the day, but still time to remind you that today is International Holocaust Remembrance Day. So remember.

A rebel group is advancing on eastern Congo's largest city and over 100,000 people have fled The M23 rebel group is advancing toward eastern Congo’s largest city of Goma. The United Nations says this has displaced over 178,000 people in the past two weeks.

Still here. Plenty of work to do. Not leaving.

apnews.com/article/cong...

Garber installed as Harvard’s 31st president — Harvard Gazette Friends and family, colleagues honor leader who “radiates trustworthiness.”

news.harvard.edu/gazette/stor...

Three wonders mark this day we celebrate: today the star led the Magi to the manger; today water was changed into wine at the marriage feast; today Christ desired to be baptized by John in the river Jordan to bring us salvation, alleluia.

The somewhat earlier (1979) Rolling Stone interview is also well worth finding and reading.

Eastern Congo is as wretched as ever Peace talks have collapsed yet again, as rebel groups continue to make mayhem

www.economist.com/middle-east-...

Usually make these for Christmas, but just didn’t have time this year. So I’ve done 6 tins for the New Year. Everybody from the Archbishop on down has let it be known that they’re expected (if I know what’s good for me). Only soaked in bourbon for four days, but that should do.

If it is your practice, please pray for the repose of the immortal soul of James Earl Carter Jr, 39th President of the United States. Remarkable life, superbly lived. May he rest in peace. He will most certainly rise in glory.

Adrenaline high kept me awake after I got home last night, so to pass the time I went ahead and made the apple pie I was going to do later today. Early start on my own Feast of St Stephen. If you stop by you’re welcome to a slice.🍎🥧🍏

Why Ituri’s war-displaced fear a UN peacekeeper pullout Blue helmets are patrolling vulnerable camps. What will happen when they leave?

www.thenewhumanitarian.org/news-feature...

Past few yrs I’ve done sort of a circuit rider thing on Christmas Day, moving from rural parish to parish filling in for absent clergy. 5 is easy; last yr I did 6; this yr I committed to 7 and that was probably 1 too many. Got them all done, but it was a really close run thing.

9 services, spread across 7 rural parishes, each missing a celebrant or a preacher or both cuz measles/Covid/M23. Added up to 355km. 1 tire change (jagged lava), had to dig myself out of mud just twice, 2 bullet holes this year. A really good day, but I think I’ll lie down now.👍

Das Blümelein, so kleine,
Das duftet uns so süß,
Mit seinem hellen Scheine
Vertreibt's die Finsternis.
Wahr Mensch und wahrer Gott,
Hilft uns aus allem Leiden,
Rettet von Sünd und Tod.

Es ist ein Ros entsprungen,
Aus einer Wurzel zart,
Wie uns die Alten sungen,
Von Jesse kam die Art
Und hat ein Blümlein bracht
Mitten im kalten Winter,
Wohl zu der halben Nacht.

In Goma it’s now very early morning, Christmas Day.

On this, the day upon which we celebrate the birth of our Lord and our Savior, may each and every one of you have a safe, peaceful, merry Christmas.🙏⛪️🙏

A photograph of my hand holding a copy of Friedrich Daniel Ernst Schleiermacher’s *Die Weihnachtsfeier* (Christmas Eve).

Fifty or so Christmas Eves ago I pulled this book out of my little (at the time) personal library and reread it from beginning to end. It was a whimsical thing and just for that one evening. But I’ve managed to do it every Christmas Eve since then so I guess it’s a thing now.

Top Presbyterian opinion pieces 2024 - The Presbyterian Outlook Discover Presbyterian Outlook’s top 15 opinion pieces of 2024, featuring thoughtful commentary on faith, politics, and the PC(USA)'s future.

My article on teaching the Barmen Declaration in Trump's America was one of the top 10 opinion pieces of 2024 at @presoutlook.bsky.social. In the wake of the election, it is sadly even more relevant.
pres-outlook.org/2024/12/top-...

These seem to be dark times just about everywhere and some of us probably have to dig pretty deep to find something for which to be thankful. May all my friends in the United States find that special thing and enjoy the happiest of Thanksgivings.

There’s no such thing as a Bonhoeffer moment Dietrich Bonhoeffer didn’t choose to be a martyr. He simply tried, as many others did, to be decent in the face of...

Wise words from someone whose judgment about Bonhoeffer I respect.

May the memory of Hersh Goldberg-Polin forever be a blessing.

The Fullness of Life: Remembering Jürgen Moltmann The Protestant theologian's writing, like his demeanor, was humble, self-effacing, and quietly revolutionary.

martycenter.org/sightings/th...

May mothers everywhere enjoy a fine Mother’s Day weekend.