The Common Pulse

  By   Mutunga Tobbias | The Common Pulse/latest news/ Kenya/United States/Africa / September 2025. The story of religion in China has always been one of negotiation between faith and authority, devotion and regulation, the individual search for meaning and the state’s insistence on ideological conformity. In September 2025, the world watched as Beijing intensified its clampdown on digital religious content, issuing new sweeping measures that placed live-streaming, artificial intelligence tools, and monetization of religious practices under strict control. This move is more than just a regulatory update; it represents a deeper vision of how the Chinese state wants to reshape spiritual life in the digital era. To understand what is happening, we must look at the broader picture of China’s religious landscape, the rise of what officials call the “religious economy,” and why the government views the digital spread of faith as both a political risk and a challenge to state a...

By  Mbula Peninah | The Common Pulse/latest new/ Kenya/Abroad/Africa / September 2025 Pope Leo Stops Church Reforms When Pope Leo announced his decision to halt Church reforms, the Catholic world was thrown into renewed debate. For years, progressive Catholics had anticipated bold moves toward inclusivity and modernization, but Leo’s early leadership has made it clear that the brakes are firmly on. His papacy seems committed to slowing down or completely shelving reforms initiated during Pope Francis’s era, such as discussions on same-sex blessings, synodality, and women’s roles. By stopping reforms, Pope Leo is signaling that his vision is less about change and more about preserving continuity in faith and doctrine. Doctrine Unchanged Gay Marriage Women Deacons One of the clearest signs of Pope Leo’s stance comes from his refusal to alter the Church’s teaching on gay marriage and women deacons. Despite mounting global pressure, particularly from Catholics in Europe and the Amer...

By Mutunga Tobbias | The Common Pulse/latest news/Asia/United States/Africa / September 2025     In the bustling metropolis of Hyderabad, India, temples are as common as tea stalls and traffic jams. They are not only places of worship but also cultural anchors that embody the traditions, aspirations, and struggles of everyday people. Yet, in a city where religious devotion competes with rapid modernization, not every temple thrives. Some fall into disrepair, struggling to attract devotees and financial support. One such temple in Hyderabad was on the verge of decline until it underwent a transformation that startled observers: it began offering divine assistance for one of the city’s most pressing ambitions, securing visas. This unusual shift, where a religious shrine rebranded itself as the place where “God helps with visas,” turned a failing temple into a thriving spiritual hub. For countless young men and women in Hyderabad, where dreams of overseas education, employme...

  By Mutunga Tobbias | The Common Pulse/latest news/Asia/United States/Africa / September 2025    When most people board a plane, they expect to settle in for a few hours of quiet travel. But for Russia’s Health Minister, Mikhail Murashko , a recent flight turned into a dramatic return to his original profession: medicine. In a rare display of composure and skill, Murashko stepped away from his ministerial role and back into that of a physician, saving the life of a fellow passenger in distress. The extraordinary event not only captured headlines but also reminded many of the often-overlooked medical background of one of Russia’s most influential policymakers. A Sudden Mid-Air Emergency According to eyewitness accounts, the incident unfolded mid-flight as a passenger suddenly collapsed, showing signs of severe distress. Panic briefly swept through the cabin as crew members called out for any doctors onboard. To the surprise of many, it was none other than Russia’s Health ...

  By  Mbula Peninah | The Common Pulse/latest news/kenya/Abroad/Africa / September 2025 Melinda French Gates Leadership Melinda French Gates has long been admired as a trailblazer in global philanthropy and leadership. Her decision to step away from the Gates Foundation demonstrates the courage to embrace change while staying true to her values. Her leadership style has always been grounded in empathy, inclusivity, and impact, making her one of the most influential female voices in the world of social change. Melinda Gates Leaves Gates Foundation The announcement that Melinda Gates is leaving the Gates Foundation shocked the philanthropic world. Having co-led the organization for decades, her departure signals a new era for the foundation and for her personally. It also highlights how even the most established institutions can evolve when leadership takes bold steps toward independence and reinvention. Melinda Gates Divorce Impact Following her divorce from Bill Gates, M...

 By Tobbias Mutunga The Common Pulse | September 2025 In the world of corporate giants, few names hold as much weight as Nestlé. The Swiss multinational, synonymous with household products from Nescafé to KitKat, has always portrayed itself as a pillar of global stability. But recently, the company has found itself in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. The downfall of its CEO did not begin with a major scandal or regulatory probe, it started with something seemingly small: a tip whispered to an employee. The Tip That Sparked Suspicion According to internal sources, the Nestlé CEO shared confidential market-sensitive information with a trusted employee. What appeared to be harmless guidance, intended perhaps to ease workplace uncertainty—soon snowballed into allegations of insider behavior, favoritism, and breaches of corporate ethics. In an era where corporate governance is scrutinized at every turn, even minor slips can ignite corporate tremors. How Small Actions Become Big ...

By Mutunga Tobbias The Common Pulse | September 2025 In recent years, “sex-for-rent” schemes, where sexual favors replace rental payment, have emerged in media and online ads. Though no new law specifically bans this practice, Canada’s existing legal framework already frames it as illegal and exploitative. Understanding the Legal Framework: Bill C-36 (PCEPA) Bill C-36 criminalizes the purchase of sexual services while providing immunity for sex workers selling their services. Crucially, receiving material benefits from sex work, unless under narrowly defined lawful exceptions, is a criminal offense. How “Sex for Rent” Violates the Law Landlords accepting sex instead of money fall under the offence of receiving a material benefit from sex work , lacking any exemptions. If coercion or economic pressure is involved, that further amplifies legal liability under PCEPA’s exploitation provisions. Real-World Fuel: Investigations & Advocacy CBC Marketplace investigations revealed numer...

  BY MBULA  PENINAH. THE COMMON  PULSE . For decades, surveys told the same story: religion in the West was on the decline. Empty pews, shrinking congregations, and rising numbers of the “nones” (those with no religious affiliation) seemed to signal a permanent cultural shift. But in an unexpected twist, a new generation is complicating the narrative. Across both the United States and the United Kingdom , Gen Z is showing renewed interest in faith, spirituality, and religious community  sometimes in surprising and unconventional ways. The U.S.: From Decline to Spiritual Curiosity In the U.S., religious affiliation fell steadily from the 1990s into the 2010s. Churches closed, and younger generations seemed especially detached from organized faith. But according to new research highlighted by Vox , the trend may be slowing or even reversing. Why the change? Loneliness epidemic : Digital lives have left many young people disconnected. Faith communities offer in-pe...

 BY MBULA PENINAH. THE COMMON PULSE. When climate talks stall in boardrooms and parliaments, another set of voices is rising across Africa’s towns and villages: the voices of pastors, imams, priests, and faith-based activists. In a continent where religion is deeply woven into daily life, faith leaders are emerging as some of the most influential champions of climate justice. From church pulpits in Nairobi to mosque courtyards in Dakar, religious leaders are reframing climate change not just as an environmental issue, but as a moral and spiritual crisis  a call to protect God’s creation and safeguard future generations. Why Faith Leaders Hold Unique Influence Reach and Trust : Over 90% of Africans identify with a religion. Sermons, Friday prayers, and community gatherings provide unmatched access to millions of people. Moral Authority : In societies where political institutions sometimes struggle with trust, faith leaders carry credibility that can inspire real behavi...

 BY MBULA  PENINAH. THE COMMON PULSE. Public education in Scotland is facing a growing debate over the role of faith in classrooms. For decades, Christianity has held a visible place in Scottish schools through religious observance, chaplaincy programs, and governance structures. But in recent years, parents, educators, and advocacy groups have raised concerns that this long-standing tradition no longer reflects Scotland’s increasingly diverse and secular society. The issue has ignited one of the most contentious conversations in Scottish education: Is the system biased toward Christianity, and how inclusive should schools be when it comes to faith? A Historical Foundation Scotland’s deep ties between faith and education date back centuries. Churches were instrumental in establishing schools, and even today, the law requires time for “religious observance” (often Christian in nature) in public schools. Many local councils also appoint religious representatives typically Ch...

 BY MBULA PENINAH. THE COMMON PULSE. In a culture often defined by fast-moving trends, digital overload, and shifting social norms, a surprising countercurrent is emerging across the United States. Young families many in their 20s and 30s are rejecting the chaos of modern life in favor of what they call “traditional living.” Known online as the “Trad Family Movement,” this growing subculture blends conservative Christian faith, homesteading, homeschooling, and old-fashioned family values into a lifestyle that feels as much like a rebellion as a retreat. What Is the “Trad Family” Movement? At its core, the Trad Family movement is a return to simplicity, faith, and traditional roles. Families involved often emphasize: Faith as the foundation   Daily prayer, regular church attendance, and Bible-centered homes. Homesteading & self-sufficiency   From raising chickens to baking bread, these families see sustainability as both spiritual discipline and practical nece...

By Tobias Mutunga The Common Pulse | August 2025 From August, 2025 , Abidjan hosted the Pan-African Catholic Congress , a gathering that brought together bishops, theologians, missionaries, and lay leaders from across the continent. This year’s theme was particularly poignant: shifting Africa’s role from being seen merely as a “mission field” to becoming a mission-sending church . A Church on the Move For decades, the narrative has painted Africa as a recipient of missionary activity, a land where priests, religious sisters, and evangelists arrived to spread the Gospel. But the Congress sought to highlight a powerful truth: Africa’s churches are now vibrant, growing, and ready to send missionaries to the world . African priests, nuns, and lay workers are increasingly present in Europe, the Americas, and Asia, helping revive communities struggling with declining vocations. The Hidden Struggles of African Missionaries While enthusiasm for African missionary work is rising, delegates ...