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YOUTUBE WALKS DANGEROUS LINE BETWEEN TOLERANCE AND CENSORSHIP IN ITS DECISION TO TERMINATE CHANNEL OF FAMED NIGERIAN PASTOR T.B. JOSHUA

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YOUTUBE WALKS DANGEROUS LINE BETWEEN TOLERANCE AND CENSORSHIP IN ITS DECISION TO TERMINATE CHANNEL OF FAMED NIGERIAN PASTOR T.B. JOSHUA
YOUTUBE WALKS DANGEROUS LINE BETWEEN TOLERANCE AND CENSORSHIP IN ITS DECISION TO TERMINATE CHANNEL OF FAMED NIGERIAN PASTOR T.B. JOSHUA
YouTube recently made the decision to terminate the channel of prominent Nigerian pastor and televangelist TB Joshua, claiming that his content repeatedly violated the company’s hate speech policy pertaining to discrimination based on sexual orientation.
In a statement made Wednesday to Today News Africa, a YouTube spokesperson Ivy Choi said TB Joshua’s channel, which had amassed over 1.8 million subscribers and 600 million views, repeatedly violated community guidelines pertaining to hate speech. In particular, she was referring to videos in which the prominent pastor claimed to cure congregants of their homosexuality.
“In accordance with our long standing three strikes system, we terminated the channel The Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) for repeatedly violating our hate speech policy. Our Community Guidelines clearly prohibit content promoting violence or hatred against protected groups based on attributes such as sexual orientation,” the statement said.
Joshua responded to the labelling of his content as hate speech, stating, “Our mission is to share the love of God with everyone – irrespective of race or religion – and we strongly oppose all forms of hate speech! We have had a long and fruitful relationship with YouTube and believe this decision was made in haste.”
Many feel that it is a slippery slope to begin policing people’s actions or beliefs under the ambiguously defined label of “hate speech.” At what point does rhetoric become hate speech and stop being protected under the umbrella of religious freedom?
In the video that is most responsible for triggering the closure of Joshua’s channel, he “casts out the demon of homosexuality” from congregants.
The video’s description read, “God hates sin, not sinners. When the Bible says, ‘Do not judge so that you will not be judged’, it means we should hate sin, not the sinner because sinners can change… We should hate the act, not the people because our battle is not against flesh and blood but against the spirit beings that cause all these acts.”
While YouTube is meant to be a platform where creators can openly share ideas and express themselves, many have taken TB Joshua’s ban as an affront to the teachings of Christianity and an infringement on free expression.
Community guidelines are an important aspect of any social media platform such as YouTube, and representatives of the company have repeatedly asserted that hate is not welcome on the popular video platform.
Clearly, heinous offenses such as the incitation of violence or the promotion of child trafficking should have no place on YouTube. Yet, the label of hate speech can feel loosely defined, all-encompassing, and open to subjective interpretation. There is much disagreement about the extent to which offensive content should be tolerated and at what point free speech turns into hate speech.
Should a preacher be banned for openly practicing his religious beliefs just because they are offensive or controversial? What is the line that preachers cannot cross without their rhetoric being labeled hateful and impermissible? This raises many concerns amongst religious communities about whether pastors can be punished for merely reading the teachings of Scripture.
It can be difficult to achieve the right balance between appropriately monitoring hate speech and simultaneously promoting the free expression of religious beliefs. For instance, how can YouTube best administer its community guidelines to make sure that conservative Christians and members of the LGBT community both feel welcome and respected on the platform?
A platform with 2.3 billion users around the globe, YouTube is a subsidiary of Google and holds immense power and influence all over the world. The decision of what type of content should be allowed or banned from being posted on the platform is incredibly significant and impactful worldwide.
If YouTube were to disproportionately police conservative content, it would be accused of imposing the company’s ideological perspective on its users. Therefore, conservative Christians ought to be entitled to the same freedom of expression as more liberal content creators regardless of whether or not YouTube agrees with their perspectives.
YouTube spokesperson Ivy Choi asserted that all content creators are held to the same standard, saying of the decision to terminate TB Joshua’s channel for hate speech, “We enforce this policy consistently, regardless of speaker, nationality or religious affiliation.”
There is much controversy and disagreement surrounding the policies by which YouTube monitors content. If the organization wants to promote tolerance, it can be difficult to strike the right balance between respecting religious freedom and simultaneously protecting the interests of people groups.
While making sure that all users feel welcome on YouTube regardless of race, religion, or sexual orientation is one of the company’s top concerns, it is no easy feat to pull off. Protecting the interests of one group sometimes means taking protections away from another group, leaving YouTube performing a never-ending balancing act.
There are many practical challenges for a company like YouTube, which is headquartered in California, United States but has grown to immense popularity worldwide. This provides for additional difficulties in monitoring global content, given the religious and cultural differences between different parts of the world. Throughout Nigeria and much of Africa, homosexuality is currently punishable by law.
As the world reacts to the removal of TB Joshua’s channel and many disagree about whether or not it was justified, the pastor urged listeners Friday to “be strong” and said, “I got to know what happened to YouTube when I saw the viewers complaining… I want you to help me pray for YouTube… Don’t see them the other way around; see them as friends.”
Noah Pitcher is a U.S. and global politics writer at Today News Africa who specializes in covering the White House. A full-time undergraduate student at California Polytechnic State University of San Luis Obispo, Noah is studying Political Science with a concentration in global politics. Noah’s background and experience include working on congressional campaigns, with elected members of the American government, and as part of numerous research teams.

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POPULAR GOSPEL ACT, P-CENTRIC WINS BIG AT CAMA 2024 AS THE MOST VERSATILE.*

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*POPULAR GOSPEL ACT, P-CENTRIC WINS BIG AT CAMA 2024 AS THE MOST VERSATILE.*

It was really a big day for so many representatives from several industries and the religious spheres as multi-talented gospel act P-centric happened to be one the recipients of the 14th edition of Classic Africa Merits Awards CAMA 2024 as the most versatile gospel artiste of the year for his tremendous contribution to the gospel industry.

The glamorous event was held at the prestigious Lagos Airport Hotel on the 17th of November 2024.

Likes of Dr. DK Olukoya of MFM, Dr. Anene Nwachukwu of Rhema Ministries were also recipients amongst several religious leaders physically represented on the colourful day.

Prosper Anozie popularly known as P-centric is no new name in the Nigerian gospel music terrain.
Known for his velvet voice and exceptional songwriting skills with great altar ministrations.

Prosper has garnered himself recognition across West Africa to the United Kingdom where he is currently based through his excellent musical compositions and worship leadership.

He has been professionally active in the kingdom business for over a decade.
A well committed servant of God

His smash singles, My Anchor, I’m Yours, Realms of glory ft. Sister Wisdom are still available online for download.

He expressed his heartfelt gratitude towards the organizers of the award in one of recent posts on social media and also keeping fans abreast of his next music projects in the year 2025.

*SURREALISTIC MEDIA GROUP*

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The Limit Breaker Texas : Instructions Breaks Limitations – Dr Chris Okafor

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The Limit Breaker Texas : Instructions Breaks Limitations - Dr Chris Okafor.

The Limit Breaker Texas : Instructions Breaks Limitations – Dr Chris Okafor.

 

… best way to serve God is to be foolish before him.. Okafor

 

To break out from every Limitation militating against once greatness is to understand the Principalities and Technicalities on how to forge ahead in Life.

 

Speaking at Day 2 of the ongoing Program The Limit Breaker Conference in Texas Houston United States of America, The Generational Prophet of God and Senior Pastor Grace Nation Global Dr Chris Okafor the Problem of Most Christians is that, though they go to church to pray but many of them have in mind what they want God to say about them, they ignore instructions.

The Generational Prophet of God also remarked that Every instruction the spirit gives might not be convenient but when you listen and implement, you will break out of Limitations.

 

The Clergyman who teaches on the Topic “Breaking Limitations” said when you accurately implement the instructions Elohim gave, What will come after will blow your mind, Limits in your life, Jobs, Marriage, Finance, Health, will be broken.

In conclusion Dr Chris Okafor explained that when you pray and sacrifice, sometimes it might seem nothing is happening in the Physical but in the spirit realms the mega plan of God Is ongoing and not too long the Breakthrough will be so feasible that the world will call you a true child of God cause instruction breaks Limitations.

 

It was all-round Healing , Deliverance, restoration and Solution to Problems during the realms of the Prophetic at the conference, God used his servant Dr Chris Okafor in a strange way to profile Solutions to different case files brought before God, while Testimonies are flying in from Participants who attended the day one of the Conference.

If you are in Houston Texas and environs and you miss the first two days of the Limit Breaker Conference you can join God’s servant on Day 3, (i.e) 20 November 2024, The Venue is Holiday inn West way Park 4606 West way Park Blvd Houston TX 77041 and the Time is 4pm.

The Limit Breaker Texas : Instructions Breaks Limitations - Dr Chris Okafor.

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Women of Vision International Ministries Marks 27 Years with Spirit-Filled Annual Convention in Lagos* Clement Emmanuel.

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Women of Vision International Ministries Marks 27 Years with Spirit-Filled Annual Convention in Lagos* Clement Emmanuel.

*Women of Vision International Ministries Marks 27 Years with Spirit-Filled Annual Convention in Lagos*

Clement Emmanuel.

 

Women of Vision International Ministries (WOVIM), a vibrant Christian organization in Gowon Estate, Alimosho, Lagos, is excited to announce its annual convention, with the theme ” Woman Of Dominion” marking a significant milestone—27 years of sharing God’s love, Grace, and salvation with the Lagos community. This year’s theme is centered on thanksgiving, healing, and spiritual empowerment, celebrating the ministry’s legacy and faith journey since its inception.

Pastor (Mrs) Elizabeth Omoike’s journey began with a deep-rooted faith that blossomed into a lifetime of exemplary service. Through her unwavering commitment to her calling, God has transformed the lives of many.

However, her impact extends far beyond the walls of the ministry. Her philanthropic efforts have been instrumental in uplifting the less privileged and marginalized individuals and communities. Inspired by her deep-rooted faith and driven by an unwavering desire to make a tangible difference, she has spearheaded numerous charitable initiatives that have transformed lives.

As a missionary revivalist, Pastor (Mrs) Elizabeth Omoike has travelled to many towns, villages and countries ministering and spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ with unwavering dedication. Her life of service and commitment to her faith has earned her respect and recognition within the Christian community.

The four-day convention is scheduled from November 20th to 23rd, starting at 3p.m. daily at the ministry auditorium, 21,Road, Gowon Estate, Egbeda, Lagos. Pastor Mrs. Elizabeth Omoike, the dedicated founder, host, and convener of the event, expressed her heartfelt anticipation, inviting everyone to join in the occasion. “This convention isn’t just a gathering—it’s an invitation to experience God’s love in a deeply personal way,” she shared. “We are coming together not only to give thanks to God for His faithfulness over the years but also to provide an opportunity for people to connect, get healed, and be uplifted. This is a celebration for the entire community of WOVIM worldwide and for everyone who feels the need to encounter God, experience a dynamic change and receive strength in their lives.”

Pastor (Mrs) Elizabeth Omoike emphasized that this year’s convention is designed to be a memorable experience for all attendees.The event will welcome a lineup of remarkable ministers who have inspired and empowered lives across Nigeria and beyond. Speakers include Pastor Mrs. Ebiye Koko and Pastor Mrs. Rachel Adele, both of whom have touched countless lives with their message of hope and transformation. “We are privileged to have these women who have dedicated their lives to being vessels of God’s love and wisdom. Their words will inspire, uplift, and guide all who attend,” said Pastor (Mrs) Omoike.

The 2024 convention will offer more than just worship and teachings; it reflects WOVIM’s deep commitment to serving the local community. Attendees will benefit from a variety of programs, including salvation, healing, and deliverance services aimed at spiritual growth. As a gesture of WOVIM’s compassion and inclusivity, there will also be a free medical outreach providing essential health services, as well as the distribution of raw foodstuffs, clothing, household wares to support and nourish those in need. There will also be few women to be financially empowered to enhance their businesses.
These initiatives underscore the ministry’s desire to make a tangible difference in the lives of those they serve.

Women of Vision International Ministries Marks 27 Years with Spirit-Filled Annual Convention in Lagos*

Clement Emmanuel.

Pastor (Mrs) Elizabeth Omoike also acknowledged the challenges faced along the way, describing the journey as one that has not always been smooth. ” It hasn’t been easy, but the grace of God has seen us through the tempests. She calls it a Journey of His Grace.

This event promises to be a time of reflection, connection, and transformation for all, inviting people from all walks of life to come together in worship, thanksgiving, and celebrate with the WOVIM community.

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