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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.

religion

MFM Cross Over Night: A Night to Take Over

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MFM Cross Over Night: A Night to Take Over

MFM Cross Over Night: A Night to Take Over

 

Sahara Weekly Reports That The Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM) Cross Over Night Service is more than just an event—a life-transforming encounter you cannot afford to miss. This extraordinary night has become a spiritual phenomenon, providing a powerful platform to break barriers and step boldly into the new year through dynamic, divinely inspired prayers.

 

 

If you’re seeking a heavenly atmosphere charged with the compelling power of the Almighty God, Prayer City, Kilometer 12, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, is the place to be. Under the anointed ministration of the General Overseer, Dr. D.K. Olukoya, this service is designed to usher you into divine breakthroughs for 2025.

 

MFM Cross Over Night: A Night to Take Over

 

The event will run from Tuesday, December 31, 2024, through Wednesday, January 1, 2025. To add to the spiritual intensity, the Manna Water Service, renowned for divine healing and intervention, will be integrated into the Cross Over Service. This unique combination ensures a double dose of God’s mighty move.

 

To make the most of this divine encounter you leave home early to arrive on time. The Mini Concert kicks off at 5:00 PM, setting the atmosphere, while the Cross Over Service officially begins at 8:00 PM.

 

Don’t let anything hold you back—join thousands of worshippers as we take over 2025 in the presence of God. Be there!

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Politics

2025: There’s Hope On The Horizon For Nigeria, Lagos – Sanwo-olu

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2025: There’s Hope On The Horizon For Nigeria, Lagos – Sanwo-Olu

 

 

By Ifeoma Ikem

 

 

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has spread a message of hope and optimism for Nigeria and Lagos as the world celebrates Christmas.

 

 

Speaking at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina Lagos, Governor Sanwo-Olu assured citizens that 2025 holds promise for a better future.

 

2025: There's Hope On The Horizon For Nigeria, Lagos - Sanwo-olu

 

The governor expressed gratitude to God for the country’s resilience despite its challenges. He commended residents for their faith in his administration, pledging to continue working towards a safe, secure, and prosperous Lagos.

 

 

Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized the importance of living in peace and harmony, urging families and friends to support one another.

 

2025: There's Hope On The Horizon For Nigeria, Lagos - Sanwo-olu

 

“As a government, we’ll continue to provide enabling environment for growth and advancement, especially infrastructure development.

 

“Nigeria will be better eventually just like our President assured us in his media chat, and everyone will smile,” he added.

 

 

Meanwhile, the Diocesan Bishop of Lagos, Rt. Revd. Ifedola Senasu Okupevi appealed to the federal and state governments to alleviate the suffering of the masses.

 

He called for policy relaxation to bring peace and prosperity to the land.

 

According to Dr. Okupevi, the citizenry must jettison tribal sentiments and embrace unity, stressing that by so doing, “we will realize the country of our dreams.”

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religion

Grace Nation: Birth of Jesus Christ a Testament to Supernatural Power – Dr. Chris Okafor

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Grace Nation: Birth of Jesus Christ a Testament to Supernatural Power – Dr. Chris Okafor

“No man was involved in the birth of Jesus Christ,” says Dr. Okafor.

 

God’s faithfulness over humanity is evident in the gift of life and the countless blessings He bestows upon us. Therefore, celebrating Jesus Christ, the reason for the season, is both an obligation and a privilege, says Dr. Chris Okafor, Senior Pastor of Grace Nation International, also known as Liberation City.

Speaking during the Divine Intervention and Breakthrough Service held at the International Headquarters of Grace Nation in Ojodu Berger, Lagos, Dr. Okafor emphasized the profound meaning and significance of Christmas. In his teaching on the theme “The Power and Essence of Christmas,” the renowned preacher urged believers not to lose sight of the true essence of the season amidst celebrations.

Dr. Okafor highlighted two monumental events in Christian history where God demonstrated His unparalleled power. First, the birth of Jesus Christ—a miraculous conception involving no human intervention. He described this as an extraordinary act of supernatural power.

Second, he spoke of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, noting it as another profound manifestation of divine power. “There is no place in the Scriptures where God displayed such power as He did during the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ,” Dr. Okafor remarked.

He further elaborated, “The birth of Jesus Christ is a testimony to supernatural power and divine intervention. This is why we must celebrate and honor this remarkable event, reflecting on the love and mercy that God has shown to humanity.”

A Time of Reflection and Miracles

The service featured a reading of the Nine Lessons of Christmas and a heartfelt rendition of carols by the Great Liberation Voice choir. It was a moment of deep reflection, as the congregation expressed gratitude for God’s unending grace and mercy that have sustained Grace Nation’s global community.

In the spirit of the season, the service was also marked by testimonies of deliverance and miracles. Attendees witnessed evil projections dissolving instantly, the destruction of altars holding people’s inheritances, and the release of miracle babies to expectant mothers.

Prophetic Declarations for the Future

Dr. Okafor concluded the service with fatherly blessings and declarations for the coming year. He assured Grace Nation members worldwide that 2025 would be a year of divine rewards for those who serve God faithfully and truthfully. “The year ahead will surpass expectations, bringing greater blessings in all aspects of life,” he declared.

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