Education systems are shaped by various internal and external contextual forces (De Beer, 2017). External contextual trends typically include language, demography, geography, technology, politics, and financial and economic trends. Religion represents one of these external contextual trends that can affect an education system (see Van der Walt, Potgieter & Wolhuter, 2010; Wolhuter & Van der Walt, 2018). Making use of established metabletic-comparative methodology, this article seeks to highlight the impact of religion as a formative factor of education in the BRICS countries. Religion is treated significantly differently in the education systems of the BRICS member states. In schools in India and China, no religious activities are allowed in accordance with the respective constitutions, while any religious activities may take place in schools in Brazil, Russia and South Africa, provided that the activities comply with particular guidelines. Broadly considered, any religious activities are conducted in primary schools in Brazil, provided that attendance is voluntary. Religion in Brazilian schools is influenced by the strong position of the Roman Catholic faith in Brazilian society, which could potentially be detrimental to minority groups in Brazil (Senefonte, 2018:440). Learners in Russia, according to Russian law, are free to choose for themselves the religious module in which they wish to receive education. Schools in Russia do not, however, always implement this legislation correctly, since a school's resources actually determine which module the learners should take. The manner in which religion is being dealt with, causes unhappiness among learners and parents as they do not really have freedom of choice regarding the religious module in which they wish to receive instruction (Zöllner, 2016). The legislation in China clearly states that no religious activities may take place in public schools, yet the ruling party of China intends to enshrine tenets of atheism in learners in schools (Vickers, 2022; Wang & Froese, 2020). Compared to the other BRICS member states, China has the most officially, constitutionally recognised ethnic groups. In terms of legislation and policy formulations, the ethnic minority groups obtain various benefits in terms of education. The wide variety of ethnic groupings poses various challenges to the government of China as the views of all these groups in the education system have to be taken into account. Various documents, including the South African Schools Act 76 of 1996, and other education policies provide clear guidelines as to how religion ought to be dealt with in South African schools. In South Africa, learners are taught various major deities worldwide. All learners in South Africa are exposed to the concept of religion through the subject Life Orientation (Grades 7-12). Teachers in South Africaface the challenge of respecting all kinds of religions and not preaching their own views on a religion. This challenge of respecting all religions can result in conflict in schools, as learners may feel that they will be discriminated against if one type of religion is singled out, for example during assembly. This underscores the role and value of South African teachers in inculcating citizenship values (see Wolhuter, Janmaat, Van der Walt & Potgieter, 2020). The Government of India faces opposition from minority groups with regard to religion in schools as the socio-political hegemony religion is especially preferred in terms of the drafting of academic textbooks (Traub, 2018). This preferential treatment of a particular religion is contrary to the Indian constitution, as no single religion may be singled out, nor should any religion be discriminated against (Majumdar, 2018). The preference given to a particular religion in textbooks can result in a negative impact on the education system of India. The analysis and interpretation show that there is still a close relationship between religion and education in the BRICS countries. However, all five BRICS member states face different problems regarding religion and each of the five member states also deals with its problems differently. This conclusion is now unpacked in this summary, and in detail defended in the ensuing full text. In terms of dealing with religion, South Africa appears to be more tolerant than Brazil, Russia, India and China, although this tolerance still causes more problems for the South African government, in the sense of opposition from various adherents of a wide variety of faith groupings who would like schools to play a role in strengthening the religious beliefs of their children. Several court cases have been fought in South Africa as schools struggle to accommodate the wishes of all religious groups in South Africa (see Nthontho, 2020). In contrast to forces in all the BRICS countries trying to separate religion and (public) education, the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, the proto-charter of Human Rights Charters in the contemporary world, Article 26 states that everyone has the right to education, education should be oriented towards the total development of the child's personality, and that parents have a preferential right to decide on the type of education their children should receive. The BRICS member states can learn from each other how to deal with religion in schools, even though none have yet managed to deal satisfactorily with religion in education. The common factor among all five BRICS countries is that religion is used again and again (consciously or unconsciously) to reinforce political or ideological hegemony. It seems that the shortcoming in all these countries is pointing to a lack of recognition of the place and role of religion in the lives of their citizens and that secular-political objectives, notably the forcing of official ideological hegemony, as well as the achievement of national unity above the full recognition of religious freedom, are also stated in the education system and in citizens 'choice of the kind of religious education of their children. As a result, the role of religion in creating a strong moral fibre for a society therefore never seems to come into its own. Moreover, judging by the United Nations Charter's Human Rights provisions on education, educative education (incl. teaching and learning), in accordance with its full scope of semantic value, does not currently come into its own. The same seems to be the case as regards the human right to parental advocacy with respect to religious education. The experience of the BRICS countries in terms of religion-in-education shows that it is sensible and even necessary, for example, along the path of enlarged parental speech in education and school autonomy, to allow more room for religious freedom in education. The BRICS countries are currently being proposed as the leading grouping of the Global South in a new formative world order. Against this background, current trends regarding religion-in-education in these countries therefore probably represent a bold example. However, it should nonetheless be denounced by the academic community and better examples should subsequently be extracted and presented from other national education systems from future research.

'n Onderwysstelsel word deur verskeie samelewingskontekstuele kragte gevorm. Hierdie kontekstuele faktore sluit taal, demografie, geografie, tegnologie, politiek en finansiële en ekonomiese tendense in. Godsdiens is een van die laasgenoemde tendense wat 'n onderwys-stelsel kan beïnvloed. Die BRICS-organisasie bestaan uit Brasilië, Rusland, Indië, Sjina en Suid-Afrika en is 'n supra-nasionale blok wat baie aandag in die openbare sowel as akademiese diskoers oor internasionale politiek en maatskaplike kwessies trek (De Beer, 2017). Godsdiens word wyd geag as 'n omstrede en sensitiewe faktor in onderwysstelsels (sien Van der Walt, Potgieter & Wolhuter, 2010). In hierdie artikel word godsdiens as vormgewende faktor van die onderwysstelsels in die BRICS-lande ondersoek, om die waarde daarvan as 'n aanskouingsles vir Suid-Afrika en ander lande te bepaal. Die BRICS-lidlande is doelbewus vir hierdie navorsing gekies weens die besondere waarde van hierdie lande as vertoonvenster van onderwysstelsels se antwoord op samelewingstendense van die een-en-twintigste eeu. Dokumentontleding is uitgevoer ten opsigte van beleidsdokumente, wetgewing, artikels en staatspublikasies, ten einde inligting in te samel. In die verwerking en interpretasie van inligting is die metableties-vergelykende metode gebruik ten einde beste praktyke ten opsigte van die hantering van godsdiens in die onderwysstelsels vanuit die BRICS-lidlande te identifiseer. Die ondersoek het ernstige tekortkominge in al die BRICS-lande se hantering van godsdiens in onderwys aan die lig gebring. Nie een van die lande se beleid of praktyk slaag die toets, soos gemeet aan die Verenigde Nasies se Handves van Menseregte nie. Die noodsaak van voortgesette navorsing oor die plek van godsdiens in die onderwysstelsels van die wêreld word ten slotte verduidelik.

RESUMEN A través de la antropología de la salud podemos entender el terreiro de umbanda como parte de un sistema de atención popular. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar las concepciones de salud y enfermedad producidas por los cuidadores del terreiro de umbanda. Participaron diez cuidadores de terreiro de la ciudad de Uberaba (MG/Brasil), tres mujeres y siete hombres, con edades comprendidas entre 40 y 76 años. El tiempo promedio como gerente fue de 18.4 años, que van de cinco a 43 años. Los terreiros encabezados por estos participantes atienden entre 15 y 280 personas por día de operación. Del análisis de las entrevistas, se destaca que la atención médica ofrecida por los cuidadores va más allá de los límites rituales, en ceremonias públicas, que se brindan continuamente en los terreiros. Las actitudes asumidas por los entrevistados implican escuchar, acoger y proximidad física en el momento de urgencia. A través de las narrativas, se puede concluir que el cuidado, en el sentido de administrar el espacio del terreiro, espiritual y materialmente, no se puede disociar del cuidado, lo que significa que los cuidadores son importantes agentes de salud populares. popular MG/Brasil, MGBrasil MG/Brasil , MG Brasil (MG/Brasil) hombres 4 7 años 184 18 18. 1 28 operación entrevistas rituales públicas escuchar urgencia narrativas cuidado materialmente populares (MG/Brasil 2

ABSTRACT Through health anthropology we can understand the umbanda terreiro (specific place for the religious ritual) as part of a popular system of care. This study aimed to investigate the conceptions of health and illness produced by saint keepers of umbanda terreiro. Ten leaders of the terreiros in the city of Uberaba (MG/Brazil) participated, being three women and seven men, between 40 and 76 years old. The average time of performance as a manager was 18.4 years, ranging from 5 to 43 years. The terreiros led by these participants attend between 15 and 280 people working day. The health care offered by saint keepers exceeds ritual limits in public ceremonies and is provided on a continuous basis in the terreiros. The postures assumed by the interviewees involve actions of listening, welcoming and physical proximity at the moment of urgency. From the narratives, it can be concluded that care, in the sense of managing the space of the terreiro, both spiritually and materially, can not be dissociated from caring, meaning saint keepers as important popular health. specific MG/Brazil MGBrazil MG Brazil (MG/Brazil participated men 4 7 old 184 18 18. 1 28 day listening urgency narratives materially caring 2

RESUMO Por meio da antropologia da saúde, podemos compreender o terreiro de umbanda como parte de um sistema popular de cuidado. Este estudo teve por objetivo investigar as concepções de saúde e doença produzidas por zeladores de terreiro de umbanda. Participaram dez zeladores de terreiro da cidade de Uberaba (MG/Brasil), sendo três mulheres e sete homens, com idades entre 40 e 76 anos. O tempo médio de atuação como dirigente foi de 18,4 anos, variando de cinco a 43 anos. Os terreiros chefiados por esses participantes atendem entre 15 e 280 pessoas por dia de funcionamento. Pela análise das entrevistas, destaca-se que o cuidado em saúde oferecido pelos zeladores ultrapassa os limites rituais, nas cerimônias públicas, sendo prestado de modo contínuo nos terreiros. As posturas assumidas pelos entrevistados envolvem ações de escuta, acolhimento e proximidade física no momento da urgência. Pelas narrativas, pode-se concluir que o zelar, no sentido de gerenciar o espaço do terreiro, espiritual e materialmente, não pode ser dissociado do cuidar, significando os zeladores como importantes agentes populares de saúde. MG/Brasil, MGBrasil MG/Brasil , MG Brasil (MG/Brasil) homens 4 7 anos 184 18 18, 1 28 funcionamento entrevistas destacase destaca se rituais públicas escuta urgência narrativas podese zelar materialmente cuidar (MG/Brasil 2

RESUMO Objetivo: Identificar a percepção dos gestores sobre a espiritualidade com vistas à sustentabilidade em organizações brasileiras. Método: Foram realizados 10 grupos de entrevista com 35 gestores de diferentes tipos de organizações (empresas privadas, universidades públicas, universidades privadas, prefeituras municipais, Organizações Não-Governamentais (ONGs), polícia civil, polícia militar). A entrevista foi desenvolvida com a pergunta aberta: o que vocês entendem por espiritualidade? A abordagem qualitativa dos dados foi baseada na técnica de análise temática (Braun & Clarke, 2006). Resultados: Em relação ao tema Espiritualidade, foram identificadas 19 categorias nas falas dos entrevistados: energia, propósito/sentido, conexão, empatia, liderança, valores, relacionamento entre as pessoas, cuidado, fé, relação com a religião, decisão, bem/bem-estar, transcendência/além do material, Deus/universo, força, resiliência/melhoria, acreditar/crenças, trabalho/organização, harmonia/equilíbrio. Identificou-se, segundo as falas dos entrevistados, que a espiritualidade é um modo de viver com base em uma energia, vinculada ou não à religião, que entende a transcendência humana, que proporciona o bem estar, que ajuda a superar os desafios e dificuldades da vida, que acolhe o outro, conduz os trabalhos valorizando as pessoas e as olha em sua integralidade por meio de valores, crenças, fé, Deus, autoconhecimento, da conexão consigo e com algo maior e da constante busca pelo propósito e sentido para a vida. Originalidade: Entender, a partir da percepção dos gestores de diferentes tipos de organizações, como a espiritualidade pode impactar na sustentabilidade é interessante tanto do ponto de vista do funcionário e da organização como do ponto de vista do futuro, da sociedade e do Planeta. Objetivo brasileiras Método 1 3 empresas privadas públicas municipais NãoGovernamentais Não Governamentais ONGs, ONGs , (ONGs) civil militar. militar . militar) aberta Braun Clarke 2006. 2006 2006) Resultados Espiritualidade entrevistados energia propósitosentido propósito/sentido empatia liderança valores cuidado fé religião decisão bem/bemestar, bembemestar bem/bem estar bem/bem-estar transcendênciaalém além material Deusuniverso Deus universo Deus/universo força resiliênciamelhoria resiliência melhoria resiliência/melhoria acreditarcrenças acreditar crenças acreditar/crenças trabalhoorganização trabalho trabalho/organização harmoniaequilíbrio harmonia equilíbrio harmonia/equilíbrio Identificouse, Identificouse Identificou se, se Identificou-se humana vida outro autoconhecimento Originalidade Entender futuro Planeta (ONGs 200 bemestar bem/bemestar bembem 20 2

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify managers’ perceptions of spirituality with a view to sustainability in Brazilian organizations. Method: 10 interview groups were carried out with 35 managers from different types of organizations (private companies, public universities, private universities, city halls, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), civil police, and military police). The interview was developed with the open question: What do you understand by spirituality? The qualitative approach to the data was based on the thematic analysis technique (Braun & Clarke, 2006). Findings: Regarding the theme Spirituality, 19 categories were identified in the interviewees’ statements: energy, purpose/meaning, connection, empathy, leadership, values, relationships between people, care, faith, relationship with religion, decision, welfare/well-being, transcendence/beyond the material, God/universe, strength, resilience/improvement, belief/beliefs, work/organization, harmony/balance. It was identified, according to the interviewees’ statements, that spirituality is a way of living based on an energy, linked or not to religion, which understands human transcendence, which provides well-being, which helps to overcome challenges and difficulties of life, which welcomes the other, conducts work valuing people and looking at them in their entirety through values, beliefs, faith, God, self-knowledge, connection with oneself and with something greater, and the constant search for purpose and meaning for life. Originality: Understanding, from the perception of managers of different types of organizations, how spirituality can impact sustainability is interesting both from the point of view of the employee and the organization and from the point of view of the future, society, and the Planet. Objective Method 1 3 companies universities halls NonGovernmental Non Governmental NGOs, NGOs , (NGOs) police police. . police) question Braun Clarke 2006. 2006 2006) Findings Spirituality interviewees statements energy purposemeaning purpose/meaning empathy leadership values care faith religion decision welfare/wellbeing, welfarewellbeing welfare/well being, welfare well being welfare/well-being transcendencebeyond transcendence beyond material Goduniverse God universe God/universe strength resilienceimprovement resilience improvement resilience/improvement beliefbeliefs belief beliefs belief/beliefs workorganization work/organization harmonybalance harmony balance harmony/balance wellbeing, wellbeing well-being life other selfknowledge, selfknowledge self knowledge, knowledge self-knowledge greater Originality Understanding future society Planet (NGOs 200 welfare/wellbeing welfarewell 20 2

Abstract The discretion of public agents has been gaining importance as an object of study because it is a relevant issue in the management and implementation of policies. Public servants face discretionary decisions in various ways, ranging from the construction of creative ways to generate good social impacts to, at the extreme limit, inaction for fear of subsequent blame for conduct considered improper. This study sought to understand how the experience of discretionary public servants in management careers takes place and their dilemmas. Qualitative research was carried out with specialists in public policies from the state of São Paulo and government managers from the state of Pernambuco. Field research included data collection through 5 focus groups and content analysis. The results show that the main dilemma faced by bureaucrats refers to decision-making based on their competence and current knowledge or inaction for fear of punishment if the decision is judged as illegal or in bad faith. Consequently, there is the so-called “apagão das canetas,” i.e., a decision paralysis. There is a constant trade-off between discretion and blame, and public servants develop strategies to mitigate the risks of being sanctioned. limit improper dilemmas Pernambuco analysis decisionmaking making faith Consequently socalled so called apagão canetas, canetas ie i e i.e. paralysis tradeoff trade off sanctioned i.e

Resumo A discricionariedade dos agentes públicos vem ganhando importância como objeto de estudo por ser questão relevante na gestão e implementação de políticas públicas. Servidores públicos enfrentam decisões discricionárias de formas variadas, indo desde a construção de modos criativos para gerar bons impactos sociais até, no limite extremo, à inação, por medo de posterior responsabilização por conduta considerada indevida. Este estudo buscou compreender a experiência da discricionariedade para os servidores de carreiras de gestão e os dilemas existentes nessa atuação. Para tanto, procedeu-se a pesquisa qualitativa com especialistas em políticas públicas do estado de São Paulo e gestores governamentais do estado de Pernambuco. A pesquisa de campo englobou coleta por meio de 5 grupos focais. Na sequência, os dados foram analisados por meio da técnica da análise de conteúdo. Identificou-se que o principal dilema enfrentado pelos burocratas se encontra entre decidir dentro de sua competência e no melhor de seu conhecimento ou a inação, por medo de responsabilização, caso a decisão seja julgada como ilegal ou de má-fé. Por consequência, tem-se o chamado “apagão das canetas”. Há um constante trade-off entre a discricionariedade e a responsabilização, havendo meios pelos quais os servidores se valem para atenuar os riscos de sofrer sanções. variadas até extremo inação indevida atuação tanto procedeuse procedeu Pernambuco focais sequência conteúdo Identificouse Identificou máfé. máfé má fé. fé má-fé consequência temse tem apagão canetas. canetas . canetas” tradeoff trade off sanções

Resumen La discrecionalidad de los agentes públicos ha ido cobrando importancia como objeto de estudio por ser un tema relevante en la gestión e implementación de políticas públicas. Los servidores públicos enfrentan decisiones discrecionales de diversas formas, que van desde la construcción de formas creativas para generar buenos impactos sociales hasta, en el límite extremo, la inacción, por temor a la responsabilización posterior por su conducta considerada impropia. Este estudio buscó comprender la experiencia de la discrecionalidad en los servidores públicos de carreras gerenciales y los dilemas existentes en ese desempeño. Para ello, se realizó una investigación cualitativa con especialistas en políticas públicas del estado de São Paulo y gestores gubernamentales del estado de Pernambuco. La investigación de campo incluyó la recolección a través de 5 grupos focales A continuación, los datos se analizaron mediante la técnica de análisis de contenido. Se identificó que el principal dilema que enfrentan los burócratas es entre decidir dentro de su competencia y a su leal saber y entender o la inacción, por temor a la responsabilización, si la decisión es juzgada como ilegal o de mala fe. En consecuencia, existe el llamado “apagón de bolígrafos”. Existe un constante trade-off entre la discrecionalidad y la responsabilización, y existen medios a los cuales los funcionarios recurren para mitigar los riesgos de ser sancionados. hasta extremo inacción impropia desempeño ello Pernambuco continuación contenido fe consecuencia apagón bolígrafos. bolígrafos . bolígrafos” tradeoff trade off sancionados

The Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 (hereafter the 1995 LRA) is a product of criticism of the Labour Relations Act 28 of 1956 (hereafter the 1956 LRA). While there were also other points of criticism of the 1956 LRA, those of particular importance for the current discussion included that it allowed for too much legal intervention in collective bargaining (after the fact) and that the system provided too great a scope for third-party discretion in the resolution of collective bargaining disputes. Aiming to address these weaknesses, the 1995 LRA promised "to achieve certainty and to leave as little as possible to the discretion of administrators and adjudicators." It is against this background that this article focusses on advisory arbitration in the public interest as provided for in section 150 and 150A-D of the 1995 LRA. It considers the extent to which the collective bargaining model under the 1995 LRA - as a product of criticism of the 1956 model - continues to be grounded on the legislative policy consideration of voluntarism when viewed against the extent to which the legislature by way of reactive amendments to the 1995 LRA over the three decades since its enactment has once again increased the scope provided for third-party intervention and third-party discretion in collective bargaining.

BACKGROUND: Locum practice is a non-standard form of employment used to address the shortage of healthcare workers in hospitals. In Malawi, the locum practice is used to improvre the availability of healthcare workers and promote continuity of care. Despite this, little attention has been paid to the effective and efficient use of locum practice AIM: To explore the factors influencing locum practices in public and faith-based hospitals in Malawi SETTING: Six public and faith-based hospitals in Malawi METHODS: An exploratory descriptive design was used in the qualitative strand of this larger mixed-methods study. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with hospital managers (n = 15) and focus group discussions (FGD) with nurses, medical officers, and clinical officers (n = 29). All the interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data RESULTS: Locum practice was characterised by challenges related to healthcare workers working beyond the prescribed hours, a lack of orientation for locu staff, inconsistent locum rates, and delayed payments. The consequences of these challenges are compromised quality and safety of patient care CONCLUSION: Locum practice is associated with numerous challenges in both public and faith-based hospitals in resource-limited settings. This could be attributed to the lack of regulation, supervision and monitoring of locum practice CONTRIBUTION: The findings suggest the need for the development and adherence to guidelines and policies for managing locum practice. Further studies could explore measures to retain permanent staff as a way of reducing the demand for locum staff

In the winter of 2018-2019, a refugee family threatened with deportation from the Netherlands, found sanctuary in a church in The Hague. The police weren't allowed to enter the building during a church service; this led to a period of three-month nonstop worshipping, causing vivid debates in both church and society. The sanctuary brought together the public presence of faith, often expressed in diaconal work, and the hidden, intimate spirituality that is associated with worshipping. Words usually spoken during Sunday services, and deeds frequently performed out of sight in diaconal practices, met during the sanctuary, brought together by political policy. This situation makes the sanctuary suitable to explore the dynamics between Diaconia, Liturgy and Politics, the three constitutional elements of the sanctuary in The Hague. The results are based on research in the archives of the sanctuary and empirical research during and after the sanctuary, interviewing both organizers and participants about their experience within this triangle. The article aims to find some answers to the question how diaconal theology contribute to a Church which is relevant in public life. First, the article describes the sanctuary as a diaconal practice in relation to its political context, it then turns to the role of Liturgy during the sanctuary, and finally it envisions the connection between Liturgy and Diaconia in the particular political context of the sanctuary.

This article starts from the premise that the ordinary is the mystical. It does so by delving into the dynamic relationship between Spirituality and Public Theology against the backdrop of Christianity's societal roles. It explores how Christian theology extends beyond private faith to address broad societal issues. Through a critical examination of Public Theology's distinct contributions to contemporary discussions, the article emphasises the necessity of engaging Spirituality - with its focus on the divine-human relationship into this discourse. CONTRIBUTION: This synthesis aims to enrich our comprehension of Christianity's impact on public life, advocating for a faith that actively contributes to societal transformation across diverse contexts

The challenge posed by 18th-century rationalism to the 16th-century Reformed doctrine, initiated a trajectory in which Reformed churches assumed the responsibility of preserving the essence of the Reformation. The emergence of the Open Declaration [Openlike Verklaring] as a response to rationalism served as a call to unity and a reaffirmation of adherence to the Presbyterian Church government system established in 1618-1619. The objective of this study was to examine the significant contributions of the Open Declaration to Church Polity [Kerkreg] and the Reformed Churches of South Africa (RCSA)[Gereformeerde Kerke van Suid-Afrika (GKSA)] by focusing on three key elements: the declaration of faith and commitment; the acknowledgement of liturgical practices and ecclesiastical governance; and the plea for unity and ecclesiastical communion [Kerkverband]. Drawing on scholarly literature and relevant church documents, the analysis explores the role of the Open Declaration in shaping the identity and practices of the RCSA/GKSA within the broader context of Reformed church history. As a result of completing this study, it is discovered that the Open Declaration should be interrogated at local level and Article 48 should be read in the light of Article 29. Major assemblies should be understood from the local Church Council, Classis, regional Synod, and General Synod - not only Classis, regional Synod and General Synod. CONTRIBUTION: The proposed shared understanding of the Open Declaration aims to foster a sense of unity among delegates, emphasising the importance of aligning and binding decisions made by the Church Council, Classis, Regional Synod, and General Synod during meetings. In conclusion, local churches should revisit the Public Declaration, engage in local church dialogues to promote ongoing cooperation, prioritise theological education and training to foster unity, upholding the 16th-century Reformational theology, celebrate Holy Communion in one church building, pursue Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), seeking biblical ways to address and resolve conflicts between local churches, and supplementing the mechanism provided by Article 31 of the Church Order.

This article analyzes three cases in which monuments are based on religious references: a statue of Christ in Rio Grande do Sul, the sculpture of a Bible in Rio de Janeiro and an image of Iemanjá in Maranhão. The objective of our elaborations is to take these objects as forms of presence, respectively, of Catholicism, evangelical faith and Afro-Brazilian religions in public space. The analyses focus on two points: the insertion of these monumentalized objects, with their specific materialities, in the urban landscape and the modes of interaction with their audiences that these monuments aim for or that support them. We seek to contribute to discussions about the configurations of Brazilian religious diversity and the consequences of certain ways of occupying public spaces. references Sul Maranhão presence respectively Catholicism AfroBrazilian Afro space points materialities them spaces

Este texto analisa três casos em que referências religiosas servem para a construção de monumentos: uma estátua de Cristo no Rio Grande do Sul, a escultura de uma Bíblia no Rio de Janeiro e uma imagem de Iemanjá no Maranhão. O objetivo de nossas elaborações é tomar esses objetos como formas de presença, respectivamente, do catolicismo, das igrejas evangélicas e das religiões afro-brasileiras no espaço público. As análises focam em dois pontos: a inserção desses objetos monumentalizados, com suas materialidades específicas, na paisagem urbana e os modos de interação com seus públicos que esses monumentos almejam ou que os sustentam. Buscamos contribuir para discussões sobre as configurações da diversidade religiosa brasileira e as consequências de certos modos de ocupação de espaços públicos. Sul Maranhão presença respectivamente catolicismo afrobrasileiras afro brasileiras público pontos monumentalizados específicas sustentam

Abstract This paper revives the discussion about the relevance of bringing theology into the public space, which would have been questioned by modernity due to the link between theology and religion. The idea was that, in increasingly secularized and pluralistic societies, religion, should it survive, was to be restricted to the realm of the private or of conscience. However, this article shows not only that religions and theology have creatively survived in the public space but also the need for a return of spiritualities and religions, along with their associated discourses, to societies that are worn-out and meaningless. This article focuses mainly on the emergence and growing development of new public spaces: digital platforms and highways, social networks, and the whole set of possibilities that “cyberspace” entails. It is here that an unavoidable challenge arises for theology: it is not primarily a matter of using these new spaces to disseminate knowledge and discoveries or of reflecting on these new environments from a faith perspective. Above all, what is called for is doing theology in these spaces in full consideration of the culture taking shape therein. From the encounter of the gospel with digital culture, new ways of being church, new ways of doing theology, and, without a doubt, reformulated and even unprecedented contents of the faith must emerge.

Resumen Este trabajo retoma la discusión acerca de la pertinencia de la teología en el espacio público, lo cual habría sido puesto en cuestión por la modernidad debido al vínculo de la teología con la religión. La religión, de perdurar, debía restringirse al ámbito de lo privado o de la conciencia, en sociedades cada vez más secularizadas y pluralistas. Sin embargo, el artículo no solo se refiere a la persistencia creativa de las religiones y de la teología en el espacio público, sino incluso a la necesidad de un retorno de las espiritualidades y religiones, y de los discursos asociados a ellas, en aquellas sociedades desgastadas y carentes de sentido. Pero, sobre todo, se detiene en la emergencia y desarrollo creciente de nuevos espacios públicos: las plataformas y autopistas digitales, las redes sociales y todo ese conjunto de posibilidades que conlleva el “ciberespacio”. Es aquí donde se plantea un ineludible desafío para la teología: no se trata únicamente de servirse de estos nuevos espacios para difundir los propios saberes y hallazgos, o de reflexionar desde la fe acerca de estos nuevos ambientes; se trata, sobre todo, de ejercer la teología en esos espacios atendiendo a las coordenadas culturales que allí se están gestando. Del encuentro del Evangelio con la cultura digital han de surgir, entonces, nuevas formas de ser Iglesia, nuevas maneras de hacer teología y, sin duda, contenidos reformulados e, incluso, inéditos de la fe.

Abstract Diabetes is a growing public health concern in Liberia, where an estimated 2.1% of the population live with the disease. The challenges with diabetes in Liberia are enormous. Diabetes places immense socioeconomic pressure on individuals and their families and burdens an already overstretched health care system still recovering from the destructive effects of the 14-year civil war. While efforts towards rebuilding the health care system in Liberia are ongoing, people with diabetes experience significant challenges accessing social, economic, and health-care resources to manage their illness. Purpose: The goal of this critical hermeneutic study was to explore what is it like to live with diabetes in Liberia. Methods: Through purposeful sampling, 10 adults with diabetes were recruited from a publicly funded hospital in Monrovia, Liberia. Data were collected using a photovoice method, wherein participants photographed their everyday experiences of living with diabetes. Results: We identified three themes that answered the question of what is it like to live with diabetes in Liberia: living with diabetes means living with 1) food insecurity, 2) trying to access a health care system that was not built to respond to diabetes, and 3) using faith to cope and foster hope. Conclusion: The experiences of people living with diabetes in Liberia are under-researched, pointing to a gap in knowledge. The findings from this study address this gap in the literature by providing a clearer picture of the impact of diabetes on individuals and families. We provide tangible recommendations to local governments and policy makers on interventions that may improve health outcomes and quality of life for people living with diabetes in Liberia.

ABSTRACT This paper analyzes the dispute regarding the moral and intellectual direction of the modernization process in Grão-Pará in the 1870s and 1880s, between imperial tradition and scientific politics. Conservatives and Catholics, Liberals and Republicans presented their political projects of conservation and change in the structures of state organization. Based on documentary research and literature review, I argue that there was a polarization between tradition and faith versus science and reason, which faced the question of modernity: the two trenches, whose roles in the press and in the formation of public opinion were privileged, projected, with their internal differences, progress, and civilization in the region. I conclude that the coordinates of the political debate on the civilization of nineteenth-century Amazonia lay between the blessings of Pius IX, the scepter of a third reign, and the blessings of secularization, abolition, and federation. GrãoPará Grão Pará s 1880s politics Catholics organization review reason modernity trenches privileged projected differences progress region nineteenthcentury nineteenth century IX reign secularization abolition federation

RESUMO Este trabalho analisa a disputa pela direção moral e intelectual do processo de modernização no Grão-Pará nas décadas de 1870 e 1880, entre a tradição imperial e a política científica. Conservadores e católicos, liberais e republicanos apresentaram os seus projetos políticos de conservação e mudança das estruturas de organização do Estado. Partindo de pesquisa documental e revisão bibliográfica, defendo que havia uma polarização entre tradição e fé versus ciência e razão, que enfrentava a questão da modernidade: as duas trincheiras, cujos papéis na imprensa e na formação da opinião pública eram privilegiados, projetavam, com suas diferenças internas, o progresso e a civilização na região. Concluo que as coordenadas do debate político sobre a civilização da Amazônia oitocentista estavam entre as bençãos de Pio IX, o cetro de um terceiro reinado e as benesses da secularização, da abolição e da federação. GrãoPará Grão Pará 187 1880 científica católicos Estado bibliográfica razão modernidade trincheiras privilegiados projetavam internas região IX secularização federação 18 188 1

Resumo: Este artigo tem como objetivo analisar as políticas de gestão da diversidade religiosa na Argentina. Argumenta que a gestão da diversidade religiosa passou progressivamente de um modelo nacional centralizado para um modelo de descentralização heterogênea, especialmente a nível municipal. Em um contexto de revitalização do reconhecimento da heterogeneidade religiosa, são as administrações municipais, em sua proximidade com o território, os atores sociais e suas necessidades, que se posicionaram como espaços privilegiados. E onde a militância afro-religiosa tem orientado uma grande parte de suas ações estratégicas. Neste processo, reconstruiremos as particularidades dos vínculos entre os atores públicos e a militância afro-religiosa na implementação de mecanismos legais autônomos. Resumo Argentina heterogênea municipal municipais território necessidades privilegiados afroreligiosa afro estratégicas processo autônomos

Abstract: The purpose of this article is to analyze the policies in the management of religious diversity in Argentina. It argues that the management of religious diversity has progressively shifted from a centralized model of national order to one of heterogeneous decentralization, especially at the municipal level. In a context of revitalization of the recognition of religious heterogeneity, it is the municipal administrations, in their proximity to the territory, the social actors and their needs, which have positioned themselves as privileged spaces. And where the afroreligious militancy has oriented a large part of its strategic actions. In this process, we will reconstruct the particularities assumed by the links between public actors and afroreligious militancy in the implementation of autonomous legal devices. Abstract Argentina decentralization level heterogeneity administrations territory needs spaces actions process devices

Resumen: Este artículo tiene como objeto analizar las políticas en la gestión de la diversidad religiosa en Argentina. Sostiene que la gestión de la diversidad religiosa, progresivamente ha ido virando de un modelo centralizado de orden nacional, a uno de descentralización heterogéneo, sobre todo a escala municipal. En un contexto de revitalización del reconocimiento de la heterogeneidad religiosa son las gestiones municipales, en su proximidad con el territorio, los actores sociales y sus necesidades, las que se han posicionado como espacios privilegiados. Y donde la militancia afrorreligiosa ha orientado gran parte de sus acciones estratégicas. En este proceso reconstruiremos las particularidades que asumen los vínculos entre actores públicos y militancias afrorreligiosas en la implementación de los dispositivos legales autónomos. Resumen Argentina nacional heterogéneo municipal municipales territorio necesidades privilegiados estratégicas autónomos

Arguments that the State of Israel practices apartheid are contested by many. In recent years debates on the secular State of Israel's oppression of Palestinians gained prominence also in ecumenical circles. Several stark ecclesial differences prompted this review of Israel as an apartheid regime, and the implications for reformed theology. Christian Zionist beliefs fall short of living up to religious moral high ground because of uncritical support for a country with a scurrilous record for flagrant disregard of human rights. An understanding of ethnic cleansing, occupation, settler-colonialism, and apartheid as defined in international law, are crucial in examining the nature of Israel's regime. The task of reformed Christians - in churches, church bodies, theological schools and in public life - in response to ideologies and theologies of empire and exclusivity is to be united in acknowledging complicity in injustice and in fostering an ethos of honesty, inclusive dignity, equality, and compassion.