NAMIBIA
Lutherans mark Reformation
Thousands of members of the Lutheran church gathered Sunday at a stadium to mark the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. The commemoration occurred during an assembly of the Lutheran World Federation, which represents tens of millions of people. A sermon about hope and liberation was delivered at the Windhoek stadium by Lutheran Zephania Kameeta, Namibia’s minister of poverty eradication and social welfare. On Saturday, a Nigerian, Archbishop Musa Panti Filibus, was elected head of the Lutheran World Federation. Filibus, 57, is the second African to lead the federation since its founding in 1947. He comes from the northeast region of Nigeria, which has endured attacks by the Boko Haram Islamic extremist group. The Lutheran federation says many churches in the area had to suspend activities two years ago to avoid militant assaults during worship services.
CHINA
Putin entertains at piano
Russian President Vladimir Putin, known for his passion for the outdoors, showed off his softer side during a visit to China when he sat down to play the piano Sunday. Putin was in Beijing on a state visit to discuss a $1 trillion infrastructure plan. After speaking at the summit in the morning, Putin headed to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping at his residence. Putin is habitually late for meetings, but this time he was the one who was made to wait, Russian news agencies said. So, Putin played some songs on Xi’s piano. Russian state television showed excerpts of at least two tunes he played — Moscow Windows and City on the Free Neva — both Soviet classics.
Portugal
Eurovision winner at home
Eurovision winner Salvador Sobral was greeted as a national hero upon his return home to Portugal on Sunday, a day after winning the song contest in Ukraine’s capital. The 27-year-old Sobral was a virtual unknown before his triumph in Kiev, but around 2,000 jubilant fans cheered his arrival at Lisbon’s airport. “Without wanting to sound presumptuous, this win is very important for Portuguese culture,” Sobral said. “But I’m not a hero. That’s [local soccer star] Cristiano Ronaldo.” Sobral’s gentle romantic ballad Amar Pelos Dois (Love For Both) conquered all in Saturday’s extravaganza, which was seen by millions around the world. Sobral captured 758 points in the contest, 143 more than second-place Kristian Kostov from Bulgaria.
Compiled from wire reports.