The Battle of Nations founders DELIVERED 🇬🇪🔥 St. Nino has officially put Georgia on the map (and in our brackets) with a strong win over Gregory the Illuminator 63.91% to 36.09% 💪
But don’t get comfortable… we’re heading into the Modern Mercifuls and things are getting REAL. Welcome to the war for Westminster Abbey’s door 🏰 where both these saints are immortalized as two giants of 20th-century faith, courage, and witness.
Janani Luwum vs Wang Zhiming! Martyr vs martyr. Courage vs courage. No easy picks here. Only one moves on. Only one gets closer to the Golden Halo ✨ Watch the video, read the blogs, and VOTE!
Janani Luwum
Born in 1922 in the village of Mucwini in Uganda’s Acholi region, Janani Jakaliya Luwum grew up herding livestock on the family farm. Money was scarce, delaying his start in school until age ten. He attended a primary school in Gulu, studied to become a teacher in secondary school, and eventually returned to teach at his primary school.
In 1947, Luwum married his wife Mary and, over the years, had many children together. It was not until Luwum was about 26 years old (1948) that he became a Christian during the East African Revival. Reminiscing years later he described the moment he came to believe in Christ, “I was overwhelmed by a sense of joy and peace…The reality of Jesus overwhelmed me – and it still does.” He started to evangelize fellow teachers, students, and villagers—anyone who would listen to him.
Within the year of his conversion, his gift for evangelizing to anyone and everyone shifted what he envisioned for his life into working in fulltime ministry. However, his original goal of political aspirations never left him. For Luwum, his faith and first dream of politics worked hand in hand—they were not two interests to be separated. The combination of these two purposes led to him working tirelessly and fiercely against corruption. This relentlessness for his cause is what led to his martyrdom.
In 1954, he became an Anglican deacon and two years later rose to being an Anglican priest. In 1969, he became an ordained bishop of Northern Uganda. He started gaining national attention for his immense care of his flock. Like many biblical figures, he had practiced shepherding early on in his childhood. He garnered international attention due to his zest for proclaiming the gospel to allies and persecutors alike. In 1974, Luwum’s notoriety led to him being elected archbishop of the Ugandan church, continuing to lead and be an example to more people.
Uganda continued to be ruled by dictators like Idi Amin, who Luwum and other supporters of justice continuously confronted. Luwum suspected his time was limited after his last negotiation with Amin. Two months before his murder he shared with the public, “I do not know for how long I shall be occupying this chair. I live as though there will be no tomorrow.” On February 16, 1977, Luwum was slaughtered by Amin and his regime. Luwum was shot twice in the chest and once in the mouth. Amin and his goons ran over Luwum’s body trying to disguise it as a car accident. His martyrdom inspired a revival in Uganda and around the world.
— Sara Kay Hill
Collect for Janani Luwum
O God, whose Son the Good Shepherd laid down his life for his sheep: We give you thanks for your faithful shepherd, Janani Luwum, who after his Savior’s example gave up his life for the sake of his flock. Grant us to be so inspired by his witness that we make no peace with oppression, but live as those who are sealed with the cross of Christ, who died and rose again, and now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Wang Zhiming
Above the great West door of Westminster Abbey stand ten statues, carefully selected to represent the great martyrs of the 20th century. One has already worn the coveted Golden Halo of Lent Madness: Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Others are names known to many: Archbishop Oscar Romero, The Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr, and Grand Duchess Elizabeth of Russia. Standing among them is a man whose story you probably don’t know, but should: Wang Zhiming.
Wang Zhiming was born in Wuding, China in 1907. Christianity came to the Miao people of China (known as the Hmong in other parts of Southeast Asia) around 1798 via Catholic missionaries. In the early 1900s, Protestant missionaries Arthur Nicholls, Samuel Pollard, and others translated the Bible into the Miao language, taught the basics of the faith, and implemented social reforms in medicine, education, and infrastructure. One outcome of their work was the establishment of several Christian schools in the area.
As a child, Wang Zhiming was educated at a Christian school established by those Protestant missionaries; as a result, he became a Christian. After graduation, Wang taught at Christian schools for ten years and began his ministry as a lay preacher, later serving as president of the area’s general assembly and overseeing the Miao churches in Wuding, Luquan, Fumin, Lufeng, and Yuanmou counties.
In 1945, still as a lay leader in his church, Wang traveled to Kunming to help translate and assemble the Miao version of Hymns of Praise to the Lord, which may have been the first Miao hymnbook in China.
Wang was ordained a pastor around 1952. As both a lay leader and a pastor, Wang cared for and encouraged the people in his care, helping nourish faith and hope among a particularly impoverished community.
During the Cultural Revolution, the area where Wang lived in Wuding became a particular target of the regime’s violent attacks on religion. As an example, Wang was declared a counterrevolutionary; one of the charges against him was that he engaged in “religious espionage” by disseminating a spiritual opium (religion) that dulled the masses. He was one of the twenty-one Christian leaders who were imprisoned in Wuding between 1969 and 1973. During his detention, Wang was tortured mentally and physically. Repeatedly asked, “Do you trust Mao Zedong or Jesus?” his unwavering response was “I believe in Jesus.”
On December 28, 1973, Wang was sentenced to death at the age of 66. His trial was held on a middle school playground and attended by approximately 10,000 people. Reports say that in the moments before his execution, he faced the congregation “with a smile on his face, showing not fear but joy.” (Christianity Today article)
Wang Zhiming was an ordinary Christian—raised up as a lay leader in his church, serving for many years before ordination, and offering his gifts to the leadership of his people. Yet his witness and example are extraordinary indeed—a modern martyr who shows us all what it means to stand up to the powers of an unjust government and refuse to renounce one’s faith. Wang Zhiming is a name you should know, and a saint you should vote for!
— Forward Movement staff
Collect for Wang Zhiming
Almighty God, who gave to your servant Wang Zhiming boldness to confess the Name of our Savior Jesus Christ before the rulers of this world, and courage to die for this faith: Grant that we may always be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in us, and to suffer gladly for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
In honor of my friend, an Episcopal Priest from Uganda whose family lost loved ones during Amin’s leadership, I vote for Janani Luwum
14
As a young adult I was involved with resettling “Idi Amin” refugees who came to my home town in UK. (Derby) from Uganda. Some of these people knew of Archbishop Janani. He was an inspiration for them, and a challenge for us who were hosting.
18
Despite the unfortunate phrase “rose to being an Anglican priest,” I cast my vote for Archbishop Luwum having been inspired by him for many years.
12
Today’s is truly an impossible choice. I am in awe of the courage and witness of both of these men.
Grant us to be so inspired by his witness that we make no peace with oppression
OR
Grant that we may always be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in us
Hope is what I need this morning.
38
I agree- choice was nearly impossible. It will be fascinating to see what tomorrow's options are (and, which one comes out ahead from March 3).
1
Two inspiring martyrs. Impossible choice today.
15
As this is an almost impossible choice, I cast my vote for the home team. Janani was an Anglican and Wang was affiliated with an interdenominational group, so my vote goes to Janani.
7
Well you have really made this year’s Lent Madness one for the books. Impossible choices since all of the Saints so far deserve a place on the podium. These two certainly deserve my vote but I went the Janani Luwum because I remember how horrible the Amin regime treated his people.
1
Both Luwam and Wang Zhiming were faithful witnesses martyed under dictatorships. Under the Cultural Revolution, and especially as a Hmong/Miao person (an ethnic minitory that was and remains oppressed), Wang Zhiming would not have had the larger influence and "international attention" of Archbishop Luwum. Yet Miao Christians held fast to their faith, inspired by the testimony of their faithful pastor.
It is difficult to chose, but today my vote goes to Zhiming, the reminder that that the "ordinary" faithful can be a beacon of light "who shows us all what it means to stand up to the powers of an unjust government and refuse to renounce one’s faith."
I am reminded of all the faithful "ordinary" people who are now standing up.
45
I want to vote for both of them! Such similar stories, neither of which I had heard before, so thank-you, Lent Madness.
I've gone with Wang Zhi Ming because it seems that China remains a less friendly place to Christianity than is Africa (in general) and people living openly and faithfully as Christians there could use the support and encouragement and prayers of their international siblings
17
A very tough choice; and I suggest that whomever does not win this round be automatically returned to next year's bracket.
That said, I voted for Archbishop Luwum because of his statement shown on the "poster" in the video: "My conscience is clear before God that I have not sided with the present government, which is utterly self-seeking." Words for our Time.
43
Indeed
2
Wang Zhiming worked in the area of China where my grandparents also were missionaries, and where my grandfather died. I vote for him in their honor.
12
My husband and I were living in Rome, Italy when this massacre occurred. We were worshipping at St. Paul's within the Walls. Many of the Bishops of Uganda had gathered with us that day. Those from Uganda went immediately to the altar rail and prayed. They said, "We must forgive before we receive the body and blood of Christ." It was tragic. My heart still breaks for all those lost under the Amin regime.
1
I have had trouble voting since Lent Madness began. I have to touch the voting button many times to be able to vote. It’s getting annoying. Today I decided to count. I stopped at 54 times, and still wasn’t able to cast a vote. I will try again because I’ve enjoyed Lent Madness for several years, but if the frustration continues, I won’t participate. This makes me sad.
1
Have you tried a different browser or device? My phone is more LM voting friendly than my laptop. (Voting in different contests on different days, I might add!)
5
I had to turn off my VPN before the site would process the captcha. Turning it back on now.
SEC: Is this a feature or a bug?
3
It might be helpful if those having trouble could share which browser they use, or follow Tessa's excellent suggestion about switching the device or browser, when possible. I am voting on an iPhone 14 and accessing lentmadness.org through my gmail account. Works every time. I have also used Safari to go directly to lentmadness.org
Is there tech support at Forward Movement? Or user forums you can search for your device? Hope you can find a solution.
4
After Luwum was martyred, his body was sent back to his tribe for burial, and the young priest there, nelson Onano=Onweng, documented his injuries. That put his life in danger, so the Archbishop of Canterbury sent him to Japan for protection, and he ended up at St. Albam's Tokyo, an English-speaking congregation. I was a parishioner. We involved him in our Scout troop and became good friends. We heard lots of stories about Amin and Luwum.There is no doubt in my mind that Luwum is a saint!
19
Both are deserving of advancement. This is a difficult choice.
I do wonder about the other 20 Christians imprisoned with Wang Zhiming; were they also martyred for their faith, did they follow in Peter's footsteps and deny Christ, or did some other fate befall them?
Pondering.
2
Some were killed, some were sent to "re-education camps." Torture was part of both. Persecution both those of Mao/Hmong peoples and those professing Christ continues in the areas where Zhiming witnessed.
2
This was a difficult choice but Janani Luwum touched my heart with his willingness to face the enemy with faith. Both were brave men with deep faiths.
2
Has there ever been a tie? This one gets my vote. HOWEVER, reading between the lines I think Janani was touched Spiritually right around the birth of his first child, as was I, thus my vote.
3
I sincerely hope this ends up in a tie.
6
Both of these men deserve our admiration and respect. Either could properly wear the Golden Halo. And they deserve to have their names correctly pronounced by our Supreme Executive Committee—google “Janani” to learn how to say it, please, guys! There are three syllables, not two!
9
I think I chose between the two collects today. I voted for Janani Luwum for the exhortation to “make no peace with oppression.” I suppose the exhortation to “be ready to account for the hope that is in us” is really the same. Both remind us to be prepared for death: keep our wicks trimmed and have oil at hand. Be wise virgins in times of evil. I have been reading about Shia mourning practices. After the assassination of Khameini Iranians grieved publicly and with their bodies. Unabashedly grieving is an act of resistance. I suppose martyrdom is a way of “grieving beforehand,” giving a reason for one’s hope by declaring love and life worthy to die for. Faithful witness is an acceptable sacrifice.
11
I agree with all those who have said this is a difficult choice today. What tipped me over to Janani was the line from his collect: that we make no peace with oppression. In one way or another, I pray this prayer every day in these times!
8
I finally was able to vote today! For Archbishop Luwum, but both great candidates. When attempting to access the Help screen, only a blank page comes up. I would really like some of the trading cards, as I have the set from last year. Enough rambling. Have a holy Lent.
1
Archbishop Luwum is remembered in a stained glass window at St. John's Cathedral in Winnipeg, Mantoba. Yes, that's a long way from Uganda, but Luwum was a friend of our late Bishop Barry Valentine, and I, as the tour guide at St. John's get to tell his inspiring story to visitors to the Cathedral. I sometimes wonder what Janini Luwum would think of the split in the Anglican Communion under GAFCON, spearheaded by the former Archbishops of Nigeria and Uganda.
7
HI Rene! Thank you for the comment. I too have been wondering whether I can vote for Luwum because of the divisiveness of his successors in the Ugandan church. I responded to your comment in my own comment, and must apologize for misspelling your name! I voted for Wang, who seems to be the underdog anyway.
Enjoy the rest of Lent Madness!
Jenny Reece
2
This truly is an impossible choice! Two very deserving and inspirational followers (and leaders) of the faith. I’m so glad to learn about them from these excellent write-ups.
4
Have mercy on me SEC, I may have inadvertently voted twice. The first time I pressed vote I was catapulted back to the prove I am not a robot stage. My one (and I hope only) vote goes to Janani Luwum, whose story has inspired me for many years. A timely reminder that we must not make peace with oppression.
1
It’s new saints this year! Heard about Janani Luwum on Shrove Tuesday & Wang Zhiming today. Since Luwum made the Kalendar this year, Zhiming gets my vote today. Someone got to say it - Let’s all Wang chung tonight!
4
I think I voted for Luwan because Zhiming has already been recognized at West Minster Abbey. Both took on the devils of 20th Century history Idi Amin and Mao. Both deserve to win today. May they be with us as we take on the threats in our own country.
8
I once planned a summer exchange for some high school students from Kunming. Gotta vote for Wang
How are we supposed to choose between these two? I;m hoping for a tie vote
1
". . . a modern martyr who shows us all what it means to stand up to the powers of an unjust government and refuse to renounce one’s faith."
These words are critical to remember as our government has been taken over by those who care not at all about justice.
I wish I could have voted for both martyrs as these words are true for each.
64 comments on “Janani Luwum vs. Wang Zhiming”
In honor of my friend, an Episcopal Priest from Uganda whose family lost loved ones during Amin’s leadership, I vote for Janani Luwum
As a young adult I was involved with resettling “Idi Amin” refugees who came to my home town in UK. (Derby) from Uganda. Some of these people knew of Archbishop Janani. He was an inspiration for them, and a challenge for us who were hosting.
Despite the unfortunate phrase “rose to being an Anglican priest,” I cast my vote for Archbishop Luwum having been inspired by him for many years.
Today’s is truly an impossible choice. I am in awe of the courage and witness of both of these men.
Grant us to be so inspired by his witness that we make no peace with oppression
OR
Grant that we may always be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in us
Hope is what I need this morning.
I agree- choice was nearly impossible. It will be fascinating to see what tomorrow's options are (and, which one comes out ahead from March 3).
Two inspiring martyrs. Impossible choice today.
As this is an almost impossible choice, I cast my vote for the home team. Janani was an Anglican and Wang was affiliated with an interdenominational group, so my vote goes to Janani.
Well you have really made this year’s Lent Madness one for the books. Impossible choices since all of the Saints so far deserve a place on the podium. These two certainly deserve my vote but I went the Janani Luwum because I remember how horrible the Amin regime treated his people.
Both Luwam and Wang Zhiming were faithful witnesses martyed under dictatorships. Under the Cultural Revolution, and especially as a Hmong/Miao person (an ethnic minitory that was and remains oppressed), Wang Zhiming would not have had the larger influence and "international attention" of Archbishop Luwum. Yet Miao Christians held fast to their faith, inspired by the testimony of their faithful pastor.
It is difficult to chose, but today my vote goes to Zhiming, the reminder that that the "ordinary" faithful can be a beacon of light "who shows us all what it means to stand up to the powers of an unjust government and refuse to renounce one’s faith."
I am reminded of all the faithful "ordinary" people who are now standing up.
I want to vote for both of them! Such similar stories, neither of which I had heard before, so thank-you, Lent Madness.
I've gone with Wang Zhi Ming because it seems that China remains a less friendly place to Christianity than is Africa (in general) and people living openly and faithfully as Christians there could use the support and encouragement and prayers of their international siblings
A very tough choice; and I suggest that whomever does not win this round be automatically returned to next year's bracket.
That said, I voted for Archbishop Luwum because of his statement shown on the "poster" in the video: "My conscience is clear before God that I have not sided with the present government, which is utterly self-seeking." Words for our Time.
Indeed
Wang Zhiming worked in the area of China where my grandparents also were missionaries, and where my grandfather died. I vote for him in their honor.
My husband and I were living in Rome, Italy when this massacre occurred. We were worshipping at St. Paul's within the Walls. Many of the Bishops of Uganda had gathered with us that day. Those from Uganda went immediately to the altar rail and prayed. They said, "We must forgive before we receive the body and blood of Christ." It was tragic. My heart still breaks for all those lost under the Amin regime.
I have had trouble voting since Lent Madness began. I have to touch the voting button many times to be able to vote. It’s getting annoying. Today I decided to count. I stopped at 54 times, and still wasn’t able to cast a vote. I will try again because I’ve enjoyed Lent Madness for several years, but if the frustration continues, I won’t participate. This makes me sad.
Have you tried a different browser or device? My phone is more LM voting friendly than my laptop. (Voting in different contests on different days, I might add!)
I had to turn off my VPN before the site would process the captcha. Turning it back on now.
SEC: Is this a feature or a bug?
It might be helpful if those having trouble could share which browser they use, or follow Tessa's excellent suggestion about switching the device or browser, when possible. I am voting on an iPhone 14 and accessing lentmadness.org through my gmail account. Works every time. I have also used Safari to go directly to lentmadness.org
Is there tech support at Forward Movement? Or user forums you can search for your device? Hope you can find a solution.
After Luwum was martyred, his body was sent back to his tribe for burial, and the young priest there, nelson Onano=Onweng, documented his injuries. That put his life in danger, so the Archbishop of Canterbury sent him to Japan for protection, and he ended up at St. Albam's Tokyo, an English-speaking congregation. I was a parishioner. We involved him in our Scout troop and became good friends. We heard lots of stories about Amin and Luwum.There is no doubt in my mind that Luwum is a saint!
Both are deserving of advancement. This is a difficult choice.
I do wonder about the other 20 Christians imprisoned with Wang Zhiming; were they also martyred for their faith, did they follow in Peter's footsteps and deny Christ, or did some other fate befall them?
Pondering.
Some were killed, some were sent to "re-education camps." Torture was part of both. Persecution both those of Mao/Hmong peoples and those professing Christ continues in the areas where Zhiming witnessed.
This was a difficult choice but Janani Luwum touched my heart with his willingness to face the enemy with faith. Both were brave men with deep faiths.
Has there ever been a tie? This one gets my vote. HOWEVER, reading between the lines I think Janani was touched Spiritually right around the birth of his first child, as was I, thus my vote.
I sincerely hope this ends up in a tie.
Both of these men deserve our admiration and respect. Either could properly wear the Golden Halo. And they deserve to have their names correctly pronounced by our Supreme Executive Committee—google “Janani” to learn how to say it, please, guys! There are three syllables, not two!
I think I chose between the two collects today. I voted for Janani Luwum for the exhortation to “make no peace with oppression.” I suppose the exhortation to “be ready to account for the hope that is in us” is really the same. Both remind us to be prepared for death: keep our wicks trimmed and have oil at hand. Be wise virgins in times of evil. I have been reading about Shia mourning practices. After the assassination of Khameini Iranians grieved publicly and with their bodies. Unabashedly grieving is an act of resistance. I suppose martyrdom is a way of “grieving beforehand,” giving a reason for one’s hope by declaring love and life worthy to die for. Faithful witness is an acceptable sacrifice.
I agree with all those who have said this is a difficult choice today. What tipped me over to Janani was the line from his collect: that we make no peace with oppression. In one way or another, I pray this prayer every day in these times!
I finally was able to vote today! For Archbishop Luwum, but both great candidates. When attempting to access the Help screen, only a blank page comes up. I would really like some of the trading cards, as I have the set from last year. Enough rambling. Have a holy Lent.
Archbishop Luwum is remembered in a stained glass window at St. John's Cathedral in Winnipeg, Mantoba. Yes, that's a long way from Uganda, but Luwum was a friend of our late Bishop Barry Valentine, and I, as the tour guide at St. John's get to tell his inspiring story to visitors to the Cathedral. I sometimes wonder what Janini Luwum would think of the split in the Anglican Communion under GAFCON, spearheaded by the former Archbishops of Nigeria and Uganda.
HI Rene! Thank you for the comment. I too have been wondering whether I can vote for Luwum because of the divisiveness of his successors in the Ugandan church. I responded to your comment in my own comment, and must apologize for misspelling your name! I voted for Wang, who seems to be the underdog anyway.
Enjoy the rest of Lent Madness!
Jenny Reece
This truly is an impossible choice! Two very deserving and inspirational followers (and leaders) of the faith. I’m so glad to learn about them from these excellent write-ups.
Have mercy on me SEC, I may have inadvertently voted twice. The first time I pressed vote I was catapulted back to the prove I am not a robot stage. My one (and I hope only) vote goes to Janani Luwum, whose story has inspired me for many years. A timely reminder that we must not make peace with oppression.
It’s new saints this year! Heard about Janani Luwum on Shrove Tuesday & Wang Zhiming today. Since Luwum made the Kalendar this year, Zhiming gets my vote today. Someone got to say it - Let’s all Wang chung tonight!
I think I voted for Luwan because Zhiming has already been recognized at West Minster Abbey. Both took on the devils of 20th Century history Idi Amin and Mao. Both deserve to win today. May they be with us as we take on the threats in our own country.
I once planned a summer exchange for some high school students from Kunming. Gotta vote for Wang
How are we supposed to choose between these two? I;m hoping for a tie vote
". . . a modern martyr who shows us all what it means to stand up to the powers of an unjust government and refuse to renounce one’s faith."
These words are critical to remember as our government has been taken over by those who care not at all about justice.
I wish I could have voted for both martyrs as these words are true for each.