EDITOR’S NOTE: It is necessary through the collaboration of NGOs
to raise awareness among communities as we promote peace. If you will,
the need for community consciousness is a way we can connect parties and
others. It is important at this time that all parties begin to realize
that they are a part of a larger picture, that they are in it together
and they have common concerns. If there is a conflict all parties have
contributed to the conflict and they have the power to come together to
develop a non-violent intervention to result into a resolution. It is
time for us as people to acknowledge that there is something more that
exceed our own individual positions and needs. The United Nations, religious
institutions and NGO can be an avenue to promote community consciousness
to encourage global consciousness, clear and realistic decisions as they
promote non-violent solutions to conflicts!
March and message
highlight plight of India’s Dalit Christians
Bangalore, India (ENI). Churches in India are calling for equality and
justice for discriminated and marginalized communities in a Lenten campaign
that has started in the world’s second most populous nation. It has a
message that cites the words of Jesus in the Gospel of Mark in the Bible
(15:34), who, when he had been crucified, cried out, “My God, my God,
why have you forsaken me?” “The Rev. Raj Bharath Patta, secretary of the
NCCI Commission on Dalits told Ecumenical News International, “In our
times today, when the doors of hope are closed from every corner to communities
that have been dying under the rubric of discrimination and oppression,
to cry out one’s frustration is also to invoke hope”.
Christian rights’ body asks UN to reject new Burma poll law
Kathmandu (ENI). A Christian rights organization has urged the United
Nations to reject a law passed by Burma’s military rulers that could lead
to the expulsion of pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi from her own
party ahead of the country’s first poll since 1990, an election she convincingly
won. The military junta in Burma has not yet set a date for the next election
but there has been speculation that it could be held in October. There
has also been speculation that the authorities will aim to have the election
before Suu Kyi is released from imprisonment. The new law disenfranchises
significant sections of the population, and bars a person with a criminal
conviction, which would include Suu Kyi and Buddhist monks arrested for
protesting, from standing as a candidate or being members of a political
party. Christian Solidarity Worldwide and BurmaInfo (Japan) recently sent
a joint fact-finding mission to the Burma-Thailand border, and released
a report earlier in March.
Malawi churches discuss gay issue as donors apply pressure.
Blantyre, Malawi (ENI). Churches in Malawi have begun to talk openly about
homosexuality, with some clerics saying this is due to pressure from donor
organizations that criticize human rights abuses, including the arrest
of gays, taking place in the southern African nation. The Malawi Council
of Churches on 16 March held a meeting of church leaders to discuss issues
around homosexuality, plus HIV and AIDS, and the need for churches to
take a position on the issues. “As the Church we need to unite and come
up with a position on the issue of homosexuality,” MCC chairperson Bishop
Joseph Bvumbwe told the meeting in the capital, Lilongwe. “There have
been so many complaints about homosexuality in the country and, as the
Church, we have a role to play.”
Salvation Army reports record US donation despite sour economy
Washington DC ENI/RNS). Nickels, dimes, quarters and dollars added up
quickly last Christmas despite the economic slump as Americans donated
a record US $139 million to the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign.
“America is an incredibly generous nation and philanthropy is alive and
well, despite the current economic conditions impacting so many.” Said
Commissioner Israel L. Gaither, national commander of the Salvation Army.
Religion News Service reports. “We are grateful for every donor, volunteer
and corporate partner for supporting the Salvation Army’s mission by giving
more than ever during a time when some have so little to give.” The Salvation
Army reported a seven percent increase in giving over the $130 million
record of 2008.
Gaddafi’s call for Christian-Muslim split denounced in Nigeria
Nigeria (ENI). Nigerian religious and political leaders have criticized
Libyan President Muammar Gaddafi’s call for the partitioning of Africa’s
most populous nation into two countries – one for Christians and one for
Muslims Nigeria said on 19 March it was recalling its ambassador to Libya,
noting that Gaddafi’s remarks were offensive and irresponsible, Gaddafi
said on 17 March that partition had saved many lives in India and Pakistan.
He asserted that splitting Nigeria into two “would stop the bloodshed
and burning of places of worship”. Gaddafi’s comments came in a speech
to students and were quoted by the Libyan State news agency, Jana.
Ousted Zimbabwe bishop said to be flouting court order
Harare (ENI). Anglicans in Zimbabwe are saying that former Harare Anglican
Bishop Nolbert Kunonga is ignoring a High Court ruling that restored access
to church buildings by members of the Anglican Church of Central Africa.
High Court Judge Chinembiri Bhunu on 5 March dismissed an attempt by Kunonga
to block an appeal by the Church of the Province of Central Africa against
a ruling in 2009 that gave Kunonga, who has been excommunicated, control
of church properties. The man who took over as bishop of Harare after
Kunonga was excommunicated, Sebnastian Bakare, said in an interview carried
in the Church Times newspaper on 12 March that other denominations in
Zimbabwe “have been silent on the injustices perpetrated against ordinary
members of one church whose only ‘crime’ is to worship in their churches”.
Irish cardinal’s apology comes as Pope releasing Irish abuse
letter
Dublin (ENI). The leader of the Roman Catholic Church in Ireland is facing
pressure to resign after apologizing for his actions in 1975, when he
represented the church at meetings where victims of a pedophile priest
signed an oath of silence. At the same time the Vatican said that Pope
Benedict XVI has signed a pastoral letter aimed at defusing anger in Ireland
over a simmering sex abuse scandal in the Catholic Church. The letter
follows growing criticism over the church’s handling of abuse cases across
Europe. Cardinal Sean Brady used a homily on St. Patrick’s Day, when the
patron saint of Ireland is celebrated, to apologize after he had earlier
confirmed that he represented the church at meetings where two victims
of the pedophile priest signed their oath of silence.
Dutch summit to engage faith leaders and UN on HIV response
Geneva (ENI). A summit of 40 Bahai, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jewish,
Muslim and Sikh leaders and the United Nations aims to inspire change
in the fight against HIV and AIDS and the stigma that goes with it. The
two-day summit, which organizers said is the first of its kind, starts
on 22 March in Den Dolder, Netherlands. It aims to explore opportunities
for religious leaders to take action to eliminate the stigma and discrimination-affecting
people living with HIV and AIDS. “The leaders gathered at this summit
have the ability to inspire and empower change within their own communities,
across countries and throughout wider communities,” said the Rev. Richard
Fee, head of the board of directors of the Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance.
Swedish S. African clerics say arms deal weakens new democracy
Cape Town (ENI). South African and Swedish church leaders have reiterated
grave concerns that a 10-year-old arms deal that involved Sweden with
South Africa threatens the fledgling African democracy. The deal to sell
armaments to South Africa also involved other European and Western nations
such as Britain, France and Germany. It was signed a decade ago, estimated
at around US - $4.8 billion. “As predicted, the arms deal unleashed a
culture of corruption that has severely undermined the transition in South
Africa from apartheid to democracy,” said Nobel Laureate Archbishop Desmond
Tutu and the Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town, Thabo Makgoba along with
the Swedish church leaders.
Christians call for protest against Israeli travel permits for
Easter
Jerusalem (ENI). Holy Land Christians are calling on their religious leaders
to protest against the travel permit system imposed by Israel during Easter
celebrations. The situation is complicated in 2010 by the overlapping
of Easter with the Jewish feast of the Passover. “Any system which assigns
entry permits to Easter celebrations necessarily denies the rest of the
faithful their rights of participation in these religious events,” they
wrote in a letter that has been circulated during the month of March.
Some 103 Christian lay leaders and 21 Christian organizations of all denominations,
including the Near East Council of Churches, Gaza and Department of Service
to Palestinian Refugees, Sabeel, the YMCA-Jerusalem, Bethlehem Bible College,
Norwegian Church Aid and Arab Orthodox Society, signed the document. Like
all West Bank Palestinians, Christians must have permits to travel to
Jerusalem.
Churches in Scotland concerned about human egg ‘auctions’
Edinburgh (ENI). A senior member of the Presbyterian Church of Scotland,
backed by a Roman Catholic counterpart, has raised strong concerns around
the practice of “auctioning” and selling human eggs for in vitro fertilization
treatment. “The sale of human eggs favors the commoditisation of human
parts – human eggs should not be in a shopping basket on the same level
as a grocery item,” the Rev. Ian Galloway, convenor of the church’s Church
and Society Council, told Ecumenical News International. The sale of human
eggs is not allowed in Britain, where donors are only compensated “reasonable”
expenses and loss of earnings up to a maximum of 250 British pounds (US
$375). Galloway said, “The Church of Scotland has a clear policy against
the sale of human eggs because it considers the practice exploitative
of the poor, who may feel compelled to become donors for a fee, undergoing
invasive, potentially dangerous and often painful procedures.”
Renewed call made for a common Christian Easter calendar
New York (ENI). The U.S. National Council of Churches has renewed its
call to set a common date for the celebration of Easter, when Christians
mark the raising of Jesus from the dead. This year marks a rare occurrence
as Christians from both Orthodox and non-Orthodox traditions will mark
Easter on 4 April. A similar call for a common date for Easter was made
more than 10 years ago, when Orthodox and non-Orthodox Christians celebrated
Easter on the same date. The renewed call came in a joint letter to member
churches by the Rev. Michael Kinnamon, The NCC’s general secretary, and
Antonios Kireopoulos, the NCC’s director for faith and order and interfaith
relations. They said “almost every year the Christian community is divided
over which day to proclaim this good news. Our split, based on a dispute
having to do with ancient calendars, visibly betrays the message of reconciliation.
It is a scandal that surely grieve our God.”
SECRETARY-GENERAL CALLS ON WORLD PARLIAMENTARIANS TO SUPPORT MDGS AND
DISARMAMENT EFFORTS
New York – 27 March 2010. Given the common goal of the United Nations
and parliaments worldwide to strive for a better future, Secretary-0General
Ban Ki-moon today called for strong cooperation with the Inter-Parliamentary
Union (IPU) in achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), disarmament
and clean energy. “Parliaments, at their best, embody the principles of
dialogue, democracy and the rule of law, which are inextricably tied to
reconciliation and good governance, the Secretary-General said in a <http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=4460>
message delivered today by Supachal Panitchpakdl, Secretary-General of
the UN Conference on Trade and Development<http://www.unctad.org/Templates/StartPage.asp?intitemlD=2068>
(UNCTAD) at the IPU Assembly underway in Bangkok, Thailand.
Quoting the opening words of the United Nations Charter, “We the People”,
Mr. Ban said today that parliaments and the UN share a common responsibility
to strive for the betterment of lives for people particularly the most
vulnerable.
In pursuit of this goal, the Secretary-General called on IPU members to
help achieve the eight universally accepted MDGs before the 2015 deadline.
“Parliaments provide the enabling national legislative framework for achieving
the MDGs. You are also at the forefront of fighting for improved livelihoods
and access to basic services.”
Ways to accelerate progress will be the main these of the MDG Summit hosted
by Mr. Ban at the General Assembly High-Level debate in September in New
York.
On nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament, the Secretary-General asked
the IPU for its support to ensure success in May at the Review Conference
of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, whose members
include five nuclear powers – also the five permanent members of the Security
Council—China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States.
The Secretary-General also called for the IPU’s efforts to support climate
change, saying parliamentarians can provide the foundation for building
a green economy.
“While the private sector will be a big part of the picture, parliaments
can produce legislation that establishes incentives for innovation, promotes
investment in clean technologies and renewable energy, and develops national
plans and goals.”
Mr. Ban noted the challenges parliamentarians face, including lack of
sufficient resources and keen insight that elections are not, by themselves,
enough to make a democracy.
He noted that the UN was working with parliaments to strengthen “the quality
of governance after the ballots have been counted” in Afghanistan, Burundi,
Timor-Leste and Nepal, where the UN Mission there <http://www.unmin.org.np>
(UNMIN) helped Nepalis achieve their long-held vision of establishing
“a Constituent Assembly that is representative of the country’s ethnic
and religious mosaic.”
Science, religion like two windows on world says Templeton winner
New York (ENI). A geneticist and molecular biologist, who has argued that
science and religion should be kept separate, has won the Templeton Prize
– an award associated with honoring those who advocate dialogue between
the two disciplines. The winner, Francisco J. Ayala, aged 76 and a former
Dominican priest, is a native of Spain and a naturalized U.S. citizen.
He now teaches biological science at the University of California in Irvine.
Ayala is known as an opponent of religious intrusion into science, and
argues for the need to protect the teaching of evolutionary theory in
U.S. public schools. Still, he has also called for discussions between
religion and science, and claims that they “are like two different windows
through which we look at the world”. “I contend that science and religious
beliefs need not be in contradiction,” Ayala said.
‘Accountability crucial’ when faith is funded to fight HIV
Den Dolder, Netherlands (ENI). A top official from a major funding agency
says faith communities are crucial to combating the HIV pandemic, but
they need to meet international standards of accountability when funds
are channeled through them. Christoph Benn, director of external relations
and partnerships at the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria,
said relationships between funding organizations regard the role of faith
communities as, “absolutely critical”, said Benn. “We want to work with
you, and channel funds through you, otherwise we often cannot make progress
against AIDS and other diseases.” On the other hand, he noted that one
challenge in working with faith communities is that of accountability.
“You may be used to being accountable to a higher authority,” Benn told
the religious leaders but he added that for funding organizations, “accountability
is about money”.
Hong Kong church official praises Google on ‘information freedom’
Hong Kong (ENI). A Hong Kong Roman Catholic diocesan official has praised
Google’s decision to stop filtering the contents in its search engine
as it faces a backlash in the Chinese mainland. “The action of Google
is encouraging,” Or Yan-yan, project officer of the Catholic Justice and
Peace Commission, told Ecumenical News International on 24 March. “It
brings a positive message in promoting the freedom of information.” Google
shut its search engine in Mainland China on 22 March, after it refused
to carry out filtering required by Chinese laws. Church official Or acknowledged
that many international companies want to invest in China because the
economy there is booming. She noted that, “A successful deal may require
some compromises,” adding, “but to uphold business ethics is also important.”
Maoist violence in India ‘challenges’ churches to be peacemakers
Thrissur, India (ENI). A senior Indian church official has called on churches
in his country to address increasing Maoist violence, as well as the strong-arm
response to it by the State. “The situation is getting worse, and more
and more incidents of violence are reported. We should not remain silent
spectators to this increasing violence,” the Rev. Asir Ebenezer, acting
general secretary of the National Council of Churches in India, told Ecumenical
News International. Ebenezer, whose organization groups 30 Orthodox and
Protestant churches, made his remarks following increasing violence by
Maoists. Seventy-six security personnel died on 6 April, when a convoy
was ambushed by hundreds of Maoists in a remote village of central Chattisqarh
state.
Church in Slovakia takes on US casino giant.
Warsaw (ENI). Roman Catholic bishops in Slovakia have condemned moves
by a U.S. gambling company to set up Europe’s largest mega-casino complex
on their country’s border with Austria, outside the capital Bratislava.
“Games of hazard are ethically questionable. They damage the person and
society, and the economic benefits flowing from them are highly doubtful,”
said the bishops’ conference in Slovakia. “Academic research proves gambling
brings more negative than positive consequences. We need a change in the
law. The church leaders were reacting to plans by Nevada-based Harrah’s
Entertainment Inc. for a 30-hectare (74 acre) complex at Jarovce, south
of Bratislava. The project, expected to be completed by 2015, has the
backing of the center-left Slovak government of Prime Minister Robert
Fico.
Catholic bishop in Norway dismissed due to sex abuse
Oslo (ENI). Former Roman Catholic bishop Georg Maller, who abruptly left
his post as Bishop of Trondheim in Norway on 8 June 2009, was dismissed
due to his sexual abuse of an altar boy 20 years ago, the Vatican has
said. Maller’s dismissal was confirmed to journalists on 7 April by Vatican
spokesperson the Rev. Federico Lombardi. The Catholic Bishop of Oslo,
Bernt Eidsvig, had earlier announced the dismissal in a press release.
Eidsvig has been acting Bishop of Trondheim since German-born Maller,
aged 58, left. Eidsvig said the matter had not been publicized earlier
because the person abused had not wanted it made public, and had requested
anonymity.
Muslim women push European fashion boundaries
Paris (ENI/RNS). It is hard to associate Saadia Boussana’s stylish bonnet
with the traditional Muslim head covering that has drawn sneers, protests
and injunctions in cities across Europe. But 29-year-ol Boussana, cradling
a coffee at a Paris-area Starbucks, was indeed wearing a hijab – sort
of – that offered an elegant finish to her jeans and black embroidered
shirt. Religion News Service reports, “There are times I can dress really
extravagantly,” said Boussana, the communications manager for MWM or My
Woman Magazine, a new French online publication for Muslim women. Often
derided by Western critics as a dowdy symbol of female oppression, hijabs,
or Islamic headscarves, are at the forefront of a fashion revolution in
Europe as young Muslim women mix, match and borrow from a wide array of
styles to create their own look.
World Council of Churches hails Russia-U.S. nuclear treaty
Geneva (ENI). The World Council of Churches has welcomed the signing of
a treaty by Russian President Dmitri Medvedev and his U.S. counterpart
Barrack Obama, which aims to shrink each country’s nuclear arsenals by
almost a third. “The new U.S.-Russia nuclear arms reduction treaty signed
today in Prague is news that the World Council of Churches has awaited
for a long time. The achievement of a nuclear weapons agreement between
the two most heavily armed nations in the world.” WCC general secretary,
the Rev. Olav Fykse Tveit said on 8 April. He was commenting on the signing
by Medvedev and Obama of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty in the
capital of the Czech Republic, which during the Cold War was considered
a crossroads between the West and the Communist Bloc.
‘Banker to the poor’ urges new financial structures to end poverty
Nairobi (ENI). The Bangladeshi economist who won the Nobel Peace Prize
in 2006 for championing microcredit loans to the poor has called for an
urgent re-invention of global financial systems to end poverty and protect
the underprivileged. Muhammad Yunus said in Nairobi on 7 April that a
new system could allow those excluded from mainstream banking, especially
in Africa and the Middle East, to access credit that would enable them
to live in dignity. “We are not just happy to make ourselves rich and
wealthy, we also want to make sure our fellow human beings can stand on
their feet with pride and dignity, no matter where they live.” Yunus said
at the opening of the four-day Africa-Middle East Microcredit Summit in
the Kenyan capital.
Absent Bethlehem landlords, many Christians, spark land review
Jerusalem (ENI). Bethlehem, a municipal spokesperson has given details
of the workings of a process aimed at preventing land theft whereby landowners
can contest registration details of their plots. The scheme began at the
beginning of 2010 to prevent the theft of land belonging to the increasing
number of residents who have left the town in which Jesus was born. “The
municipality has embarked on a process of setting land registration in
order to avoid any problems of land theft,” said Sari Dallal, director
of public relations for Bethlehem. Preparations for setting up the appeals
process began two years ago at the request of Bethlehem Mayor Victor Batarseh
and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas following numerous complaints
of property thefts from landowners living abroad said Dallal. He explained
that even though many of those affected by the illegal sales of property
are Christians, because many Christians have emigrated from Bethlehem,
the problem is not divided along religious lines.
Nagasaki statue that survived A-bomb, going to New York
Tokyo (ENI). The remains of a statue of the Virgin Mary that survived
the nuclear bombing of Nagasaki is to be exhibited in New York ahead of
an international conference aimed at curbing arms proliferation, says
the Roman Catholic Church in the Japanese city. The wooden statue of the
mother of Jesus, which stood in Urakami Cathedral in the western Japanese
city, was almost completely destroyed by the atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki
by the U.S. Air Force in the last days of the Second World War on 9 August
1945. Only Mary’s head remained intact. The cathedral itself was reduced
to rubble.” The head, will be shown while prayers are said during a Mass
in New York”, Midori Shikayama, an official of the Nagasaki archdiocese’s
public relations department told Ecumenical News International. Shikayama
explained it would be the first time the statue has visited the United
States when it is shown during the Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in
New York City on 2 May.
HAITI: UN PREPARES TO HELP RELOCATE 7,500 QUAKE SURVIVORS AT
RISK FROM FLOODS
New York April 9, 2010. Relief organizations working with UN peacekeepers
in Haiti are preparing to relocate some 7,500-earthquake survivors at
risk of potential flooding in a camp above Port-au-Prince, the capital.
People living in dangerous areas at the Petionville Club settlement were
presented with voluntary relocation options and when those are not possible,
relocation will be facilitated to a new site at Corail Cesselesse, the
UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (<http://www.unicef.org/>OCHA)
said. Relocation to this site will start tomorrow and is expected to take
several days.
The new site will include health care and food distribution services as
well as specialized services for children, such as a learning area provided
by the UN Children Fund (<http://www.unicef.org/>UNICEF).
The 12 January quake killed more than 200,000 people and left one third
of the country’s 9 million people in need of aid, with scores of thousands
sheltering in camps where they live in difficult conditions.
Meanwhile, Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro will travel to Haiti
on Sunday to survey the situation in the camps, assess steps that have
been taken and explore areas for further action after Secretary-General
Ban Ki-moon voiced his concern, in particular at reports of sexual violence
against women and children
Ms. Migiro will meet with President René Préval and other
senior Government officials and spend Sunday night in one of the camps,
meeting with residents and police to assess the efforts to protect the
people there from sexual violence and related problems.
On Monday she will visit the town of Léogâne, which was also
badly affected by the quake, to discuss child protection issues with Haitian
officials.
KYRGYZSTAN: UN SENDS MEDICAL SUPPLIES TO TREAT VICTIMS OF CLASHES
IN CAPITAL
New York April 9, 2010. The UN World Health Organization (WHO) is rushing
medicines and surgical equipment to help doctors in Kyrgyzstan treat the
hundreds of casualties from this week’s deadly clashes that have led to
the apparent overthrow of the Central Asian country’s Government.
Antibiotics that could treat up to 1,500 cases of wounds and disease are
being sent, as well as medical equipment that includes forceps and stethoscopes.
WHO spokesperson Paul Garwood told reporters today at the agency’s headquarters
in Geneva.
Mr. Garwood said WHO was working to dispatch additional supplies to meet
a request from the Kyrgyz health ministry, which has reported that at
least 75 people were killed in this week’s clashes in the capital, Bishkek,
and another 500 are being treated at the three major hospitals in the
city.
Kyrgyzstan’s opposition has set up an interim government and the President,
Kurmanbek Bakiyev, has fled Bishkek after several days of deadly unrest
related to protests over a steep rise in the cost of fuel and electricity,
according to media reports.
Mr. Garwood said WHO understood that the situation in Bishkek is becoming
“a bit more stable,” particularly the state of security and the provision
of health care.
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has dispatched a special envoy, Ján
Kubiš, the Executive Director of the UN Economic Commission for Europe
(UNECE), to Kyrgyzstan to try to help resolve tensions and promote dialogue.
Mr. Kubiš has headed to the country for several days of consultations
with key political forces and civil society representatives in Kyrgyzstan,
and he is expected to work closely with envoys of the Organization for
Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the European Union (EU) and
individual countries in the region and elsewhere.
Mr. Ban is continuing to stress the need for an urgent return to constitutional
order in Kyrgyzstan, telling the OSCE’s Permanent Council yesterday in
Vienna that he remains “deeply concerned about the violence and shocked
about the loss of life that occurred in recent days.”
The Secretary-General said a vibrant civil society; political participation,
freedom of speech and the rule of law are critical for modernization and
social progress in Kyrgyzstan and its Central Asian neighbors.
“The bloodshed in Kyrgyzstan is a deeply troubling reminder of the vital
importance of addressing such issues…there are political, economic and
social issues underlying the unrest.”
BAN STRESSES NEED TO REVIVE AREAS AFFECTED BY CHERNOBYL DISASTER
ON 24TH ANNIVERSARY
New York, April 26, 2010 – Marking the 24th anniversary of the Chernobyl
nuclear disaster – which exposed more than 8 million people in Belarus,
Ukraine and Russia to radiation -- today, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
reiterated his commitment to reviving sections of the three nations still
coping with the catastrophe.
The Secretary-General, who took part in the Nuclear Security Summit in
Washington two weeks ago, welcomed world leaders’ renewed commitment to
this issue.
The General Assembly has declared 2006-2016 the Decade of Recovery and
Sustainable Development of the Affected Regions, urging assistance for
Chernobyl-affected communities to return to a normal life.
Clerics plead with US officials to protect Iraq Christians
New York (ENI). U.S. National Council of Churches’ officials have asked
their national authorities to take steps to protect Christians in Iraq
as well as members of other threatened minority groups due to continuing
violence and political uncertainty. Leaders from the biggest ecumenical
agency in the United States sent a letter on 26 April to U.S. Secretary
of State Hillary Clinton and to the U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates.
The NCC officials asked Clinton and Gates to urge Iraqi authorities and
commanders of U.S. – led forces in Iraq to take steps to minimize violence
affecting the beleaguered Iraqi Christian community and others who continue
to face threats and acts of violence. The letters urged the United States
to work with Iraqi authorities to help protect Christians and other minority
groups; provide humanitarian assistance to those displaced, and encourage
the preservation of religious and ethnic diversity in Iraq.
Nepal’s Christians hold vigil for new secular constitution
Kathmandu (ENI). Hundreds of Christians have held their first public vigil
in the Nepalese capital to pressure the government into implementing a
new secular constitution within a stipulated deadline. Their vigil comes
during a period of growing anxiety that the country’s political parties
may bungle their task on the basic law of the country and that Nepal could
become a Hindu State again. “This is our vigil to ensure that the new
constitution that is being written by the people themselves for the first
time, protects secularism,” said Pastor Ishwor Chandra Kafle, a member
of the Christian Recommendation Central Committee. Though the country’s
parliament declared Nepal secular in 2006, Christians say they are still
oppressed in what was once the only Hindu Kingdom in the world.
Palestinian professor unhappy about Bethlehem to Jerusalem run
Jerusalem (ENI). A Bethlehem professor has expressed distress at a sporting
event organized in conjunction with the Israeli Ministry of Tourism, a
Vatican pilgrimage organization and the Palestinian Ministry of Tourism.
The event saw hundreds of Italian, Israeli and Palestinian athletes running
from the Nativity Church in Bethlehem to the Old City in Jerusalem on
25 April. “We were distressed to find that they had coordinated their
visit with the Palestinian Ministry of Tourism and with the Israeli Ministry
of Tourism,” said Bethlehem University professor and activist leader Mazin
Qurnsiyeh.
Brazilian Lutheran leader mourned after unexpected death
Geneva (ENI). The senior vice-president of the Evangelical Church of the
Lutheran Confession in Brazil, the Rev. Homero Severo Pinto, who had been
tipped as a future head of his denomination, has died at the age of 58
after contracting malaria in Africa. “We will miss him for his support,
his friendship and his collegiality. Many people saw him as hope for the
future of our church,” said the church’s president, the Rev. Walter Altmann
in a 28 April statement issued by the Gustav-Adolf-Werk, a German-based
association that offers support to Lutheran churches outside Germany.
Pinto died on 23 April after contracting malaria while visiting Mozambique
at the end of February. He had been taken into hospital on his return
to Porto Alegre in southern Brazil where the Lutheran church has its national
headquarters.
Indian churches study ‘zero tolerance’ rules on sex abuse
Thissur (ENI). Churches in India are responding to allegations of sexual
abuse by clergy around the world by considering their own guidelines to
deal with the issue. “Our message should be crystal clear, that churches
will not tolerate anyone who is guilty,” said the Rev. Christopher Rajkumar,
executive secretary of the National Council of Churches in India’s commission
for justice, peace and creation.
The NCCI, which groups 30 Orthodox and Protestant churches, is taking
to the June meeting of its executive committee, guidelines on dealing
with sexual harassment that were set out in April at the general assembly
in Kuala Lumpur of the Christian Conference of Asia.
Christian sworn in a Nigerian president after death of Yar’Adua
Lagos (ENI). Nigeria’s acting president, Goodluck Jonathan, a Christian,
has been sworn in as the country’s president following the death of his
Muslim predecessor, Umaru Yar’Adua. Jonathan is expected to serve as president
until next year when a general election will be held. There is widespread
speculation that Jonathan will seek to stand in that election. Members
of the ruling People’s Democratic Party from the north of the country
are, however, insisting on a Muslim northerner as a candidate.
Faith leaders in Sweden form council to support religious freedom.
Uppsala/Geneva (ENI). A national interfaith council has been created in
Sweden to highlight the role of faith groups in creating understanding
and to respond to those who are hostile to religion. “We want to strengthen
the freedom to believe in and practice religion, both individually and
in fellowship, but we also want to be a voice for public discussion of
ethics and spirituality,” said Archbishop Anders Wejryd of the Lutheran
Church of Sweden.
LACK OF HUMAN SECURITY IMPEDING PROGRESS FOR PALESTINIANS, SAYS
UN-BACKED REPORT.
New York, May 9, 2010 – Human security is a pr-requisite for development,
and its widespread absence in the occupied Palestinian territory has greatly
impeded progress for the people living there, according to a new report
released today by the United Nations.
GOVERNMENTS MUST ACT SWIFTLY TO SALVAGE BIODIVERSITY, UN REPORT
FINDS
New York, May 10, 2010 – A new biodiversity report released today by two
United Nations environmental bodies concluded that unless radical and
creative action is taken quickly to conserve the variety of life on Earth,
natural systems that support lives and livelihoods are at risk of collapsing.
“We need a new vision for biological diversity for a health planet and
a sustainable future for humankind,” Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon writes
in the forward of the report produced by the Convention on Biological
Diversity (CBD) and the UN Environment Program (UNEP).
S. African religious leaders offer support, advice to soccer
team
Cape Town (ENI). South African religious leaders have expressed strong
support for the national soccer team 40 days before the kick-off of the
World Cup tournament on 11 June with one cleric calling on the players
to be role models for young people. The support came in the form of remarks
by Christian and Jewish leaders published in South Africa’s Sunday Times
newspaper on 25 April. Roman Catholic Cardinal Wilfrid Napier said from
Durban, “All we ask is that their presence, behavior and performance on
and off the field bear the qualities that will make them worthy role models
for our children and youth for generations to come.” Napier said, “May
God bless Africa, may He nurture and protect all who will be guests during
the World Cup, and may He nurture and protect all who will be guests during
the World Cup, and may He ensure that the best and most sporting team
be the World Champions, and may that team be Bafana Bafana [the nick-name
of the South African team].”
Shell must do more on Niger Delta says church-linked group –
Feature
London (ENI). The oil giant Shell continues to face scrutiny over its
operations in Nigeria, with a British church-based investor coalition
saying the company needs to take longer-term action to reduce the negative
impact of oil exploitation in the Niger Delta. “After years of unresolved
community tensions, Shell could reap benefits by making accountability
to local people a higher priority,” said Miles Litvinoff, coordinator
of the Ecumenical Council for Corporate Responsibility. It had released
a report in February that said the oil company’s operations in the Niger
Delta had a negative social and environmental impact.
Hindu governor praises Christians at India Presbyterian gathering
Mawngap, India (ENI). The Hindu governor of India’s Meghalaya state has
at a mass gathering of Presbyterians hailed the role of Christian missionaries
in spreading a message of “love, trust and peace in the turbulent tribal
societies” of the country’s north-east. The presence of Governor Ranjit
S. Mooshahary and his sermon excited many delegates at the 39th general
assembly of the Presbyterian Church in India. Still, some church leaders
said they were angry because a non-Christian had been allowed to address
a solemn worship service. The Rev. S.S. Majaw, who heads communications
for the Presbyterian Church in India, however, told Ecumenical News International
that “it should have been treated as an honor that the head of the government
came to our worship service and addressed us”.
Obama meets Billy Graham at evangelist’s home
Washington DC (ENI/RNS). U.S. President Barack Obama and ailing evangelist
Billy Graham have exchanged prayers during their first meeting at Graham’s
home in western North Carolina. Obama had traveled to nearby Asheville,
North Carolina, and requested the visit – the first time a sitting president
has visited Graham at his residence, said Graham’s longtime spokesperson,
A. Larry Ross, Religion News Service reports. Graham, who is aged 91,
issued a statement saying he was pleased with the 25 April visit and encouraging
“Christians everywhere to pray for our president.”
SAFETY OF DARFUR PEACEKEEPERS TOPS TALKS BETWEEN UN, AFRICAN
UNION AND SUDAN
New York, May 10, 2010 – The protection of blue helmets serving in Darfur
has topped the agenda of the latest talks between the United Nations,
the African Union and the Sudanese Government, which are taking place
just days after two peacekeepers were killed and three others seriously
wounded in an ambush in the war-torn region.
UN ATOMIC AGENCY A SOUNDING BOARD FOR COUNTRIES CONSIDERING GOING
NUCLEAR
New York, May 11, 2010 – The United Nations International Atomic Energy
Agency (<http://www.iaea.org/>IAEA) fans out across the globe to
not only ensure that nations are adhering to international pacts or security
and other issues, but also to help them decide whether or not to make
the leap to nuclear power.
At the start of the five-yearly review conference of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation
Treaty (NPT) which kicked off last week, the agency’s head, Yukiya Amano,
told more than 100 nations taking part at the event in New York that dozens
of countries are considering introducing nuclear power to generate electricity.
He noted that “it is expected that between 10 and 25 new countries will
bring their first nuclear power plants online by 2030,” joining the 30
nations already on the nuclear bandwagon.
COUNTRIES AGREE ON UN-BACKED ROADMAP TO CURB CHILD LABOR
New York, May 12, 2010 – With more than 200 million children around the
world working at the expense of their future, a new United Nations-backed
action plan seeks to ramp up global action to stamp out the scourge by
2016.
At the end of a two-day Global Child Labor Conference in The Hague yesterday,
more than 450 delegates from 80 countries agreed on a so-called roadmap,
which characterizes the effective abolition of child labor as a “moral
necessity.”
The program also emphasizes that “government responsibility should be
assumed at the highest level and with the best interests of children in
mind taking into consideration the views of children and their families,
and should include due attention to the most vulnerable children and the
conditions that create their vulnerability.”
‘Reach out to other faiths’ call made at German church gathering
Munich, Germany (ENI). There has been a call on the opening day of an
ecumenical convention gathering thousands of people in Germany for churches
to expand their cooperation to include members of other faiths. “It is
no longer just a question of dialogue between Catholics and Protestants,”
Eckhard Nagel, the Protestant co-president of the Ecumenical Kirchentag
(church convention), told journalists on 12 May in Munich in southern
Germany. Nagel said that interreligious dialogue would have a “special
place” at the five-day event, and noted that Munich is sometimes called
a “city of religions” because of its faith make up. “The important signal
that will go out from Munich is that interreligious contact does not mean
inevitable tension or even a smoldering fire of perpetual conflict,” said
Nagel. Rather it is, “an opportunity to learn from each other, and to
seek solutions together for issues that are not always straightforward”.
S. African cleric wars, ‘World Cup will increase sex trafficking’
Cape Town (ENI). The World Cup soccer tournament is due to kick-off on
11 June in South Africa and the president of the Southern African Catholic
Bishops’ Conference, Archbishop Buti Tihagale, has warned that sex trafficking
will increase in the country during the event, “As Christians, we must
resist with every strength we have this dangerous and degrading form of
modern slavery,” Tihagale told an 8 May rally of about one thousand people,
who had gathered in Pretoria to pray for an end to human trafficking.
Church leaders alarmed at increasing violence in Iraq
Geneva (ENI). The general secretary of the World Council of Churches has
joined peers in the Middle East in expressing concerns about the escalating
rate of violence against Christians in northern Iraq, following attacks
on buses carrying Christians in Mosul, in which a shopkeeper was killed.
“As we express our solidarity with the people of Iraq, and convey our
condolences to the families of the victims, we are very concerned about
the new escalation of violence against Christians in Mosul,” said the
Rev. Olav Fykse Tveit, general secretary of the World Council of Churches.
Thousands of Christians protested in northern Iraq on 3 May about the
previous day’s bomb attacks on the buses, which were carrying students
and workers. It is believed the explosions wounded around 200 people.
NEW JERSEY NURSE ARTICLE
An article has been written by Anne Riccitelli, Litt, D. United Nations
Representative for New Jersey Nurse (circulation 110,000) about the 63rd
Conference Chair, Dr. Mary Norton, pegged to the Conference, titled “How
Nurses Make a Difference.” Pending approval by Chair, the article will
run in the July/August issue.
The Catholic Advocate, a publication of the Diocese of New Jersey (circulation
62,000), received information from Anne Riccitelli on the 63rd Conference
and it’s Chair, Dr. Mary Norton, a lifelong resident of New Jersey and
a Lector and Eucharistic Minister at Queen of Peace R.C. Church, North
Arlington, N.J. since 1966. They will interview her for a summer issue
prior to the Conference.
NGO Reporter, a publication of the NGO/DPI Executive Committee at the
United Nations will publish material created and submitted by Anne Riccitelli
in their next issue, which will be out in two weeks.
On Wednesday, May 20, SOCA NGO Representative, Anne Riccitelli, Media Committee Co-Chair for the 63rd UN DIP/NGO Conference, attended a 2-hour teleconference meeting with the Australian Media Committee at the invitation of UN/DPI.
News! News! News!
Episcopal Synod of the Jacobite Church strongly criticized Bishop Coorilose
(UK) for his inability and weakness. Majority of bishops and Catholicose
expressed their unhappiness and questioned the loyalty of Bishop Coorilose
to Jacobite Church. The whole Synod strongly opposed the fundraising of
Bishop Coorilose who collects millions from the church and people, and
uses it for his own lavishness and pleasure. Bishop Coorilose collects
money in the name of POOR Children but is using it for building his own
palaces. Catholicose and the Synod asked Bishop Coorilose to stop fund
collection from the church immediately and withdraw from THEERAM as early
as possible since it has nothing to do with the Jacobite Church.
The whole Synod expressed their unhappiness about the inability and weakness
of Bishop Coorilose for the pathetic situation of the Jacobite Church
and St. Paul’s Mission since he took charge.
UN AGENCY AGAINST HIV VOICES CONCERN OVER CONVICTION OF MALAWIAN
GAY COUPLE
New York, May 27, 2010 – The head of the United Nations agency fighting
HIV/AIDS has expressed concern over the recent conviction in Malawi of
a gay couple and their sentencing to 14 years in jail, warning that it
could undermine health-care efforts aimed at helping people living with
the disease.
Michael Sidibè, Executive Director of the Joint UN Program on HIV/AIDS
(<HTTP://WWW.UNAIDS.ORG/EN/DEFAULT.ASP>unaids), SIAD ON Tuesday
that the conviction of Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga earlier
this month for “indecent practices between males” and “unnatural offences”
had worrying health, societal, cultural and human rights ramifications.
THE SECRETARY-GENERAL
--
Message for 100-day countdown to International Day of Peace
13 June 2010
One hundred days from today, the world will mark the International Day
of Peace—a day which armed conflict is meant to be stilled…a day on which
we appeal to combatants to observe a cease fire…a day on which we reaffirm
commitment to non-violence and the peaceful resolution of disputes.
This year’s observance, which takes place on 21 September, focuses on
youth and development, under the slogan: “Peace—Future.”
Young people already play a crucial role in working for peace. Yet I know
they can do even more. So this International Day comes with a challenge
for young people everywhere: Expand on your work to build peace. Share
your plans and ideas, with creativity and passion. The world’s concerns
will soon be in your hands.
This year, the International Day of Peace coincides with the Summit I
am convening to boost progress towards the eight Millennium Development
Goals (MDGs). Achieving the goals is essential for ending armed conflict
and building sustainable peace. I hope the voices of young people will
be heard at the summit and in the run-up to it.
Over the next 100 days, I urge young people to plan projects that can
help create the conditions for peace in their communities, in their schools,
in their countries. We need your voice and commitment, and we will share
your stories with the world.
As we start the countdown to the International Day of Peace, we recognize
two truths: Only in a peaceful environment will young people realize their
full potential—and young people have the potential to start building that
peaceful world today.
NEWS – SYRIAC ORTHODOX CHURCH OF ANTIOCH
Concelebrated Divine Liturgy of the Oriental Orthodox Churches in the
U.S.A.
On June 12th, 2010, the Annual Concelebrated Divine Liturgy of the Oriental
Orthodox Churches in the USA took place in St. Mark’s Syriac Orthodox
Cathedral, Teaneck, NJ. The Liturgy was celebrated this year according
to the ancient rites of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church, presided
by H.E. Archbishop Abuna Zecharias, Primate of the Ethiopian Orthodox
Tewahido Church Archdiocese of North-Eastern USA. Participating in the
Divine Liturgy also were the following Hierarchs, His Eminence Archbishop
Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Orthodox
Church in America, His Eminence Archbishop Mor Titus Yeldho of the Malankara
Archdiocese of the Syrian Orthodox Church in North America, His Eminence
Archbishop Mor Cyril Aphrem Karim of the Syrian Orthodox Church for the
Eastern USA. Present also were the Ethiopian Orthodox Archbishop of Trinidad,
His Eminence Abuna Thaddaius and the retired Armenian Archbishop, His
Eminence Yeghishe Gizirian, His Eminence His Grace Bishop David of the
Coptic Orthodox Church was unable to participate due to his travel overseas.
Several priests and deacons served the Liturgy from the sister Oriental
Orthodox Churches. A big crowd of parishioners from the Ethiopian Orthodox
Church showed up with their choir and their traditional drums.
All the clergy walked in a procession to the church, amid clapping and
chanting of the parishioners. Everyone enjoyed their chanting and music,
which started them into worship. There was a great joy in the Church,
especially after receiving Communion, which spread the feeling of oneness
among the congregation. The Liturgy lasted over three hours. It was concluded
by some warm thanksgiving words given by Archbishop Karim, in which he
thanked His Eminence Zecharias and his clergy for agreeing to conduct
the liturgy and for choosing our Cathedral for the celebration assuring
them that they are always welcome. His Eminence also thanked the Hierarchs,
the clergy and the parishioners for their presence and participation in
this year’s Concelebrated Holy Liturgy.
After the conclusion of the celebration of the Holy Eucharist all participants
were invited to a delicious Lenten Lunch provided by our sister Ethiopian
Church.
For further information on the various programs contact:
Dean, Ambassador Anthony J. DeLuca, Ph.D
Phone: (718) 698-0700
e-mail+ IgnatiusU@Aol.com
Website http//ignatiusu.com/diplomacy.html
United Nations Affairs – Syrian Orthodox Church In America