News in JPIC News

Catholics injured as police suppress protests in Vietnam

Another priest slaying rocks Philippine Church

 Father Richmond Villaflor Nil, gunned down as he was about to celebrate Mass, was fourth priest shot in last six months. Police said the priest was shot while he was putting on his alb to start the Mass. At least three shots were fired through the chapel's window. Father Nilo became the fourth Catholic priest to be shot in the Philippines in the last six months and the second within a week.

Cardinal’s battle cry as Standard’s slavery campaign goes to Parliament

The Evening Standard’s special report on modern slavery, commissioned as part of this newspaper’s Slaves on Our Streets campaign, has been launched in Parliament. The report, which lays out 11 recommendations for governments and business to implement to combat slavery, is to be distributed to political and business leaders across Britain.

Christians refuse $10 million grant in Meghalaya, Indian state

Catholic leaders in the state told ucanews.com on Jan. 23 that they will not apply for or accept the funding of 613 million rupees (US$10 million) for illuminations, landscaping, construction of parking lots and toilets among other infrastructure work at 37 churches. Federal tourism minister K.J. Alphons announced the grant on Jan. 8, just 10 days ahead of India's Election Commission declaring Feb. 27 as the date of provincial elections in the northeastern state.

States of mind: young Israelis and Palestinians share hopes and ideas but rarely meet

That said, their ideals and hopes are very similar, and they would have much to talk about and discuss, like any other late teenagers and young adults. All of them had hope despite the situation in which they live. They really do think that life can get better, even though few of them can say how this would happen.

Holocaust by Bullets

Holocaust by Bullets by Father Patrick Desbois is the odyssey of a French Roman Catholic priest who felt called by God to search for the lost graves of Holocaust victims in Eastern Europe. While the Nazi atrocities in Western Europe are well-documented, until the collapse of the former Soviet Union, there was little recorded about the murder of 1.5 million Jews in Ukraine and other parts of Eastern Europe.

Chinese officials demolish yet another church: in Shanxi

Authorities in China demolished a large church in the city of Linfen, Shanxi province on Jan. 9, despite efforts by worshippers to halt the demolition and who were then pressured to remain silent, according to witnesses. It was the third Christian church demolition or closure in China in just over two weeks and comes amid a broader crackdown on "Western" religions by the government of authoritarian leader Xi Jinping. Muslims groups, especially in the far flung province of Xinjiang have also been targeted.

Pope's official address to govt authorities, diplomatic corps in Myanmar

 I can only express appreciation for the efforts of the Government to take up this challenge, especially through the Panglong Peace Conference, which brings together representatives of the various groups in an attempt to end violence, to build trust and to ensure respect for the rights of all who call this land their home. Indeed, the arduous process of peace building and national reconciliation can only advance through a commitment to justice and respect for human rights.

Home Office letter tells EU citizen to ‘go home or go elsewhere’

“If UK officials are acting in this way towards EU nationals now, the future of our relations with EU nationals and countries should be a concern to us all. The danger is that the divorce from the EU is becoming ever more acrimonious, and this is reflected in both the tone and the practice of the Home Office.”

The Truth about the murder of Oscar Romero may be approaching its conclusion.

At first glance, it seems astonishing that the only trial ever held for Romero’s murder took place in a courtroom in the United States. But perhaps it should not be so surprising: El Salvador has never provided justice for the murder not only of Romero but of thousands of other civilians killed in decades past, most of them at the hands of government soldiers.

Thousands across India rally against religious intolerance

Thousands across India rally against religious intolerance Protestors of all religions stand united against Hindu extremists Thousands across India rally against religious intolerance.

Cardinal in Central African Republic in peace deal squabble

Cardinal Dieudonné Nzapalainga of Bangui has denied authorizing the signing in his name of a “political agreement for peace in the Central African Republic” sponsored by the Sant’Egidio community.

How to impress a terror network and gain recognition

Armed clashes in the southern Philippines between state security forces and gunmen claiming to have links abroad bring to light the phenomenon of local terror groups trying to gain recognition. The militarist response of the government, which has declared martial law, might become a "bonus" for the aspiring terror group that has now caught global attention. 

Spanish victim of London attackers recalled for commitment to justice

Vietnam's bishops criticize new religion law

Vietnam's bishops criticize new religion law They call on the communist government to have an accurate view of religions In bold words. The bishops' statement said the law replaces words "asking permission" and "giving permission" with "registering, informing, proposing," which still request "religions to inform government authorities about their activities that authorities may or may not approve."

Judge reopens inquiry on Archbishop Romero's murder

Archbishop Oscar Romero of San Salvador, who was assassinated in 1980 and whose cause for canonization is under way, has become one of the most popular figures of the Latin American Church. "La Croix" looks at his life and legacy.

Tribal bishops seek Indian president's intervention

India's tribal Catholic bishops have sought the intervention of President Pranab Mukherjee to ensure the rights of millions of tribal people. The memorandum signed by tribal bishops from six states said they were "saddened" by the policies of state governments that have trampled over tribal people's rights. They want the president "to protect the land, forest and socio-cultural rights of tribal people," the May 10 memorandum said.

Pope Francis, Suu Kyi meet, launch diplomatic relations

he Vatican announced May 4 that the pope would appoint a nuncio to the southeast Asian nation and that Myanmar would name an ambassador to the Vatican. The agreement brings to 183 the number of countries with which the Holy See has full diplomatic relations.

Pyongyang Diocese celebrates 90th anniversary

March 23, 2017 - The 90th anniversary of Pyongyanag Diocese was an occasion to pray for North Korea where the once active diocese lies amid totalitarianism. In his homily, Cardinal Yeom said, "Pyongyang Diocese which dynamically spread the gospel now is being forgotten. Communism continues and persecution carries on which is due to our lack of prayer."

Beijing using CCTV in churches to spy on Christians

China's ruling Communist Party has stepped up efforts to control the number of Christians by forcing Catholic and Protestant churches in the heavily Christian province of Zhejiang to install CCTV cameras inside and outside their buildings.