Catholic News 2
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Senate's surprise vote early Friday was only the latest narrow escape for "Obamacare" - the social program with nine lives that has survived dozens of congressional attempts to kill it, and two Supreme Court challenges....
PYONGYANG, North Korea (AP) -- North Korea on Friday test-fired its second intercontinental ballistic missile, which flew longer and higher than the first according to its wary neighbors, leading analysts to conclude that a wide swath of the U.S. including Los Angeles and Chicago is now within range of Pyongyang's weapons....
LONDON (AP) -- Charlie Gard, the terminally ill British baby at the center of a legal and ethical battle that attracted the attention of Pope Francis and U.S. President Donald Trump, died Friday. He was one week shy of his first birthday....
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The resounding Senate crash of the seven-year Republican drive to scrap the Obama health care law incited GOP finger-pointing Friday but left the party with wounded leaders and no evident pathway forward on an issue that won't go away....
The United Nations Human Rights Committee (UNHRC) on Thursday levelled a series of allegations against Pakistan, including enforced disappearances,, extrajudicial killings, the death penalty, blasphemy laws and cyber crackdown.Enforced disappearancesEnforced disappearances, seen in tribal areas and Baluchistan for the past 15 years, have become widespread across Pakistan, UNHRC member Olivier de Frouville told reporters. "This is an admitted fact even within the country that this is carried out by agents of the state," he said, adding that the government's own investigations were insufficient. A high number of people were allegedly in secret detention in military internment centres, the committee's report said. Killings were allegedly perpetrated by the police, military and security forces but there was no law explicitly against such practices. The Geneva-based UNHRC is a body of independent experts that monitors implementation of the Internation...
The United Nations Human Rights Committee (UNHRC) on Thursday levelled a series of allegations against Pakistan, including enforced disappearances,, extrajudicial killings, the death penalty, blasphemy laws and cyber crackdown.
Enforced disappearances
Enforced disappearances, seen in tribal areas and Baluchistan for the past 15 years, have become widespread across Pakistan, UNHRC member Olivier de Frouville told reporters. "This is an admitted fact even within the country that this is carried out by agents of the state," he said, adding that the government's own investigations were insufficient. A high number of people were allegedly in secret detention in military internment centres, the committee's report said. Killings were allegedly perpetrated by the police, military and security forces but there was no law explicitly against such practices.
The Geneva-based UNHRC is a body of independent experts that monitors implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) by its State parties. It’s report on Pakistan followed the country’s first ever review after the south Asian nation ratified the Covenant.
Human Rights Minister Kamran Michael defended Pakistan's record before the committee earlier this month, but the Committee said his delegation had given few responses to their questions and very general answers.
Death penalty
UNHRC also denounced Pakistan's widespread use of hanging since it lifted a moratorium on the death penalty in 2014, following an attack on a school in which more than 150 people, mainly children, were killed. Death sentences were passed on mentally disabled people and suspects who were minors at the time of the crime, and the method of execution amounted to torture. Pakistan has executed 468 prisoners since 2014 and has 1,500 people on death row, the report said.
Blasphemy laws
According to Pakistan’s controversial blasphemy laws, the penalty for contempt of the Prophet Mohammed is death, and offence against the Koran results in imprisonment for life. Saying that the blasphemy laws often led to false accusations and "mob vengeance", the committee called on Pakistan to repeal the laws or amend them in compliance with the requirements of the Covenant. It has asked the government to 'ensure that all those who incite or engage in violence against others based on allegations of blasphemy as well as those who falsely accuse others of blasphemy are brought to justice and duly punished'.
UNHRC called for adequate protection of judges, prosecutors, lawyers and witnesses involved in blasphemy cases; review of school textbooks and curricula with a view to removing all religiously biased content and incorporation of human rights education and regulation of affairs of madrassas.
Cyber crime
The UNHRC also urged that the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act of 2016 be revised in compliance with ICCPR. The Act was widely promoted as a tool to punish internet activity by banned militant groups and curb online sexual harassment. But in recent months it has increasingly been used to crack down on those who have gone online with criticism of the government, particularly the military and intelligence agencies. Civil rights advocates, as well as people directly targeted by the authorities, have described actions that included harassment, intimidation, and detention without access to lawyers or family members. In a few cases, physical abuse of those in custody was reported.
(Vatican Radio) Exactly four years ago, on July 29 2013, Jesuit priest Father Paolo Dall’Oglio was abducted in the rebel-held eastern city of Raqqa in Syria.Witnesses said Father Paolo was kidnapped while he was walking in the city, which had fallen under the control of members of the so-called Islamic State . There has been no news of him since. Born in 1954, the Italian priest became a Jesuit in 1975 and worked extensively in dialogue and reconciliation.Fr Dall'Oglio served for 30 years at Deir Mar Musa, a 6th-century monastery 80 kilometers north of Damascus, which he singlehandedly transformed from a desert outpost of Syriac Catholicism into an internationally celebrated inter-faith cultural center.Poet and author Marius Kociejowski met Fr Dall’Oglio on more than one occasion whilst travelling in his beloved Syria. He told Linda Bordoni how Father Paolo loved the monastery right from the beginning, and worked hard to reconstruct and restore the Deir M...
(Vatican Radio) Exactly four years ago, on July 29 2013, Jesuit priest Father Paolo Dall’Oglio was abducted in the rebel-held eastern city of Raqqa in Syria.
Witnesses said Father Paolo was kidnapped while he was walking in the city, which had fallen under the control of members of the so-called Islamic State . There has been no news of him since.
Born in 1954, the Italian priest became a Jesuit in 1975 and worked extensively in dialogue and reconciliation.
Fr Dall'Oglio served for 30 years at Deir Mar Musa, a 6th-century monastery 80 kilometers north of Damascus, which he singlehandedly transformed from a desert outpost of Syriac Catholicism into an internationally celebrated inter-faith cultural center.
Poet and author Marius Kociejowski met Fr Dall’Oglio on more than one occasion whilst travelling in his beloved Syria.
He told Linda Bordoni how Father Paolo loved the monastery right from the beginning, and worked hard to reconstruct and restore the Deir Mar Musa complex and transform it into a Center of interfaith dialogue.
Listen:
Kociejowski tells of how he met Father Paolo at the Monastery of Deir Mar Musa: “the Monastery was high up in the mountains, there was no road leading up to it, one had to walk over a mountain to get there… it was that isolated!”
“I was walking there, and lo and behold: there was Father Paolo coming with his arm in a black sling. And he looked at me and said: ‘are you the doctor?’ And I said: ‘Yes, but not the one you are looking for.’ And we hit it off immediately!”
Kociejowski says Father Paolo had broken his arm chasing goats in the extremely wild area around the monastery. After having had it set properly at the hospital, he came back and the two men went into a valley: “there was the red stone, the blue sky and just us, and we spoke and spoke and spoke… and it was quite the most wonderful conversation.”
Father Paolo told Kociejowski about how he had first come to Deir Mar Musa and stayed there alone for two weeks “with rancid water and bugs and everything else… he had an epiphany back then, and knew he had to come back to this place and restore it”.
Kociejowski describes Deir Mar Musa as the greatest instance of early Syriac art in the whole Middle East. He says it is to Father Paolo that we owe the reconstruction of this extraordinary site which has also become a site of refuge, reflection and learning.
Thinking back to Father Paolo, the man, Kociejowski says he describes him in one of his books narrating how “he got right down there and worked with everyone else”.
“An extraordinarily charismatic man. Not without pride: he said pride was the one thing he had to continually battle. But in the years since I met him he became one of the most vital figures in the country. It was upon him that perhaps one could build a kind of vision of building bridges in the future”.
The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops has invited the faithful in the 26 Dioceses of the country and all people of good will, to join in praying for the country. In a press statement issued 28 July 2017 at the Catholic Secretariat in Nairobi, by all the Bishops, the prelates propose to start Novena prayers for peaceful elections from 30 July to 7 August 2017. The country goes to the polls on 8 August.The Bishops also appeal to the youth in the country to restrain themselves from violence and instead urge them to become agents of peace. They encourage young people to embrace a culture of peace and to engage in peace-building activities.In the press statement, the Bishops further appeal to Kenyan media to remain objective and help create a peaceful environment that promotes justice, peace and reconciliation.They say that the country's security agencies must also intensify their preparedness in assisting the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) secure t...
The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops has invited the faithful in the 26 Dioceses of the country and all people of good will, to join in praying for the country. In a press statement issued 28 July 2017 at the Catholic Secretariat in Nairobi, by all the Bishops, the prelates propose to start Novena prayers for peaceful elections from 30 July to 7 August 2017. The country goes to the polls on 8 August.
The Bishops also appeal to the youth in the country to restrain themselves from violence and instead urge them to become agents of peace. They encourage young people to embrace a culture of peace and to engage in peace-building activities.
In the press statement, the Bishops further appeal to Kenyan media to remain objective and help create a peaceful environment that promotes justice, peace and reconciliation.They say that the country's security agencies must also intensify their preparedness in assisting the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) secure trust and transparency among citizens.
(Rose Achiego in Nairobi)
Below is the full statement
“SEEK PEACE AND PROSPERITY” ……… (JEREMIAH 29:7)
We the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops, meeting in Nairobi, wish to address all Kenyans as we prepare to exercise our democratic rights by casting votes to elect our Leaders. We wish to note that the moment we have been waiting for is here. We are calling upon all Kenyans to seize this opportunity to exercise our constitutional right and give ourselves Leaders of integrity. The clarion call has been to have Just, Fair, Peaceful and Credible Elections. We need to create a peaceful environment, to demonstrate our patriotism for our wonderful Country, and ensure that all parts of Kenya are in peace.
We note with appreciation, the relatively peaceful manner in which campaigns have been conducted. We urge all the candidates to continue conducting themselves with decorum and sobriety in the remaining stretch of the campaigns, in order to achieve cohesion and National integration.
We appeal to the Youth to restrain themselves from violence and instead be the agents of peace. We exhort them to uphold to the culture of peace and engage in activities of peace-building.
As Catholic Bishops, we recognize the achievements so far made by the IEBC under the circumstances. We appeal to the entire Country to accord IEBC all the support it needs to discharge its constitutional mandate. On their part, we ask the IEBC to see to it that they secure Just, Fair, Transparent, Credible and Peaceful Elections.
We shall work closely with all the election observation groups, and all Agencies and non-State actors involved in the electoral process.
We recognize that the Media is a very crucial actor in the entire electoral process. It is the media that packages and relays information to the public. It is, therefore, important for the Media to remain objective in helping to create a peaceful environment and promote the culture of Justice, Peace and Reconciliation.
As we draw closer to the elections we urge the Security Agencies to intensify their preparedness in helping IEBC to secure Just, Transparent and Peaceful elections.
We recognize the manner in which the Judiciary has discharged their duties so far. We encourage it to continue upholding its professionalism and commitment to this Country in fulfilling its mandate without fear or favour.
In conclusion, we invite all the faithful in our Dioceses and all people of good will, to join together in praying for our Country. We propose to start the Prayer of the Novena for Peaceful Elections from 30th July to the 7th of August 2017.
We beseech God to take charge of the whole process of Elections. “May the God of Peace be with you all, (Rom. 15:33).
PEACE ……………….. PEACE ……………….. PEACE ………………..
God bless you all. God bless our Country Kenya.
Friday, 28th July 2017
Rt. Rev. Philip Anyolo
CHAIRMAN
KENYA CONFERENCE OF CATHOLIC BISHOPS
(Original, counter-signed by all Kenyan Catholic Bishops)
(Vatican Radio) At least two Catholic bishops have expressed outrage over Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's plan to abolish the country’s Commission on Human Rights (CHR). Bishop Arturo Bastes of Sorsogon was the first to come down on the president saying he was "out of his mind." The prelate said Duterte’s threats to close down the independent body only shows he has “no knowledge” about how governments should operate in a democratic society.At a press conference after his state of the nation address on July 24, Duterte said he wanted to shut down the commission, which has been critical of his sexist jokes and the killings associated with his brutal war on drugs. The president went on the offensive saying that rather than solely targeting government men, CHR should speak out against killings perpetrated by suspected drug addicts and the atrocities committed by terrorists locked in an urban combat with th...
(Vatican Radio) At least two Catholic bishops have expressed outrage over Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's plan to abolish the country’s Commission on Human Rights (CHR). Bishop Arturo Bastes of Sorsogon was the first to come down on the president saying he was "out of his mind." The prelate said Duterte’s threats to close down the independent body only shows he has “no knowledge” about how governments should operate in a democratic society.
At a press conference after his state of the nation address on July 24, Duterte said he wanted to shut down the commission, which has been critical of his sexist jokes and the killings associated with his brutal war on drugs. The president went on the offensive saying that rather than solely targeting government men, CHR should speak out against killings perpetrated by suspected drug addicts and the atrocities committed by terrorists locked in an urban combat with the military in Marawi City.
Dictator
“My God, Duterte is getting out of his mind!” Bishop Bastes exclaimed, adding, “his desire to abolish CHR is a sign that he has the dangerous tendency to be a dictator. Heavens forbid!”
The CHR is an independent office created under the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines that is tasked with investigating all forms of human rights violations involving civil and political rights in the country.
CHR protected by Constitution
Retired Bishop Teodoro Bacani of Novaliches said the president cannot just abolish the CHR because it was "created and protected" by the Philippine Constitution. The 77-year-old bishop, who is one of the authors of the Constitution, called on Filipinos to pray for Duterte to regain his "good sense." Bishop Bacani said that the commission can only be abolished through a constitutional amendment.
At Monday’s press conference, Duterte said he would not allow members of the military to be investigated for possible human rights violations, saying the human right’s commission should go through him before getting to his men.
'Rein of terror'
In a Jan. 30 pastoral letter, the Philippine bishops have been outspoken against the increase in killings, referring to it as a “reign of terror”.
During his presidential campaign, Duterte promised to rid the country of illegal drugs in three to six months and repeatedly threatened traffickers with death. But the president who marked his first year in office on June 30, missed his deadline and later declared he would fight the menace until his last day in office.
More than 5,200 suspects have died so far, including more than 3,000 in reported gunbattles with police and more than 2,000 others in drug-related attacks by motorcycle-riding masked gunmen and other assaults, police said. Human rights groups have reported a higher toll and called for an independent investigation into Duterte's possible role in the violence.
(USCCB) The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' (USCCB) Subcommittee on Aid to the Church in Central and Eastern Europe approved over $4.8 million in funding for 206 projects in 22 countries in Central and Eastern Europe.Projects approved for funding include: * The Don Bosco Center for Education in Albania, founded 21 years ago, provides cultural, social, and academic resources to over 1,000 children from poor and disadvantaged backgrounds. The center provides stability and aid to the rapidly growing population of people from rural areas moving into the city to find work. The center also offers elementary, middle and high school education and has a vocational training center, a youth center, and a day care center. The grant will assist with necessary updates to the building to welcome more children and provide a safe environment for them. * A grant to support seven priests, five hieromonks, and eight religious sisters that serve the parishes near the war zone in Eas...
(USCCB) The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' (USCCB) Subcommittee on Aid to the Church in Central and Eastern Europe approved over $4.8 million in funding for 206 projects in 22 countries in Central and Eastern Europe.
Projects approved for funding include:
* The Don Bosco Center for Education in Albania, founded 21 years ago, provides cultural, social, and academic resources to over 1,000 children from poor and disadvantaged backgrounds. The center provides stability and aid to the rapidly growing population of people from rural areas moving into the city to find work. The center also offers elementary, middle and high school education and has a vocational training center, a youth center, and a day care center. The grant will assist with necessary updates to the building to welcome more children and provide a safe environment for them.
* A grant to support seven priests, five hieromonks, and eight religious sisters that serve the parishes near the war zone in Eastern Ukraine. The armed conflict periodically reaches into that region making it a dangerous place to live. The priests and religious have remained there to offer pastoral and humanitarian aid to those in need. This grant will provide food, medicine and transportation costs to support the priests and sisters as they offer pastoral care and humanitarian aid to the tens of thousands of internally displaced persons in the region.
"As a family of faith, we stand with those who work tirelessly to build the Church in Central and Eastern Europe, who continue to face the challenge of overcoming decades of political and religious oppression," said Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago, chairman of the USCCB Subcommittee on Aid to the Church in Central and Eastern Europe, "We look to those living in this region as an example of hope and perseverance and continue to support their efforts to renew their communities."
Other projects approved by the subcommittee include scholarships, church construction, outreach to the poor, and evangelization programs. Grants approved by the subcommittee support the Church in countries that were oppressed by communist rule.
Grants are funded by the annual Collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe. The national date for this collection is Ash Wednesday, although dioceses may take it up on different days. The Subcommittee on Aid to the Church in Central and Eastern Europe oversees the collection and an annual grant program as part of the USCCB Committee on National Collections. More information about the collection and who it supports can be found at www.usccb.org/ccee.
Young Catholics from Sri Lanka will not be able to participate in next week’s Asian Youth Day celebrations in Indonesia due to financial strains. Father Malcolm Perera, National Chaplain for Catholic Youth Federation said on Thursday that several dioceses have informed him they were unable to send delegations as they could not cover the cost. Over 2000 young people from 21 Asian countries are expected to attend the Aug. 2-6 celebration in the Indonesian city of Yogyakarta, which has as its theme, "Joyful Asian Youth Living the Gospel in Multicultural Asia." But before gathering in Yogyakarta, participants will first spend “Days in Dioceses” (DID) in 11 of Indonesia’s 37 dioceses, July 30-August 2. "Sri Lanka has not been able to send young people to Asian church events for several years," said Father Perera who was appointed to the post recently. "We will not attend this time but we will strive to ...
Young Catholics from Sri Lanka will not be able to participate in next week’s Asian Youth Day celebrations in Indonesia due to financial strains. Father Malcolm Perera, National Chaplain for Catholic Youth Federation said on Thursday that several dioceses have informed him they were unable to send delegations as they could not cover the cost.
Over 2000 young people from 21 Asian countries are expected to attend the Aug. 2-6 celebration in the Indonesian city of Yogyakarta, which has as its theme, "Joyful Asian Youth Living the Gospel in Multicultural Asia." But before gathering in Yogyakarta, participants will first spend “Days in Dioceses” (DID) in 11 of Indonesia’s 37 dioceses, July 30-August 2.
"Sri Lanka has not been able to send young people to Asian church events for several years," said Father Perera who was appointed to the post recently. "We will not attend this time but we will strive to be able to do so the next time," he added. (Source: UCAN)
