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One October evening: Pope Saint John Paul II changed history
The anniversary of John Paul II’s electionto the papacy falls this year on the centenary of his birth: two events celebrated by Churches around the world. The Vatican Publishing House and the Osservatore Romano preserve the memorable moments of that unforgettable evening of 16 October 1978.
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France: The “Law Against Separatism” Targets “Cults” as well as Islam
Anti-cultism is back in France. Media around the world have covered President Macron’s announcement of a new law against “separatism,” explaining it as a measure against radical Islam. It is surely true that Islam is targeted but, not for the first time, a law introduced to fight Islamic radical groups is then used against other…
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World Food Program’s Nobel Peace Prize shines light on global hunger
The World Council of Churches has joined the rest of the plant in welcoming the award of the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize to the UN World Food Program, one of the world’s first responders in global crises.
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Mali: Abducted Italian priest, three others freed – Vatican News
Italian Priest, Fr. Pierluigi Maccalli (SMA) from the province of Crema, regains freedom in Mali, alongside three hostages on Friday after just over two years of captivity by militant jihadists.
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Nigeria: Archbishop Martins calls for a return to the true spirit of Federation
The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins, has advocated for the return of Nigeria to the original concept of Federation which recognises the uniqueness of the federating units with rights of self-governance.
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Which priorities for the [post-]COVID-19 EU External Action?
The COMECE Commission on the EU External Relations gathered online on 29 September 2020 to discuss the most pressing issues for EU’s Foreign and Security Policy. In dialogue with EU and Church representatives, the Commission highlighted the important role the EU could play in leading global efforts for reinvigorating multilateralism.
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UK and US churches urge governments to cancel debt of poorest households due to virus
Churches on both sides of the Anglo-American divide have called for debt relief for those who have fallen into difficulties after months of restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Saving Lives by Donating Plasma: Why Are Shincheonji’s Good Deeds Ignored?
Eileen Barker, Europe’s most senior scholar of new religions, notes in her entry “New Religious Movements” in the 2020 SAGE Encyclopedia of the Sociology of Religions, that “one does not often see reports of the charitable work in which many of the NRMs engage,” even if it is sometimes “outstanding.” That this happens, is evidence…
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Old Believers denounce illegal detention of peaceful family in Belarus
As reported by the World Union of Old believers, The Old Believers living in the historical region of their historically traditional regional residence in the Republic of Belarus became victims of the violence unfolding in this country before the whole world. On September 27-29, the Old Believers stated, the spouses German and Natalya Snezhkov were…
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EU Pact on Migration: COMECE calls for concrete solidarity and generosity
Following the adoption of the new EU Pact on Migration and Asylum proposed by the European Commission on Wednesday 23 September 2020, the Bishops of the European Union encourage the EU and its Member States to act in concrete solidarity and responsibility towards migrants and refugees.