July, 2018
Philippine govt in repair mode after Duterte comments
July 6, 2018 · By Jose Torres Jr. and Inday Espina-Varona, Manila for www.ucanews.com
After calling God “stupid” and laughing off the Bible’s creation story, the administration of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is trying to reach out to the country’s church and religious leaders. A three-man committee has already been tasked to hold talks with church people on the heels of the president’s remarks against God and Christianity. On […]
Read More...Philippine green groups rally against dirty corporations
July 6, 2018 · By Mark Saludes, Manila for www.ucanews.com
Environmental groups, including church led ones, in the Philippines have rallied against five Asian companies accused of funding dirty energy projects in the region. One group, the Asia Peoples Movement on Debt and Development, accused Korea Electric Power Corporation and Japanese companies Sumitomo Mitui Banking Corporation, Mitsubishi Corporation, Marubeni Corporations, and Mizuho Bank Ltd. of […]
Read More...Abetting gang rape charges against Indian priest ‘fabricated’
July 5, 2018 · By Saji Thomas, Bhopal for www.ucanews.com
Police in India’s Jharkhand state have arrested a Jesuit priest on charges of aiding and abetting the abduction and gang rape of five social activists, but church officials say the charges are fabricated. Father Alphonse Aind, principal of Jesuit-run Stockmann Memorial Middle School in remote Kochang village in Khunti Diocese, was sent to custody on […]
Read More...Philippines arrests missionary, prevents 2 others leaving
July 5, 2018 · By Joe Torres, Manila for www.ucanews.com
A global campaign was launched this week for the release of a United Methodist Church missionary arrested in Manila in May and two other missionaries, who have been denied permission to leave the country. The campaign comes in the form of a “Pray to #LetThemLeave,” petition on Change.org that is linked to a call for noon prayers […]
Read More...Retired Washington cardinal out of ministry after credible abuse allegation
July 4, 2018 · By Heidi Schlumpf for www.ncronline.org
Editor’s note: This story was updated at 11:45 a.m. Central time to clarify that Cardinal Theodore McCarrick was not the first cardinal to be removed from ministry amid abuse allegations. This story was updated at 8:30 a.m. CDT with statements from New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan and Bishop James Checchio from Metuchen, New Jersey. It […]
Read More...Australian nun not off hook yet in Manila
July 4, 2018 · By Jose Torres Jr. and Mark Saludes, Manila for www.ucanews.com
An Australian missionary nun ordered by Philippine authorities to leave the country, is still in danger of being booted out despite winning a reprieve from the Justice Department this week, according to a top government official. The Philippines’ Department of Justice decided that Sister Patricia Fox, who has been working in the country for 27 […]
Read More...Vatican’s synod document takes inclusive tone towards youth who disagree with church
July 3, 2018 · By JOSHUA J. MCELWEE for www.lastampa.it
The Vatican document outlining the initial working positions for October’s global meeting of Catholic bishops on the needs of young people focuses on considering how church leaders can better help the rising generation deal with unique 21st century challenges such as the part-time economy, digital dependency, and even so-called “fake news.” The document, which will guide […]
Read More...Trial starts in landmark sex case of Indian priest
July 3, 2018 · By T.K. Devasia, Kochi for www.ucanews.com
A court in southern India is to start the trial of a Catholic priest, more than a year after he was arrested on charges of raping and impregnating a 17-year-old schoolgirl. The court in Kannur district of Kerala will finalize the trial schedule on June 18. Kerala High Court has directed the court to complete […]
Read More...Filipino bishops angered at reports of priests with guns
July 3, 2018 · By Jose Torres Jr., Manila for www.ucanews.com
Leading church figures in the Philippines have expressed dismay and anger at reports that Catholic priests are arming themselves following the slaying of several members of the clergy in recent months. Bishop Pablo Virgilio David of Kalookan said he was “very disappointed”, adding that priests who want to carry a gun for protection should leave the […]
Read More...Dictatorships begin with taking over media, warns pope
July 3, 2018 · By Carol Glatz, Catholic News Service for www.ucanews.com
All dictatorships begin the same way: media outlets are put in the hands of “unscrupulous” people who spread lies and weaken democracy, Pope Francis said. Typical standards, norms and laws in regard to communications are first eliminated, the pope said in his homily June 18 during morning Mass at Domus Sanctae Marthae. Then an […]
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