Trump administration sanctions Turkish officials it says helped detain US pastor
RNS The Trump administration has sanctioned two high-level officials in Turkey for what it says is their role in the case of US pastor Andrew Brunson, who faces terrorism-related charges. “At the President’s direction, the Department of Treasury is sanctioning Turkey’s Minister of Justice and Minister of the Interior, both of whom played leading roles in the arrest and […]
1st to 4th DECEMBER – CANBERRA – VOICES FOR JUSTICE
Hundreds of Christians from across the nation will gather for four powerful days of training, prayer, worship and political advocacy at Voices for Justice Conference.
Scientists predict major increase in heatwave deaths as world warms
Thomson Reuters Foundation The death toll from heatwaves could rise by up to 2,000 per cent in some parts of the world by 2080, according to a study released on Tuesday, as large parts of the northern hemisphere reeled from unusually high temperatures. Scientists have long warned that climate change will bring more extreme weather across the […]
Red Cross launch appeal to help drought-stricken farming communities in eastern Australia
The Australian Red Cross has launched an appeal to help severely drought-affected farmers and communities in large parts of New South Wales, Queensland and the Australian Capital Territory. Figures show that 99 per cent of NSW and 57 per cent of Queensland are in drought. Judy Slatyer, CEO of the Red Cross, said it was time […]
STRANGESIGHTS: MILK FIRST OR LAST?; AN AWARD-WINNING HEDGE MAZE; AND, US EMBASSY AUCTIONS TOILET ROLLS…
DAVID ADAMS looks at the odder side of life…
UN tells Algeria to “guarantee freedom of religion to all” after church closures
World Watch Monitor The UN Human Rights Committee has urged the Algerian government to stop harassing its Christian minority, after several churches and other religious institutions were closed down in recent months. Since November, 2017, six churches have been forcibly closed in the Maghreb country – three were later reopened – as well as a […]
New US coalition seeks sainthood for five African-Americans
RNS The founders of two religious orders and an African-American priest who had to train in Rome because no US seminary would accept him are among five candidates being supported for sainthood by a new coalition of black Catholic organisations. The initiative was announced on Tuesday at Xavier University in New Orleans, where a new […]
REFUGEES: SYRIANS FIND SAFE HAVEN BUT NO SECURE FUTURE ON GREEK ISLAND
Refugees who fled war in Syria have found a safe haven on the tiny Greek island of Tilos. But, as ISABELLE GERRETSEN reports for Thomson Reuters Foundation, a lack of jobs is preventing them from settling there permanently…
UK watchdog accuses aid groups of failing to tackle sexual misconduct
Thomson Reuters Foundation International aid groups are failing to tackle “horror” sexual abuse and harassment in the charity sector, Britain’s aid watchdog said on Tuesday after the revelation of sexual misconduct by aid workers sparked global outrage this year. The International Development Committee said the response by the humanitarian sector towards widespread sexual abuse was […]
ESSAY: THE CULTURE WARS NEED TO MAKE A SAFE SPACE FOR SOCCER STAR’S CONSCIENCE
US commentator on religion and politics, JACOB LUPFER, in an article first published by Religion News Service, says the case of US soccer player Jaelene Hinkle highlights the need for differing views on issues – including those related to faith – to be accommodated within the world of sport…