Lebanese government quits amid fury over Beirut blast
Beirut, LebanonReuters Lebanon’s Prime Minister announced his government’s resignation on Monday, saying a huge explosion that tore through Beirut and caused public outrage was the result of endemic corruption. While the move by Prime Minister Hassan Diab attempted to respond to popular anger about the 4th August blast, many Lebanese calling for a complete overhaul […]
Global coronavirus cases hit 20 million – Reuters tally; WHO decries ‘vast global gap’ in funds needed to fight it
Reuters Global coronavirus cases pushed past 20 million on Monday, according to a Reuters tally, with the United States, Brazil and India accounting for more than half of all known infections. The respiratory disease has infected at least four times the average number of people struck down with severe influenza illnesses annually, according to the […]
Churches bodies call for an end to ongoing violence in South Sudan
The World Council of Churches has joined with the South Sudan Council of Churches and All Africa Conference of Churches in condemning recent killings in South Sudan and calling for an end to violence there. The move comes after at least 23 people were killed and 20 more injured in an attack on an Anglican […]
On the Screen: ‘Greyhound’ makes for an immersive portrait of war at sea
MARCUS CHEONG reviews Tom Hanks’ new movie, ‘Greyhound’…
Rape victims “denied justice” in Ghana by costly medical fees
Accra, GhanaThomson Reuters Foundation Reporting rape is traumatic for anyone, but having to pay two months’ wages to complete the medical form prevents many in Ghana from seeking justice, said a leading actor whose campaign to waive fees has reached the presidential palace. British-Ghanaian actor Ama K Abebrese – who starred with Idris Elba in […]
Idaho church removes glass window of Confederate general
Boise, IdahoAP Boise’s Cathedral of the Rockies and regional church leaders officially “deconsecrated” and removed a stained glass window of a Confederate general during a service Friday. The Idaho Statesman reports the Cathedral of the Rockies, also known as the Boise First United Methodist Church, announced plans in June to remove the image of Confederate General Robert […]
Deadliest day: Australia reports biggest one day rise in new COVID-19 deaths
Sydney, AustraliaReuters Australia reported a record number of daily coronavirus deaths on Monday, although the number of new infections in the country’s virus hot spot fell to a near two week low. Officials in the state of Victoria, which is the epicentre of Australia’s second coronavirus wave, reported that 19 people died from the virus […]
Uganda: As coronavirus toll continues to climb, clergy pressure government to reopen churches
JOHN SEMAKULA reports from Uganda on the battle over church reopenings…
Explainer: Can the Beirut explosion offer lessons for the Middle East?
Amman, JordanThomson Reuters Foundation The deadly explosion that tore through Lebanon’s capital on Tuesday has raised questions about the safety of residents of Middle Eastern cities where poor governance, economic turmoil and conflict can lead to disaster. Ammonium nitrate – a chemical often used in fertilisers – stored unsafely in Beirut’s port caused the blast […]
Essay: What white evangelical Christians can’t see when they see racism
Author and teacher of philosophy JAMES KA SMITH, in an article first published on Religion News Service, looks at why he believes evangelical Christians in the US prefer reconciliation over justice when it comes to issues of race…