Thousands to rally outside Australian parliament as pressure grows on PM
Canberra, AustraliaReuters Thousands of protesters are expected to descend on Australia’s capital on Monday when the country’s parliament resumes as part of nationwide demonstrations, intensifying pressure on Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Spurred by rape allegations against Attorney-General Christian Porter and a former employee of Morrison’s Liberal party, 43 protests are planned across the country on […]
Pope renews appeal for Syria on 10th anniversary of conflict
Vatican CityAP Pope Francis has renewed his “heartfelt appeal” to all sides in the Syria conflict to demonstrate “signs of good will so that a glimmer of hope can be open for the exhausted population”. The Pope offered prayers for Syria during his traditional Sunday blessing in St. Peter’s Square, noting that a decade has […]
At least 39 reported killed in Myanmar as Chinese factories burn
Reuters Security forces killed at least 22 anti-coup protesters in the poor, industrial Hlaingthaya suburb of Myanmar’s main city on Sunday after Chinese-financed factories were set ablaze there, an advocacy group said. A further 16 protesters were killed in other places, the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners said, as well as one policeman, making it […]
London police criticised for clashes at vigil for murdered woman
London, UKThomson Reuters Foundation London police faced criticism on Saturday and calls for investigations after clashing with crowds at a memorial for murder victim Sarah Everard whose death has sparked widespread anger and fear about women’s safety. Police told organisers of events to honour Everard planned in London and around the country that public gatherings […]
UN increases Central African Republic force by nearly 3,700
United NationsAP The UN Security Council approved an increase of nearly 3,700 military and police to the UN peacekeeping force in Central African Republic on Friday to help reverse the deteriorating security situation in the conflict-torn nation where violence has increased since last December’s presidential election. A council resolution, adopted by a vote of 14 […]
Memo banning Afghan girls singing prompts #IAmMySong protest
Kabul, AfghanistanAP A memo from Afghanistan’s education ministry banning girls 12-years-old and older from singing at school functions has been causing a stir on social media, prompting the authorities to say it was a mistake and that its authors had misunderstood the objective. Still, #IAmMySong is gaining traction on Twitter, with some Afghan girls singing […]
New Zealand marks two years since Christchurch mosque killings
Wellington, New ZealandAP New Zealand on Saturday marked the second anniversary of one of its most traumatic days, when 51 worshippers were killed at two Christchurch mosques by a white supremacist gunman. Several hundred people gathered at the Christchurch Arena for the remembrance service, which was also livestreamed. A similar service planned for last year […]
“Souls to the Polls”: US faith leaders push back against proposed voting restrictions
ADELLE M BANKS, of Religion News Service, reports on reaction to moves in the US state of Georgia that could curtail Sunday “Souls to the Polls” activities…