Pope launches green initiative, decrying “predatory attitude” toward planet
Vatican CityReuters Pope Francis launched an initiative on Tuesday to make Catholic institutions ranging from families to universities to businesses environmentally sustainable in seven years, saying a “predatory attitude” toward the planet must end. The Laudato Si Action Platform takes its name from the Pope’s landmark 2015 encyclical on the need to protect the environment, […]
US calls for “transparent” new investigation into COVID origins
Geneva, SwitzerlandReuters The United States called on Tuesday for international experts to be allowed to evaluate the source of the coronavirus and the “early days of the outbreak” in a second phase of an investigation into the origins of the coronavirus. US intelligence agencies are examining reports that researchers at a Chinese virology laboratory were […]
Mali’s former coup chief takes power after military arrests President
Bamako, Mali Reuters International pressure increased on Mali’s military leaders to free the President and Prime Minister on Tuesday, a day after their arrest deepened a political crisis and threatened to derail a transition to democratic elections. President Bah Ndaw and Prime Minister Moctar Ouane have been detained at a military base outside the capital […]
Samoa resumes leadership battle as United Nations offers to help
Sydney, AustraliaReuters The United Nations has urged political leaders in Samoa to resolve a political crisis through dialogue after contested election results left the South Pacific nation with two leaders claiming to run the country. FAST party leader Fiame Naomi Mataafa was set to become Samoa’s first female prime minister with a court-approved one-seat parliamentary […]
Thai virus clusters spotlight conditions for migrant labour
Bangkok, ThailandReuters A series of coronavirus clusters among construction workers in Bangkok, including the first local cases of the variant first identified in India, has put a fresh spotlight on migrant labour rights as Thailand grapples with its deadliest outbreak so far. Migrant workers have been crucial during Bangkok’s decade-long construction boom, but they receive limited welfare […]
Mary Queen of Scots’ gold rosary beads stolen in castle raid
London, UKReuters The gold rosary beads carried by Mary, Queen of Scots, to her execution in 1587 were among historic treasures worth more than £1 million stolen in a raid from a castle in the south of England. Mary, a Roman Catholic, was ousted from the Scottish throne then imprisoned, accused of treason and executed […]
In the US, Episcopal Diocese of Chicago postpones consecration of bishop-elect after brain bleed
Chicago, USRNS The Episcopal Diocese of Chicago in the US has postponed the consecration and ordination of Rev Canon Paula E Clark, the first Black bishop and the first woman chosen to lead the diocese, after Clark suffered a brain bleed in April. Clark was elected bishop in December and scheduled to be consecrated on 24th April. […]
Military detain Mali’s President, Prime Minister and Defence Minister
Bamako, MaliReuters Military officers in Mali detained the President, Prime Minister and Defence Minister of the interim government on Monday, deepening political chaos just months after a military coup ousted the previous president, multiple sources told Reuters. President Bah Ndaw, Prime Minister Moctar Ouane and Defence Minister Souleymane Doucoure were all taken to a military […]
Cave of wonders
Joseph Campbell became quite famous for his analysis of the hero’s journey and its influence on films like Star Wars and The Lion King. PICTURE: Samuel Roy/Unsplash One of the ideas he suggests is part of our shared humanity is this: “The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek.” What a profound […]
Loving her neighbours: Meet the ‘Friendly Neighbor Epidemiologist’ encouraging her fellow Christians to get vaccinated
EMILY MCFARLAN MILLER, of Religion News Service, speaks with US epidemiologist Emily Smith about her efforts to address coronavirus questions – and the blowback she’s received from some fellow Christians…