United Methodists begin to reverse longstanding anti-LGBTQ policies
Charlotte, North Carolina, US AP United Methodist delegates began making historic changes in their policies on sexuality on Tuesday – voting without debate to reverse a series of anti-LGBTQ policies. The delegates voted to delete mandatory penalties for conducting same-sex marriages and to remove their denomination’s bans on considering LGBTQ candidates for ministry and on […]
Essay: Russia has tightened its hold over the Sahel region – and now it’s looking to Africa’s west coast
In an article first published on The Conversation, OLUMBA E EZENWA and JOHN SUNDAY OJO look at the growing influence of Russia in Africa…
Georgian police crack down on ‘foreign agent’ bill protesters with water cannon, tear gas
Tbilisi, Georgia Reuters Georgian security forces used water cannon, tear gas and stun grenades against protesters outside parliament late on Tuesday, sharply escalating a crackdown after lawmakers debated a “foreign agents” bill which is viewed by the opposition and Western nations as authoritarian and Russian-inspired. Reuters eyewitnesses saw some police officers physically attack protesters, who […]
US, Mexico to clamp down on illegal immigration, leaders say
Washington DC, US/Mexico City, Mexico Reuters The United States and Mexico plan to clamp down on illegal immigration at their shared border, leaders from both countries said on Monday, vowing to disrupt irregular crossings that have reached record levels in recent years. In a phone conversation on Sunday, US President Joe Biden and Mexican President […]
Essay: Despair in the Holy Land
US Catholic commentator THOMAS REESE, says – in an article first published on Religion News Service – that we have to persevere for peace and have hope because the alternative is too terrible to imagine…
Israeli strikes kill at least 40 Palestinians in Gaza, as ceasefire talks begin
Cairo, Egypt Reuters Israeli airstrikes killed dozens of Palestinians on Monday as Hamas leaders visited Cairo for a new round of truce talks, with more than half the dead in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, which foreign leaders have urged Israel not to invade. Hours after the strikes on Rafah, where almost half of […]
US, 17 other countries urge Hamas to release hostages, end Gaza crisis
Washington DC, US Reuters The United States and 17 other countries on Thursday issued an appeal for Hamas to release all of its hostages as a pathway to end the crisis in Gaza, but Hamas vowed not to relent to international pressure. “We call for the immediate release of all hostages held by Hamas in […]
United Methodists endorse change that could give regions more say on LGBTQ and other issues
United States AP United Methodist delegates have overwhelmingly endorsed a constitutional amendment seen by advocates as a way of defusing debates over the role of LGBTQ people in the church by giving rule-making autonomy to each region of the international church. Delegates voted 586-164 on Thursday for the “regionalisation” proposal on the third day of their 11-day General […]
“Europe could die”: Macron urges stronger defences, economic reforms
Paris, France Reuters French President Emmanuel Macron called on Thursday for stronger, more integrated European defences as he outlined his vision for a more assertive European Union on the global stage. In a speech at the Sorbonne University in Paris, he also said the continent must not become a vassal of the United States. “There […]
Haiti transitional government takes power as gangs hold capital “hostage”
Port-au-Prince. Haiti Reuters Haiti’s transition council took power in a ceremony on Thursday, formalising the resignation of former Prime Minster Ariel Henry as the Caribbean country seeks to establish security after years of gang violence wreaking chaos and misery. Henry’s Finance Minister, Michel Patrick Boisvert, will be interim Prime Minister until the transition council appoints […]