Russian bank cards are given to the African clerics of the Patriarchate of Alexandria who switch to the Moscow Patriarchate in the so-called “African Exarchate of the Russian Orthodox Church”. This was told by the Ukrainian theologian Archimandrite Kirill (Govorun), who attended an international conference in Sweden dedicated to the crises in world Orthodoxy. The first session was dedicated to Ukraine and Georgia, and the second to Africa. A participant from Africa gave a report on how the “African Exarchate” was formed. According to him, the Russian state needs a church structure in Africa to facilitate the resolution of political and business issues with local authorities: “In Africa, people in religious clothes have great authority and the door of every office opens for them. The Kremlin opens some of these doors with the help of people in cassocks”. At the same time, the priests of the Russian Orthodox Church acted as recruiters of local men for the war with Ukraine: “These people also indirectly or directly recruit local people to go to Russia. The locals trust them because ‘people in cassocks don’t give bad advice.’ So they go and then some end up at the front.”
A participant in the conference told the story of an Orthodox seminarian who went to Russia to enter a seminary, but there they took his passport and began to prepare him for the front: “He found out in time what they were preparing for him and managed to escape.”
It also became clear that African clergy who leave the Patriarchate of Alexandria and switch to the Russian Orthodox Church are issued a bank card, which, however, is not in their name: “Those who switch from the Patriarchate of Alexandria to the Moscow Patriarchate are given a bank card, on which they receive 200 euros every month. However, the card is not issued in their name, but to Russian organizations. One cleric even had a card with Prigozhin’s name on it. This makes these people highly dependent and, moreover, allows for the misuse of funds allocated for Africans. Adherents of local religious cults or confessions that are not even Christian, register with the Orthodox clergy in order to receive a bank card. Meanwhile, more principled Orthodox Christians, disappointed with such missionary methods, switch to other confessions.”
Ultimately, this inevitably leads to disillusionment with Orthodoxy and destroys the fruits of the Orthodox mission on the African continent.
We’re not far from seeing AI that can feel a range of emotions
The alleged suicide of a robot in the workplace earlier this year has scientists wondering whether the tech element can feel emotions.
In June, there were concerns that a South Korean government robot had committed suicide by throwing itself down a flight of stairs. The cyborg, which looked like a white bin with a screen on the side, was designed to deliver documents to office workers.
The case has puzzled technologists, philosophers and academics, because for a robot to intentionally kill itself, it would have to be intelligent.
While emotionally sensitive robots have long been the stuff of science fiction, the concept of an “ambiguously sensitive” AI is a relatively new idea.
Professor Jonathan Birch, an academic in philosophy at LSE and author of The Edge of Sentience: Risk and Precaution in Humans, Other Animals, and AI, believes we are not far from seeing AI that can experience a range of emotions.
“By ‘ambiguously sentient’ I mean that some people will be absolutely convinced that their AI companion is an intelligent being with a rich inner life and will get angry when others deny this,” he told the Independent. “Meanwhile, others will be equally convinced that these AI companions feel absolutely nothing. It will not be possible to say who is right because our scientific understanding of consciousness is not yet mature enough for that. And that has the potential to lead to very serious social divisions.”
Illustrative Photo by InstaWalli: https://www.pexels.com/photo/brown-cardboard-robot-artwork-176842/
A letter from Gianna Fracassi, Secretary-General of Italy’s largest trade union, FLC CGIL, has brought the high-profile case of the long-running discrimination against non-national university language lecturers(“Lettori”) in Italian universities to the immediate attention of incoming Commissioner for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness, and Executive Commission Vice-President, Roxana Mînzatu. With her appointment to this post, Commissioner Mînzatu joins the long line of commissioners who have handled the still unresolved Lettori case. The involvement of her predecessors in the Social Rights portfolio dates all the way back to the 1980s, when the Commission sided with Spanish Lettore, Pilar Allué, in the reference for preliminary ruling case she had taken against her employer, Univesità degli studi di Venezia. The eventual sentence in favour of Allué was delivered on 30 May 1989.
Pilar Allué Day, a piece published in The European Times, tells the story of how a day which ought to be commemorated as the day on which Lettori won the right to parity of treatment is instead remembered as the starting point from which to measure a discrimination which endures to the present day. It endures in spite of three subsequent clear-cut rulings of the Court of Justice of the European Union(CJEU) in favour of the Lettori. The last of these rulings was the 2006 ruling in Case C-119/04, for non-implementation of which the Commission referred an infringement case to the CJEU in August 2023. A hearing in the case is expected soon.
In her letter, Secretary-General Fracassi recalls the FLC CGIL contacts and fruitful collaboration with Mînzatu’s immediate predecessor, Commissioner Nicholas Schmit. Working closely with Rome-based Lettori association, Asso.CEL.L, FLC CGIL conducted a nationwide Census , which documented the widespread failure of the Italian universities to implement the CJEU rulings in favour of the Lettori. The Census was influential in the Commission’s decision to progress from the lengthy and ultimately ineffective EU Pilot Procedure -a procedure introduced for the diplomatic resolution of disputes with Member States- and to open infringement proceedings proper against Italy in 2021. Over the subsequent course of the proceedings, and up to the referral of the case to the CJEU, FLC CGIL continued to maintain contact with Commissioner Schmit’s office and to contribute to the infringement file.
Ultimately it is the responsibility of the Member States to ensure that EU law is implemented within their territories. In the context, this is a responsibility which Italy has consistently shirked, leaving it to the individual universities to interpret their obligations to Lettori. This flaw is apparent again in Interministerial Decree n.688 of May 2023, the latest Lettori legislation enacted by Italy to purportedly satisfy EU law. While under the provisions of the decree the central government makes funds available to applicant universities to finance settlements for reconstruction of Lettori careers, it is left to the discretion of the individual universities to decide firstly if they have a liability to their Lettori and secondly what the extent of that liability is. This has effectively led to a national mayhem, with diverse interpretations across the universities as to the settlements due under EU law.
In the light of the divergent positions on the universities’ liability to the Lettori, Secretary-General Fracassi hones in on the important precedent set by the University of Milan in her letter to Commissioner Mînzatu. At Milan, an agreement negotiated and concluded by local FLC CGIL representative, Sara Carrapa, and funded by Ministry of Universities monies, awarded the Lettori an uninterrupted reconstruction of career. Fracassi’s legal reasoning and her deductions from the Milan example are worthy of citation:
“Only a few universities have correctly implemented the ruling in Case C-119/04 and in the terms of Law 63 of 05.03.2004. In the context of a consistent and uniform implementation of the CJEU’s jurisprudence, the example of the University of Milan is significant in several respects. Using funds made available by the Ministry of Universities, this university has paid its Lettori the salary differences to achieve full and continuous career reconstruction from the first employment contract signed until today.
Since the working positions of Lettori at other universities are the same as those of their Milanese colleagues, it is clear that the Italian state’s failure to apply to them the general principles laid down by the Court of Justice of the European Union demonstrates, on the one hand, the uncertainty and absolute lack of clarity of the national legal framework of reference and, on the other, highlights the discrimination practised against the Lettori by the plurality of Italian universities.”
In addition to the Lettori case, Italy faces a further trial before the CJEU for its exploitative use of short-term contracts in the educational sector, an abuse against which FLC CGIL has campaigned and on which it has lobbied the Commission. In the press release announcing the referral of this abuse to the CJEU, the Commission states that “contrary to EU law, Italy has not taken effective measures to prevent the abusive use of successive fixed-term employment contracts of administrative, technical, and auxiliary staff in State schools. This breaches EU law on fixed-term employment.”
Linda Armstrong worked as a Lettore at the University of Bologna from 1990 until her retirement in 2020. Her deceased husband, David, also a Lettore, never received the settlement for discriminatory treatment which he was due under EU law. Commenting on the Fracassi letter to Commissioner Mînzatu, Linda said:
“The position that EU law should be applied consistently across the Italian universities is obvious and incontestable. Lettori with working situations and histories identical to those of their Milan colleagues must therefore logically be awarded uninterrupted settlements for reconstruction of career. The March 2004 law, of which the CJEU approved in Case C-119/04 and which Italy has never correctly implemented, establishes that the settlements must be based on the parameter of part-time researcher or more favourable parameters won before the local courts.
Scrutiny of the law also shows that it places no time limits on the period for which reconstruction of career is due. This is how Milan, and indeed, some other universities have interpreted it. In the run-in to what will be the fifth case in the Allué line of litigation,the Commission must be particularly vigilant in the face of attempts by the universities to limit or deny their liability to their Lettori employees. Were this to be allowed to happen, it would result in the absurd situation whereby the infringement proceedings would be turned to the advantage of the member state in breach.” Secretary-General Fracassi’s letter was copied to President of the Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, who has taken a personal interest in the Lettori case over the course of her mandate.
By Willy Fautré from Tbilissi – During yesterday’s demonstrations at the parliament, some citizens have brought diplomas – to mark the fact that the “Georgian Dream” presidential candidate, ex-footballer Mikheil Kavelashvili, is just a puppet of the pro-Kremlin party and lacks the needed education to bear the title of “President of Georgia.”
The protesters stated that the ongoing presidential elections in the Parliament of Georgia are an illegitimate process.
Protesters marching to the Georgian Parliament from various locations in Tbilisi on Monday 16 December
President Salome Zurabishvili has also arrived at Parliament, and police and special forces have been mobilized. Ministry of Internal Affairs personnel are stationed in the area surrounded by iron railings in front of the building.
The police forces are also deployed at Freedom Square, where water cannon vehicles are on standby.
Protesters marching to the Georgian Parliament from various locations in Tbilisi on Monday 16 December Source: Willy Fautré (HRWF) [email protected]
On 14 December, the electoral college elected the president of Georgia. Only one candidate, Mikheil Kavelashvili, had been nominated for the position. Opposition parties were not participating in the elections because they considered them illegitimate.
He is the first indirectly elected president in Georgia, a position he will hold for five years.
The presence of the majority of the full composition of the electoral college – at least 151 members – was sufficient to conduct indirect elections of the president.
The vote of 2/3 of the full composition of the collegium – at least 200 members – is enough to elect a president.
The collegium includes 150 members of the parliament, all members of the highest representative body of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara – a total of 21 deputies, all 20 members of the highest representative body of the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia and 109 members from the city councils.
The Chairman of the Central Election Commission said 225 members participated in the vote, with 1 ballot being invalid.
Kavelashvili received 224 votes in his favor. His candidacy was not supported by Ada Marshania, a member of the Supreme Council of Abkhazia, who stated that she did not approve of Kavelashvili’s candidacy.
The procedure took place in the Parliament’s plenary session hall.
The Chairman of the CEC handed over the final protocol to the Speaker of Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili, and declared the election process complete.
Amendments to the Code of Administrative Offenses to make it more repressive
This weekend, the Georgian Dream party adopted in a hurry amendments that will significantly increase sanctions for violations that the police usually use against demonstrators.
The new regulations provide for:
Increasing the fine for obstructing traffic from 1,000 to 2,000 GEL, and suspension of driving privileges for 1 year;
Increasing the fine for damaging the appearance of the city from 50 to 1,000 GEL and 2,000 GEL for repeat violations;
Increasing the fine for violating the norms of assemblies and demonstrations from 500 to 5,000 GEL and a fine of 15,000 GEL or administrative imprisonment for organizers;
Illegal wearing of an MIA uniform, punishable by a fine of 2,000 GEL and its confiscation;
Failure of a parent or other legal representative of a child to raise and educate a minor or to fulfill other duties towards him/her. This has been added to the commission of an act provided for in Article 173 of the same Code (disobedience to a lawful request of a law enforcement officer).
The amendments also expand the grounds on which a person can be detained, and their items or documents seized.
The new government is obviously trying to intimidate the population by disproportionately increasing sanctions for actions related to gatherings, demonstrations and protests.
As Christmas 2024 approaches, Archbishop Luc Terlinden embodies a spirit of hope and renewal that resonates deeply with Belgium’s Catholic community. With a background rooted in humility and action, Terlinden’s reflections and leadership signal a transformative vision for the Church, steeped in mercy, inclusivity, and faith.
A Leader of Renewal
Appointed Archbishop of Mechelen-Brussels in 2023, Luc Terlinden was an unexpected yet welcomed choice, rising from a simple priesthood to the helm of Belgium’s Catholic Church. Guided by his motto, Fratelli tutti (“All brothers”), his ministry has focused on fostering fraternity, modernizing Church practices, and addressing societal challenges head-on.
In his Christmas reflections, Terlinden draws inspiration from the birth of Jesus in humble surroundings, emphasizing that Christ’s incarnation represents God’s enduring presence amid humanity’s struggles. For the archbishop, Christmas is a profound reminder that faith and hope transcend adversity, just as Easter follows the crucifixion.
Addressing Challenges with Compassion
In a recent interview, Terlinden highlighted the Church’s ongoing mission to support the marginalized, particularly victims of abuse. Building on two decades of reform within the Belgian Church, he has championed further dialogue and concrete actions, acknowledging the pain of the past while striving for accountability and healing. His commitment to zero tolerance for abuse underscores a broader vision of justice and reconciliation.
A Vision of Inclusion and Dialogue
Terlinden also advocates for a more inclusive Church, emphasizing the essential role of women in leadership. He envisions a Church modeled on family dynamics—less hierarchical, more participatory, and attentive to all voices. His push for interfaith dialogue, especially amid global conflicts, has positioned him as a bridge-builder. Notably, he has proposed joint peace initiatives with leaders of other faiths, such as a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, symbolizing unity across religious divides.
Christmas as a Call to Action
The archbishop’s Christmas message extends beyond spiritual reflection to encourage active engagement. He urges believers to be witnesses of God’s love by addressing modern societal challenges such as poverty, climate change, and political polarization. Drawing from his personal encounters, such as the vibrant Hope Happening youth festival, he highlights the power of collective action to foster solidarity and renewal within the Church and society.
A Symbol of Hope
In harmony with Pope Francis’ global message of hope and the opening of the Jubilee Holy Doors this Christmas Eve, Archbishop Terlinden’s leadership exemplifies a Church in transformation. His call to celebrate Christ’s birth as a source of hope and his commitment to a synodal, inclusive, and mission-oriented Church inspire believers to look forward with renewed faith.
As Belgium and the world prepare to mark Christmas 2024, Terlinden’s vision invites all to embrace the season not only as a time of celebration but as a catalyst for compassion, unity, and change.
The European Union has adopted a transformative set of rules on product liability with its updated Product Liability Directive (PLD), which came into force on December 8, 2024. The changes represent a significant shift in how liability for defective products is addressed, particularly in light of the advent of digital technologies and the growth of global supply chains. EU Member States must integrate these rules into their national legislation by December 9, 2026.
The new PLD replaces the 1985 directive and adapts Europe‘s liability framework to meet the needs of the 21st century. The new directive ensures that individuals harmed by defective products, including both traditional items and advanced technology such as artificial intelligence, can seek compensation. The directive modernizes EU rules by focusing on three main objectives:
The new directive is fit for the digital age, expanding liability to include software, AI systems, and digital products.
The new PLD is designed to be adaptable to global supply chains. The directive ensures that victims can claim against EU-based entities, even if the manufacturer is outside the EU.
The new directive offers enhanced protection for victims and greater legal clarity. The directive also aims to streamline court processes, enabling claimants to access evidence proportionate to the case and easing the burden of proof where necessary.
Who is eligible to receive compensation?
The PLD provides compensation for any individual who has been harmed by a defective product, including the owner, bystanders, and family members. Claims may be filed for the following types of damage:
In the event of death or personal injury (including physical and psychological harm), damage to property, or destruction or corruption of data, compensation may be sought. While companies are generally excluded as claimants, some EU countries may provide separate rules allowing businesses to claim compensation for defective products.
Which parties may be held liable?
In the past, liability has typically rested with the manufacturer of the defective product. The new PLD provides that a victim may claim against additional parties where the manufacturer is not based in the EU, such as:
Importers or authorized representatives within the EU
Fulfillment service providers, in the absence of the above entities
Distributors, if no EU-based liable party is identified or fails to respond to information requests within one month
This framework ensures that victims always have recourse to an EU-based party.
Online Platforms Under Scrutiny
The PLD recognizes the growing role of e-commerce and explicitly clarifies the liability of online platforms, such as marketplace operators. In the event that a platform acts in the capacity of a manufacturer, importer, or distributor, they may be held legally responsible. It should be noted that even platforms acting as intermediaries may face liability under specific conditions, as outlined in the Digital Services Act (DSA).
What constitutes a “defective” product?
In accordance with the PLD, a product is considered defective if it fails to meet the requisite safety standards or applicable legal requirements. The directive applies to all types of products, including traditional goods, raw materials, and digital and connected products.
The definition of defectiveness has also been expanded to include software, whether as a standalone product or embedded in devices. This highlights the applicability of the directive to AI systems that evolve over time. To illustrate,
Defects resulting from updates, upgrades, or machine learning features are also covered. Manufacturers may still be held liable for issues that arise after release if the defect existed at deployment.
Modified Products: A New Responsibility
The rules also address the liability for significantly modified products, such as refurbished devices. A party that makes substantial modifications to a product is considered to have created a “new product,” which then falls under the manufacturer’s liability.
In what timeframe must victims submit a claim for compensation?
Claims for compensation for defective products may be made within a 10-year period from the date the product was first made available on the market. In the case of health-related issues, where damage may not be immediately apparent, the period is extended to 25 years. The legal action must be initiated within three years of the claimant becoming aware of the defect and damage.
It is also worth noting that a number of other measures have been introduced with the aim of ensuring transparency and efficiency.
Evidence Disclosure: Both claimants and defendants may request access to evidence necessary for the case, ensuring a level playing field in legal proceedings. Court Transparency: National supreme and appellate courts are required to publish product liability judgments, with an EU-wide database currently in development for public access.
What is the next step?
The new regulations will be officially applicable to products placed on the market as of December 9, 2026. For products launched prior to this date, liability will remain under the 1985 Directive. This transitional period allows manufacturers, online platforms, and other stakeholders to adapt to the new regulations.
Speaking from Gaza, Jonathan Dumont said many people have been displaced multiple times, and that families are living either in tents or in the rubble of collapsed buildings, with no access to electricity or running water.
The text has been edited for length and clarity.
UN News:How do you describe the situation on the ground in Gaza, after more than a year since the war erupted there?
Jonathan Dumont: The devastation is absolutely staggering. This year, I’ve been to Goma, Port-au-Prince, Khartoum, a lot of different places where people have issues getting food or have been displaced. But in Gaza, I haven’t met anyone who hasn’t been displaced at least two or three times, due to military activity.
People walk on destroyed buildings in Gaza.
Almost everyone has lost their home. In the south, a lot of people are living in tents, and with the winter coming, you have rain and wind blowing them over, flooding them. Most kids don’t have shoes.
A lot of people feel they have no choice but to go back to their homes, which are quite frequently, literally rubble. I met a few families who are living in basically the cement blocks that have collapsed over them, and there’s no electricity, running water or sewage. This is the second winter for many of them that they’re homeless.
UN News:You’ve been to the northern part of Gaza. Can you tell us more about what you saw there?
Jonathan Dumont: I’ve been to Gaza City, although I didn’t go to the areas in the far north. Gaza City is a huge city but many of the buildings have been destroyed. Before you had villas, beach cabanas and a fishing port, and now it is just a ghost town.
Much of Gaza has been destroyed in the ongoing conflict.
WFP is able to reach that area, so there’s some food there, but the food prices of what’s not coming from the international community, or from WFP, are through the roof. There was someone selling peppers for 195 dollars…five dollars for one pepper. People can’t afford that.
Bakeries are being treated as banks – with metal slots and a metal corridor to channel people through because people are desperate, and they don’t want people to get injured or crushed trying to get food.
In Khan Yunis, where we are distributing hot meals, people get really desperate – you can see it in their faces, in their eyes.
You can listen to the full interview here:
UN News:The IPC report warned of the acute hunger and maybe some of people are on the verge of famine. Do you think the food insecurity is getting worse in Gaza?
Jonathan Dumont: The problem is that there’s been a total breakdown of society here, there’s no police, no infrastructure or any of the structures of society. As a result, what we’ve had in the southern part of Gaza is that gangs are emerging. We’ve had our trucks coming in from the south looted, and our drivers beaten.
We are trying to find solutions to have a consistent flow of food in. Obviously, the easiest way to do that would be if there was a ceasefire, which we are always hopeful will happen. In the absence of that, we need to find a way of getting all the food that we have outside Gaza into the country so that people can access it. We need to make sure people have access to food.
UN News:Many of the bakeries are not functioning. How many of them are working at full capacity?
Jonathan Dumont: In the south there is none of the WFP’s bakeries which are big volume bakeries. In the north there are some, but in the south, there are just small bakeries, so people are improvising when they have some flour.
Independent UN Human Rights Council-appointed experts said in a statement that it represents a fundamental attack on women’s rights.
The legislation, which applies to children as young as 12, combines severe criminal penalties with mandatory citizen surveillance and systematic enforcement across all sectors of society, the experts added.
The Law on Protecting the Family through the Promotion of the Culture of Chasity and Hijab, represents what experts describe as “an intensification of State control over women’s bodies in Iran and a further assault on women’s rights and freedoms”.
The new legislation expands existing restrictions, targeting women and girls who fail to wear a hijab in both physical and online spaces. While the hijab requirements were already mandatory under Iran’s Islamic Penal Code, this new law introduces dramatically harsher consequences.
Violations can now result in extended prison sentences of up to 15 years and substantially increased fines. Most concerning to human rights experts is the provision allowing judges to impose the death penalty under the charge of “corruption on earth”.
Systematic impact on Iranian society
The law’s reach extends far beyond individual enforcement, embedding mandatory veiling and “culture of chastity” principles deep within Iranian society, the independent experts said.
Educational curricula, training programs and public information campaigns must now incorporate these concepts, effectively creating a State-sanctioned value system that experts warn will severely limit freedom of expression and belief.
“The law constitutes clear violation of fundamental human rights, legal norms and principles, including women’s rights to equality, freedom of expression, religion and belief, bodily autonomy, liberty, security and privacy, “the experts emphasised.
‘Climate of fear’
Additionally, the law’s approach to enforcement transforms ordinary citizens into agents of the State. The legislation requires individuals, families, and businesses to report instances of unveiling while also mandating extensive use of technology for enforcement purposes.
“These requirements will create a climate of fear and distrust among individuals and communities,” the experts warned, noting that severe economic punishments would likely hit vulnerable populations and groups including children, young persons, and social media users.
Long term consequences
The experts said that the enforcement will likely escalate violence against women and girls while further embedding systematic gender-based discrimination.
Harsh penalties along with citizen surveillance and institutional enforcement creates what they describe as a comprehensive system of gender-based persecution.
“We call upon the Government of Iran to immediately repeal the Hijab and Chasity Law and all other discriminatory legislation that perpetuates gender-based persecution,” the experts said, whilst confirming that they are in contact with the Government on this matter.
Special Rapporteurs and other independent rights experts are not UN staff, receive no salary for their work and have no connection to any government. They serve in their individual capacity.
A recently released publication is inviting fresh reflections on marriage and relationships, inspired by Pope Francis’s visit to Belgium earlier in 2024. The Pope’s visit was a moment of significance not only for Catholics but also for anyone who engages with the evolving meaning of partnership in contemporary society. Drawing on Pope Francis’s speeches and the theological insights he shared during his time in Belgium, the publication reflects on the enduring value of marriage and its challenges in the modern world.
The theology of marriage lies at the heart of this discussion, which is deeply rooted in the transformative teachings of the Second Vatican Council (1962–1965). During Vatican II, marriage was redefined as much more than a legal contract or a social expectation. Instead, it was described as a sacred covenant marked by love, partnership, and mutual respect. Pope Francis revisited this vision during his visit, urging people to reimagine marriage as a journey of equality and shared growth, rather than a rigid institution bound by tradition.
Belgium, like much of Europe, represents a society where traditional understandings of marriage are increasingly being rethought or reshaped. With divorce rates on the rise, growing recognition of same-sex unions, and an ongoing shift in gender roles, relationships today unfold in a far more diverse and complex landscape compared to the world of Vatican II. The newly published reflections on the Pope’s visit emphasize how his message remains relevant to these contemporary dynamics. While the language of the Church may be theological, its core principles—compassion, respect, and dignity in relationships—carry universal resonance.
For non-religious Europeans, the publication provides an opportunity to engage with these principles in a broader sense. It reflects how ideas of partnership go beyond faith, appealing to shared human values. In Pope Francis’s vision, marriage is described not as an obligation but as a commitment where both individuals are equal participants, offering and receiving unconditional support. This concept is particularly striking in a society where the pressures of work, individualism, and changing norms have made long-term partnerships increasingly challenging to sustain.
The publication also highlights how these reflections offer tools not just for couples, but for communities. By fostering relationships rooted in shared responsibility and care, the Pope’s visit to Belgium underscores the importance of viewing marriage—and partnerships in general—as a contribution to the social fabric of society. From the Church’s perspective, strong partnerships don’t just benefit individuals; they build stronger communities and encourage solidarity.
Released by KU Leuven’s Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies, the publication reminds readers that while Pope Francis’s message is deeply tied to Catholic tradition, its implications are universal. Love, partnership, and mutual respect are values that transcend religious boundaries. The publication challenges readers to consider how these age-old principles can help us navigate modern dilemmas surrounding relationships, whether we come to marriage with faith or without it.
The Pope’s 2024 visit to Belgium was a bridge between traditional and contemporary understandings of relationships. Now, months later, this follow-up publication continues to carry forward its message—guiding both believers and secular audiences through one of society’s most profound questions: how to build meaningful and enduring connections in an ever-changing world. Whether one views marriage through the lens of theology or as a human institution, these reflections offer rich insights into the ties that bind us together.
In a time when the definition of marriage and partnership is wide open to interpretation, revisiting the Pope’s teachings during his 2024 visit might just offer a grounding perspective for anyone, regardless of belief.
In a significant move for global religious freedom, the UK Government has appointed David Smith MP as its new Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB). This appointment, announced in early December 2024, signals the government’s commitment to advancing religious liberty across the globe and responds to increasing concerns over the persecution of religious minorities in many parts of the world. Smith, a Conservative MP with a strong track record on human rights issues, takes on a critical role at a time when religious freedoms face unprecedented challenges worldwide.
A Crucial Appointment for Religious Freedom
The new position of Special Envoy for FoRB was created in 2019 as part of the UK’s ongoing commitment to defending freedom of religion or belief for people of all faiths and none. The envoy works with international partners, including governments and civil society, to promote religious freedom, counter religious persecution, and support those who are oppressed because of their faith.
The announcement of Smith’s appointment was welcomed by a wide range of religious and human rights organizations. According to a statement from the UK government, the role will involve championing religious freedom in diplomatic discussions, strengthening the international coalition for religious liberty, and advocating for policies that protect the rights of religious minorities worldwide. Smith’s responsibilities will also include monitoring global trends related to religious freedom and providing guidance on how the UK can support vulnerable communities.
The Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) emphasized that the appointment of a dedicated envoy underscores the UK’s resolve to ensure that religious freedom remains a central tenet of its foreign policy.
David Smith: A Defender of Religious Liberty
David Smith, a Member of Parliament for over a decade, is known for his advocacy of human rights and his commitment to religious freedom. His appointment to this high-profile position is seen as a logical step, given his background in championing issues related to freedom of conscience, expression, and belief.
Smith has long been involved in supporting religious communities facing persecution, particularly Christians and other minorities in conflict zones like the Middle East. In his parliamentary work, he has regularly spoken out on the importance of religious freedom as a fundamental human right and has pushed for stronger UK and international action against regimes that suppress religious expression. Smith’s extensive experience working on humanitarian issues makes him a powerful advocate for those suffering under oppressive regimes.
As the new Special Envoy, Smith will now be tasked with expanding these efforts on a global scale, leveraging his political influence and relationships to press for meaningful change.
Welcoming the Appointment: Reactions from Religious Organizations
The appointment has been widely lauded by faith-based organizations and advocacy groups across the UK. Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), a charity that focuses on helping persecuted Christians around the world, praised the selection of Smith, calling it a “significant step” towards addressing the growing global crisis of religious persecution. ACN’s UK director, Dr. Neville Kyrke-Smith, expressed hope that Smith’s work would lead to more coordinated international efforts to protect vulnerable religious communities, particularly in regions like the Middle East and Africa where Christians and other religious minorities often face violent oppression.
Similarly, Christian Concern, an organization dedicated to defending religious freedom, commended the UK government’s decision. Andrea Williams, the CEO of Christian Concern, described the appointment as an “important signal” that the UK is serious about protecting religious freedom. Williams emphasized the importance of Smith working with international counterparts to counter the rise of state-sponsored persecution, especially in countries like China and North Korea, where the freedom to practice religion is severely restricted.
Care, a Christian public policy charity, also welcomed Smith’s appointment, underscoring the importance of having a designated official who can actively engage with international partners to address the complex challenges posed by religious intolerance and persecution. “Religious freedom is an essential human right that must be defended wherever it is threatened,” said a Care spokesperson. “We look forward to working with Mr. Smith to ensure that religious liberty is placed at the heart of the UK’s foreign policy.”
The Role of the UK Government in Global Religious Liberty Advocacy
The creation of the Special Envoy for FoRB was part of a broader initiative by the UK government to elevate religious freedom on the global stage. The UK’s involvement in FoRB issues has historically been robust, with the government regularly highlighting the issue at the United Nations and within diplomatic circles. However, the rise of authoritarian regimes and the ongoing persecution of religious minorities have made the role of the Special Envoy increasingly important.
Smith’s predecessor, Fiona Bruce MP, held the position of Special Envoy for FoRB until recently, and during her tenure, she made significant strides in raising awareness of religious persecution worldwide. She met with Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, Scientologists, Bahai’s, Latrer Day Saints and everyone who needed to meet with her. Under her leadership, the UK government took steps to support vulnerable religious groups, including the Yazidis in Iraq, Christians in the Middle East, and Uyghur Muslims in China. Smith’s appointment builds upon this legacy, and experts believe that his extensive experience will help to elevate the UK’s influence on this critical issue.
Smith’s work will not only focus on diplomatic efforts but will also involve collaborating with international civil society groups, religious leaders, and grassroots organizations that are directly involved in defending religious freedom. As the UK’s representative, Smith will be expected to engage with a wide range of stakeholders to foster international cooperation in addressing religious persecution.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the broad support for Smith’s appointment, there are significant challenges ahead. Religious persecution continues to rise in various regions of the world, with many countries adopting increasingly restrictive policies on religion and belief. In China, for example, the government continues to impose heavy restrictions on religious practices, particularly targeting Christian and Muslim communities. In countries like Nigeria and Pakistan, religious minorities such as Christians, Yazidis, and Hindus continue to face violence, discrimination, and displacement.
The Special Envoy’s role is not without its difficulties. Advocating for religious freedom in countries with hostile regimes can be politically sensitive, and the envoy must carefully balance diplomatic priorities with the need to confront human rights abuses. Moreover, given the complexity of global geopolitics, there will be times when the UK’s stance on religious freedom may clash with its economic or strategic interests in certain regions.
However, with Smith’s experience and commitment to the cause, the UK government’s approach to FoRB looks poised to continue making meaningful strides in the global fight for religious freedom.
Conclusion: A Beacon for Global Religious Liberty
David Smith’s appointment as the UK’s Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief represents a significant step forward in the fight to protect religious freedoms across the world. In a time of rising persecution and intolerance, Smith’s work will be essential in shining a spotlight on the plight of religious minorities and advocating for their rights on the global stage.
With the support of religious and human rights organizations, the UK’s commitment to religious freedom is stronger than ever, and Smith’s appointment signals that the country is ready to continue playing a leading role in defending this fundamental human right. As the world’s attention turns increasingly to issues of religious freedom, the role of the Special Envoy will remain crucial in shaping global responses and ensuring that the freedom to practice one’s faith is protected for all.
