Faith and Freedom Summit III, “Making of this one, a better world”

By

Juan Sanchez Gil

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20 April 2024

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The Faith and Freedom Summit III NGO coalition, concluded its conferences showing the impact and challenges of Faith-Based Organizations on serving the European community

In a welcoming and promising environment, within the walls of the European Parliament, a meeting was held last April 18th where nearly 40 participants with dignitaries from various religious movements, journalists, politicians and activists actively present on the social scene, were present.

The conference, the third one in a series that will number four in Panama next September, was organized by the Faith and Freedom Summit NGO coalition, and was hosted at the European Parliament by French MEP Maxette Pirbakas, who in addition to welcoming the participants, emphasized the attention that the European Parliament is giving to the role of religion in society, even if it has often been manipulated for speculative purposes.

ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw== Faith and Freedom Summit III, "Making of this one, a better world" — Photo credit: Faith and Freedom Summit NGO Coalition – April 18th 2024 at the European Parliament in Brussels.

The summit aimed to explore the social action of Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs) within Europe and their crucial role in building a more resilient society. After all, FBO’s play a significant role in addressing societal challenges, promoting social cohesion, and advocating for the values of faith and freedom in the European Union (EU). The participants had the opportunity to use it as a platform to discuss the challenges they have, but also the opportunities and impact needed to make a more inclusive and sustainable society inside the old continent.

They gave interesting and educational speeches in which the words “making of this one a better world” and “practicing what we preach” echoed through the room several times, and willpower was a common denominator to the point that new alliances began to be defined on a lively and collaborative scene.

The event included Catholics, Hinduists from the Shiva tradition, Christian Adventists, Muslims, Scientologists, Sikhs, Free Mason, etc, and nearly a dozen of speakers of top level within the different religions and thought movements.

During her inaugural speech, French MEP Maxette Pirbakas aimed to promote dialogue and understanding around religious freedom in the EU. She called for finding a “middle way” between the French model of secularism and the Anglo-Saxon approach, affirming individual identities.

After the introductory and thought-provoking presentation by MEP Pirbakas, the wheel of the conference was taken by Ivan Arjona-Pelado, Scientology’s representative to the EU, OSCE and UN, who became the moderator of the session, swiftly bridging from one speaker to the next ensuring the timings would allow further discussion at the end.

MEP Pirbakas was followed by Lahcen Hammouch, co-organizer and CEO of the Bruxelles Media Group. In a moving speech, community advocate and champion of dialogue and connecting people, Hammouch stressed the importance of unity, in a divided world, by emphasizing the concept of ‘living together.’ He encouraged individuals to move past biases and negative judgments towards fostering interactions and respectful disagreements. With a background in promoting peace, Hammouch committed himself to bridging gaps between people from diverse backgrounds and amplifying the voices of those marginalized. He criticized barriers set by countries like France on religious minorities, and called for mutual acknowledgment and integration without prejudice. Hammouch’s plea, for dialogue, shared values, and collective efforts to uphold coexistence struck a chord with many, underscoring everyone’s role in progressing towards a more inclusive and accepting global community.

Arjona then gave the floor to Joao Martins, Europe’s Regional Director for ADRA (Adventists Development and Relief Agency). Martins, in discussing ADRA’s mission across Europe, emphasized the role of faith in driving their pursuit of justice. ADRA, a prominent faith-based NGO rooted “in Christian values of compassion and courage, employs a unique theological approach that integrates faith with proactive engagement in addressing societal injustices through church partnerships”. The NGO actively mobilizes church volunteers in disaster relief, refugee support, and community initiatives, transforming churches into shelters during crises and advocating for causes like education access. Martins highlighted ADRA’s enduring commitment to biblical principles of justice, compassion, and love, showcasing how religious convictions can empower advocacy for the vulnerable and human rights over the course of decades, while calling for cooperation with other faiths.

Moving from Christianity to Hinduism, Arjona bridged then to Bhairavananda Saraswati Swami, President and Director of Shiva Forum Europe. The Swami, a Hindu spiritual leader from Oudenaarde, Belgium, emphasized interfaith unity, youth empowerment, and gender equality in his speech, drawing comparisons between Hindu beliefs and Scientology practices. Known as Bhairav Ananda, he highlighted Shiva’s teachings on introspection and spiritual growth, advocating for personal development and collaboration across faiths during crises. Embracing joint male-female energy and inspired by other faith’s initiatives, he stated wanting to establish an inclusive community, offer meditation workshops, and promote human rights.

It was then the turn of Olivia McDuff, a representative, from the Church of Scientology International (CSI), who discussed the work carried out by faith based organizations and emphasized the importance of religious unity. McDuff, who oversees programs for Scientology, highlighted the unnoticed volunteer and charitable activities undertaken by religious groups globally, calling for an increased focus on these efforts. She showcased various initiatives led by Scientologists, such as drug prevention programs, educational campaigns, disaster response operations and moral values education programs that involve collaboration between Scientologists and non-Scientologists.

In quoting Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard, McDuff stressed the role of religion in society and advocated for supporting other faiths to make a positive impact on the world. She concluded encouraging collaboration among faiths and highlighted Scientology’s commitment, to working together for collective advancement and joint humanitarian projects.

Arjona then gave the floor to Ettore Botter, representing the Scientology Volunteer Ministers of Italy, who showed a video of rapid response and impactful relief efforts of the Volunteer Ministers in times of natural disasters. Botter emphasized the core mission of service at the heart of the Volunteer Ministers’ work, highlighting their dedicated efforts in providing essential assistance following earthquakes, floods, and other crises across Europe and beyond. Through powerful visuals and firsthand accounts, Botter detailed the Volunteer Ministers’ hands-on approach, from aiding overlooked villages in Croatia to supporting flood-affected communities in Italy and delivering humanitarian relief in Ukraine. The bright yellow shirts of the Volunteer Ministers “have become a symbol of hope and hard work”, embodying their commitment to serving communities in need.

Thierry Valle, President of the NGO CAP Freedom of Conscience, was next and enlightened the participants tracing the historical impact of faith-based organizations and religious minorities on European society. Valle highlighted the pivotal roles played by these groups from the Renaissance to the present day, emphasizing their contributions to peace, social equality, and individual rights. From the Catholic Church’s diplomatic efforts during the Renaissance to the Quakers’ advocacy for peace and justice in the 17th century, Valle illustrated how religious movements have championed human rights and social justice causes. He also noted the influence of newer religious movements in the 20th century, such as Evangelical Churches and the Church of Jesus Christ of the Later Day Saints, in shaping societal discourse and advocating for global issues like environmental stewardship and poverty alleviation. Valle’s speech underscored the enduring power of faith in promoting peace, justice, and social progress, highlighting the ongoing relevance of faith-based organizations in addressing contemporary challenges and shaping a more inclusive and compassionate future for Europe.

Willy Fautre, Founder of Human Rights Without Frontiers, introduced by Arjona-Pelado into the discussion, brought a unique perspective to the conference, focusing on the challenges faced by religious organizations when their humanitarian efforts are viewed as a guise for proselytizing or disrupting the status quo in certain regions. Fautre delved into the complexities religious groups encounter when conducting charitable work under the banner of a religious entity. He highlighted instances where humanitarian aid by religious groups was misconstrued as covert conversion tactics, leading to hostility and segregation. Fautre called for a nuanced discussion on granting religious organizations the freedom to carry out charitable activities without unwarranted suspicion or prejudice, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding religious expression in the public sphere.

After that was the turn of Eric Roux, Member of the Executive Committee of United Religions Initiative (URI) (and Co-Chair of the EU Brussels FoRB Roundtable), who advocated for increased collaboration among faith groups through URI’s interfaith coalition.

Highlighting URI’s role as an international organization promoting interfaith cooperation and societal enhancement, Roux emphasized the importance of working together across diverse religious and spiritual traditions. Roux’s impassioned plea underscored cooperation as the key to combating religious extremism and fostering solutions to global conflicts, positioning URI as a platform to amplify the impactful work of various faith communities.

As the last speaker before the discussion and the conclusion by the host of the event, the participants listened to Dr. Philippe Liénard, a lawyer, former judge, author and prominent figure in Freemasonry at the European level, who shared insights into the centuries-old organization during his speech at the conference. Liénard expressed gratitude for the event’s organization and highlighted Freemasonry as a diverse entity, with 95% adhering to theistic beliefs under the United Grand Lodge of England and 5% embracing liberal principles allowing for varying beliefs. He emphasized Freemasonry as a platform for free thought and moral improvement, promoting virtues like wisdom and tolerance to benefit humanity. Liénard underscored Freemasonry’s core values of respect for all religions and philosophies, emphasizing the importance of honesty, freedom of thought, and good character for membership. He called for the construction of bridges between diverse communities and philosophies, aligning with Freemasonry’s ethos of openness and service to others.

Others attending the summit and expressing their views were jurist and author Marianne Bruck, Khadija Chentouf from Kaizen Life ASBL, Raiza Maduro of HWPL, Prof. Dr. Liviu Olteanu, Refka Elech of Peacefully Connected, Patricia Haveman of MundoYoUnido, and others.

MEP Maxette Pirbakas expressed gratitude to attendees from various countries at the conference, emphasizing the importance of learning from each other’s religious perspectives. Pirbakas, who identifies as both Hindu and Christian, raised concerns about the politicization of religion in the European Parliament, noting a shift towards focusing on religious and immigration issues. She called for understanding and cooperation among different faiths, highlighting the need to combat stereotypes and promote unity. Pirbakas underscored the significance of sharing experiences and organizing seminars to foster dialogue and mutual respect, advocating for a more inclusive and harmonious society. Despite facing challenges as a female politician, Pirbakas remains committed to advocating for human rights, and peaceful coexistence.

The villa where Emperor Augustus died excavated

By

Newsroom

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20 April 2024

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Researchers from the University of Tokyo have discovered a nearly 2,000-year-old building among ancient Roman ruins buried in volcanic ash in southern Italy. Scholars believe it may have been a villa owned by the first Roman emperor Augustus (63 BC – AD 14).

The team led by Mariko Muramatsu, a professor of Italian studies, began excavating the ruins of Somma Vesuviana on the northern side of Mount Vesuvius in the Campania region in 2002, Arkeonews writes.

According to ancient accounts, Augustus died in his villa northeast of Mount Vesuvius, and a memorial was subsequently built there to commemorate his achievements. But the exact location of this villa remained a mystery. Researchers from the University of Tokyo have discovered part of a structure that was used as a warehouse. Dozens of amphorae were lined up against one of the walls in the building. In addition, the ruins of a furnace used for heating were discovered. Part of the wall has collapsed, scattering ancient tiles across the floor.

Carbon dating of the kiln has established that most of the samples are from around the first century. According to the researchers, the furnace was no longer used after that. There is a possibility that the building was the emperor’s villa as it had its own bathroom, researchers say. The volcanic pumice covering the ruins was found to have originated from a pyroclastic flow of lava, rock and hot gases from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79, according to a chemical composition analysis performed by the team. Pompeii on the southern slope of the mountain was completely destroyed by the same eruption.

“We have finally reached this stage after 20 years,” said Masanori Aoyagi, professor emeritus of Western classical archeology at the University of Tokyo, who was the first leader of the research team that began excavating the site in 2002. “This is a major development that will help us determine the damage caused to the north side of Vesuvius and get a better overall picture of the 79 CE eruption.

Illustrative Photo: Panorama di Somma Vesuviana

Note: Somma Vesuviana near the ruins of Herculaneum is a town and comune in the Metropolitan City of Naples, Campania, southern Italy. Inserted in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Site together with the ruins of Pompeii and Oplonti since 1997, this area was discovered by chance in 1709. From that moment on, excavations began and brought to light a significant part of the ancient Herculaneum, a city buried by the eruption of 79 AD. The lahars and the pyroclastic flows of material, which, with their high temperature, have carbonized all the organic materials like wood, fabrics, food, have actually allowed to reconstruct the life of that time. Among others, the Villa dei Pisoni is very famous. Better known as Villa dei Papiri, it was brought to light with the modern excavation of the 90s, during which papyri that preserve the texts of Greek philologists in Herculaneum were found. Official website: http://ercolano.beniculturali.it/

Russia, Jehovah’s Witnesses banned since 20 April 2017

By

Willy Fautre

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20 April 2024

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JW in jail in Russia - November 2022 — Vladimir Piskarev, Vladimir Melnik and Artur Putintsev in a cage during a court hearing. November 2022

World Headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses (20.04.2024) – April 20^th marks the seventh anniversary of Russia’s nationwide ban on Jehovah’s Witnesses, which has led to hundreds of peaceful believers jailed and some brutally tortured.

International human rights advocates are decrying Russia for persecuting Jehovah’s Witnesses, which is eerily reminiscent of the repression the Witnesses faced during the Soviet-era. Experts assert that the persecution of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Russia has been a prelude to the return of large-scale Stalinist oppression.

“It’s hard to believe this nationwide assault on Jehovah’s Witnesses has continued for seven years. For reasons passing understanding, Russia uses enormous local and national resources to hunt down harmless Witnesses—including those elderly and infirmed—often breaking into their homes in the early morning hours or middle of the night,” said Jarrod Lopes, a spokesman for Jehovah’s Witnesses.

“During these home raids or when being interrogated, innocent men and women are sometimes beaten or even tortured to give up the names and whereabouts of fellow believers. The Witnesses are criminalized simply for reading their Bibles, singing songs, and peacefully talking about their Christian beliefs. Russian authorities with an unfounded animus for non-Orthodox Christians continue to unconscionably trample on the Witnesses’ human rights and freedom of conscience. Fully aware that their personal faith and integrity are being attacked, the Witnesses have become determined to hold to their convictions.”

Persecution by the numbers in Russia and Crimea since the 2017 ban

Over 2,090 homes of Jehovah’s Witnesses raided
802 men and women have been criminally charged for their Christian beliefs
421 have spent some time behind bars (including 131 men and women currently in prison)
8 years * is the maximum prison sentence, up from 6 years [Dennis Christensen was the first to be convicted (2019) and sentenced to prison]
Over 500 men and women have been added to Russia’s federal list of extremists/terrorists since the ban

In comparison:

According to Article 111 Part 1 of the Russian Federation’s Criminal Code, grievous bodily harm draws a maximum of 8 years sentence.
According to Article 126 Part 1 of the Criminal Code, kidnapping leads to up to 5 years in prison.
According to Article 131 Part 1 of the Criminal Code, rape is punishable with 3 to 6 years in prison.

Table of Contents

The ban—FAQs

How did this all start?

Russia’s Federal Law “On Combating Extremist Activity” (No. 114-FZ), was adopted in 2002, partly to address concerns about terrorism. However, Russia amended the law in 2006, 2007, and 2008 so that it extends “far beyond any fears of extremism linked to terrorism,” according to the article “Russia’s Extremism Law Violates Human Rights,” published in The Moscow Times.

The law “simply seizes upon the ‘terrorist’ vocabulary that has become commonplace internationally since the 9/11 assault on New York’s Twin Towers, and uses it to describe unwelcome religious groups across Russia,” explains Derek H. Davis, formerly the director of the J.M. Dawson Institute of Church-State Studies at Baylor University. Hence, “the ‘extremist’ label has been unfairly and disproportionately used against Jehovah’s Witnesses,” says Davis.

In the early 2000s, Russian authorities began banning dozens of the Witnesses’ Bible-based literature as “extremist.” Authorities then framed the Witnesses (see link1, link2) by planting banned literature in the Witnesses’ houses of worship.

Soon, the Witnesses’ official website, jw.org, was banned, and shipments of Bibles were detained. This campaign escalated to the nationwide ban on Jehovah’s Witnesses in April 2017. Subsequently, tens of millions of dollars of the Witnesses’ religious properties were confiscated.

Have things escalated?

Yes. Russia is handing down some of the harshest prison sentences since the 2017 ban. For example, on Feb. 29, 2024, Aleksandr Chagan, 52, was sentenced to eight years in prison, a punishment typically reserved for those inflicting grievous bodily harm. Chagan is the sixth Witness to receive such a harsh sentence simply for the peaceful practice of his Christian beliefs. As of April 1, 2024, 128 Witnesses are imprisoned in Russia.

We’ve also seen spikes in home raids. For example, there were 183 homes of Witnesses raided in 2023, with an average of 15.25 homes per month. There was a rise in February 2024, with 21 raids reported.

“Typically, the home raids are conducted by officers armed for mortal combat,” says Jarrod Lopes, a spokesperson for Jehovah’s Witnesses. “The Witnesses are frequently dragged out of bed and not fully dressed, while the officers arrogantly record the whole thing. Video footage ** of these ridiculous raids is all over the internet and social media. Local police and FSB officials want to make a theatrical spectacle as if they are risking their lives fighting dangerous extremists. It’s an absurd charade, with dire consequences! During the raids or while being interrogated, some Jehovah’s Witnesses have been brutally beaten or tortured. As you can imagine, that is never recorded. However, Jehovah’s Witnesses are neither surprised nor intimidated by Russia’s systematic persecution. It’s well documented in the history of Russia, Nazi Germany, as well as other lands, that the Witnesses’ faith has always outlasted the persecuting regime. We expect history to repeat itself.”

**see footage on official state website

Soviet repression of Jehovah’s Witnesses | Operation North

This month marks the 73^rd anniversary of “Operation North”—the largest mass deportation of a religious group in the history of the USSR—in which thousands of Jehovah’s Witnesses were deported to Siberia.

In April 1951, some 10,000 Jehovah’s Witnesses and their children from six Soviet republics (Belorussia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova and Ukraine) were essentially kidnapped when authorities deported them in crammed trains to the frozen, desolate landscape of Siberia. This mass deportation was called “Operation North.”

In just two days, the homes of Jehovah’s Witnesses were confiscated, and the peaceful adherents were banished to remote settlements in Siberia. Many of the Witnesses were required to work in dangerous and harsh conditions. They suffered malnutrition, disease, and mental and emotional trauma from being separated from their families. The forced deportation also resulted in death for some of the Witnesses.

Many Witnesses were finally released from exile in 1965, but their confiscated properties were never returned.

Despite the government’s attempt to eliminate some 10,000 Jehovah’s Witnesses from the region, “Operation North did not achieve its goal,” according to Dr. Nicolae Fustei, coordinating scientific researcher for the Institute of History in Moldova. “The organization of Jehovah’s Witnesses was not destroyed, and its members did not stop promoting their faith but instead began to do it with even more boldness.”

After the fall of the Soviet regime, the number of Jehovah’s Witnesses spiked.

Exponential growth

In June 1992, the Witnesses hosted a large scale international convention in Russia in St. Petersburg. About 29,000 from the former Soviet Union attended along with thousands of delegates from around the world.

The majority of Witnesses deported during Operation North were from Ukraine—over 8,000 from 370 settlements. Yet, on July 6-8, 2018, Jehovah’s Witnesses in Ukraine welcomed thousands for another large convention held in Lviv, Ukraine. Over 3,300 delegates from nine countries traveled to Ukraine for the program, which appropriately featured the theme “Be Courageous”! Today, there are more than 109,300 Jehovah’s Witnesses in Ukraine.

Visit here for accounts about the impact of Russia’s persecution on Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Why does a glass of red wine cause a headache?

By

Gaston de Persigny

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20 April 2024

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A glass of red wine causes a headache, which can be caused by a variety of factors, one of the main culprits being histamines. Histamines are natural compounds found in wine, and red wine, in particular, has higher levels than white wine. When consumed, histamines can cause allergic reactions in some people, leading to symptoms such as headaches.

Red wine gets its rich color and strong aroma from the grape skins that are in contact with the grape juice during the fermentation process. This prolonged contact results in a higher concentration of compounds, including histamines. Histamines are also found in grape skins and can be released during grape crushing and fermentation. In people sensitive to histamines, the body’s reaction to these compounds may include headaches.

In addition, red wine contains another substance known as tyramine. Tyramine is a naturally occurring amino acid that can cause blood vessels to constrict and then dilate, which can lead to headaches. Some people are more susceptible to the effects of tyramine and for them consumption of red wine can cause headaches. Another contributing factor to red wine headaches is the presence of sulfites. Sulfites are compounds commonly used as preservatives in wine. Although they occur naturally to some extent, winemakers often add additional sulfites to preserve wine freshness and prevent spoilage. Some people are sensitive to sulfites, and this sensitivity can manifest as headaches or migraines. Additionally, the alcohol content of red wine may also play a role in causing headaches. Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it increases urine production, leading to dehydration. Dehydration can contribute to headaches, and when combined with other factors such as histamines and tyramine, it can increase the likelihood of a wine-induced headache.

It is important to note that individual reactions to red wine may vary. Factors such as genetics, general health, and personal sensitivities play a significant role in determining how someone reacts to the compounds found in red wine. For those who consistently experience headaches after consuming red wine, it may be beneficial to explore alternatives that are lower in histamine and sulfites or consult a health professional to determine specific triggers and find ways to alleviation of symptoms. Additionally, staying hydrated and drinking wine in moderation can help minimize the risk of headaches associated with red wine consumption.

Photo by Pixabay: https://www.pexels.com/photo/wine-tank-room-434311/

The Estonian interior minister proposed Moscow Patriarchate to be declared a terrorist organization

By

Newsroom

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20 April 2024

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Estonian Minister of the Interior and leader of the Social Democratic Party, Lauri Laanemets, intends to propose that the Moscow Patriarchate be recognized as a terrorist organization and thus banned from operating in Estonia.

The member of the government made such a statement on Thursday evening in the show “First Studio” on the TV channel ETV. According to the Minister, based on the expertise of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the assessment of the Security Police that he has just received, he has no choice but to take measures himself to sever the ties between the Estonian Orthodox Church and the Moscow Patriarch.

“Given the available context, I, as the Minister of Internal Affairs, have no choice but to propose that the Moscow Patriarchate be declared terrorist and supporting terrorism in its activities. As a result, the Minister of the Interior will be able to go to court and propose that the activity of the church organization operating here be terminated. This will not affect the parishioners, it does not mean that the churches will be closed, but it means that the ties with Moscow will be severed,” the minister said.

“We have to realize that today the Moscow Patriarchate is subordinate to Vladimir Putin, who essentially leads terrorist activity in the world,” the politician stressed.

According to Laanemets, over the past two years, law enforcement has had to call representatives of the Estonian Orthodox Church to the MP several times due to security concerns. However, he added that the recent statement of the World Council of the Russian People under the auspices of the Russian Orthodox Church and Patr. Cyril, that Russia’s war against Ukraine is “holy”, has raised the situation to a new level. “If we draw a parallel, the patriarch and the patriarchate now operating in Moscow are no different from the Islamic terrorists who claim to be waging a ‘holy war’ against the Western world and its values,” the minister noted.

The MP has already reacted to Laanemetz’s statement, saying that “the dark times of religious wars and witch-hunts have returned”. “It is obvious to any sane person that the Moscow Patriarchate does not engage in terrorist activity,” said Maria Zakharova, the Kremlin spokeswoman.

At the same time, in Russia, the accusation of terrorist activity or support for terrorism is a widely used method of political repression. Deacon Andrey Kuraev recalls that Jehovah’s Witnesses banned in Russia are accused of terrorist activity, as well as hundreds of people who publicly expressed grief over Navalny’s death. “Every day in Russia there is news of repression against people who every sane person knows are not engaged in terrorist activities. But the Moscow Patriarchate was not excited about it,” he wrote in his blog.

Global Christian Forum: Diversity of global Christianity on display in Accra

By

Guest Author

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20 April 2024

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By Martin Hoegger

Accra Ghana, 16^th April 2024. In this African city teeming with life, the Global Christian Forum (GCF) brings together Christians from more than 50 countries and from all families of Churches. Of Ghanaian origin, its general secretary Casely Essamuah explains that the GCF wants to give Christians the opportunity to know and receive the gifts that the Holy Spirit has placed in the various Churches. “It is a space for a deep encounter of faith. We thus learn to discover the richness of Christ,” he says.

The world needs to see Christians together

The Forum begins in the worship space of the Ridge Church, a large interdenominational church. A choir leads the congregation in songs from various traditions. The preaching is provided by Lydia Neshangwe, a young pastor, moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Zimbabwe. Her ecclesial experience speaks for itself: “I was born into an independent Church. I am grateful to the Pentecostals who then gave me a good foundation for my faith, to the Catholic Church who educated me in its schools. Then I followed theological training with the Presbyterians. But my favorite Church is the Methodist, which gave me a husband!”

To show the need to consider our diversities as complementarities, she takes the example of Paul and Barnabas. She discovered thirteen differences between them; the likelihood of division between them was great, yet they were sent together. Why did the Holy Spirit bring them together when they are so different, as shown in the book of Acts of the Apostles? (13.1-2)

The same goes for our Churches. They are very different, but the Holy Spirit brings us together and sends us out so that the world will know who Christ is. “If we are united in our mission to proclaim Christ, our diversities are a blessing, not a curse. This is what the world needs,” she says.

To illustrate the extraordinary diversity of global Christianity, American theologian Gina A. Zurlo shows that it has moved south. Unlike a hundred years ago, there are 2.6 billion Christians there, whether Catholic, Protestant or independent, evangelical or Pentecostal. While the Orthodox are the majority in Eastern European countries. https://www.gordonconwell.edu/center-for-global-christianity/publications

Share our faith journey

At the heart of the Forum’s approach is the sharing of “faith journeys” in small groups of a maximum of ten people. The only thing to do is to listen to what the Spirit wants to tell us through the journey of others with Christ. In seven minutes! Rosemarie Bernard, secretary of the World Methodist Council, explains: “Seeing Christ in others is the goal of this exercise. Let the Holy Spirit guide our words and listen attentively to the stories of others. »

Jerry Pillay, general secretary of the World Council of Churches, sees this sharing of our personal stories of faith as “a very beautiful tapestry.” It is like a “road to Emmaus” where hearts burn with passion for Christ. “Listening together to the voice of the Shepherd, discerning and acting together renews our confidence in the transforming power of God. A world in crisis needs Christians standing together.”

This is the fifth time I have done this exercise. Its fruit is, each time, a great joy which will set the tone of the encounter. This sharing sparks a spiritual friendship which then allows us to bear witness to the heart of our common faith.

Relationships for the mission

Billy Wilson, president of the World Pentecostal Fellowship, says he is grateful that Pentecostals – the fastest growing church family – are welcomed around the GCF table. They thus learn to know other Churches better. He reflected a lot on chapter 17 of the gospel of John 17, where Jesus prays for unity. According to him, this unity is above all relational. Then it is realized in mission: “so that the world may know and believe”. Finally, it is spiritual, like the relationships between the persons of the Trinity.

“If our relationships do not lead to mission, our unity will disappear. Our hope springs from the empty Tomb at Easter. May this Forum unite us in a new way to bring the resurrected Jesus to this generation,” he concludes.

In the afternoon, Latin American evangelical theologian Ruth Padilla Deborst brings a meditation on John 17, where she emphasizes our responsibility to seek a unity in love, which reflects who God is in truth. “Love is not a feeling but a radical commitment to mutual submission. This is how we will be sent so that all can know the love of God.” Like the previous speaker, she insists that unity is not an end in itself but has in view witness. However, this testimony is only credible if we are together in this fractured world so that it can know the love of God.

The day ends with three times of sharing. First, on this biblical text, then between Church families, and finally between people coming from the same continent. The next day we will go to Cape Coast, the fortress from which three million slaves were brutally sent to the Americas.

Humanitarians locked in aid delivery ‘dance’ to avert famine in Gaza

By

United Nations News

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20 April 2024

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Humanitarians locked in aid delivery ‘dance’ to avert famine in Gaza

Andrea de Domenico was speaking via videoconference to journalists in New York, briefing them on developments in the Gaza Strip and West Bank.

He said although humanitarians welcome recent Israeli commitments to improve aid facilitation in Gaza, “we are dealing with this dance where we do one step forward, two steps backwards; or two steps forward and one step backward, which leaves us basically at the same point”.

Table of Contents

Northern missions denied

Between 6-12 April, 41 per cent of humanitarian requests to the north were denied, he said. A UN convoy also came under crossfire while near a checkpoint during the same period.

Although humanitarians and the international community are making every possible effort to support people inside Gaza, “the reality is there is very little that we can bring…to tackle displacement and deal with the looming famine”.

Mr. de Domenico addressed the overall devastation in Gaza since the start of hostilities following the brutal Hamas attacks against Israel on 7 October 2023.

All universities destroyed

“The vast majority of schools have been destroyed and there is not a single university that is standing in Gaza. It will take years to bring back students to school, and you can imagine what is the implication for that,” he said.

The conflict has also seen “really very problematic” military operations at hospitals, such as the recent two-week offensive that left Al-Shifa Hospital “completely non-functional”. UN teams are now helping families with identifying the remnants of corpses found buried in graves within the premises.

He said “uncertainty is a daily reality for people in Gaza”, where families have been displaced multiple times. Thousands of Palestinians flocked to the coastal road two days ago following rumours that Israel would allow people to return to the north.

Meanwhile, engagement with Israel continues, including towards opening a border crossing into northern Gaza.

“We’ve seen some progress on that,” he said. “There are still some tests. It’s very sensitive, of course, as you can imagine, from the Israeli public, and also there are logistical challenges to face”, due to the sheer level of destruction in the north.

West Bank violence

Turning to the West Bank, he said a new wave of settler violence erupted last Friday following the discovery of the body of an Israeli boy who had gone missing.

Simultaneous attacks were carried out against 17 villages and three Palestinians were killed, and many more injured. The UN counted 21 homes completely burned, along with 30 cars and agricultural infrastructure, and 86 people displaced.

“There has been the use of live ammunition, and dozens of livestock have been killed and hundreds stolen. And Israeli forces in some cases, and accounts that we have collected on the ground, were somehow protecting the attackers or in some cases participating in the attack,” he said.

A ‘concerning’ situation

Mr. de Domenico said the development is “quite concerning…because it is entrenching a trend that has been very, very intense after October.”

He said 781 attacks have occurred since then, or more than four per day, and the newly appointed Palestinian Prime Minister has requested international support to prevent the situation from deteriorating.

The UN has also counted 114 new barriers that have been erected in the West Bank since 7 October, including checkpoints, roadblocks and road gates “which is constraining the ability of Palestinians to move to the point that some of our colleagues do not come to the office now for months”.

The restrictions have had an impact on livelihoods and also displaced more than 200 Palestinian households, some 1,300 people, mostly herder families.

Fresh appeal

On Wednesday, humanitarians will announce a $2.8 billion flash appeal to support some three million people across the West Bank and Gaza through the end of the year, with 90 per cent of the funding going to the enclave.

He said the original request was for $4 billion “but considering the limited ability to deliver and the space that we have to do so, we have really focused on the highest priority.”

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Myanmar: Rohingyas in firing line as Rakhine conflict intensifies

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United Nations News

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19 April 2024

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Myanmar: Rohingyas in firing line as Rakhine conflict intensifies

Rakhine was the site of a brutal crackdown on the Rohingyas by the military in 2017, leading to the killing of some 10,000 men, women and newborns and the exodus of nearly 750,000 community members, many of whom continue to languish in refugee camps in neighbouring Bangladesh.

“Rakhine state has once again become a battleground involving multiple actors, and civilians are paying a heavy price, with Rohingya at particular risk,” Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said.

“What is particularly disturbing is that whereas in 2017, the Rohingya were targeted by one group, they are now trapped between two armed factions who have a track record of killing them. We must not allow the Rohingya to be targeted again.”

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Widespread fighting

The breakdown of a year-long informal ceasefire between the military and the Arakan Army (AA) last November has plunged 15 out of Rakhine’s 17 townships into conflict.

The military’s loss of territory to the AA in northern and central parts of the province has led to intensified fighting in the townships of Buthidaung and Maungdaw, setting the stage for a potential battle for the state capital, Sittwe.

The presence of large Rohingya populations in these areas further exacerbates the risks faced by civilians.

Forced conscription by military

“Facing defeat, the military has outrageously started to forcibly conscript, bribe and coerce Rohingya into joining their ranks,” Mr. Türk said.

“It is unconscionable that they should be targeted in this way, given the appalling events of six years ago and the ongoing extreme discrimination against the Rohingya, including the denial of citizenship”.

Reports also suggest that both Rohingya and ethnic Rakhine villagers have been coerced into burning each other’s homes and villages, escalating tensions and violence.

OHCHR is trying to verify the reports, a task complicated by a communications blackout throughout the state.

Alarm bells ringing

The High Commissioner also cited widespread disinformation and propaganda, pointing to claims that so called “Islamic terrorists” have taken Hindus and Buddhists hostages.

“This was the same kind of hateful narrative that fuelled communal violence in 2012 and the horrendous attacks against the Rohingya in 2017,” he said.

“Countries with influence on the Myanmar military and armed groups involved must act now to protect all civilians in Rakhine state and prevent another episode of horrendous persecution of the Rohingya,” he urged.

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Holy Orders on Trial, The French Legal System vs The Vatican

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Juan Sanchez Gil

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19 April 2024

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people in white robe standing on brown wooden floor — Photo by Mateus Campos Felipe on Unsplash

In a growing dispute that reveals the relationship, between governmental institutions the Vatican has officially voiced its worries regarding the decisions made by French officials in the matter of a nuns removal citing violations of religious freedom. This global disagreement revolves around the situation of Sabine de la Valette, Sister Marie Ferréol and her expulsion, from the Dominican Sisters of the Holy Spirit.

The Vatican, represented by Matteo Bruni, the Director of its Press Office has officially acknowledged that it is handling this matter through means. A formal communication was sent to the French Embassy, at the Vatican in a gesture that highlights the seriousness with which the Vatican perceives the French legal systems intrusion into what it deems as purely religious and internal affairs of the Catholic Church.

The dispute sparked off when the Lorient Tribunal allegedly issued a ruling, on the religious aspects of Ms. De la Valettes exit from her religious community. The Vatican has expressed disapproval of this ruling hinting that they were informed about the tribunals role through media coverage than formal channels implying a breakdown in transparency or communication, between French officials and the Holy See.

Cardinal Marc Ouellet, who was part of the case, as the Prefect of the Congregation for Bishops reportedly did not receive any notices from the Lorient Tribunal concerning the issue. Bruni mentioned that Cardinal Ouellet had carried out a visitation, to the institute as part of his duties, which resulted in actions being initiated against Ms. De la Valette ultimately leading to her termination.

The Vatican contends that if the Lorient Tribunal makes a decision, on this issue it raises concerns, about immunity and may infringe upon the rights to worship freely and associate with others. These rights are safeguarded by laws, which typically affirm that religious organizations have the right to manage their matters independently without outside intervention.

The recent event has triggered a discussion, on how national legal systems and religious laws intersect and the role of courts in regulating religious groups. Opponents of the tribunals ruling suggest that it establishes a standard for interference in religious freedom, which could impact not only the Catholic Church but also other faith based organizations seeking autonomy, from external pressures.

As this scenario unfolds it presents legal hurdles underscoring the persistent debate, on delineating the limits between church independence and governmental jurisdiction in modern societies. The outcome of this matter may hold ranging consequences for the rapport between France and the Vatican well as for the broader topic of religious liberties, across Europe.

As Massimo Introvigne said in a recent article: “it seeems that violating religious liberty is now a daily occurrence in France”.

First Vaisakhi Purab in European Parliament: Discussing Sikh Issues in Europe and India

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Newsdesk

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19 April 2024

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Issues faced by Sikhs in Europe and in India were discussed while celebrating Vaisakhi Purab in the European Parliament: Binder Singh

Sikh community leader ‘Jathedar Akal Takht Sahib’ could not attend due to administrative reasons, his visit to the European Parliament has been rescheduled for August

New Delhi, April 19 (Manpreet Singh Khalsa) – The European Parliament marked the 325th birth anniversary of the Khalsa, known as ‘Khalsa Sajna Divas,’ on Vaisakhi. The celebration was a significant occasion, focusing on critical issues such as the official recognition of the Sikh religion in Europe, the plight of detained Sikhs, and other sectarian challenges.

Notably absent were key figures Jathedar Akal Takht Sahib, Singh Sahib Giani Raghbir Singh Ji, and Sardar Paramjit Singh Sarna, who were unable to attend due to administrative reasons. They have, however, confirmed their participation in the next scheduled event, alongside SGPC President Advocate Harcharan Singh Dhami Ji.

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The event saw a distinguished gathering of leaders and influencers. Among those in attendance or saluting the celebration were Othmar Karas, the First Vice President of Europe; Members of Parliament Maxette Pirbacks (who hosted the room in the parliament), Frank Sachwalba Hoth, Hilde Vautmans from VLD, Ivan Arjona-Pelado representing Scientology Europe; and prominent figures from the Sikh community, including UK-based Sikh preacher Bhai Tarsem Singh Khalsa, Bhai Raman Singh, and Gurdwara presidents Bhai Karam Singh of Sintrudan and Bhai Gurbhajan Singh of Liege.

This inaugural celebration in the European Parliament was spearheaded by Bhai Binder Singh, President of the European Sikh Organization. The event garnered praise from European officials, including Vice President Karas, who commended the initiative and pledged to address the concerns of the Sikh community in Europe. The officials also extended an invitation to Jathedar Akal Takht Sahib to participate in future discussions.

Highlighting the cultural significance of the occasion, Vice President Karas and other members of the Parliament were honored with a portrait of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Ji. The event also saw the release of the magazine “Sikhs in Europe,” further underscoring the growing recognition and integration of the Sikh community within the European socio-political landscape.

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