Archbishop condemns ‘incendiary remarks’
THE Archbishop of South East Asia, the Most Revd Bolly Lapok, has called on Malaysia’s education minister to apologise for his recent “divisive and incendiary remarks” about Christians and Jews. The Minister, Mahdzir Bin Khalid, said that the “pledge” of Jews and Christians was to decide that Muslims “will be confused and split among themselves”. Archbishop Bolly said that the comments were “outrageous”. He spoke of the “cultural and religious unity in diversity” of Christians, Jews, and Muslims in the country.
Mother Teresa orphanages halt adoption services
THIRTY orphanages run by the charity founded by Mother Teresa are closing their adoption services in India, to avoid having to comply with new government legislation that make it easier for single and divorced people to adopt. Sister Amala, from a New Delhi orphanage run by the Missionaries of Charity, said that the decision was taken because single or divorced parents would not be able to give “real love” to children. “It is not a religious rule but a human rule,” she said. “Children need both parents, male and female.”
Logistical siege of Camp Liberty residents intensified
IRAQI forces are said to have “intensified” a logistical siege of Camp Liberty residents, near Baghdad airport, last month. Basic supplies and maintenance items are reported to have been blocked from entering the camp, in a breach of human-rights standards. Forces said that they were carrying out the orders of a governmental committee to suppress residents, under the National Security Adviser, Faleh al-Fayyad. The Iranian Resistance is calling on the UN and the United States to respond.
Christian TV service raided by Egyptian officials
EGYPTIAN authorities have removed the equipment of a TV service for Christians in the Middle East, pending a decision by the public prosecutor. SAT-7 studios had cameras and computers confiscated by the government’s censorship department, on Saturday. The office director, Mr Farid Samir, was detained for six hours. He faces four charges relating to operating a satellite television channel without licence. SAT-7 Egypt said that they were a programme production site, not a satellite broadcast centre.
Agreed Statement seeks to heal Christological rift
MEMBERS of the Anglican-Oriental Orthodox International Commission, meeting in North Wales this week, have signed and published an Agreed Statement on Christology, which seeks to heal the breach over the incarnation which began at the Council of Chalcedon. Progress has also been made, they say, on issues concerning the Holy Spirit. The General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the UK, Anba Angaelos, said that the world needed Christians to “stand together”. Text at www.anglicancommunion.org