Call for zero carbon emissions

RELIGIOUS leaders from across the world have called on the UN to push for a zero-carbon future at the forthcoming climate conference in Paris, in December. In the statement, released on Tuesday, 154 faith leaders urge governments “to commit to building climate resilience, phasing out fossil energies, and reaching zero emissions by mid century”. This week, 194 countries will gather in Bonn to outline a draft for the Paris talks.

Australian bishop defrocked

THE former bishop of a regional New South Wales diocese has been deposed from holy orders after allegations of his mishandling of abuse at a children’s home in Lismore, in the diocese of Grafton. Keith Slater was Bishop of Grafton for nine years until his early resignation in May 2013, after an audit revealed that he had not referred some sexual-abuse allegations concerning the children’s home to the diocese’s Professional Standards Director. The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, at which Slater gave evidence, recommended that he face disciplinary action for ignoring complaints from sexual-abuse victims.

Asia Bibi in solitary confinement

A PAKISTANI Christian on death row for blasphemy has been moved to solitary confinement for fear she may be targeted by vigilantes, ATP reported last week. Asia Bibi was sentenced to death in 2010 after she was accused by former colleagues of insulting the Prophet Muhammad. She denies the charges (News, 24 July, 19 November 2010). ATP reported that Mrs Bibi had received death threats while in prison in Multan, eastern Pakistan, and is now in a high-security unit.