Government urged to ‘step up’ Afghan support
CHRISTIAN AID has called on the Government to help the millions of people in Afghanistan who are on the brink of starvation by “massively stepping up our own contribution” on the six-month anniversary of the fall of Kabul. On Tuesday, after pressure from campaigners, including Christian Aid and Save the Children, the Government announced plans to co-host a United Nations virtual pledging summit to address the growing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. The head of global policy and advocacy at Christian Aid, Fionna Smyth, said: “This is a step in the right direction. It must, however, be coupled with massively stepping up our own contribution to prevent famine and action to get the Afghan economy back on its feet. With the UN asking for $4.4 billion, the £286 million committed by the UK is a drop in the ocean and does not reflect our historic responsibility. To make this summit a success, the UK has a moral duty to lead by example.”
Mary’s Meals launches South Sudan appeal
THE Christian charity Mary’s Meals has launched an appeal to provide more school meals for malnourished children in South Sudan. More than half of the population have insufficient food intake, the charity reports; and one third of children under five suffer from chronic malnutrition. The country also has the highest rate of children out of education in the world, with more than 70 per cent of primary-school-aged children (2.2 million) out of school. Mary’s Meals is already providing meals for about 70,000 children every school day in South Sudan. Its executive director, Daniel Adams, said: “We are determined to reach even more little ones with our life-changing meals. To do this, we need your support.” marysmeals.org.uk/south-sudan-appeal
Deposed patriarch dies under house arrest
THE deposed Patriarch of the Eritrean Tehwado Orthodox Church, Abune Antonios, died in his home on 9 January, aged 94, after 15 years under house arrest, Christian Solidarity Worldwide reports. His body was reportedly taken to the Abune Andreas monastery, to which he belonged, and was buried there on 10 February. In August 2005, Patriarch Antonios was removed from administrative control of the Patriarchate, confined to ceremonial duties, and eventually deposed in January 2006, after repeatedly resisting the Eritrean government’s interference in church affairs. This included refusing to expel 3000 members of the Orthodox renewal movement Medhane Alem, and protesting against the detention, in November 2004, of three priests from the movement.
WCC welcomes two new member Churches
THE World Council of Churches (WCC) has welcomed two new member Churches: the First African Church Mission (Nigeria) and the Apostolic Faith Mission South Africa. This brings the number of WCC member Churches to 352, in 120 countries. Both Churches were invited to send delegations to the WCC’s 11th Assembly this week. The central committee also recognised the continued membership of the Anglican Province of Alexandria — a new Province that includes the diocese of Egypt (News, 3 July 2020).
RC bishop in India arrested over sand-mining
THE Roman Catholic Bishop of Pathanamthitta, in India, Cardinal Samuel Irenios Kattukallil, has been arrested over illegal sand-mining on diocesan land in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, the online RC news service Crux Now reports. He was taken into custody last week, with five other priests. The diocese had leased a 300-acre plot to Manuel George, of Kottayam. After an inspection in 2020, during the pandemic, officials charged Mr George with illegally mining sand from the land and transporting it for commercial purposes. As the landowners, the diocese had the ultimate authority over its use. In a statement, the diocese said: “George was contracted to cultivate the land, which had been under church control for 40 years. Diocesan authorities have not been able to visit the site for the past two years due to the Covid period. The diocese has initiated legal proceedings against Manuel George.”