Robust response needed to current evils, say US Bishops

THE House of Bishops of the Episcopal Church in the United States, meeting in Juan Dolio, in the Dominican Republic, discussed local and global pain, fear, and uncertainty. Subjects included both the shooting of the right-wing activist Charlie Kirk and a Colorado school shooting that occurred during the meeting (News, 12 September). In a letter on the Church’s website, the Bishops wrote: “The disturbing increase in political violence; the ongoing atrocities associated with war and global conflict; the continued starvation of God’s children; the intimidation and persecution of the vulnerable and those who have been marginalized; and the rise of authoritarianism across the globe all require a robust Christian response.” They invited the “whole church to boldly proclaim by word and example that the cross and empty tomb stand forever as signs of the decisive victory of God’s love over the forces of evil”.

CiW director speaks at European digital conference

ONE of the speakers from 12 countries at this year’s European Christian Internet Conference, in Tallinn, was the Director of Communications for the Church in Wales, Matthew Batten. His theme was “Leading in the Age of Misleading: The role of Churches in countering disinformation”, and his presentation, “When Official Stories Mislead: Digital activism and the battle for truth in the Church”, explored the Church of England’s response to the Makin review (News, 6 June). The conference was organised by the Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church, a member of the Porvoo Communion.

Exorcists’ work is liberation and consolation, Pope tells them

THE ministry of the exorcist is “delicate” and yet “most necessary”, the Pope told the 15th International Association of Exorcists conference last week, in Rome. He told the 300 priests and exorcist assistants present “to live it both as a ministry of liberation and of consolation, accompanying the faithful truly possessed by the evil one with prayer and the invocation of Christ’s effective presence, so that . . . the Lord may grant victory over Satan”.