from AsiaNews.it, Monday, November 11, 2013

PAKISTAN: Lahore: life of Christian pastor accused of blasphemy in danger
An outlawed extremist organisation, Jamat-ul-Dawa, issues a fatwa against Adnan Masih. As a result of a misunderstanding, the Christian man has been accused of insulting Muhammad and Islam. As police investigates, the clergyman and his family are under their protection. A local priest notes that this is "the third case of persecution against Christians based on the blasphemy law in just two months."


A weakened Typhoon Haiyan hits Vietnam and China, sowing death
Vietnamese authorities report six deaths. In China, the death toll stands at three with seven missing. Hundreds of thousands of people have been evacuated. Meanwhile, the outpouring of solidarity for the Philippines continues. Pope Francis makes a first contribution of US$ 150,000 to help the victims.


Preah Vihear: Phnom Penh gets sovereignty over temple area 
The International Court of Justice rules Cambodia owns the land that has been the source of a long-standing dispute with Thailand, and calls on Bangkok to withdraw its troops. In the past, soldiers from the two sides have clashed with scores of dead and wounded. Thai nationalist groups reject the ruling.


Card. Scola in Moscow, ecumenism grows from encounter between the faithful
Ecumenical dialogue conducted "at a grass roots level" and not just in commissions, but also the relationship with Islam and defense of Christian values at the heart of the visit of the Archbishop of Milan to the Patriarch of Moscow. The impending visit of Putin to the Pope : "Very pleased , Russia is a fundamental point of reference in the new world order ."


Philippines, PIME superior: Situation after passage of Haiyan increasingly serious
Fr. Giovanni Re says authorities have reopened some airports and some main roads: "Now they will try to move aid by land". Minor damage in Cebu, where the archdiocese has initiated a program of mutual assistance between the parishes still intact and those affected. A sign of hope: A baby girl is born in Tacloban , the worst hit city.


Nepal elections: Catholic Church does not take sides, prays for peace
Mgr Anthony Sharma, bishop of Kathmandu, stresses the importance of a new constitution to give voice to religious minorities. The 134 parties vying for votes on 19 November are too many and do not guarantee stability. Fears follow a wave of attacks by extremist groups opposed to a renewed Constituent Assembly.


Indonesian ulema again demand Catholic schools teach Islam
In Klanten, Central Java, the MUI reignites the controversy over the fact that Islam is not taught in Catholic schools, a serious violation for the local head of the Islamist organisation. Last year, the same dispute broke out in Blitar and Tegal, subsiding eventually after Muslim parents defended the schools their children attended because of the quality of their teaching.


Pope: Benefactors of the Church who steal from the State and the poor, are "corrupt", painted “rot”
Jesus "never ceases to forgive" sinners, but also says "woe to those who cause scandal". The sinner "does not want to sin, but is weak" and "goes to the Lord" and seeks forgiveness, "the corrupt" do not repent. They continue to sin, but pretend to be a Christian: a double life". "Jesus said of these corrupt: ' The beauty of being whitewashed tombs ' . "


The end of the Year of Faith in Hong Kong "will be beneficial to the faithful"
The diocese is preparing to celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King at Hong Kong Stadium. Young people who attended World Youth Day in Rio will relay their personal stories. Volunteers and donors are expected to do the same. For the vicar general, the Church plans "long-term commitment to the homeless". For him, "faith and love cannot be separated".


Syrian opposition will participate in Geneva II, but only if Assad gives up power
The Syrian National Coalition announces its presence in Geneva, but calls for a transitional government without Assad and other members of the regime. The openings of the opposition reignite hopes for peace conference later this year.


Filipino Bishops: Faith of Catholics stronger than Typhoon Haiyan
The President of the Episcopal Conference launches a message of hope to a country ravaged by "absolute pandemonium" , as it was described by the head of the Red Cross . Over 10 thousand estimated victims, but the toll is still tentative. Solidarity of the archbishop of Seou who offers prayers and a contribution for emergency response. Haiyan / Yolanda reaches Vietnam, but downgraded to a tropical storm.