World

Vatican downplays IS threat ahead of pope’s Albania trip

Originally published in Times of Israel Despite warnings that the pope may be targeted by Islamic State-aligned terrorists, the Vatican has said that Francis will not be changing his plans to visit Albania, which has a majority Sunni Muslim population. “There is no reason to change the pope’s itinerary,” Vatican […]

Pastors in Iran could face death penalty

Originally published in Morning Star News Three pastors in Iran are facing charges that could lead to the death penalty for activities in the house-church movement in an unprecedented crackdown on converts from Islam, according to human rights groups. Iranian authorities recently filed charges against Silas Rabbani, assistant pastor in […]

Ukraine is flowing with blood, say bishops, warning worse could come

Originally published in Ecumenical News Ukrainian Greek-Catholic bishops from around the world, meeting in Lviv for their annual Holy Synod, have appealed to the international community to help restore peace in Ukraine. “Ukraine is flowing with blood!” the bishops began, noting the “direct military intervention” in Ukraine by Russia, Vatican Radio reported […]

Thousands gather in Germany to rally against anti-Semitism

Originally published in NPR.org In Berlin, thousands of people gathered at the Brandenburg Gate on Sunday to demonstrate against a wave of harassment and attacks against Jews in Germany. Many blame the rising anti-Semitism there and across Europe on tensions over the Gaza conflict. Chancellor Angela Merkel, who attended the […]

Appeal for blasphemy victim postponed for 7th time

Originally published in Persecution.org The appeal in the Lahore High Court, of Pakistani Christian mother, Asia Bibi, who had been sentenced to death for alleged blasphemy, was postponed once again  until October 16, 2014 but this time at the request of Bibi’s husband. This will be the seventh time the […]

Almost 900 doctors sign Dublin Declaration, affirm abortion is not maternal health

Originally published in Life Site News Almost 900 medical professionals have now signed the Dublin Declaration on Maternal Health, launched in 2012 to declare that abortion is not needed to save women’s lives. Unveiled at the International Symposium on Maternal Healthcare in Dublin, Ireland, the Declaration states: “As experienced practitioners and researchers […]