Some communication channels have prevented the useless escalation in Gaza. Local Christians are active boosting interfaith and social relations. The unity among Churches is "fundamental" to ensure a future in the region. The apostolic administrator of the Latin Patriarchy of Jerusalem bears witness.
The monks of Tibhirine, Mgr Pierre Claverie, other members of the clergy and the laity will be beatified on 8 December in Oran (Algeria). This can help the Lebanese rediscover the Christian mission and their own land, which is also loved by Muslims. It can also help build an Islamic-Christian nation and a national culture.
A group of 24 young people took part in the ASEAN Youth Interfaith Camp (AYIC) 2018. The goal, an official of the Office for Religious Harmony, was to "introduce Southeast Asian youth to the true pluralist face of Indonesian society” and “prepare future leaders with a deep interfaith spirit”. For one participant, “the Indonesian experience can be a lesson for ASEAN countries.”
Fr Vineet Vincent Pereira was indicted for "rioting” and “unlawful assembly". He runs the Ishwar Dham prayer centre. He had received threats in the past. An interfaith forum expresses solidarity with the attacked priest.
Catholics gathered in Hà Tĩnh, Quảng Bình and Nghệ An. Together with Thừa Thiên-Huế, the territories have been the scene of the most serious environmental disaster in the history of the country. The commitment of Msgr. Nguyễn Thái Hợp for the victims.
Although there are some positive - but formal - elements, the agreement seems to be a victory for China, which retains the power to draw up the list of candidates for the episcopate. The bishops who have been excommunicated, behave like "when they were illegitimate". A real step forward would be the recognition of underground bishops and the establishment of a true Episcopal Conference that includes official and underground pastors.