The Bishops' Conference organised the National Missionary Congress, centred on ‘Baptised and sent to proclaim the Gospel’, drawing some 400 people from the country’s 37 dioceses. The topics discussed included communication and social divisions.

Two years after the Islamic State’s military defeat, going home appears a distant prospect. There are still many needs, but aid and resources have been reduced. The Iraq issue and Mideast political and religious tensions have increased insecurity. Clergyman pleads “don't forget” because the disappearance of Christians will have tragic consequences for the region.

Saleh Abdelaziz el-Dhamiri, 60, suffered from heart problems and needed a new heart pump. He had spent over four years in isolation for his work in favour of Saudi political prisoners. In the past he had criticised the rise to power of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

A musician from the Philippines, two journalists from Myanmar and India, and two activists from Thailand and South Korea contributed with “courage and creativity" to human development on the continent. The award ceremony is set for 9 September.

The group, made up of former students of the La Salle institute, does not aim to finance large projects, but to create signs of solidarity: care for the elderly, sports equipment for a school, fresh paint for another, school kits.  "Serving the needy beyond caste, race, religion, or ethnicity, there are innumerable ways to serve the Most High God."

Last April he tried to fly to the US but was stopped at the airport. He had represented a colleague, Xie Gang, from the "709" group, and had accused the police of violence and torture. He feared threats of "enforced disappearance, torture, or even death.”