Indicators are in the red, entrepreneurs are operating at a loss, and families are resorting to loans even to pay for weddings. High fuel costs are leading to illegal logging, and people are increasingly forced to forgo necessities. Despite warnings from the IMF, the banking lobby holds 90 per cent of account holders in a stranglehold.
The event, banned under Saddam and object of attacks and violence in the recent past, commemorates the assassination in 680 of the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad. Participants include women and men, young and old, newborns in prams and disabled on wheelchairs. For one pilgrim, “This march shows the imperialist world that the Muslim nation cannot be defeated by any economic, military or political means”.
China’s vice president also visited the Church of the Nativity church in Bethlehem. Social media users note that Party members are not allowed to profess a religion or participate in religious services. Wang’s gesture contradicts ongoing persecution (with churches and crosses destroyed). The number of Chinese tourists in Israel is growing, including Christian pilgrims. In the People's Republic of China, 85 per cent of the population believes in some form of religion or spirituality.
According to the army they were intent on "placing explosive devices" along the border with the Strip. For Israeli military it opened fire "only for personal defense" or against attempts to infiltrate the border. At least 200 Palestinians killed by the army since March protests began.
In the Final Document of the Synod there is a clearer affirmation on the proclamation of Jesus Christ to the young. Downplaying ideology of youthfulness, which satisfies young people in everything to enslave them. "It is not about ... creating a new Church for the young, but rather rediscovering with them the youth of the Church". In Asia or Africa, the Church is the place where young people feel more fulfilled and helped. Sinodality: young people and adults are not two parties facing each other, but part of the same body. The socio-political commitment and the social doctrine of the Church.
The first fruit of the Synod was "a synodal style that does not have as its main objective the drafting of a document, which is also valuable and useful. More than the document, however, it is important that a way of being and working together, young and old, in listening and discernment, to reach pastoral choices that respond to reality, is spreading ".
"Our weaknesses should not deter you; our frailties and sins must not be an obstacle for your trust. The Church is your mother; she does not abandon you; she is ready to accompany you on new roads, on higher paths where the winds of the Spirit blow stronger – sweeping away the mists of indifference, superficiality and discouragement."
Francis celebrates Mass for the closing of the XV General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops on the theme: "Youth, faith and vocational discernment". Young people, "forgive us if often we have not listened to you, if, instead of opening our hearts, we have filled your ears. It is not Christian to expect that our brothers and sisters who are seekers should have to knock on our doors; we ought to go out to them, bringing not ourselves but Jesus".
Three parts, 12 chapters, 167 paragraphs, 60 pages: this is how the Assembly's final document presents the theme "Young people, faith and vocational discernment". Full text only available in Italian.
Sharia derives from medieval interpretations of the Koran, based on inadequate knowledge. It is also exploited by political power. Mohammed Arkoun called Sunnism a political deception. The reform program: keep only the Koran and abandon hadith and sunna; re-evaluate role of women; eliminate violence and corporal punishment; guarantee freedom of conscience. Averroé, Ibn Khaldoun are the reformers of the past. Today there are Mohamed Sharour and Ferhane El Maliki, who risks being beheaded in Saudi prisons.
The breaking of the communion between the two patriarchates led to the closing of pilgrimages to Mount Athos by Russian pilgrims. The "Society of Russian Athos", which also includes Putin, had donated up to 500 million dollars so far. Poroshenko prepares to transfer the jurisdiction of the Caves of the monks Antonij and Feodosij in Kiev to Istanbul.
After meeting Mohammed bin Salman, Salah Khashoggi was able to leave for the US after his travel ban was lifted. Saudi public prosecutor, who is set to visit Istanbul, accepts the premeditation theory. CIA chief returns from Istanbul to brief President Trump on available evidence.
Souleman Yusph was arrested in early October by Assyrian militias working for the Kurdish administration over his articles slamming attempts to close the Christian schools. During captivity, he suffered physical and psychological abuse. Despite the intimidation, he plans to continue his work. He is also disappointed by the actions of the United States and the international community in Syria.
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