South Asia

The lockout is called by opposition parties and trade unions. Schools, offices and stores in different states of the country closed. Transport suspended for the whole day. With the entry of international chains in Indian market retail, small shopkeepers fear losing livelihoods.

A few days after Benedict XVI’s visit to Lebanon (14-16 September) Lebanese enthusiasm refuses to be dampened, presented as a model of coexistence for the world Muslims and Christians. The Apostolic Exhortation suggests the overcoming of fundamentalism on the part of all religions, welcoming one another in the name of reason and principles inherent in human nature. The proposal for a "healthy secularity", respectful of the presence of religion in society also has something to say to the West.

The president of the Bishops' Conference of India will be one of the three Asian members of the Synod of Bishops (7-28 October). Interviewed by AsiaNews, the cardinal underscores the contribution India and Asia can make to the universal Church in order to learn together how to respond to the faithful's new needs. The new evangelisation is important to bring God back into the centre of society, community, family and people.

For young people the violent demonstrations, fuel an erroneous image of Islam. Twitter profile "MyProfetMohammad" calls upon all Muslims to criticize the blasphemous film and protests by speaking about who Muhammad was. The Libyans create a Facebook page of apology in honor of the American Christopher Stevens. Syrians are asking, "why did no one protest when Assad destroyed many hundreds of mosques."

At the general audience, Benedict XVI retraces the steps of his visit to Lebanon. A "strongly desired" journey, a "providential opportunity for dialogue" in a region that sees dramas such as the "terrible conflict" in Syria. Christians are exhorted to "live the faith and to witness it without fear."

Dow Corning, a silicone products supplier for cars and parachutes, is now following this strategy. Its projects involve volunteers providing technical knowhow to farmers and help to micro-businesses. In turn, the latter learn new ideas and a better understanding of the global market place.

After eight years, Christian volunteers are back in Nepal as part of a US Peace Corps project. Established in 1961, the Peace Corps has been operating in Nepal since 1962. The Christian Charity left in 2004 because of Maoist intimidation. In a week of work, more than 4,000 people have been helped.

The anniversary falls next month. AsiaNews interviews Sister Francisca Perera, provincial superior of the congregation. The difficulties at the beginning, the apostolate of education for boys and girls, the evolution of their mission, in step with the changing times, and the constant search for communion between north and south. Marking 150 years, the theme is "Towards reconciliation."

The president of the Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) calls for dialogue and peace to stop the protests provoked by the film. Freedom of expression in the media is unquestionable, but it "should not be used to offend or ridicule others." A plea for tolerance and mutual understanding to all spiritual leaders, Christians, Muslims and Hindus.

In Kabul, a female suicide bomber blew herself up near the airport, killing 12 people, including nine foreigners. But declarations and acts to stop the violence gain momentum. Today, the organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) condemned the killing of U.S. Ambassador in Libya. In Pakistan, protests had taken on an anti-Christian drift, but in Hyderabad, in Sindh a group of young Muslim men stopped an attack by extremists against a Catholic hospital. In the Philippines, Muslim rebels of the MILF invite the Muslim population to avoid violence. Voices against attacks in Indonesia and Egypt.

Because of the economic crisis, only the rich can enjoy the celebration. Women exchange gifts and fast for their husbands' longevity. Local media now report that some women have sold a kidney to get money to buy jewels and the traditional red sari.

Hundreds of people demonstrated in different cities. The Diocesan Commission for Interreligious Dialogue in Faisalabad organizes a Muslim-Christian meeting. Fr. Mendes: terrible to offend the sensibilities of Muslims. Muslim leader: the authors must be tried by “ Shariah courts." And thanks to Christians for solidarity.