South Asia

Officially, the reason is to ensure adequate training for teaching staff and avoid layoffs. Catholic Bishops’ spokesman Fr Babu says that it could undermine school autonomy.

After a gun battle with police, three militants blew themselves up. Another hotel was attacked by rockets. The Taliban have claimed responsibility for the attack to stop the elections scheduled for November 7. October is the deadliest months for American soldiers. Obama delayes his decision to increase troops.

The archbishop of Colombo announces the Year of the Eucharist in the diocese to begin next August.

A car bomb containing about 150 kilograms of explosives struck Meena. The flames spread to shops in the area, with many people trapped inside. The attack was not claimed, but probably the hand of the Taliban. Christian activist: other attacks likely, but the country is united in the fight against terrorism.

The event is organised to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the Jesuit missionary’s death. He was the first Westerner to be received at Beijing’s Imperia Court. The bishop of Macerata hopes the friendship with the Chinese people and the communion with the Pope might grow with the exhibit.

Reconversion occurs in a large-scale and highly publicised ceremony. According to the Global Council of Indian Christians, this kind of propaganda relies on the authorities’ complicity and is designed to “disrupt communal harmony”. Anti-Christian violence continues unabated.

A popular current emerges in the nation calling for the cancellation of the law, responsible for the abuse and violence against religious minorities. It is unconstitutional and contrary to the principles of Islam. The solidarity of Muslims and the importance of a new educational model for young people.

The Archbishop of Cuttack-Bhubaneshwar, recalls the priest who died of serious wounds sustained during the attack by Hindu fundamentalists. Fr. Bernard died "to support the faith of Christians today, and nourish the seeds of faith for future generations." But "for the defenceless Christian community danger is always around the corner."

Vatican figures speaks to AsiaNews about their impressions from a recent trip to Pakistan. Christians are persecuted; the blasphemy law is used to target the faithful and their businesses. But signals of hope are also emerging: the Church is "young, vibrant and courageous."

Muslim groups have shot at the house and have built a wall to expropriate the land, while the police fails to intervene. "Allah Akbar" in place of the cross. Other Christian families have had to leave the area.

Military junta envisages “easing” the terms of the Nobel Prize laureate’s house arrest and the possibility of giving her a role in the process of national reconciliation. ASEAN, Chinese and Indian leaders react positively to the announcement, but the euphoria it generated will not help the country’s process of democratisation.

The country’s stability is at stake. United Nations Security Council members slam the continued existence of Maoist camps and the army’s recruitment drive.