South East Asia

In a speech to Columbia University, Yang Jianli, the Chinese dissident who will represent the co-author of Charter 08 at the Nobel Prize ceremony, said that through Liu, what was “originally done by heroes into work that can be done by ordinary people”. Through his action, Liu shouted at the government that the people would not be silent. In the meantime, 19 nations announce that they would send representatives at the Oslo ceremony.

Many bishops in attendance were coerced into attending the meeting. Two bishops whose ordination is unlawful under Canon law are present. Participants praise the Communist Party for its respect for the religious freedom of Catholics. In Hong Kong, the Catholic Church’s Justice and Peace Commission stages a demonstration to protest the violation of religious freedom, calling for the release of jailed bishops and priests.

Seoul launches war games near border with the North. Pyongyang calls them a “provocation”. Clinton meets South Korean and Japanese leaders. Obama calls Hu Jintao who says he is very concerned about the situation.

The Patriotic Association and the government want to force Catholic clergymen to take part in the upcoming Assembly of Catholic representatives, an organization that is contrary to Catholic teachings. Wanted as a “dangerous criminal”, one bishop has disappeared. Another one was abducted from his official residence where the faithful had taken and defended him after days in isolation.

The Interfaith Commission of the Indonesian Bishops' Conference points out intolerance against Christians is growing in the Muslim country, which leads to acts of violence. Exclusive interview with Commission secretary Father Susetyo,.

The target of the bomb attack were hundreds of pilgrims expected for the monthly Mass at the shrine of the Virgin Mary. Perpetrators behind the planned attack still unknown, but police reveal that they are experts. The shrine, founded in 1936, is an important pilgrimage site for Catholics of Prambanan.

This is what many economists believe given the country’s high inflation rate, weak currency and lack of firm economic policy. The government, however, is waiting for next month’s Communist Party congress; hence, no initiative is being taken.

Jakarta is calling for the withdrawal of state teachers from private Catholic schools, forcing foundations to pay salaries of new teachers. If the project goes through, the schools in the poorest and most isolated areas at risk of having to close because of bankruptcy.

In their pastoral letters for the new liturgical period, South Korean prelates urge the faithful to renew their commitment to missionary work, the liturgy and pastoral activities for youth, “a sure way to strengthen one’s own spirituality.”

Climate change hits the countries and peoples of Asia and Africa particularly hard. The Mexican president asks delegates to transcend national interests. One study predicts a rise in temperature between now and 2060 of four degrees Celsius, with dangerous consequences.

Authorities actions against institutions and people continue. Bishop of Kontum stopped and threatened. Instructions to the "patriotic Catholics" for a campaign of "good citizenship" to be organized ahead of Christmas. For the first time the bishops do not meet the premier.

Lay Catholic volunteers increasingly serve as catechists in the diocese in Indonesia, even in remote areas. The Indonesian Bishops' Conference has organized one week of meetings and seminars (24 to 28 November 2010) for them, to facilitate their work of spreading the word of God