South East Asia

The eighth chapter of ‘Amoris Laetitia’ is dedicated to family situations that do not fit Church doctrine. The way forward is not one of casuistry but one of discernment on a case by case basis. Access to the sacraments is mentioned only in a footnote, but doors are open for different ecclesial services. Pastors are invited to listen "with a sincere desire to understand” people’s plight.

Pope Francis’ Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Amoris Laetitia "about love in the family" is published. The family is founded on marriage, it is central to the life of the Church and every society, which should support it, rather than hold it hostage; the family has rights such as education, which cannot be violated; the family should not be confused with other forms of union. "Unity of teaching and practice is certainly necessary in the Church, but this does not preclude various ways of interpreting some aspects of that teaching or drawing certain consequences from it."

In her first act as "State Councillor," the Democratic leader promises freedom to some 500 activists and students. Today, is the beginning of amnesty for the Burmese New Year and hundreds of non-political prisoners are leaving prisons.

The central topic of the 23rd meeting of the International Catholic-Jewish Liaison Committee was how we view the ‘Other’. The meeting focused as well on how the Jewish and Catholic “communities now find themselves in the position of being ‘other’.” In fact, anti-Semitism in words and deeds has resurfaced in Europe and elsewhere, whilst anti-Christian persecution, most notably in the Middle East and Africa, has reached levels not seen in a long time.

The Diocese of Sandakan celebrated 334 baptisms during the Easter Vigil. Some new Catholics shared the story of their conversion. For Maurelline, life seemed meaningless”. Eventually, she came to “appreciate the gifts that God gives me”. Herman, a Buddhist married to a Christian, ignored his wife’s religion for years, until it began “to take root and grow” in him.

Later this year the publication of the Joint Theological Commission document "A Call to Holiness". "It is true that we do not as yet think alike in all things, and that on issues regarding ordained ministries and ethics, much work remains to be done. However, none of these differences constitute such an obstacle as to prevent us from loving in the same way and offering a common witness to the world. ".

"What does the Church need today? It needs witnesses, martyrs”: “These are the witnesses, that is, the saints, the saints of everyday, of ordinary life, but life [lived with] consistency; and also the witness ‘to the end,’ even to death". Those who " who attest that Jesus is Risen, that Jesus is alive, and they bear witness through the consistency of their life, with the Holy Spirit they have received as a gift".

With a formal vote, the National Assembly elects Nguyen Xuan Phuc, who will lead the Legislature until 2020. In his inaugural speech he swears to defend "the country's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity." The reference is to the territorial disputes with Beijing in the South China Sea.

Cardinal Parolin has received an official letter of invitation for Pope Francis. On 15 April, the pope, together with the ecumenical patriarch of Constantinople and the Orthodox archbishop of Athens will be in Lesbos to meet refugees stranded on the island. "Europe has become insignificant in global terms because it has commodified Christianity". The ecumenical journey is the joint mission of Christians in the contemporary world.

Chinese and Russian authorities censor information linking their leaders to the scandal. For the Global Times, a state-controlled paper, “Information that is negative to the U.S. can always be minimized, while exposure of non-Western leaders, such as Putin, can get extra spin”. In China, search engines have blocked access to sites with information. The Papers mention 600 Israeli companies.

The structure is 55 meters high. According to Beijing it will improve navigation in the area and facilitate relief and emergency response. Construction of two other lighthouses in as many atolls being planned. The commercial value of products in transit in the area is around 5 trillion dollars.

In 1988, a "disabled people for disable people’ group was set up to promote outreach based on the Good News to encourage self-help and share life with others so that they can be integrated into the community.