Academic delves into the crisis between the cardinal and the president of the Republic following the withdrawal of the patriarchal decree. The cardinal claims the struggle for "freedom and independence." The roots of the current crisis in the phase of the fight against Isis, when armed militias (including Christian ones) develop. Criticism of baseless "politicization" defends homeland and citizens.
Today's headlines: Chinese central bank cuts prime rate by 10 basis points; Japanese government still considering date for release of treated water from Fukushima atomic power plant into the sea; HRW accuses Saudi border guards of mass killings; At least 11 workers killed in Pakistan bomb blast; Tehran cuts off flow of Little Zab River in Iraq fueling water crisis in neighboring country; With EU embargo, Brazil becomes second largest buyer of Russian oil.
The Cardinal addresses President Rashid's decision to cancel the recognition of the role of patriarch. He speaks of a "moral assassination" and defines the transfer from Baghdad to Erbil as an "extreme protest". Journalist from Mosul confirms the use of houses and churches by ISIS as detention centres.
Today's news: One of the Thai king's sons is back from the United States. Viet Nam’s president met with the country’s bishops. South Korean cities organise "blind dating" for singles to facilitate nuptials. The term "homosexual" can no longer be used in Iraqi media. In Russia, more and more inmates from women’s prisons are enlisting with the military.
Today's news: Three Christians seized by soldiers in Myanmar’s Chin State are dead; a pastor taken with them escaped. In Seongnam, South Korea, a young man drives a car into people and stabs passers-by, injuring 14 people. Mongolia wants greater cooperation with the US in rare earth mining. Afghanistan and Pakistan accuse each other of poor border controls. Politically motivated executions increase in Iran. Russia’s Baltic fleet began Ocean Shield 2023 naval drill.
For young Turks, the meeting offers an opportunity to "build a local Church" by meeting fellow Christians from other Turkish dioceses and vicariates. A young man from Yemen will arrive with the Gulf delegation. The Lebanese will mark the third anniversary of the tragic explosion of 4 August 2020 with adoration and prayers. The auxiliary bishop of Baghdad hopes that the Mideast might host WDY one day.
