Quotes and news

The US bishops' conference said that Reiki, a Japanese alternative medicine, is not only lacking in scientific credibility but is also outside the Christian faith. It is thus unacceptable for Catholic health care institutions. Reiki was invented in Japan in the late 1800s by Mikao Usui, who was studying Buddhism.

The US bishops' report explains that the therapy has several aspects of a religion, being "described as a 'spiritual' kind of healing" with its own ethical precepts or 'way of life'. Reiki "has not been accepted by the scientific and medical communities as an effective therapy", noted the guidelines.

On a spiritual level, the document says, "there are important dangers. Without justification either from Christian faith or natural science, however, a Catholic who puts his or her trust in Reiki would be operating in the realm of superstition, the no-man's-land that is neither faith nor science."

Pope against land mines

Pope Benedict XVI called on nations to end the production, stockpiling and use of landmines and cluster bombs. He also expressed his support for programmes and measures that "guarantee the necessary assistance to victims of such devastating weapons".

The Pope noted that 10 years had passed since the Ottawa Mine Ban Treaty - which bans the use, production, stockpiling and transfer of anti-personnel mines - came into effect. He also encouraged countries to sign the Convention on Cluster Munitions, which would prohibit all use, stockpiling, production and transfer of cluster bombs and munitions.

A green Way of the Cross

Some Catholics in Sri Lanka have used the Way of the Cross to reflect on environmental issues. The Asian Church news agency UCA News reported that the Holy Family Sisters prepared a Way of the Cross booklet to help Catholics take steps to protect nature.

The booklet points out that "mountains are flattened in the name of development, trees are felled paving the way for the creation of deserts, and environmental resources are sold off cheaply".

Iraqi bishop fears security breakdown

Archbishop Louis Sako of Kirkuk has warned that the withdrawal of American troops from Iraq could lead to civil war, and redouble the dangers facing the Christian minority. The archbishop made his comments after a week in which five more Christians were murdered in Iraqi cities.

He observed that "the security situation remains fragile", ethnic and religious tensions are high, and Iraqi forces have not shown the ability to maintain law and order.

Pope declares year of the priest

Pope Benedict XVI declared a year of the priest in an effort to encourage "spiritual perfection" in priests. The Pope will open the special year with a vespers service at the Vatican on June 19 - the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and the day for the sanctification of priests. He will close the celebrations during a world meeting of priests in St Peter's Square on June 19, 2010.

During this jubilee year, the Pope will also proclaim St John Vianney to be patron saint of all the world's priests. At present, he is considered the patron saint of parish priests.

Compiled by Fr Joe Borg