The Pope's message for World Peace Day 2010, celebrated on January 1, will concentrate on the contribution of religious freedom to peace. The Vatican has announced that the theme will be 'Religious freedom, the path to peace'.

"In many parts of the world there exist various forms of restrictions or denials of religious freedom, from discrimination and marginalisation based on religion to acts of violence against religious minorities," the Vatican's statement said.

In the light of this reality, Pope Benedict will discuss how the fundamental human right to believe in God is a prerequisite for full human development and "a condition for the realisation of the common good and the promotion of peace in the world".

It is expected that the message will fully develop the Pope's speech to the UN General Assembly in 2008, when he said it was "inconceivable that believers should have to suppress a part of themselves - their faith - in order to be active citizens".

Anglicans' Catholic conversion expected

Thousands of Anglicans are expected to convert to Catholicism after their church decided to ordain women as bishops and refused to give enough concessions to those who are against this measure.

One of the most vociferous groups against the decision is Forward in Faith, which has about 10,000 members, including more than 1,000 clergy. They are advising their members against hasty action.

Extremists dominate central India

"The central part of India, from east to west, is in the hands of Hindu extremists groups who are committing violence amid a climate of impunity" because "they have the support of the nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which protects them and often guarantees impunity".

Bishop Chacko Thottumarickal of Indore gave these comments to the Fides news agency following a death threat against a Church spokes-person. The Bishop said "we want to let them know that we do not consider them enemies. We want to put into practice the Gospel commandment to love enemies and live non-violence."

Less than one per cent of those who live within Indore's diocesan boundaries are Catholic.

Bishops lambast President Chavez

"People want to live in democracy, under the rule of law, with a real participation of all citizens, in a climate of justice and freedom. Therefore, the imposition of a socialist state inspired by the Cuban communist regime that has been enforced through laws and facts that ignore the popular will and the Constitution is absolutely unacceptable."

These harsh words about President Chavez of Venezuela were released in a statement by Venezuelan bishops.

They also criticised the levels of violence and corruption in Venezuela together with the feeling of "the insecurity, the violent deaths in streets and prisons, and the outrageous loss of food and medicines".

The bishops were reacting to the harsh criticism Chavez levelled against Cardinal Jorge Urosa Savino, of Caracas.

Compiled by Fr Joe Borg

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