Archbishop Stephen Brislin of Cape Town, the head of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference, has expressed “profound solidarity, fervent prayers and renewed commitment to join in activities of advocacy” on behalf of Palestinians.
In his letter to Latin Patriarch Fouad Twal of Jerusalem, Mgr Brislin wrote that “it is our hope that international outrage and pressure will help bring a just and lasting peace to the Holy Land”.
He added that “we know from the South African experience in bringing an end to apartheid in our country that international solidarity and widespread protest are potent forces in transforming unjust situations.”
China destroys crosses
Several hundred men attacked a Salvation Army church in Wenzhou and tore down its cross. This is part of the Chinese government’s campaign against Christian institutions and buildings. Since January, 360 crosses or Christian buildings have been demolished.
The Catholic cathedral in Ningbo was burned to the ground on July 28. The official explanation for the destruction of the cathedral, built in 1872, was that it was an accident.
Pope’s views on leisure, family rest on Sunday
The importance of leisure to family life and the brutality of warfare featured prominently in an interview that Pope Francis gave to the Argentine weekly Viva .
The Pope said the faith should be spread by friendly sharing rather than forceful argumentation. He described religious proselytising as “the worst thing you can do is” as this is something that paralyses.
The Pope mentioned that while he served in Buenos Aires, he would ask young mothers how often they played with their children. The mothers were too busy to play. He stressed the value of families spending leisure time together on Sunday.
“War destroys,” said Pope Francis. “And we must shout out for peace. Peace sometimes gives the idea of quietness, but it is not quiet, it is always an active peace.”
The Pope also spoke about those fleeing the horrors of war and other calamities, and how many countries are not generous in helping refugees. He said Europe fears speaking about immigration, but he praised Sweden for its policies, noting that the country has allowed in hundreds of thousands of immigrants.
Colombian bishop welcomes ex-guerillas
Bishop Julia Cesar Vidal Ortiz said the decision of former Columbian guerrilla organisations to transform themselves into political parties was positive news for peace. The guerrillas agreed to abandon their armed struggle to join the political one. He said the rebel groups were “born because of poverty injustice and corruption in the country”. He welcomed their choice to work for change through non-violent means.
Mosul destruction
The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, the Muslim fundamentalist group that took over Mosul in June, continued with its plan of destroying Christian buildings. According to L’Osservatore Romano, the extremists have destroyed the mausoleum of St George, the city’s patron saint. This follows the expulsion of Christians from the city.
The extremists did this even though St George is honoured as a prophet in Islam. It was reported that a 14th-century mosque dedicated to him was also destroyed.
The Shiites are also bearing the brunt of the jihadists. Mosques dedicated to Seth, the son of Adam and Eve, and another one dedicated to Jonah, were destroyed.
(Compiled by Fr Joe Borg)