Approximately six million people have died in the conflict in the eastern D.R.C. since 1996. For decades, numerous armed groups have competed for power and control of this vast nation’s potential fortune.
Dispatches
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
What does the future hold for Christians in Syria after Assad?
The rapid victory of the Sunni opposition fighters over regular army units loyal to Mr. al-Assad has left many wondering how Syria’s minority faith groups—Alawites, Christians, Shiites and others—will fare as H.T.S. consolidates its control.
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
What the Catholic Church does (and doesn’t) teach about deporting migrants
“The church is not against deportations per se, but there are several conditions that need to be in place.”
Posted inDispatches, Faith
Catholic institutions in Africa seek alternative funding as support from former missionaries fades
Catholic institutions in Zimbabwe and other African states once could rely on support from retired missionaries. Now the decline in missionary numbers has left African religious communities facing a financial crunch.
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
In El Salvador, Catholic bishops and President Bukele are at odds over mining
The Catholic Church in El Salvador finds its voice in opposition to lifting of prohibition on mining.
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
U.S. bishops’ latest religious liberty concern: the government threatening their work with migrants
Attacks by members of Congress on Catholic ministries that are providing humanitarian assistance to migrants were among the challenges to religious freedom detailed by the U.S. bishops in their annual report.
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
The top 5 international Catholic stories you read in 2024 (and some we wish you had)
Top reports from America’s “Dispatches” department include looks at conflict, migration and geopolitics through a Catholic filter.
Posted inArts & Culture, Dispatches
The Irish Christmas tradition that celebrates the unsung work of women
The Irish tradition has long been that on Nollaig na mBan, this final day of the busy Christmas season, women get to put their feet up and enjoy a day of socializing. In some versions of the tradition, men take over the household chores.
Posted inArts & Culture, Dispatches
The sound of the Christmas season: A history of the lost art of bell-ringing
Bell ringing has a rich history, integrated into daily and liturgical life year-round, a tradition being rediscovered and appreciated by anthropologists, academics, musicians and an increasing number of ordinary people.
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
Destitute South Africans and migrants risk their lives in illegal mines—and are exploited by criminal gangs
In the small town of Stilfontein, some 90 miles from the city of Johannesburg, South Africa, hundreds, possibly thousands, of illegal miners have been underground in an abandoned mine shaft for more than a month.