As National Migration Week concludes, Jill Marie Gerschutz-Bell, a senior policy and legislative specialist for Catholic Relief Services, discusses the conflicts and crises that are forcing people from their communities in the Middle East, Africa and Central America.
Africa
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
Stop culture of brutality, says Nigerian archbishop
The Diocese of Kafanchan, located in the area, estimated more than 800 people were killed, and damages to property and foodstuffs topped $17.5 million.
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
Collapsed church in Nigeria kills 160 people
Worshippers said construction of the building had been rushed.
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
Why do Catholic bishops fear chaos in Congo?
“Despite all divergences, we believe a political compromise is still possible,” the bishops said in a Dec. 2 statement.
Posted inDispatches, Faith
South African bishops are working to promote Pope Francis’ ecological concerns
“The Holy Father makes it clear that caring for our common home is a fundamental dimension of Christian spirituality.”
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
The ‘shame of poverty’ is colored by cactus fruit in Madagascar
Hunger is so severe in drought-ridden southern Madagascar that many people in remote villages have eaten almost nothing but cactus fruit for up to four years.
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
Bishops of Rwanda ask forgiveness for Catholics’ role in 1994 genocide
In 14 points, the bishops ask forgiveness for the role that some members of the Catholic Church played during the genocide, especially for the pastors that “sowed seeds of hate.”
Posted inPolitics & Society, Signs Of the Times
News briefs
The Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference, which includes the bishops of Sudan and South Sudan, said in a statement released on Nov. 8 that “there is nothing more needed than forgiveness”; to heal the divisions both countries have experienced over decades of conflict.
Posted inPolitics & Society, Signs Of the Times
News Briefs
Iraqi Christians gathered on Oct. 25 at the Church of our Lady of Perpetual Help in Ainkawa, Turkey, to offer prayers of support for Iraqi forces pressing an offensive against the Islamic State around Mosul. • President Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela met privately with Pope Francis an Oct. 24 as the Vatican began a mediation […]
Posted inPolitics & Society, Signs Of the Times
In South Africa, are student demonstrations a sideshow to the nation’s real problems?
Chaos and intransigence in the universities is matched by absurd criminal charges against a minister of finance who may only be doing his job too well.