What can a nation or church do when its leaders mislead? Some political leaders take the “strong man” approach, using violence to win popular support and to distract from domestic problems.
Asia
Posted inCurrent Comment, Faith
The Holy See should not abandon Taipei, even for better relations with Beijing.
Despite its functional independence, Taiwan is still regarded in Beijing as a renegade province.
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Why Pope Francis is making Asia a priority for the Catholic Church
Pope Francis has his eyes fixed on Asia, where he sees the possibility of a new springtime for the church.
Posted inCurrent Comment, Politics & Society
The ethics of outsourcing childbirth
India, one of the top international destinations for couples hoping to hire women as surrogates for pregnancy, is poised to ban the practice in most cases.
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
The future of the Rohingya community in Myanmar rests with an advisory committee
Hundreds of Rohingya were killed and tens of thousands forced to flee their homes in 2012 unrest in Rakhine state, and many continue to be confined to squalid camps there.
Posted inPolitics & Society, Signs Of the Times
Street Killings Spike in Philippines, Duterte Challenged by Bishops
Deploring a campaign of extrajudicial killings that has, according to local media, claimed more than 800 lives, the president of the Philippines bishops’ conference issued a direct challenge to President Rodrigo Duterte and his supporters.
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
Myanmar’s Rohingya Muslim Minority Become Newest Boat People
A few small but significant steps toward ending the suffering of Rohingya Muslims adrift on the Andaman Sea have been made in recent days Responding to broad international criticism of previous decisions to turn away boatloads of Rohingya landing on their shores Southeast Asian regional powers Mal
Posted inPolitics & Society
Religion and Politics in India
Suppression of religious minorities and its nuclear blasts have made India visible to the world.