International News

News from outside of Canada.

Be a Good Samaritan to Christians in Syria and Iraq, bishop pleads

June 19, 2017

INDIANAPOLIS – As the U.S. bishops discussed immigration at their annual meeting this week, one Syriac Catholic bishop begged them not to forget Christian refugees in Syria and the Middle East.

Saving ancient Christian cultures…one story at a time

June 18, 2017

WASHINGTON – Ancient artifacts. Centuries-old legends. Prayers dating back to the time of Christ. An enemy seeking to destroy it all. And a team of dedicated scholars trying to save the memories before it’s too late.

British Christians wonder if there is room for them in politics

June 18, 2017

LONDON – Concern is growing among British Christians about their place in the country’s public life after Tim Farron, leader of the Liberal Democrats, resigned over his religious beliefs.

Displaced near South Sudanese border live on mangoes, sweet potatoes

June 18, 2017

RIIMENZE, South Sudan – Violence near South Sudan's border with Congo has driven 6,000 people from the countryside to shelter in the shadows of the village church, where some have been surviving on mangoes.

At Loreto school, South Sudanese girls from diverse tribes live in peace

June 18, 2017

RUMBEK, South Sudan – In a country wracked by civil war and ethnic strife, Irish nuns have created a unique space where young women can dream of a better future and begin to acquire the skills that will help them construct it.

More than half of Iraqi, Syrian Christians have fled since 2011

June 17, 2017

AMSTERDAM, Netherlands – A new report estimates that between 50 and 80 per cent of Christians have fled the countries of Iraq and Syria since the start of the Syrian Civil War in 2011.

Nigerian priest shares harrowing story of being kidnapped

June 17, 2017

ISSELE-UKU, Nigeria – It was supposed to be a quiet retreat weekend last April for Fr. Sam Okwuidegbe, a Nigerian Jesuit priest and director of a local spirituality centre.

Indian court affirms priests’ right to property despite poverty oath

June 16, 2017

KOCHI, India – A high court in southern India has ruled that Christian priests and nuns are entitled to their right to property despite their vows of poverty, signalling an end to a centuries-old tradition that has left many in the clergy destitute.

Church offers counselling to help students cope with trauma of London fire

June 16, 2017

Church agencies are helping London Catholic school students cope with the trauma of the Grenfell Tower fire, including knowing that some of their fellow students are missing.

Vietnamese priests say police is letting gangs terrorize Catholics

June 16, 2017

HANOI, Vietnam – Police have looked the other way as groups of youths have terrorized a Catholic community in northeast Vietnam.