International News

News from outside of Canada.

Trump defends refugee ban as part of protecting religious freedom

February 2, 2017

WASHINGTON – On Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump insisted that protecting religious freedom is a U.S. priority, while defending his recent halt of refugee admissions as a necessary step to protect that freedom.

Philippine cardinal: Tell legislators death penalty does not deter crime

February 2, 2017

MANILA, Philippines – A Philippine cardinal has urged the faithful of his country to tell their lawmakers that the death penalty does not deter violent crime, could potentially legitimize violence and that life is a gift from God.

Bishops concerned by Trump's decision to keep Obama's LGBT executive order

February 2, 2017

WASHINGTON – The U.S. bishops are concerned by the Trump administration’s decision to maintain a “troubling” Obama-era executive order that could demand federal contractors violate their religious beliefs on marriage and gender ideology.

Nigerian bishop: Evangelize though family, social media

February 2, 2017

ABUJA, Nigeria – For one Catholic bishop in Nigeria, social media and family life are two keys for evangelization and sharing the values of the Catholic Church.

Yazidi human rights leader won’t be able to pick up award due to Trump's travel ban

February 1, 2017

Vian Dakhil captured the world’s attention two years ago when she made an impassioned plea to save the Yazidi religious minority from annihilation by the Islamic State group in northern Iraq.

U.S. bishops say refugee ban raises deep concerns over religious freedom

February 1, 2017

WASHINGTON – The chairmen of three U.S. bishops' committees Jan. 31 expressed solidarity with the Muslim community and expressed deep concern over religious freedom issues they said President Donald Trump's refugee ban raises.

Protesters gather at airport over refugee ban, greet arriving travellers

February 1, 2017

DULLES, Va. – While their signs showed their discontent with President Donald Trump's executive memorandum to halt immigration from seven Middle Eastern countries, the protesters at Dulles International Airport conveyed nothing but welcome for the hundreds of travellers who arrived there Jan. 30.

Philippines bishops oppose bid for severe death penalty revival

February 1, 2017

MANILA, Philippines – The Catholic bishops of the Philippines voiced strong objections to proposals intended to reinstate the death penalty in the country.

Boy Scouts of America accepts gender identity as new standard for admission

February 1, 2017

DALLAS, Texas – Citing legal and community changes, the Boy Scouts of America have said self-declared gender identity now determines youth eligibility for its scouting programs. The move could add new difficulties for Catholic sponsors of scout troops trying to adapt to the organization’s relatively new policy on homosexuality.

Priest apologizes for meme encouraging anti-Trump protesters to commit suicide

February 1, 2017

BROOKLYN, N.Y. – Parishioners were distressed after a priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn posted a meme on Facebook that encouraged Trump opponents to commit suicide.