Two Christian groups in California have been ordered to shut down their cost-sharing health plans and cease conducting business by the State’s Department of Insurance. The State issued the Cease and Desist order against Aliera Healthcare, Inc. and Trinity Healthshares, Inc., on the grounds that the two faith-based cost-sharing health ministries are misleading consumers by…
Thousands of Venezuelans including clergy took to the streets in Caracas and other cities to demand democratic change last week, amid on-going economic, political and social crises in the country. “Today [March 10] the Venezuelan people have returned to the streets demanding their rights and manifesting their desire for a change of direction in the…
Cardinal George Pell has had his “leave to appeal” ruling deferred by the Australian High Court last week in what is a final attempt to have his conviction for sexual assault overturned. Pell was sentenced last year to six years in prison for molesting two 13-year-old choirboys in Melbourne’s St Patrick’s Cathedral, while he was…
Singapore resumed public Masses and liturgical prayers at the weekend with government-issued directives and precautionary measures being taken. The Archdiocese of Singapore, who had previously suspended all Church programs in February, announced their plan to resume religious services on March 14 and 15 last week. The archdiocese said the resumption of public gatherings for the…
Church dismay at ‘neglected’ Indian schools report Church leaders in India have voiced concerns over a recent survey on education which found almost half of government-run schools have no electricity or playgrounds. In its report, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Human Resource Development (HRD) says 40% of government schools lack infrastructure – classrooms, libraries and…
Pope rules out East Timor visit, other trips doubtful The Vatican representative to East Timor says a visit by Pope Francis to the region has been cancelled due to the coronavirus, with other possible trips likely to be scrapped as well. Msgr Marco Sprizzi, Chargé d’Affaires of the Apostolic Nunciature, told reporters in Dili that…
While many are stuck at home during the coronavirus pandemic, Pope Francis says that there are many small acts of love and kindness one can do for others without leaving the house. “We must rediscover the concreteness of little things, small gestures of attention we can offer those close to us, our family, our friends.…
All public Masses and liturgical celebrations in Italy have been suspended until April 3 following an announcement by the Italian bishops’ conference at the weekend. On March 8 the country’s bishops postponed all religious activities amid growing fears surrounding the coronavirus outbreak, after the Italian government ordered the closure of all schools, cinemas, museums, gyms…
The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem has issued special guidelines after several people in Bethlehem tested positive for the coronavirus last week. The directive comes after a decision by the Palestinian Ministry of Health to close all schools, places of worship and holy sites in Bethlehem and Jericho for two weeks. Pastoral region In a letter…
The Bishops of Mexico have voiced their support for a 24-hour “National Women’s Strike” aimed at bringing attention to violence committed against women in the country. The landmark event took place in Mexico City on March 9 and saw women stay away from offices, schools, restaurants, shops and public transport for the whole day. Mexican…