Monthly Archives: December 2011

South Africa

ANC celebrates its centenary trading on past glories

Mail and Guardian

DAVID SMITH

The South African president, Jacob Zuma, will be joined by foreign heads of state where it all began: a Wesleyan church in Waaihoek, Bloemfontein. At the stroke of midnight, he will step forward to light the “centenary flame” symbolising the resistance that gave hope to all of Africa.  The African National Congress, the oldest liberation movement on the continent, turns 100 years old on January 8. A year of celebrations costing at least R100m will kick off with a “centenary golf day”, a dinner, a church service, a centennial address by Zuma, a performance of the ANC’s history in song and dance and a shindig for 100 000 people.  Continue reading ANC celebrates its centenary trading on past glories →

Nigeria

Nigeria: Archbishop speaks on Christmas bombings

Independent Catholic News

Dozens of Christians and Muslims in Nigeria were killed on Christmas day when a series of bomb attacks took place on churches around the country.  The extreme Islamic Boko Haram sect orchestrated the attacks. At least 35 people died in a suicide bombing on the church of Santa Teresa, in Madalla district in Abuja, the federal capital.  Other bombs exploded elsewhere, including a Pentecostal church in Jos, the capital of Plateau State.  The Archbishop of Abuja, Mgr John Olorunfemi Onaiyekan said: “I hope that these people have not died in vain, the Nigerians are realizing that terrorism threatens us all, Christians and Muslims.” Continue reading Nigeria: Archbishop speaks on Christmas bombings →

Migration

Sisters launch billboard campaign for immigration reform

DAVENPORT, Iowa (CNS) — In anticipation of the Iowa caucuses Jan. 3, 10 communities of women religious in Iowa and nearby states bought billboards throughout Iowa to deliver a call for comprehensive immigration reform. Quoting chapter 25, verse 35 of the Gospel of Matthew, the billboards read: “I was a stranger and you welcomed me” and are signed “Jesus.” But the words “a stranger” are crossed out and replaced with “an immigrant.” Continue reading Sisters launch billboard campaign for immigration reform →

Nigeria

Christmas tragedy: Bomb explosions kill 35 in church

Sun News

Four families totally wiped out. Four suspects caught.

By IKENNA EMEWU, IHEANACHO NWOSU, Abuja and AKIN ALOFEYEKUN, Minna

Many families have gone, many families have gone. They came to worship their God, but all of them killed”.  This was how Rev. Fr Isaac Achii, the Parish Priest of St Theresa’s Catholic Church, Madalla, near Suleja, Niger State, captured the bomb explosions that rocked the church on Christmas Day. Not less than five explosions took place within the church’s premises and along the road.  Eyewitnesses said that four policemen detailed to the church accosted three suicide bombers, asking them about their mission. The suspects claimed they were going to worship in the church. Suddenly, the bombs were detonated, consuming all of them. Continue reading Christmas tragedy: Bomb explosions kill 35 in church →

Migration

New Rights for California’s Undocumented

YES Magazine

by Jen Horton

A handful of new laws this autumn will strengthen civil rights, improve access to education, and protect jobs for the state’s undocumented immigrants.Document Actions.

Several laws signed by California Governor Jerry Brown this autumn will improve life in the state for undocumented immigrants, recognizing their civil rights and improving their prospects for education and employment. Continue reading New Rights for California’s Undocumented →

Economic Justice, USA

US Bishops: ‘there is moral obligation to provide unemployment insurance

Independent Catholic News

As they finalize federal spending priorities, Congress should find ways to assure continuation of Unemployment Insurance and Emergency Unemployment Compensation, said Bishop Stephen E Blaire of Stockton, California, chairman of the Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).

“For millions of American workers and their families, economic hardship continues and grows. The US Catholic bishops have long advocated that the most effective way to build a just economy is the availability of decent work at decent wages,” wrote Bishop Blaire in a December 12 letter to Congress. “When the economy fails to generate sufficient jobs, there is a moral obligation to help protect the life and dignity of unemployed workers and their families.” Continue reading US Bishops: ‘there is moral obligation to provide unemployment insurance →

Economic Justice, Environment, Racism, USA, Women and Children

Message from Pax Christi Executive Director – Patricia Chappell, SNDdeN

1 Comment

Pax Christi USA
Dear Pax Christi USA Member,
As a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur (SNDdeN), I am humbled to join the ranks of the  outstanding leaders who have served as executive director of Pax Christi USA. I look forward to the challenge and to working with you as we approach the 40th anniversary of the Catholic peace movement in the United States. Continue reading Message from Pax Christi Executive Director – Patricia Chappell, SNDdeN →

Education, Migration, USA

New Rights for California’s Undocumented

YES Magazine
A handful of new laws this autumn will strengthen civil rights, improve access to education, and protect jobs for the state’s undocumented immigrants.
by Jen Horton

A UCLA student demands the DREAM Act. Photo by Paulina Clemente.

Several laws signed by California Governor Jerry Brown this autumn will improve life in the state for undocumented immigrants, recognizing their civil rights and improving their prospects for education and employment.

One of these, AB 131, builds on AB 130, signed this summer. These two laws, collectively known as the “California Dream Act,” enable eligible undocumented students at California colleges and universities to receive private or state-funded financial aid as of January 1, 2013.

“Passage of AB 131 will be the opening bell in the savviest investment California has ever made,” said UCLA student Justino Mora, in a statement released by the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles. “I know I represent high interests for my family, my community, and my country if I am given this chance.” Continue reading New Rights for California’s Undocumented →