CHURCHES IN BRIEF
Switzerland: solidarity to persecuted ChristiansSolidarity to persecuted Iraqi Christians and the display of religious symbols in public places were the main themes addressed by the ordinary Assembly of the Swiss Bishops’ Conference (CES), held a few days ago in Viège. The prelates denounced the "strong hostility against religious symbols in public places", which they believe constitutes a "trend in public opinion aimed at confining religion to the private sphere". CES was pleased to acknowledge that the "majority of the population favours the presence of Christian symbols, Crucifixes in particular, in public places". Accordingly, most citizens believe that "the abolition of religious symbols risks undermining the Christian foundations of society and free coexistence", CES bishops declared. There ensues the right to bear public Christian witness and live faith through visible signs. "The freedom of conscience and religion they added is ensured only if the expressions of faith are tolerated along with religious symbols. The ban on Crucifixes in public places is not a sign of tolerance. In fact it conveys intolerance by preventing public expressions of Christianity". The Swiss Bishops also voiced their concern for the living conditions of the Christian population in Iraq, and conveyed their solidarity. "We’re shocked by the situation of Christians in Iraq", states a message of the Swiss episcopate on the bloody attack of October 31st against the Syro-Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady of Salvation in Baghdad, that caused the death of 58 faithful. "The attack is the peak of a long series of acts of violence against Christians and against the members of other religious minorities. Reportedly, these acts of persecution continues the CES communiqué are unending. Christians’ living conditions in the Middle East grow harsher and their lives are under constant threat". The Swiss bishops referred to the bishops’ Synod for the Middle East called by Benedict XVI, at the end of which was released a heartfelt appeal to justice, peace, the respect of human rights and religious freedom across the Middle East. The Bishops’ Conference expressed gratitude to all the humanitarian organizations that provide assistance to Christian Catholics living in Iraq and those forced to go on exile to the neighbouring Countries, like Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. Finally, the bishops reiterated that the strongest support that can be offered to Iraqi Christians is prayer, and they invited the parishes to celebrate Mass or other liturgical services for all those persecuted and martyrized because of their faith.Ireland: a commitment for solidarityThe Irish bishops’ commitment to support the population at a time of serious financial crisis, sharing worries and difficulties, is ongoing. "I write to acknowledge the genuine fear and uncertainty that many of us now feel about our present situation and indeed what it may mean for our future", states Bishop Denis Brennan, Bishop of Ferns, in a Letter to the faithful. "We find ourselves in the midst of a rapidly changing national and international scenario, the likes of which we have not experienced in our lifetimes. Many people feel a sense of helplessness, a sense that in the face of the global forces now impacting on us, there is nothing we can do. This is understandable, especially in the wake of the surprising developments of recent weeks. We have all been shocked by the rapid decline in our fortunes". The bishops thus conveyed a joint solidarity proposal: "At times such as we are now going through, we need to shelter each other, to help each other, as much as we can. The parish, local clubs, groups and organisations can play a vital role here, creating community and providing a sense of belonging". To this regard bishop Brennan reminded of the annual collection of the St Vincent de Paul Society that will be taken up by Irish churches on 11th and 12th December. The collection the bishop said – is our opportunity to offer “hope through help”. Belgium: December 12, the "light of Bethlehem" A light from Bethlehem will arrive in Belgium on Sunday 12 December. It was lit in Bethlehem in the Grotta of the Nativity and has crossed over 3000 kilometers. On Sunday 12 it will reach the Church of Garnstock, in Eupen. From there it will continue its journey among those groups and parishes that wish to receive the holy light within their community. The initiative was launched in 1986 by an Austrian television network (ORF). Since then the Guides and the Scouts have adopted this idea, and have disseminated the light of Bethlehem as a sign of hope across European countries, from Italy to Lithuania. In 1996 for the first time the light of hope reached Belgium on the initiative of the Scouts, who this year chose the theme: "light brings peace".
