Earthquake in Molise: Caritas mobilized” “

“With deep distress we’ve heard the sad news of the earthquake in Molise and of the innocent victims. The Catholic Church of Kosovo, Caritas and the parish of Peshter which was twinned with the dioceses of Molise and the Abruzzo, express their full communion and solidarity through prayer”: these words are contained in a letter […]

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Colombia: solidarity of European bishops” “

The Catholic Church targeted once again in Colombia: Msgr. Jorge Enrique Jimenez Carvajal (60), bishop of Zipaquirà and president of CELAM, (Latin American Episcopal Council), was kidnapped by the Revolutionary Armed Forces (Farc) on 11 November. Kidnapped with him was also a priest who was accompanying him, Father Desiderio Orjuela (65). The bishop had gone […]

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Croatia: a church dedicated to Abraham” “

A Greek-Catholic pastoral Centre, with a church dedicated to Abraham, was inaugurated at Samobor, near Zagreb on Sunday, 20 November. The Centre was consecrated and blessed by the bishop of Krizevci, Msgr. Slavomir Miklovs. Numerous Catholic and Greek-Catholic clergy were also present. Father Zivko Kustic pointed out that “never before has any Catholic church been […]

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Vienna: consultation on religious minorities” “

“All religious communities must have the right to practice their faith” and “ every attempt by the State to interfere in the internal affairs of the religious communities represents a violation of human rights“. So declare the participants in the consultation promoted by the “Church and Society” Commission of the KEK (Conference of the European […]

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ecumenism" "

Armenia: Anglican-Orthodox meeting on christology” “

Members of the Anglican Communion and the eastern Orthodox Churches met in Armenia, from 5 to 10 November, for a meeting of dialogue promoted in the framework of an international Commission established by the two Churches. The meeting was co-chaired by Metropolitan Bishoy, of the Coptic Orthodox Church, and the Rev. Geoffrey Rowell, Anglican bishop […]

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France" "

In dialogue with society” “

150 French bishops, including 112 still in service, met in Lourdes for their annual plenary assembly from 3 to 9 November. Among the many dossiers on the agenda, two has been opened last year: marriage and catechesis. Three new reports were added: two relating to the Church and society and a third to the reorganization […]

di Maryvonne Gasse - Paris" "" "

Austria" "

Elections: a politics of values” “

The autumn plenary assembly of the Austrian Episcopal Conference was held at Salzburg from 4 to 7 November. The questions discussed included EU enlargement and the forthcoming elections of the national Assembly, Austria’s central legislative organ, scheduled for 24 November. The final document was presented by Cardinal Christoph Schönborn , president of the Austrian Episcopal […]

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mass media" "

"Signis" takes the first steps” “” “

Exactly twelve months ago – in November 2001 – Signis was founded in Rome as a non-profit organization, officially recognized by the Vatican. It was born from the fusion of two organizations created in 1928: UNDA (radio and television) and OCIC (cinema and audiovisuals). The world Catholic Association for the mass media now comprises 140 […]

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refugees" "

Too many restrictions” “

There are over 2.4 million refugees in Europe due to wars, or persecutions on grounds of race, religion or political opinion. Of these, 1.7 million are in the countries of the European Union (figures for 2001). Their distribution is very varied: Sweden hosts 20 refugees for every 1000 residents, countries like Austria, Denmark, Germany and […]

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A gap has been filled” “

The Convention on the future of Europe, in the course of its last plenary session, decided to set up a work group on social policies (cf. the previous report). The debate on social issues is likely to be of great importance for defining the future appearance of the “common European home”. That’s why SirEurope has […]

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