POGROM AND PERSECUTION

Nirmala Carvalho
Unknown assailants pulled the statue of Jesus from the cross and smashed it to pieces. The incident occurred in the district of Vile Parle , near the church of St. Francis Xavier, where 37 children were preparing to receive their First Holy Communion . The archbishop of Mumbai describes it as an "attack on the tolerance , harmony and diversity that characterize our beloved city ." Last September, another church was desecrated in Mumbai .

12/12/2013 INDONESIA - ISLAM
Society against the government over religion on ID papers
Mathias Hariyadi
Parliament's decision to include holder's religious affiliation in identity papers sparks widespread criticism. For many, the inclusion will lead to persecution and abuse, especially of those who do not belong to any of the recognised faiths. According to research by the Setara Institute, the Ahmadi sect has endured the most with 46 attacks out of 122 incidents recorded in the first six months of 2013.

12/11/2013 INDIA
Karnataka, Christmas sees return of Hindu fundamentalist persecution
Two women were arrested for distributing leaflets about Christianity . A mob of extremists threaten to launch a mass protest , to punish "those who practice conversions". President of the Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC ), tells AsiaNews: "A shameful attack, as planned nationalist forces step up pressure on Christians at Christmas".

12/04/2013 SRI LANKA
Mangalika's story: an HIV-positive Catholic woman helps fellow AIDS patients
Melani Manel Perera
The 53-year-old woman discovered she had contracted the virus from her husband, a migrant worker, who could not resist the shame and committed suicide. Faith in God, family support and the encouragement of an HIV-positive doctor led Princy Mangalika to establish an NGO for people with HIV/AIDS. In Sri Lanka, the disease is still stigmatised, even though at least 3,000 people are affected. "They threatened me and tried to set fire to my house," she said, "but I thank the Lord for showing me the way."C. S. P. B. Crux Sancti Patris Benedecti Croce del Santo Padre Benedetto, C. S. S. M. L. Crux Sacra Sit Mihi Lux Croce sacra sii la mia Luce. N. D. S. M. D. Non draco sit mihi dux Che il dragone non sia il mio duce, V. R. S. Vadre Retro satana, Allontanati satana! N. S. M. V. Non Suade Mihi Vana Non mi persuaderai di cose vane, S. M. Q. L. Sunt Mala Quae Libas Ciò che mi offri è cattivo I.V. B. Ipsa Venena Bibas Bevi tu stesso i tuoi veleni. (Al segno + ci si fa il segno della croce) + In nomine Patris, et Filii et Spiritui Sancto Croce del Santo Padre Benedetto. Croce Santa sii la mia Luce e non sia mai il dragone mio duce. Va indietro satana! Non mi persuaderai di cose vane. Sono mali le cose che mi offri, bevi tu stesso il tuo veleno. Nel Nome del Padre, del Figlio e dello Spirito Santo +. Amen!

11/30/2013 TURKEY
For Patriarch Bartholomew, Pope Francis breathes new life in the "dialogue of love" between "Sister Churches"
NAT da Polis
The decision to meet in Jerusalem in the spring of 2014 is particularly important coming on the 50th anniversary of the historic embrace between Pope Paul VI and Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras. "We are very saddened by our failure to reach full communion, cause of so many evils among us Christians".

11/28/2013 VATICAN
Pope: the persecution of Christians tells us that Christ's victory "is near"
"We can not talk about religion , it's a private thing , no? Do not speak about it publicly . Religious signs are removed. We must obey the orders of worldly powers. We can do many things, beautiful things, but not worship God. "

11/28/2013 ISLAM - CHRISTIANITY
For Muslim scholar, Islam does not know how to engage in dialogue, must learn from Christians
Idris Tawfiq
First Muslim guest at the World Council of Churches, a professor from Al Azhar is struck by the mutual respect and willingness to listen shown by Christian delegates. He would like to see Muslims behave this way. As am ambassador of Islam, he calls on Muslims to "open up to the issues of poverty and care for creation."

11/26/2013 MIDDLE EAST - ASIA
A spiritual retreat in Dubai keeps the faith alive among migrants in the Middle East
Nirmala Carvalho
Fr Errol Fernandes, a Jesuit, talks to AsiaNews about Christian workers bearing witness o their faith in the countries of the Persian Gulf. From 4 to 6 November, the priest led a spiritual retreat in Dubai on the occasion of the Year of Faith, on behalf of Churches that exist because of the presence of migrants. Wherever freedom of religion exists in Arab countries, Christianity is alive and vibrant. For the clergyman, those who are persecuted live like Christ and their witness brings new life to the Church.C. S. P. B. Crux Sancti Patris Benedecti Croce del Santo Padre Benedetto, C. S. S. M. L. Crux Sacra Sit Mihi Lux Croce sacra sii la mia Luce. N. D. S. M. D. Non draco sit mihi dux Che il dragone non sia il mio duce, V. R. S. Vadre Retro satana, Allontanati satana! N. S. M. V. Non Suade Mihi Vana Non mi persuaderai di cose vane, S. M. Q. L. Sunt Mala Quae Libas Ciò che mi offri è cattivo I.V. B. Ipsa Venena Bibas Bevi tu stesso i tuoi veleni. (Al segno + ci si fa il segno della croce) + In nomine Patris, et Filii et Spiritui Sancto Croce del Santo Padre Benedetto. Croce Santa sii la mia Luce e non sia mai il dragone mio duce. Va indietro satana! Non mi persuaderai di cose vane. Sono mali le cose che mi offri, bevi tu stesso il tuo veleno. Nel Nome del Padre, del Figlio e dello Spirito Santo +. Amen!

11/26/2013 RUSSIA - VATICAN Moscow Patriarchate calls for a "solution to international problems" after Putin-Pope meeting Nina Achmatova Among Catholics and Orthodox, the meeting between the Russian leader and the pope is seen through political senses. Nothing is said about ecumenical dialogue. Exchanges between the Churches is active. Mgr Paglia and Card Koch are set to travel to Moscow.
	11/26/2013 VATICAN Pope: "A missionary and pastoral conversion" for a Church open to changing its structures Franco Pisano The Apostolic Exhortation " Evangelii Gaudium". Evangelization, the programmatic manifesto of the papacy, must find "new paths" and "creative methods" . A "healthy decentralization". An economic system "unjust at its roots". "Authentic attacks on religious freedom". "There is an inseparable link between our faith and the poor ". " No one can demand from us that we relegate religion to the secret intimacy of the individual". Islamic countries must "ensure freedom to Christians to worship and live their faith."
	11/25/2013 VATICAN - RUSSIA Middle East and persecution of Christians focus of Pope's meeting with Putin The Vatican speaks of "cordial discussions" and "good bilateral relations". The Russian president brings the greetings of Patriarch Kirill to Francis , but not an invitation to go to Moscow . Father Lombardi : "No one expected there to be one".C. S. P. B. Crux Sancti Patris Benedecti Croce del Santo Padre Benedetto, C. S. S. M. L. Crux Sacra Sit Mihi Lux Croce sacra sii la mia Luce. N. D. S. M. D. Non draco sit mihi dux Che il dragone non sia il mio duce, V. R. S. Vadre Retro satana, Allontanati satana! N. S. M. V. Non Suade Mihi Vana Non mi persuaderai di cose vane, S. M. Q. L. Sunt Mala Quae Libas Ciò che mi offri è cattivo I.V. B. Ipsa Venena Bibas Bevi tu stesso i tuoi veleni. (Al segno + ci si fa il segno della croce) + In nomine Patris, et Filii et Spiritui Sancto Croce del Santo Padre Benedetto. Croce Santa sii la mia Luce e non sia mai il dragone mio duce. Va indietro satana! Non mi persuaderai di cose vane. Sono mali le cose che mi offri, bevi tu stesso il tuo veleno. Nel Nome del Padre, del Figlio e dello Spirito Santo +. Amen!
	11/25/2013 VATICAN Pope: make a "definite choice" for the Lord , like the persecuted Christians of every age Those who trust in God even in "extreme situations", " are an example for us and encourage us to offer all that we have to the treasure of the Church". Not only martyrs , but also many parents who make definitive choices every day to forge ahead with their family, their children are " a treasure in the Church ."
	11/22/2013 MYANMAR - UNITED NATIONS Archbishop of Yangon : Interreligious dialogue is the only way to solve the Rohingya drama Francis Khoo Thwe After the UN's appeal, staunchly rejected by the Burmese government with NLD approval, the issue of citizenship for Rohingya takes centre stage. Msgr . Bo says it is a sensitive issue and points to the need to distinguish "case by case " . Speaking to AsiaNews calls for a "serious discussion" and a major confrontation between religious leaders. Teaching of religion in school fundamental.
	11/21/2013 RUSSIA Russia, attacks on Jehovah's Witnesses and Pentecostals increase under anti-extremism law Nina Achmatova Experts from the Sova center denounce the escalation of attacks against religious minorities. On November 25 Tagarong trial opens against 16 Jehovah's Witnesses accused of extremism for continuing to pray and read the Bible together, after the ban on the community decided by the Russian Supreme Court in 2009.
	11/20/2013 INDIA - UNITED STATES Christian leader: religious freedom is central to the dialogue between Washington and New Delhi Nirmala Carvalho The president of the Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC) backs a bipartisan US resolution concerning relations between the two countries. The United States is "concerned" about the violations of freedom of religion. India's political parties and religious organisations must "publicly oppose the exploitation of religious differences and denounce harassment and violence against religious minorities, especially in the run-up to India's general elections in 2014."
	11/19/2013 VATICAN Pope: a nation that does not respect the elderly, has no future, because it has no memory "We pray for our grandfathers, our grandmothers, who often have had a heroic role in the transmission of the faith in times of persecution . When mom and dad were not at home and even had strange ideas, that the politics of the time taught, grandparents were the ones who passed on the faith. "
	11/19/2013 JAPAN - VATICAN For Nagasaki bishop, the Year of Faith has brought good results, now we are waiting for Francis Joseph Yun Li-sun Archbishop Takami concelebrated Mass with the Pope in Santa Marta. "I told him about our invitation to him to visit the country. He did not answer outright, but he was very satisfied. Let's hope he comes because his example has brought many Christians back to the Church. Even non-Christians in Japan follow him, impressed by his example and his words."
	11/18/2013 INDIA For Indian Christian leader, Narendra Modi is a threat to religious freedom Nirmala Carvalho This is the conclusion reached by Sajan George, president of Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC) following certain statements made by Modi, the prime ministerial candidate of the Hindu ultra-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), who said that that he likes Karnataka's "saffron wave". Saffron is the colour of radical Hindus, and the state has one of the worst records in terms of the persecution of religious minorities.C. S. P. B. Crux Sancti Patris Benedecti Croce del Santo Padre Benedetto, C. S. S. M. L. Crux Sacra Sit Mihi Lux Croce sacra sii la mia Luce. N. D. S. M. D. Non draco sit mihi dux Che il dragone non sia il mio duce, V. R. S. Vadre Retro satana, Allontanati satana! N. S. M. V. Non Suade Mihi Vana Non mi persuaderai di cose vane, S. M. Q. L. Sunt Mala Quae Libas Ciò che mi offri è cattivo I.V. B. Ipsa Venena Bibas Bevi tu stesso i tuoi veleni. (Al segno + ci si fa il segno della croce) + In nomine Patris, et Filii et Spiritui Sancto Croce del Santo Padre Benedetto. Croce Santa sii la mia Luce e non sia mai il dragone mio duce. Va indietro satana! Non mi persuaderai di cose vane. Sono mali le cose che mi offri, bevi tu stesso il tuo veleno. Nel Nome del Padre, del Figlio e dello Spirito Santo +. Amen!

11/17/2013 VATICAN Pope: Many Christians worldwide suffer for their faith, I am close to them with admiration and prayer At the Sunday Angelus, Francis speaks of Jesus 'discourse ' about the end of time" and in unscripted remarks recalls the "brothers and sisters in many parts of the world who are still persecuted for their fidelity to Jesus. There are many, perhaps more than in the first centuries, we are close to them with our hearts and prayers". After the Marian prayer, the Pope announces the distribution of Misericordina in the square : a small box containing a Rosary , "spiritual medicine" 59 beaded steps that "is good for all of our lives ."
	11/11/2013 PAKISTAN Lahore: life of Christian pastor accused of blasphemy in danger Jibran Khan An outlawed extremist organisation, Jamat-ul-Dawa, issues a fatwa against Adnan Masih. As a result of a misunderstanding, the Christian man has been accused of insulting Muhammad and Islam. As police investigates, the clergyman and his family are under their protection. A local priest notes that this is "the third case of persecution against Christians based on the blasphemy law in just two months."
	11/08/2013 SRI LANKA Desmond Tutu says no to Commonwealth meeting to stop violations in Sri Lanka Melani Manel Perera The Anglican Archbishop and Nobel Peace Prize laureate calls on Commonwealth leaders to boycott the meeting summit in Colombo on 15-17 November. For Archbishop Tutu, this would put pressure on Rajapaksa and his government to address outstanding issues like forced abductions, war crimes against Tamils, and media repression.
	11/04/2013 CHINA Xinjiang: General in charge of security removed after attack on Tiananmen The authorities have removed Yong Peng from official duties. The decision after the terrorist attack on the heart of Beijing, which the Party claims is the work of Uyghurs from the western province. Analysts in agreement that the only independence movement left "unable to plan such attacks ."
	11/01/2013 VATICAN Pope: At this time, we think about our own sunset with the heart anchored on the hope of Jesus that does not disappoint Putting aside his written text, Francis Pope offers a meditation on death at Rome's Verano cemetery, one that is also about hope "anchored" in Jesus Christ. His thoughts were also for the refugees who die in the desert and at sea.
	11/01/2013 ASIA - VATICAN Pope blesses AsiaNews at ten Bernardo Cervellera We have had ten good years, going from hundreds to millions of readers. In this period, we have upheld our Christian identity and felt close to every situation in which people are humiliated and persecuted. Our friends include Orthodox, Protestants, Jehovah's Witnesses, Buddhists, Muslims, Hindus, and atheists. By presenting the stories of Christians in Asia, we can help the Christians of the West.C. S. P. B. Crux Sancti Patris Benedecti Croce del Santo Padre Benedetto, C. S. S. M. L. Crux Sacra Sit Mihi Lux Croce sacra sii la mia Luce. N. D. S. M. D. Non draco sit mihi dux Che il dragone non sia il mio duce, V. R. S. Vadre Retro satana, Allontanati satana! N. S. M. V. Non Suade Mihi Vana Non mi persuaderai di cose vane, S. M. Q. L. Sunt Mala Quae Libas Ciò che mi offri è cattivo I.V. B. Ipsa Venena Bibas Bevi tu stesso i tuoi veleni. (Al segno + ci si fa il segno della croce) + In nomine Patris, et Filii et Spiritui Sancto Croce del Santo Padre Benedetto. Croce Santa sii la mia Luce e non sia mai il dragone mio duce. Va indietro satana! Non mi persuaderai di cose vane. Sono mali le cose che mi offri, bevi tu stesso il tuo veleno. Nel Nome del Padre, del Figlio e dello Spirito Santo +. Amen!
	11/01/2013 VATICAN Pope: the Saints tell us to trust the Lord and not be afraid to go against the tide On the Solemnity of All Saints, Pope Francis reminds us that "life's goal is not death" but heaven. The saints are not supermen, but ordinary people who lived following Jesus; people who loved others instead of hating them, in the spirit of the beatitudes. This afternoon, the Pope will celebrate Mass at the Verano cemetery and pray especially for Christians who died "because of persecution."
	10/31/2013 ITALY - MYANMAR Aung San Suu Kyi tells AsiaNews that peace and unity are the way to a democratic Burma Dario Salvi In an exclusive interview with AsiaNews, the Nobel Prize laureate calls for true "equality" among Burma's citizens in order to further the country's development. The people of Burma can overcome ethnic and religious conflicts through "hard work", following the path indicated by religious leaders, thus taking "responsibility to bring about peace."
	10/31/2013 VATICAN Pope: Every Christian must ask himself how he responds to the love of Jesus This morning Francis celebrated Mass in St. Peter's, at the altar is the tomb of John Paul II. We must ask ourselves if we are like Saint Paul, for whom "no one can separate me from the love of Christ " or like "unfaithful" Jerusalem "unwilling to be loved".
	10/29/2013 PAKISTAN Karachi: Christian family faced with blasphemy and forced conversion threats Jibran Khan In September, the head of the family, Boota Masih, a 58-yeaer-old goldsmith, was killed, falsely accused of blasphemy. In fact, a business rival was behind the murder, and he is still free and unpunished. Meanwhile, armed men have threatened the victim's family, telling them to convert to Islam or face death. Police however have arrested these men.

C. S. P. B. Crux Sancti Patris Benedecti Croce del Santo Padre Benedetto, C. S. S. M. L. Crux Sacra Sit Mihi Lux Croce sacra sii la mia Luce. N. D. S. M. D. Non draco sit mihi dux Che il dragone non sia il mio duce, V. R. S. Vadre Retro satana, Allontanati satana! N. S. M. V. Non Suade Mihi Vana Non mi persuaderai di cose vane, S. M. Q. L. Sunt Mala Quae Libas Ciò che mi offri è cattivo I.V. B. Ipsa Venena Bibas Bevi tu stesso i tuoi veleni. (Al segno + ci si fa il segno della croce) + In nomine Patris, et Filii et Spiritui Sancto Croce del Santo Padre Benedetto. Croce Santa sii la mia Luce e non sia mai il dragone mio duce. Va indietro satana! Non mi persuaderai di cose vane. Sono mali le cose che mi offri, bevi tu stesso il tuo veleno. Nel Nome del Padre, del Figlio e dello Spirito Santo +. Amen!

10/24/2013 VATICAN Pope calls for opposition to all forms of intolerance, from anti-Semitism to the persecution of Christians During a meeting with a delegation from the "Simon Wiesenthal Center", Francis renews his condemnation of all forms of discrimination, be they religious or ethnic, stressing instead the need to "promote a culture of encounter, of mutual respect, understanding and forgiveness ".
	10/22/2013 VIETNAM - VATICAN Vietnamese Catholics mark the end of the Year of Faith through prayer, which is more powerful than persecution Thanh Thúy At least 5,000 people attended the Mass celebrated in Saigon last Saturday to mark the end of the Year of Faith proclaimed by Benedict XVI. The new bishop coadjutor, Card Pham Minh Man, other bishops and priests led the service, which was preceded by a joint prayer before the statue of Our Lady of Peace.
	10/22/2013 NEPAL Hindu outcastes find comfort in Pope Francis and the Bible Kalpit Parajuli A growing number of non-Christians are drawn to Catholicism because of the principles of equality and dignity upheld by the Church. Reading the Bible and Pope Francis' words are playing a crucial role in this, as they did on World Mission Sunday. Forced to change her surname to escape persecution, a convert tells her story.
	10/20/2013 VATICAN Pope: Christian mission is not proselytisim, but spreading "the flame of faith " Jesus invites us to pray with insistence not because he knows what we need , or is not listening to us, but to express our faith " in a God who calls us to fight with Him, every day, every moment , to defeat evil with good . " "Solidarity " with the Philippines affected by the earthquake .
	10/19/2013 INDIA Bishop of Orissa: World Mission Day, against persecution and united in faith mons. Niranjan Sual Singh* The Bishop of Sambalpur , a Dalit , tells AsiaNews about his life in the Indian state , from abuse suffered as a child to his priestly mission . Following the words of Pope Francis, who with his own life is " an example and model " to follow as a bishop.
	10/18/2013 VATICAN - JEWS Catholics and Jews call on the world to ensure full respect for religious freedom In a joint communiqué issued at the end of its 22nd meeting, the International Catholic-Jewish Liaison Committee condemns the rise of anti-Christian persecution and anti-Semitism. The committee also called attention to the need "to guarantee full citizenship to all citizens regardless of religious or ethnic identity in the Middle East", and for Catholics and Jews to deepen their mutual understanding.
	10/17/2013 INDONESIA East Jakarta, extremists threaten Catholics. Parish priest defends religious freedom Mathias Hariyadi The parish of Kalvari , in Cipayung , is being targeted in a campaign against the local Catholic community . Banners and signs with threatening slogans appear near the mosque. A parishoner: years of harmony and coexistence at risk. New attacks ( verbal ) also against the church of St. Bernadette .
	10/11/2013 ASIA AsiaNews Symposium:The Christians' mission for the future good of Asia The vast fresco outlined by Card. Pell and the words of Card. Filoni show that in Aisa, in the midst of many positives and negatives, there is a strong search for the religious and a great future for the Church. The importance of the third sector stressed by Prof. Caloia . For Fr. Samir it is possible to defeat Islamic fundamentalism (without weapons ) . The mission in Asia is still only just beginning.
	10/11/2013 VATICAN Pope: under no pretext should forms of intolerance and anti-Semitism be allowed to come back In receiving a delegation from the Jewish Community of Rome, Francis remembered the 70th anniversary of the deportation of 1943. "We know how many religious institutions, monasteries and Papal Basilicas, interpreting the will of the Pope, opened their doors in a brotherly welcome, and how many ordinary Christians offered what help they could give, however big or small."
	10/11/2013 MYANMAR Burmese religious leaders: fight poverty to stop sectarian violence Francis Khoo Thwe This is what an interfaith conference on peace held in Yangon said in its final statement. Leaders from five major religions call for better education to strengthen "national identity" in a multi-religious setting, and the recognition of the "need for frequent discussion [. . .] among the leaders of different faiths in a spirit of mutual respect".

C. S. P. B. Crux Sancti Patris Benedecti Croce del Santo Padre Benedetto, C. S. S. M. L. Crux Sacra Sit Mihi Lux Croce sacra sii la mia Luce. N. D. S. M. D. Non draco sit mihi dux Che il dragone non sia il mio duce, V. R. S. Vadre Retro satana, Allontanati satana! N. S. M. V. Non Suade Mihi Vana Non mi persuaderai di cose vane, S. M. Q. L. Sunt Mala Quae Libas Ciò che mi offri è cattivo I.V. B. Ipsa Venena Bibas Bevi tu stesso i tuoi veleni. (Al segno + ci si fa il segno della croce) + In nomine Patris, et Filii et Spiritui Sancto Croce del Santo Padre Benedetto. Croce Santa sii la mia Luce e non sia mai il dragone mio duce. Va indietro satana! Non mi persuaderai di cose vane. Sono mali le cose che mi offri, bevi tu stesso il tuo veleno. Nel Nome del Padre, del Figlio e dello Spirito Santo +. Amen! 10/10/2013 VIETNAM Hanoi, Catholic lawyer meets with relatives in prison and announces appeal against conviction For the first time since his arrest in December 2012 , Le Quoc Quan was able to speak " for 30 minutes " with five family members. He "does not agree" with the verdict and announces his intention to appeal. From his prison cell he thanks Catholics, Buddhists and activist organizations that have supported him in recent months.
	10/09/2013 VIETNAM Kontum bishop comes out against Vietnamese authorities, telling them to stop attacks against Vinh Diocese J.B. An Dang Bishop Michael Hoang Duc Oanh sends a letter to Nghe-An province's deputy chief, who is responsible for the smear campaign against the bishop of Vinh. The prelate stands in solidarity with Mgr Paul Nguyen Thai Hop, calling for an end to his persecution. He also calls for "reconciliation" between government and the people.
	10/08/2013 VIETNAM Vinh: amid threats and attacks, 50 thousand Catholics pray for release of the two parishioners J.B. An Dang Tens of thousands of faithful at the Mass on October 6 , ask for the release of two faithful unjustly imprisoned. The function was held in an area marked by the devastation caused by typhoon Witif . Not far away soldiers and paramilitary militias held urban warfare exercises in riot gear.
	10/07/2013 CHINA Ni Yulan, disabled activist opposed to land grabs in China, has been released The 54-year-old lawyer spent two and a half years in prison after being convicted on phoney charges. The authorities wanted to undermine her work on behalf of ordinary people. Now she wants compensation, accusing prison authorities of denying her proper medical care.
	10/05/2013 ITALY - IRAQ Chaldean Patriarch : The martyrdom , charisma and gift of the Iraqi Church Joseph Mahmoud At the conference for peace promoted by the Community of Sant'Egidio , Mar Sako stresses that martyrdom " is not an ideology or aim ," but " an everyday reality " of testimony. His Beatitude invites "persecuted Christians " to renew " their faith and their commitment " and stresses the value of their presence in the Middle East as a "sign of hope and peace."
	10/02/2013 VIETNAM Hanoi: 30 months in prison sentence for the Catholic lawyer Le Quoc Quan J.B. An Dang He will also have to pay a fine of more than $50,000. The Court convicted him of tax evasion. The hearing lasted for a couple of hours and ended with the expected guilty sentence. Outside, thousands of police officers and government-hired thugs prevented entry into the courtroom to supporters of the activist.
	10/02/2013 RUSSIA Mufti of Russia : Dialogue is the only weapon for peace in Syria Marta Allevato Vice president of the Council of Muftis of Russia, Rushan Abbyasov , says we must defend the Christian presence in the Middle Eastern country . Muslim community " is the victim of a media attack" in Russia and worldwide. "Prospective" of seeing the Pope in Moscow. A conversation with AsiaNews .
	10/01/2013 BANGLADESH Bangladesh: War Court sentences to death a member of the nationalist party Sumon Corraya The Court has deemed the member of parliament Salahuddin Quader Chowdhury guilty of crimes against humanity during the war of independence. He is the first member of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party to be tried by these courts: previously only Islamic party leaders been convicted.
	10/01/2013 INDIA Pogrom of Orissa, 7 innocent Christians convicted with false accusations Nirmala Carvalho The Court will issue the ruling on 3 October. The convicted Christians are held responsible for the murder of Hindu leader Laxamananda Saraswati, who unleashed the violent anti-Christian persecutions of 2008. The Maoists have claimed responsibility for the murder from the beginning, but the state authorities have always ignored the admission of liability.
	10/01/2013 SOUTH KOREA Columba Kang, the catechist of Korean martyrs Joseph Yun Li-sun Among the faithful were martyred in the nineteenth century in Korea stands the figure of a woman, Columba Kang Wan-suk, who faced the risk of persecution in order to help spread the Gospel. Arriving with unwavering faith until martyrdom. AsiaNews presents the life and work of these witnesses of Christ waiting for canonization.

C. S. P. B. Crux Sancti Patris Benedecti Croce del Santo Padre Benedetto, C. S. S. M. L. Crux Sacra Sit Mihi Lux Croce sacra sii la mia Luce. N. D. S. M. D. Non draco sit mihi dux Che il dragone non sia il mio duce, V. R. S. Vadre Retro satana, Allontanati satana! N. S. M. V. Non Suade Mihi Vana Non mi persuaderai di cose vane, S. M. Q. L. Sunt Mala Quae Libas Ciò che mi offri è cattivo I.V. B. Ipsa Venena Bibas Bevi tu stesso i tuoi veleni. (Al segno + ci si fa il segno della croce) + In nomine Patris, et Filii et Spiritui Sancto Croce del Santo Padre Benedetto. Croce Santa sii la mia Luce e non sia mai il dragone mio duce. Va indietro satana! Non mi persuaderai di cose vane. Sono mali le cose che mi offri, bevi tu stesso il tuo veleno. Nel Nome del Padre, del Figlio e dello Spirito Santo +. Amen!

09/27/2013 VIETNAM - VATICAN Saigon : Thousands pay tribute to memory of future blessed Card. Văn Thuận Nguyen Hung 11 years after his death , Ho Chi Minh City hosts a solemn ceremony in memory of the Vietnamese cardinal . The prelate "practiced the Catholic virtues in a heroic way" and is an example for today's faithful , who suffer persecution. Projection of images of his life ahead of Mass.
	09/25/2013 CHINA Wei Jingsheng: Anti-blogger laws worse than Cultural Revolution Wei Jingsheng The great Chinese dissident comments on latest repressions imposed by the government of Xi Jinping on freedom of expression and attacks the communist regime, interested only in safeguarding their privileges while continuing to violate the rights of the people: "They are even more brazen faced than Mao Zedong."
	09/24/2013 INDIA - PAKISTAN Pune bishop: Christian massacre in Peshawar, a failure of the Pakistani government Nirmala Carvalho Mgr Thomas Dabre has decided that all the parishes in his diocese will devote next Sunday Mass to the victims of the attack in Pakistan. "The integrity and moral authority of a nation," he said, "depend on its firm commitment to ensuring the rule of law and defending its minorities." Religious freedom "is an inalienable human right."
	09/24/2013 VATICAN Pope: "Migrants and refugees are not pawns on the chessboard of humanity" " Migrants and Refugees: Towards a Better World" is the theme chosen by Francis for the Day that will be celebrated on January 19. In his message, the Pope writes that when faced with a phenomenon of unprecedented proportions calls for international cooperation and a spirit of profound solidarity and compassion", "close collaboration between the migrants' countries of origin and their countries of destination" and " , the elimination of prejudices and presuppositions in the approach to migration", "to see, and then to enable others to see, that migrants and refugees do not only represent a problem to be solved, but are brothers and sisters to be welcomed, respected and loved. They are an occasion that Providence gives us to help build a more just society, a more perfect democracy, a more united country, a more fraternal world and a more open and evangelical Christian community. "
	09/23/2013 EGYPT Delga: after Islamist attacks, Mass is back Hundreds of Christian families who had fled the city attended the service in the small chapel located inside what is left of the Anba Abraam monastery devastated by extremist attacks. The army liberated the village on 18 September after more than a month of Islamist occupation.
	09/21/2013 SOUTH KOREA The example of the Korean martyrs, to build a better Church Joseph Yun Li-sun Yesterday the Catholics of the South celebrated the liturgical memorial of Saint Andrew Kim Taegon, the first native priest, and his fellow martyrs . Bishop of Daejeon : "We prayed that their example give rise to a continuous drive to good ."
	09/20/2013 ASIA International Symposium on Asia, 10 years of AsiaNews In recent years, Asia has become the "centre" of the world. With its load of successes and moments of persecution, the Church's mission focuses on human-centred development. We celebrate the 10th anniversary of our agency, a small tool of mission and peace for the Asian continent.
	09/20/2013 EGYPT Delga, Islamists threaten Christians: "When the army leaves we will destroy everything" The Muslim Brotherhood visits the houses of the Copts and force them to exonerate the group for recent violence. Those who do not sign will be killed after the army leaves. Since 18 September last the city which has been a refuge for thousands of extremists, is under military curfew.
	09/20/2013 MYANMAR Dalai Lama to Burmese monks : Enough anti- Rohingya violence The Tibetan spiritual leader recalls the teachings of the Buddha and appeals to the Burmese monks : no more attacks and violence against "your Muslim brothers and sisters ." Aung San Suu Kyi calls for amendments to the Constitution to solve the ethnic problem . In the sixth anniversary of the Saffron Revolution monks call on authorities to apologize .
	09/19/2013 NORTH KOREA - UNITED NATIONS UN accuses North Korea of violence in state-run prison camps, including against newborns The United Nations commission heard eyewitness accounts about the North Korea's prison camp system where babies are drowned, vermin thrive and people accused of political and social crimes are executed. Pyongyang rejects the accusations.

C. S. P. B. Crux Sancti Patris Benedecti Croce del Santo Padre Benedetto, C. S. S. M. L. Crux Sacra Sit Mihi Lux Croce sacra sii la mia Luce. N. D. S. M. D. Non draco sit mihi dux Che il dragone non sia il mio duce, V. R. S. Vadre Retro satana, Allontanati satana! N. S. M. V. Non Suade Mihi Vana Non mi persuaderai di cose vane, S. M. Q. L. Sunt Mala Quae Libas Ciò che mi offri è cattivo I.V. B. Ipsa Venena Bibas Bevi tu stesso i tuoi veleni. (Al segno + ci si fa il segno della croce) + In nomine Patris, et Filii et Spiritui Sancto Croce del Santo Padre Benedetto. Croce Santa sii la mia Luce e non sia mai il dragone mio duce. Va indietro satana! Non mi persuaderai di cose vane. Sono mali le cose che mi offri, bevi tu stesso il tuo veleno. Nel Nome del Padre, del Figlio e dello Spirito Santo +. Amen!

09/18/2013 EGYPT Curfew in Delga, a Islamist-held town where Christians cannot live This morning, the army entered some of the town's districts only thanks to air cover. The Muslim Brotherhood and Salafists had taken it over on 14 August. Because Islamists are heavily armed, the army and police waited for reinforcements before moving in. half of the town's 20,000 Christians have fled after churches and homes were torched or demolished. Those left have to pay jizya, a tax for unbelievers last levied under Ottoman rule.
	09/18/2013 VIETNAM Bishop of Vinh concerned by regime attacks, appeals for international support In an interview with AsiaNews , Msgr . Paul Nguyen Thai Hop speaks of "a dangerous and worrying situation" for the Christians of the diocese, who are under the scrutiny of the Vietnamese authorities. He calls for the respect of human rights and the release of jailed parishioners. He also calls for " solidarity and support " for an end to " lies and slander ."
	09/17/2013 VIETNAM Vinh : Catholics say Mass and prayers against Vietnamese authorities' calumnies J.B. An Dang Bishops, priests and thousands of faithful attended the function in the sanctuary of St. Anthony. A celebration that "challenges" governmental bans and impositions on worship. Bishop of Vinh : " The authorities continue to spread false information." The Catholic community turns out in defense of the prelate .
	09/16/2013 VIETNAM Vietnamese Government and State TV launch fresh attacks on Bishop of Vinh J.B. An Dang A 10 minute report aired last night made slanderous accusations against Msgr. Paul Nguyen Thai Hop and the local Catholic community . The prelate is charged with leading a revolt , exploiting a story to create legal cases of religious persecution . Diocesan website risks closure. Vietnamese Catholics at home and abroad united in defense of the prelate.
	09/14/2013 LAOS Laotian authorities take aim at Christian families with threats of expulsion and abuse Eleven families in a village in the central province of Bolikhamsai risk expulsion because they converted to Christianity. Their village chief told them to return to their traditional religion, but they refused, choosing instead to continue to worship as they wish. A struggle for religious freedom is underway in a country where this principle has been often violated.
	09/13/2013 EGYPT - ITALY Mikail, a young Coptic who fled Minya: Christians persecuted by Muslim Brotherhood, but also Mubarak Mikail , escaped from his country 20 days ago, hoping for political asylum in Italy as a refugee. "My store was burned and family threatened – he tells AsiaNews - but the recent retaliation is the result of an ongoing discrimination. Christians have always suffered violence and intimidation and the authorities under all presidents have remained indifferent".
	09/13/2013 EGYPT Minya, Islamists seize a Protestant church and turn it into a mosque The Christian community of Monshaat Baddini in the province of Samalout report that, Islamists have occupied the place of worship since August 14. The police never intervened to stop them. For almost a month, no Christian can enter. On the wall of the church an inscription reads "mosque of martyrs ."
	09/11/2013 VIETNAM Religions united in defence of the diocese of Vinh under attack from Communist authorities J.B. An Dang Catholic, Protestant, and Buddhists religious leaders have come together to express their closeness to the local bishop and Catholic community, currently under attack by the authorities and victims of a smear campaign by official media. Unanimously appalled by the "deceitful" and "ruthless actions" of Nghe An provincial leaders, they call on the international community to defend human rights in Vietnam.
	09/10/2013 THAILAND - MYANMAR Caritas Thailand to help the Rohingya, Burmese Muslims fleeing violence and persecution The end of the monsoon season will bring a new exodus, but the Thai government will not grant them refugee status. For Catholic volunteers, this is a "burning issue". For Caritas secretary general, helping them helps strengthen "our faith; he invites Catholics "to love the poor, build peace and facilitate inter-faith dialogue."
	09/09/2013 SYRIA Maaloula: rebels break into the village homes, kill three young Christians AsiaNews sources report anti-Christian violence and persecution in the village where people still speak Aramaic. Islamist insurgents have broken into homes and seized at least six young Greek-Catholics. Dead bodies are lying in the streets as a warning to the inhabitants. In Damascus, the local Church tries to help the refugees, but "many families have been stranded in their homes. Nothing is known about them."

C. S. P. B. Crux Sancti Patris Benedecti Croce del Santo Padre Benedetto, C. S. S. M. L. Crux Sacra Sit Mihi Lux Croce sacra sii la mia Luce. N. D. S. M. D. Non draco sit mihi dux Che il dragone non sia il mio duce, V. R. S. Vadre Retro satana, Allontanati satana! N. S. M. V. Non Suade Mihi Vana Non mi persuaderai di cose vane, S. M. Q. L. Sunt Mala Quae Libas Ciò che mi offri è cattivo I.V. B. Ipsa Venena Bibas Bevi tu stesso i tuoi veleni. (Al segno + ci si fa il segno della croce) + In nomine Patris, et Filii et Spiritui Sancto Croce del Santo Padre Benedetto. Croce Santa sii la mia Luce e non sia mai il dragone mio duce. Va indietro satana! Non mi persuaderai di cose vane. Sono mali le cose che mi offri, bevi tu stesso il tuo veleno. Nel Nome del Padre, del Figlio e dello Spirito Santo +. Amen!

C. S. P. B. Crux Sancti Patris Benedecti Croce del Santo Padre Benedetto, C. S. S. M. L. Crux Sacra Sit Mihi Lux Croce sacra sii la mia Luce. N. D. S. M. D. Non draco sit mihi dux Che il dragone non sia il mio duce, V. R. S. Vadre Retro satana, Allontanati satana! N. S. M. V. Non Suade Mihi Vana Non mi persuaderai di cose vane, S. M. Q. L. Sunt Mala Quae Libas Ciò che mi offri è cattivo I.V. B. Ipsa Venena Bibas Bevi tu stesso i tuoi veleni. (Al segno + ci si fa il segno della croce) + In nomine Patris, et Filii et Spiritui Sancto Croce del Santo Padre Benedetto. Croce Santa sii la mia Luce e non sia mai il dragone mio duce. Va indietro satana! Non mi persuaderai di cose vane. Sono mali le cose che mi offri, bevi tu stesso il tuo veleno. Nel Nome del Padre, del Figlio e dello Spirito Santo +. Amen!

04/22/2014 TURKEY For Bartholomew, the Christian mission is the liberation of man from the power of darkness NAT da Polis In his Easter message, the Ecumenical Patriarch writes, "Unfortunately, the annihilation and suppression of the weakest by the strongest dominates in the secular pyramid of today's reality." However, "History [. . .] has proven that real progress cannot exist without God."
	04/18/2014 PAKISTAN Good Friday in Pakistan: fasting and prayers for Asia Bibi, Sawan Masih and other blasphemy victims Jibran Khan The country's Christian community and civil society groups express closeness to the victims of the "black law". The bishop of Islamabad also expresses his solidarity. Muslim activist joins "our Christian brothers and sisters in Good Friday celebrations." Appeals are made to the government to take "serious steps to fight intolerance and abuse."
	04/16/2014 MYANMAR Benedict Rogers: My Easter in Myanmar, the land where I became a Catholic Francis Khoo Thwe The Asian director of Christian Solidarity Worldwide speaks of his special bond with the country and the Archbishop of Yangon. Water as an element of purification, which unites Catholics and Buddhists who are celebrating major holidays together in 2014. The universality of the Church "does not mean uniformity", but appreciation of the local culture. The Burmese Church is "a vibrant Church".
	04/09/2014 KOREA Pyongyang arrests scores for "religious activities", questions 100 people who could end up in concentration camps After a raid late last year, Kim Jong-un's regime has cracked down on North Koreans who have gone abroad and "met members of religions for the purpose of overthrowing the legitimate government." A source says the move is to "engender fear" in people.
	04/08/2014 PHILIPPINES Filipino Bishops call for respect for the Supreme Court, but reiterate life's sacredness The highest court in the land rules in favour of the Reproductive Health Act, but nullifies some of its provisions, thus acknowledging the principle of conscientious objection. The law bans therapeutic abortion but encourages couples to have no more than two children. For its part, the Catholic Church will continue "to uphold the sacredness of human life [. . .] from conception to natural death."
	04/04/2014 VATICAN Pope: today, perhaps more than ever, Christians, like the prophets are persecuted The history of persecution "ends, in the end, again, as the Lord: with a Resurrection, but through the Cross." "Many thinkers in the Church were persecuted". "There's the death penalty or imprisonment for the having the Gospel at home, for teaching the Catechism, today, in some parts". Father Matteo Ricci, an evangelizer of China, "was not understood. But he obeyed like Jesus."
	04/03/2014 FRANCE - IRAQ Chaldean Patriarch on the uncertain future of eastern Christians, a bridge between the West and Islam Mar Louis Raphael I Sako The wars in Iraq, Libya and Afghanistan have made things worse for their peoples, especially minorities. As Western policies have been a failure, fundamentalism has grown with the Arab Spring losing out to extremism. Muslim authorities have a role in protecting rights and religious freedom. The presence of Christians in the Middle East is crucial for Muslims.
	03/31/2014 INDONESIA Yudhoyono ends anti-Chinese hostility, drops anti-Chinese terms adopted by Suharto Mathias Hariyadi The Indonesian President signs decree that allows the use of the terms Tionghoa for ethnic Chinese and Tiongkok for China. For some it is just a move to win electoral support; for others, it is the culmination of a "long battle".
	03/28/2014 LAOS Lao Christian families who refused to convert to Buddhism flee village HRWLRF activists denounce that Christians were under considerable pressures to abandon their faith . For the authorities, they left the village of their "own free will". Now they have rebuilt a small community in a new, safer area, with full freedom of worship.
	03/28/2014 MYANMAR Archbishop of Yangon: A" transparent" census "great opportunity" for peace Francis Khoo Thwe Archbishop Charles Bo comments on the upcoming government census, the first in 30 years. It "sets the stage" for the process of "peace and development". An invitation to preserve the "common good". Controversy over non- inclusion of Rohingya among recognized ethnic groups.

C. S. P. B. Crux Sancti Patris Benedecti Croce del Santo Padre Benedetto, C. S. S. M. L. Crux Sacra Sit Mihi Lux Croce sacra sii la mia Luce. N. D. S. M. D. Non draco sit mihi dux Che il dragone non sia il mio duce, V. R. S. Vadre Retro satana, Allontanati satana! N. S. M. V. Non Suade Mihi Vana Non mi persuaderai di cose vane, S. M. Q. L. Sunt Mala Quae Libas Ciò che mi offri è cattivo I.V. B. Ipsa Venena Bibas Bevi tu stesso i tuoi veleni. (Al segno + ci si fa il segno della croce) + In nomine Patris, et Filii et Spiritui Sancto Croce del Santo Padre Benedetto. Croce Santa sii la mia Luce e non sia mai il dragone mio duce. Va indietro satana! Non mi persuaderai di cose vane. Sono mali le cose che mi offri, bevi tu stesso il tuo veleno. Nel Nome del Padre, del Figlio e dello Spirito Santo +. Amen!

	09/06/2013 PAKISTAN - VATICAN - SYRIA Pakistani Muslims heed pope's "encouraging words" about peace in Syria Jibran Khan Many in Pakistan agree with and support Pope Francis's call for a day of prayer and fasting. A member of the Islamic Ideology Council praises the work done by Christians "whom we join in prayer." For Islamabad Bishop, the pope's cry for peace reiterated across the entire diocese.
	09/05/2013 VIETNAM Nghe An: police cracks down hard on Catholics protest At least 300 people were protesting against the detention of two Catholics who have been in jail since June without charges. A thousand police agents were involved, firing in the air and hitting protesters with electric batons. Many of the most seriously injured were transferred to Hanoi. Dozens of protesters are arrested.
	09/04/2013 VIETNAM Vinh: record applications to enter major seminary Some 410 young people took part on 1 August in aptitude tests. Forty from among them will be selected to study to become priests. Female vocations are also growing. The basic tests are designed to know the motivations behind such a choice and hold back those who are motivated by "worldly ambitions."
	09/02/2013 CHINA Probe into Zhou Yongkang and Jiang Jiemin shows party torn by infighting Chen Weijun The powerful former Public Security chief, who set up China's modern repression apparatus, comes under investigation for "economic crimes". One of his closest aide is also being investigated for taking bribes in the past ten years. Such house-cleaning hides factional infighting meant to eliminate all opposition to President Xi Jinping's rule.
	09/02/2013 TURKMENISTAN Jehovah's Witness gets 18 months in prison as conscientious objector At least ten religious believers have been arrested since the start of the year for the same reason. Many of them have appealed to the United Nations, but the authorities continue to carry out raids and arrests. The Baptist community has also been punished for organising a summer camp for children.
	08/30/2013 VIETNAM Hanoi frees thousands on Independence Day but no political prisoners No one convicted for "propaganda against the state", grounds used against dissenters, is included in the amnesty list. Two Christian members from the persecuted Montagnard community in the Central Highlands are released. Celebrations are set for next Monday, 2 September, to mark 68 years since Ho Chi Minh's historic 1945 speech.
	08/28/2013 SOUTH KOREA 'Martyrs routes' in Seoul to revive the faith and the relationship with God Joseph Yun Li-sun As part of the "Month of Martyrs" in September, something the Korean Church has celebrated for several years, the Archdiocese of the capital has prepared a plan it hopes will raise awareness among the faithful about the city's holy places. Bishop Yeom: "There is so much to discover, and through the example of the martyrs we can enhance the dialogue with the Lord."
	08/28/2013 VIETNAM Fr. Dominique, sowing seeds of faith in Vietnam amid war and Communist persecution Thanh Thuy In the '70s, at the time of the conflict, he led his community to a safe place and founded a new parish. Imprisoned by the regime authorities, he was able to keep the "spirit" alive following the example of Card. Van Thuan. His witness led to several vocations, which have enabled the diocese of Saigon to grow.
	08/26/2013 MYANMAR Myanmar, Buddhists launch fresh attack on homes and shops of Islamic community The clashes took place at the weekend in a village in northern Sagaing division. Violence triggered by alleged rape of a Buddhist woman by a group of Muslims. Police arrested 12 people, but tension remains high. Activists and experts speak of "catastrophic" risk of interfaith conflict.
	08/24/2013 MYANMAR Myanmar Catholics: religious freedom and inter-ethnic peace as bases for social and economic development Charles Bo - Benedict Rogers The archbishop of Yangon and an activist and Burma expert make an appeal to this effect. Focusing on the persecution of Muslims and the danger of an Islamist response, they stress that economic development depends on individual freedoms, social peace and lower ethnic tensions. The two look at the two years since the first, historic meeting between Thein Sein and Aung San Suu Kyi.

C. S. P. B. Crux Sancti Patris Benedecti Croce del Santo Padre Benedetto, C. S. S. M. L. Crux Sacra Sit Mihi Lux Croce sacra sii la mia Luce. N. D. S. M. D. Non draco sit mihi dux Che il dragone non sia il mio duce, V. R. S. Vadre Retro satana, Allontanati satana! N. S. M. V. Non Suade Mihi Vana Non mi persuaderai di cose vane, S. M. Q. L. Sunt Mala Quae Libas Ciò che mi offri è cattivo I.V. B. Ipsa Venena Bibas Bevi tu stesso i tuoi veleni. (Al segno + ci si fa il segno della croce) + In nomine Patris, et Filii et Spiritui Sancto Croce del Santo Padre Benedetto. Croce Santa sii la mia Luce e non sia mai il dragone mio duce. Va indietro satana! Non mi persuaderai di cose vane. Sono mali le cose che mi offri, bevi tu stesso il tuo veleno. Nel Nome del Padre, del Figlio e dello Spirito Santo +. Amen!