IRAQ – New electoral rules approved amid controversy, which also affect the distribution of seats reserved for Christian candidates
The Iraqi Parliament has approved a series of controversial amendments to the electoral system, with changes that are causing heated political controversy and also affect how seats reserved for ethnic and religious minorities, including Christians, are allocated. The new regulation, approved at dawn on Monday, March 27, provide for a return to an essentially proportional electoral system that is expected
Thoughts of the Holy Land Commission after their 2023 visit
HOLY LAND – From March 4th till March 11th, 2023, the Holy Land Commission of the Grand Magisterium of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre came to the Holy Land for a tour of the diocese, led by Sami El-Yousef, CEO of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. This year’s committee included Prof. Bart McGettrick, president of the Commission, Dr. Detlef
Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia Bishop Martinelli extends greetings for the month of Ramadan
As our dear brothers and sisters of Islam begin the holy month of Ramadan, Bishop Paolo Martinelli sends his greetings and wishes to everyone. He reminds, this year the holy season of Lent and the holy month of Ramadan happens at he same time, which reminds us to recognize and celebrate that we belong to one human fraternity. Following is the full text of
LEBANON – Annunciation, national holiday. Lebanese Christians and Muslims together invoke Mary in the country besieged by the crisis
In a Lebanon shaken by a devastating economic crisis and yet another paralysis of the political system, on the Feast of the Annunciation of the Lord Christians and Muslims are once again invoking the Virgin Mary together, to ask that the Mother of Jesus help the Lebanese people heal from their wounds and safeguard national social and religious coexistence. In
Vatican: Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue sends well wishes to Muslims for Month of Ramadan
Marking the advent of the month of Ramadan, the Catholic Center for Studies and Media (CCSM) in Jordan addresses a message of well wishes to our Muslim brethren which the Vatican conveys annually on behalf of the Catholic Church through the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue titled this year, “Christians and Muslims: Promoters of Love and Friendship”. The message begins by
Saudi Arabia Embraced Coptic Christmas. Could Its First Church Be Next?
Saudi Arabia stunned foreign policy observers this month by publicly agreeing to normalize relations with Iran, under Chinese sponsorship. The deal between the neighboring Sunni and Shia arch rivals, known for sectarian proxy fights, is expected to ease tensions within Islam. Meanwhile, the kingdom has recently taken less publicized steps toward another religious normalization: public Christian faith. In this case,
Waning Assyrian Community Holds on in Northeastern Syria
Tal Tal, Syria -- The village of Tal Tal, on the banks of the empty Khabour River in Syria's northeastern Hasakah province, is a ghost town. On an overcast day in early February, the air in the village is cold and crisp but carries no sounds. Here and there, clothes left out to dry and plumes of thick smoke
ISIS and the Assyrians: Intergenerational Trauma
Why do the various social and political impediments throughout the years still continue to paralyze an entire nation? Why are the embittered divisions sewn between the ranks of churches, parties, and factionalists unable to be healed? And most importantly, to the question that every Assyrian asks: why does the situation only continuously worsen? Can no solutions or plans be enacted
The Holy Oil With Which King Charles III of the United Kingdom Will Be Consecrated Comes from Jesus’ Tomb in the Holy Land
The chrism oil that the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, will use to anoint King Charles III, during the coronation ceremony in Westminster Abbey, in London on May 6, 2023, comes from Jerusalem, announced a press release of the British Royal Household. The oil was consecrated on Friday morning, March 3 in the Basilica of the Holy Sepulcher, during a
Caritas Syria: Don’t forget Syria in one of its darkest hours
Over a decade of war, millions of displaced persons, a spiralling economic crisis and now a powerful earthquake have left Syrians in need of assistance and long-term development support. Caritas’ emergency humanitarian response continues thanks to the combined work of several teams from local diocesan Caritas, as well as Caritas staff and volunteers from around the world including crisis-struck Lebanon.