Asia - Pacific News
Christians in northeast India unfazed by bid to revive 46-year-old anti-conversion law
The revival of the dormant law has been brought about by the Guwahati High Court, which ordered the state government... Read more
Indonesian archbishop rejects government energy plans in majority Catholic island of Flores
Indonesia’s Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry designated Flores a “geothermal spot” in 2017, identifying 16 project sites on the island... Read more
India’s Syro-Malabar Church reshuffles leadership amid liturgical row
The appointment, confirmed by Major Archbishop Mar Raphael Thattil on Jan. 11, follows the First Session of the XXXIII Synod... Read more
Black Nazarene procession attracts millions in the Philippines
Taking place each year in January, the procession sees devotees carry across Manila a replica of a famous life-size statue... Read more
China’s oldest priest dies at 104: a life of faith amid 25 years of persecution
Father Joseph Guo Fude was one of the few remaining Catholic priests in China who had been ordained prior to... Read more
Leaders urge India’s Modi to curb spiraling violence against Christians
“We cry out to you from the depths of our hearts when we are attacked in villages and towns in... Read more
Shigemi Fukahori, Catholic atomic bomb survivor and peace advocate, dies at 93
In 2020, at a ceremony in Japan, the peace advocate said: “I am determined to send our message to make... Read more
Pope Francis names Polish priest as new bishop for Western Australia diocese
The Perth-based priest brings decades of parish ministry and psychotherapy experience to his new role leading a diocese 1.5 times... Read more
Catholics weigh in on Australia’s social media ban: ‘A void in our children’s spiritual lives’
Australian lawmakers recently passed a law — the first of its kind in the world — banning children under age... Read more
Sri Lankan cardinal mandates male-only altar servers in Colombo Archdiocese
Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith explained that he issued the order because, he said, serving as an altar server can be a... Read more
Catholic groups offer prefabricated houses for victims of landslides in south India
The devastating July 30 landslide that virtually wiped out two townships in the mountain areas claimed more than 400 lives... Read more
Indian church leaders plead for protection amid ‘relentless attacks’ on Christians
“We need protection against what is happening and urge the government to ensure the safety of the Christians,” Archbishop John... Read more
ACN report: North Koreans in contact with Christians are sent to prison
The report was published this month during Red Week and is an initiative by ACN to draw attention to religious... Read more
Archbishop of Tokyo: An aging society like Japan’s will not be able to survive
Archbishop Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi of Tokyo spoke to the Vatican new agency Fides about the present and future state of... Read more
Chinese bishop focused on adapting faith to Communist Party ideals, Shanghai Catholics say
Bishop Joseph Shen Bin of Shanghai recently gave a diocesan seminar Nov. 4–6 about “Sinicization of Religion in Shanghai.” Read more
St. Francis Xavier’s relics draw 12,000 in Goa, India, for decennial exposition
As many as 8 million people are expected to visit the relics during the 45-day period. The last exposition, in... Read more
Jimmy Lai’s godfather assesses trial: ‘He’s a real champion of freedom’
Jimmy Lai, 76, was first arrested in August 2020 under China’s newly instituted Hong Kong national security law. Read more
Jimmy Lai takes the stand in yearslong Hong Kong national security trial
Catholic pro-democracy and human rights activity Jimmy Lai took the stand Wednesday arguing in his own defense against allegations of... Read more
Church leaders will appeal Indian Supreme Court order for tax on salaries of clergy
“This judgment without a detailed hearing of our plea is very disappointing. We have no option but to challenge this... Read more
Liturgical conflict resurfaces in troubled Indian Syro-Malabar archdiocese
This month’s delayed priestly ordination of eight deacons of the Ernakulam Archdiocese of the Syro-Malabar Church has highlighted continuing divisions. Read more
