Asia - Pacific News
Australians debate merits of religious discrimination bill
The religious discrimination bill proposed by Australia's coalition government is being well received generally, though some conservative members of parliament... Read more
Catholic woman with schizophrenia being held for blasphemy in Indonesia
A mentally ill woman who identified herself as a Catholic is being held for blasphemy in Indonesia after an incident... Read more
Australian government proposes religious discrimination bill
Australia's coalition government has proposed the introduction of legislation that would make it unlawful to discriminate against people on the... Read more
Chinese officials crack down on religious funerals, weddings
As the Communist Party of China continues to tighten its grip on the regulation of religion and religious activity, a... Read more
Due to backlash, Pell to live in 'secure compound' if appeal succeeds
While Cardinal George Pell of Australia is appealing his sexual abuse conviction in court, he and his supporters are making... Read more
Bishops decry introduction of assisted suicide, euthanasia in Australian state
The four Latin rite ordinaries in Victoria have written a pastoral letter denouncing the state's “new, and deeply troubling chapter... Read more
Christian leaders call for dialogue, end to violence in Hong Kong
Hundreds of thousands of protestors in Hong Kong are continuing to demonstrate against the government's plans to allow extraditions to... Read more
Hong Kong extradition bill could further endanger Christians, advocates say
Though a proposed change to extradition laws in Hong Kong is on hold for now, Christian leaders and advocacy groups... Read more
Prosecution falters during Cardinal Pell appeal hearing
The lead prosecutor arguing to sustain the conviction of Cardinal George Pell struggled Thursday in presenting the Crown’s case. Read more
In opening arguments, Cardinal Pell’s lawyers set out case for appeal
The legal team for Cardinal George Pell set out its case for appeal at the Supreme Court of Victoria Wednesday... Read more
Singapore Catholic churches use classrooms to help homeless
Two Catholic churches in Singapore have opened their doors offering housing to the country’s homeless. Read more
Cardinal Pell prepares for appeal hearing
Pell's appeal is set to be heard by a three-judge panel of the state of Victoria’s Supreme Court on 5-6... Read more
Australian bishops adopt new Safeguarding Standards
Last week the Australian bishop' conference and Catholic Religious Australia adopted new standards to combat the sexual abuse of children... Read more
Caritas head applauds Philippines new anti-poverty measure
A new law in the Philippines to support those living in poverty has won the praise of Caritas Manila, a... Read more
Cardinal Pell will not ask for shorter sentence if appeal fails
Cardinal George Pell of Sydney, who was sentenced to six years in prison in March after being convicted of five... Read more
Indian police investigate claim against Cardinal Gracias of failure to report abuse
Police in India are investigating a claim that Cardinal Oswald Gracias of Bombay and two auxiliary bishops covered up an... Read more
China's technological controls keep Christians under constant surveillance
As the 30th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square protests approaches, the Chinese Communist Party is utilizing authoritarian tactics old and... Read more
Philippine Catholics lead AIDS memorial event
Filipino Catholic leaders in the central province of Iloilo held an AIDS memorial event over the weekend, to raise awareness... Read more
As Australian Catholic school abandons tests and grades, critics are concerned
A Catholic school in west Sydney has done away with grades, class levels, and tests to promote a more personalized... Read more
Sri Lanka holds first public Masses since Easter attacks
The Sri Lankan Catholic Church on May 12 held its first public Sunday Masses since suicide bombers claimed more than... Read more
