Tag: Catholic

Nigeria: 50 Churches Burned, 500 Christians Killed

Attacks in Nigeria are being reported that 50 churches have been burned and 500 Christians killed by the global terrorist organization Boko Haram.

The New Telegraph reports on these attacks:
“Diocesan Secretary, Catholic Diocese of Maiduguri, Rev. Father John Bakeni Bogna, disclosed this yesterday at a press conference in Maiduguri. Also speaking, Director, Catholic Diocese of Maiduguri, Rev. Fr. Gideon Obasogie, said more than 500 of their members have been killed, while more than 50 churches were burnt. The church said about 90,000 people were displaced, while 170 children were killed and more than 300 women were made widows. According to Obasogie, 1, 500 orphans have also been recorded by the church within the period under review while 34 parishes were completely destroyed in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States. When giving details of the loss in schools and the health sector, the Project Manager, Catholic Diocese of Maiduguri, Very Rev. Fr. Bature Fidelis Joseph, said; ‘At least 33 schools built after the takeover by government earlier, made up of 23 primary and 10 secondary schools have been destroyed with three completely burnt.'”

Responsible for Equality And Liberty condemns such murderous attacks on the Nigeria people, and calls for the support by the Nigerian government and all governments for our universal human rights, and a defeat of those global terrorist organizations who seek the destruction of our fellow human being’s lives and universal human rights, including freedom of conscience.

Our support for the Universal Human Rights of all people must be for all nations, all continents, and every place on Earth. We seek to be responsible for equality and liberty for the oppressed people in Africa and every part of our shared world. We must call upon the nations of the world to take action to stop the growing violence and threat from the international terrorist organization Boko Haram, their kidnapping of children, their efforts to deny freedom of conscience, and their rejection of our shared universal human rights of equality, liberty, dignity, and security.

Indonesia: Mob of 40 Disrupt Catholic Mass Service

UCAN reports on the disruption of a Catholic Mass service in Indonesia on July 1 that had to be abandoned after a mob objected to their religious practices and worship services.

UCAN reports: “Muslims break up Indonesian Mass “

“Up to 40 Muslims broke into the home of a Catholic family and forced a thanksgiving Mass in Indonesia on July 1 to be abandoned.”

“‘I invited dozens of Catholics to the Mass to thank God for the house I’ve just bought and to celebrate my third child’s 17th birthday,’ said Servulus Sihotang, a parishioner of St Paul’s Church in Depok, West Java.”

“‘But the Muslims suddenly forced their way in and made us stop.'”

“He said he had bought the house from a Muslim and Muslim neighbors had been present at a housewarming party the week before, but added that the attackers were from outside the area.”

“‘The area is pretty vulnerable,’ said Franciscan Father Taucen Hotlan Girsang, who led the Mass. ‘Some Muslim inhabitants do not allow any other religious activity, while some welcome it.'”

“He went on to say that he and local Catholics were constantly working to develop a dialogue so that people living in the area could have a better understanding of all religions recognized by the Indonesian government — Buddhism, Catholicism, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam and Protestantism — and of every citizen’s right to follow the religion they choose.”

"Servulus Sihotang, whose new home was invaded during a private thanksgiving Mass " (Photo: UCAN)
"Servulus Sihotang, whose new home was invaded during a private thanksgiving Mass " (Photo: UCAN)

Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.) supports our universal human rights, including Article 18 freedom of religion, freedom of worship, and freedom of conscience — for all people – everywhere.  Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states: “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.”  We support religious pluralism and tolerance around the world.

R.E.A.L. urges all people to Choose Love, Not Hate – Love Wins.