Local media in Colombia on &nbsp;Saturday (August 28) said that the Church had released names of 26 priests who were investigated for alleged sexual abuse of minors.

The Archdiocese of Medellin revealed the list of those accused between 1995 and 2019 in response to a court ruling in favour of Juan Pablo Barrientos.

Barrientos is a journalist investigating an alleged network of pedophile clergy.

"Most of these priests ... were suspended for a little while, and went back to being priests again," said Barrientos, who has been investigating sexual assaults by priests for years, in a video released Saturday.

Barrientos managed to get judges to accept his request and force the Archdiocese of Medellin to make the list public.

On Thursday, the prosecution received 14 complaints. The sexual abuses were committed years ago.

Monsignor Ricardo Tobon, Archbishop of Medellin, said that the institution wants to "show transparency, commitment to the truth and that there is no purpose of cover-up."&nbsp;

In a video posted on the Archdiocese's Twitter account, the religious figure accused Barrientos of "an aggressive smear campaign against the Church."

According to the journalist, the Church divulged the names "because the Constitutional Court has forced it to do so."

In 2019, Barrientos published the book "Let the children come to me," an investigation into pederasty and cover-up within the clergy in the South American country, where most people are Roman Catholic.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Local media in Colombia on Saturday (August 28) said that the Church had released names of 26 priests who were investigated for alleged sexual abuse of minors. The Archdiocese of Medellin revealed the list of those accused between 1995 and 2019 in response to a court ruling in favour of Juan Pablo Barrientos.

Local media in Colombia on Saturday (August 28) said that the Church had released names of 26 priests who were investigated for alleged sexual abuse of minors. The Archdiocese of Medellin revealed the list of those accused between 1995 and 2019 in response to a court ruling in favour of Juan Pablo Barrientos. Barrientos is a journalist investigating an alleged network of pedophile clergy. "Most of these priests ... were suspended for a little while, and went back to being priests again," said Barrientos, who has been investigating sexual assaults by priests for years, in a video released Saturday. Barrientos managed to get judges to accept his request and force the Archdiocese of Medellin to make the list public. On Thursday, the prosecution received 14 complaints. The sexual abuses were committed years ago. Monsignor Ricardo Tobon, Archbishop of Medellin, said that the institution wants to "show transparency, commitment to the truth and that there is no purpose of cover-up." In a video posted on the Archdiocese's Twitter account, the religious figure accused Barrientos of "an aggressive smear campaign against the Church." According to the journalist, the Church divulged the names "because the Constitutional Court has forced it to do so." In 2019, Barrientos published the book "Let the children come to me," an investigation into pederasty and cover-up within the clergy in the South American country, where most people are Roman Catholic. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Colombia: Catholic Church releases list of 26 alleged pedophile priests

A massive fire broke out in a Coptic Christian church in Egypt's capital Cairo and as per reports at least 41 people have been killed and dozens of others have been injured.

Egypt: Massive fire at a church in Giza; at least 41 dead

In the central Syrian province of Hama, a church was being inaugurated when it was bombarded, resulting in two fatalities and 12 injuries, according to the official SANA news agency. In the village of Al-Suqaylabiyah, close to Hama, "A rocket fired by terrorist organisations targeted a religious gathering in the town of Al-Suqaylabiyah near Hama, killing two people and wounding 12," it was reported. According to SANA, the attack took place at the dedication of the Ayia Sofia church.&nbsp;

The strike was confirmed by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a war monitor with offices in Britain and a sizable network of sources on the ground. The Observatory reported one civilian fatality and multiple civilian injuries and said that adjacent rebel groups may have been responsible through artillery or a drone attack. Two days prior to the attack on Sunday, a bombardment in the rebel-held Idlib region claimed the lives of seven civilians, including four children. According to the Observatory, Russian airstrikes were to blame for Friday's fatalities in the Jisr al-Shughur area in northern Syria.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-technology/ever-heard-about-bio-weapons-that-use-dna-to-kill-specific-person-they-are-reality-now-500285">Ever heard about bio-weapons that use DNA to kill specific person? They are reality now</a>

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the former branch of Al-Qaeda in Syria, currently controls over half of the province of Idlib as well as areas of the provinces of Aleppo, Hama, and Latakia. With varying degrees of Turkish support, several rebel factions in the final stronghold of armed opposition to the Damascus regime are still operating. A ceasefire in Idlib and surrounding areas that Russia and Turkey mediated in March 2020 is still in effect despite irregular attacks from both sides, including Russian airstrikes. Nearly 500,000 people have died and nearly half of Syria's pre-war population has been driven from their homes as a result of the country's war, which started in 2011.

(with inputs from agencies)

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe>

In the central Syrian province of Hama, a church was being inaugurated when it was bombarded, resulting in two fatalities and 12 injuries, according to the official SANA news agency.

In the central Syrian province of Hama, a church was being inaugurated when it was bombarded, resulting in two fatalities and 12 injuries, according to the official SANA news agency. In the village of Al-Suqaylabiyah, close to Hama, "A rocket fired by terrorist organisations targeted a religious gathering in the town of Al-Suqaylabiyah near Hama, killing two people and wounding 12," it was reported. According to SANA, the attack took place at the dedication of the Ayia Sofia church. The strike was confirmed by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a war monitor with offices in Britain and a sizable network of sources on the ground. The Observatory reported one civilian fatality and multiple civilian injuries and said that adjacent rebel groups may have been responsible through artillery or a drone attack. Two days prior to the attack on Sunday, a bombardment in the rebel-held Idlib region claimed the lives of seven civilians, including four children. According to the Observatory, Russian airstrikes were to blame for Friday's fatalities in the Jisr al-Shughur area in northern Syria. Also Read: Ever heard about bio-weapons that use DNA to kill specific person? They are reality now Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the former branch of Al-Qaeda in Syria, currently controls over half of the province of Idlib as well as areas of the provinces of Aleppo, Hama, and Latakia. With varying degrees of Turkish support, several rebel factions in the final stronghold of armed opposition to the Damascus regime are still operating. A ceasefire in Idlib and surrounding areas that Russia and Turkey mediated in March 2020 is still in effect despite irregular attacks from both sides, including Russian airstrikes. Nearly 500,000 people have died and nearly half of Syria's pre-war population has been driven from their homes as a result of the country's war, which started in 2011. (with inputs from agencies)

Two days after Idlib attack, Syrian church bombardment kills two

'Gaurdians of The Galaxy' star Chriss Pratt has opened up about his religious beliefs in a rare interview. Pratt has often faced criticism for being associated with the Hillsong Church which is known for its conservative beliefs.&nbsp;While speaking to Men's Health magazine, the actor clarified that he is "not a religious person" and has never attended the Hillsong Church.&nbsp; 
 
In 2019, Pratt was reportedly associated with the Church which has been accused of its anti-LGBTQ stance. At the time of the allegations, he said, "Nothing could be further from the truth." 
 
"I never went to Hillsong. I've never actually been to Hillsong. I don't know anyone from that church," he shared with Men’s Health recently. Pratt said he decided not to say that at the time because he didn’t want to "throw a church under the bus." 
 
Pratt though added that he occasionally attends Zoe Church as well as a Catholic Church his wife, Katherine Schwarzenegger, grew up attending. 
 
Pratt added how he is "really not a religious person". "Religion has been oppressive as f--- for a long time."&nbsp; 
Though he doesn’t consider himself religious, Pratt shared that he has faith. 
 
Pratt's last big-screen release, 'Jurassic World: Dominion' has been a box office success and is now gearing up with his new web series, 'The Terminal List'.&nbsp;

'Gaurdians of The Galaxy' star Chriss Pratt has opened up about his religious beliefs in a rare interview. Pratt has often faced criticism for being associated with the Hillsong Church which is known for its conservative beliefs.

'Gaurdians of The Galaxy' star Chriss Pratt has opened up about his religious beliefs in a rare interview. Pratt has often faced criticism for being associated with the Hillsong Church which is known for its conservative beliefs. While speaking to Men's Health magazine, the actor clarified that he is "not a religious person" and has never attended the Hillsong Church. In 2019, Pratt was reportedly associated with the Church which has been accused of its anti-LGBTQ stance. At the time of the allegations, he said, "Nothing could be further from the truth." "I never went to Hillsong. I've never actually been to Hillsong. I don't know anyone from that church," he shared with Men’s Health recently. Pratt said he decided not to say that at the time because he didn’t want to "throw a church under the bus." Pratt though added that he occasionally attends Zoe Church as well as a Catholic Church his wife, Katherine Schwarzenegger, grew up attending. Pratt added how he is "really not a religious person". "Religion has been oppressive as f--- for a long time." Though he doesn’t consider himself religious, Pratt shared that he has faith. Pratt's last big-screen release, 'Jurassic World: Dominion' has been a box office success and is now gearing up with his new web series, 'The Terminal List'.

Chris Pratt says 'religion has been oppressive as f*** for a long time'

Germany's top court ruled on Tuesday that an anti-Semitic, medieval&nbsp;sculpture&nbsp;can stay on the facade of a church in the eastern town of Wittenberg, rejecting an appeal by a Jewish plaintiff who has for years argued it is an insult to all Jews.

The 13th century "Judensau" or "Jew Sow" on the town church depicts a caricature of a rabbi lifting the tail of a sow and two Jewish children suckling on the teats. Pigs are considered unclean in Judaism.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/5700-acts-of-sexual-abuse-committed-by-german-catholic-priests-report-487938">5,700 acts of sexual abuse committed by German Catholic priests: Report</a>

At a time when politicians are warning about rising anti-Semitism in Germany, the ruling is a reminder of widespread anti-Jewish sentiment in the Middle Ages.

The plaintiff has been waging a court battle for years to have the sandstone carving, about 4 metres from the ground, removed.

However, the Federal Court of Justice, the country's top appeals court, upheld rulings from lower courts which dismissed the case, saying there was no breach of the law.

The transformation over the years of the relief into a memorial that was testimony to the Christian Church's centuries-long anti-Jewish attitudes was one way to avoid a violation of the law, said the court in a statement.

Watch |&nbsp;German-Kurdish archaeological team discover 3,400-year-old city in Iraq

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/german-kurdish-archaeological-team-discover-3400-year-old-city-in-iraq-487797/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In November 1988, fifty years after Kristallnacht when Jewish property was set alight and destroyed in Nazi Germany, the church installed a bronze plaque under the relief remembering the six million Jews who perished in the Holocaust and an information board.

The Wittenberg stone carving is one of about two dozen similar&nbsp;sculptures from the Middle Ages that still feature on churches around Germany and elsewhere in Europe.

The Central Council of Jews said it understood the court's decision but that, in its view, the floor plate and explanatory display did not go far enough and the church must acknowledge its guilt and condemn its centuries-long anti-Judaism.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/planning-to-hunt-jews-during-football-match-four-neo-nazis-arrested-in-france-485006">'Planning to hunt Jews during football match': Four neo-Nazis arrested in France</a>

"The defamation of Jews by the church must be a thing of the past once and for all," said Council President Josef Schuster.

Wittenberg was also the town where Martin Luther is said to have nailed his theses challenging Catholicism to a church door in 1517 which led to the Protestant Reformation in Germany.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Germany's top court ruled on Tuesday that an anti-Semitic, medieval sculpture can stay on the facade of a church in the eastern town of Wittenberg, rejecting an appeal by a Jewish plaintiff who has for years argued it is an insult to all Jews.

Germany's top court ruled on Tuesday that an anti-Semitic, medieval sculpture can stay on the facade of a church in the eastern town of Wittenberg, rejecting an appeal by a Jewish plaintiff who has for years argued it is an insult to all Jews. The 13th century "Judensau" or "Jew Sow" on the town church depicts a caricature of a rabbi lifting the tail of a sow and two Jewish children suckling on the teats. Pigs are considered unclean in Judaism. Also read | 5,700 acts of sexual abuse committed by German Catholic priests: Report At a time when politicians are warning about rising anti-Semitism in Germany, the ruling is a reminder of widespread anti-Jewish sentiment in the Middle Ages. The plaintiff has been waging a court battle for years to have the sandstone carving, about 4 metres from the ground, removed. However, the Federal Court of Justice, the country's top appeals court, upheld rulings from lower courts which dismissed the case, saying there was no breach of the law. The transformation over the years of the relief into a memorial that was testimony to the Christian Church's centuries-long anti-Jewish attitudes was one way to avoid a violation of the law, said the court in a statement. Watch | German-Kurdish archaeological team discover 3,400-year-old city in Iraq In November 1988, fifty years after Kristallnacht when Jewish property was set alight and destroyed in Nazi Germany, the church installed a bronze plaque under the relief remembering the six million Jews who perished in the Holocaust and an information board. The Wittenberg stone carving is one of about two dozen similar sculptures from the Middle Ages that still feature on churches around Germany and elsewhere in Europe. The Central Council of Jews said it understood the court's decision but that, in its view, the floor plate and explanatory display did not go far enough and the church must acknowledge its guilt and condemn its centuries-long anti-Judaism. Also read | 'Planning to hunt Jews during football match': Four neo-Nazis arrested in France "The defamation of Jews by the church must be a thing of the past once and for all," said Council President Josef Schuster. Wittenberg was also the town where Martin Luther is said to have nailed his theses challenging Catholicism to a church door in 1517 which led to the Protestant Reformation in Germany. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Anti-Jewish medieval sculpture can stay on church, top German court rules

In Nigeria, a catholic church in the state of Ondo came under an attack by gunmen. At least 50 worshipers including women and children have been killed in the gruesome attack during Mass on Sunday.

Nigeria Church Attack: Police recover explosives from Church following attack

Some gunmen have attacked a catholic church in Nigeria. They opened fire and detonated explosives resulting in the death of at least 50 worshippers.

Nigeria church attack: Gunmen open fire, detonate explosives, at least 50 worshippers killed

Nigeria: Attackers targeted St. Francis catholic church, at least 50 killed

Over 30 people have died and around seven people were left injured in a stampede in southern part of the country during Church charity event on Saturday. The incident took place while a local charity organization was offering food and gifts for the impoverished children and people.

More than 30 dead in Nigeria stampede during Church charity event

At least 31 people were killed on Saturday when a stampede broke out in southern Nigeria during a church charity event where food was being distributed.

The disaster took place in Port Harcourt city in Nigeria's Rivers state, local police spokeswoman Grace Iringe-Koko said.&nbsp;Among the injured were&nbsp;mostly children. It is being called a ‘Black Saturday.’

According to reports, members of the public had gathered at the polo club, following an invitation by the King’s Assembly, a church in Port Harcourt, for the distribution of gift items including foodstuff.

People gathered in large numbers outside the gate of the church in hope of receiving alms from the organisers, but reportedly the entry gate was too small, and as soon as it was opened, the crowd surged at the gate, pushing attendees down&nbsp;resulting in a stampede.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

At least 31 people were killed on Saturday when a stampede broke out in southern Nigeria during a church charity event where food was being distributed. The disaster took place in Port Harcourt city in Nigeria's Rivers state, local police spokeswoman Grace Iringe-Koko said.

At least 31 people were killed on Saturday when a stampede broke out in southern Nigeria during a church charity event where food was being distributed. The disaster took place in Port Harcourt city in Nigeria's Rivers state, local police spokeswoman Grace Iringe-Koko said. Among the injured were mostly children. It is being called a ‘Black Saturday.’ According to reports, members of the public had gathered at the polo club, following an invitation by the King’s Assembly, a church in Port Harcourt, for the distribution of gift items including foodstuff. People gathered in large numbers outside the gate of the church in hope of receiving alms from the organisers, but reportedly the entry gate was too small, and as soon as it was opened, the crowd surged at the gate, pushing attendees down resulting in a stampede. (With inputs from Agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

At least 31 dead in Nigeria stampede

Protesters have gathered on the streets to demand action over sexual abuses in the Italian catholic church. The group was carrying boards with pictures of men and women with blood-stained undergarments, one of the protesters wore a nun's veil on her head as part of her demonstration.

Italy: Protesters demand action on abuses in Catholic Church

In Pics: For first time since IS defeat, 19th century church celebrates mass in Iraq

Global megachurch Hillsong on Wednesday announced that Brian Houston, its co-founder, had resigned follwing complaints of impropriety made against him by two women.

The first complaint had to do with an "inappropriate text message" from Houston to a woman who worked in the church. This had led to the woman's resignation.

Church leadership said that at the time Houston "was under the influence of sleeping tablets, upon which he had developed a dependence".

Second complaint was in relation to an incident involving an inebriated Houston entering a woman's hotel room during the megachurch's annual conference in 2019.&nbsp;

The church's board said Wednesday that "irrespective of the circumstances around" Houston's resignation, both he and his wife -- Hillsong's co-founder Bobbie Houston -- "have served God faithfully over many decades".

Founded by Brian and Bobbie in Sydney in the 1980s, Hillsong has grown from its Australian roots into a global megachurch, which claims an average weekly attendance of 150,000 people.

The church is known for its rock concert-style services that feature pop music and high-profile special guests, including Justin Bieber and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

Houston's resignation from Hillsong comes as he readies to face trial over the charge that he covered up his father's alleged child sexual abuse.

Houston was charged last year with concealing information from police about child abuse by his father, Frank, who was also a pastor and died in 2004.

Frank Houston had been accused of sexually abusing a young boy while a preacher in the 1970s.

A royal commission in 2015 found the younger Houston was told about the allegations in 1999 but failed to report them to authorities, which sparked a police investigation into him.

Houston has pleaded not guilty and said it is his "intention to vigorously defend" himself against the charges. 
The trial is set to begin later this year.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Global megachurch Hillsong on Wednesday announced that Brian Houston, its co-founder, had resigned follwing complaints of impropriety made against him by two women.

Global megachurch Hillsong on Wednesday announced that Brian Houston, its co-founder, had resigned follwing complaints of impropriety made against him by two women. The first complaint had to do with an "inappropriate text message" from Houston to a woman who worked in the church. This had led to the woman's resignation. Church leadership said that at the time Houston "was under the influence of sleeping tablets, upon which he had developed a dependence". Second complaint was in relation to an incident involving an inebriated Houston entering a woman's hotel room during the megachurch's annual conference in 2019. The church's board said Wednesday that "irrespective of the circumstances around" Houston's resignation, both he and his wife -- Hillsong's co-founder Bobbie Houston -- "have served God faithfully over many decades". Founded by Brian and Bobbie in Sydney in the 1980s, Hillsong has grown from its Australian roots into a global megachurch, which claims an average weekly attendance of 150,000 people. The church is known for its rock concert-style services that feature pop music and high-profile special guests, including Justin Bieber and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Houston's resignation from Hillsong comes as he readies to face trial over the charge that he covered up his father's alleged child sexual abuse. Houston was charged last year with concealing information from police about child abuse by his father, Frank, who was also a pastor and died in 2004. Frank Houston had been accused of sexually abusing a young boy while a preacher in the 1970s. A royal commission in 2015 found the younger Houston was told about the allegations in 1999 but failed to report them to authorities, which sparked a police investigation into him. Houston has pleaded not guilty and said it is his "intention to vigorously defend" himself against the charges. The trial is set to begin later this year. (With inputs from agencies)

Hillsong megachurch founder Brian Houston steps down, faces complaints of impropriety towards two women 

At least 29 people have been killed including 11 children and a pregnant woman after a stampede broke out at a prayer in Liberia's capital Monrovia, 15 people have also been hospitalized including seven children.

Liberia: Church gathering ends in stampede killing at least 29 including 11 children in Monrovia

Santa has already arrived with a gift for Christian community living in Srinagar. After 30 years of being shut, Srinagar's centre looks charged. Take a look.

Jammu & Kashmir: Church in Srinagar reopens after 30 years

J&K: Srinagar's St Luke's church to reopen after 30 years giving happiness to Christian community

A pastor in US who made an appearance in a drag costume wearing sequined leotard and huge pink wig has been removed from his pastoral duties as per a church official in Indiana.

Craig Duke (62), the pastor, appeared on an HBO show 'We're Here' wearing high-heeled thigh boots, lipstick and purple eyeshadow. He had a crucifix around his neck.

The Methodist reverend described the appearance as "an incredibly wonderful, refreshing, deepening, powerful spiritual experience," in an interview with the Religion News Service.

Having received "numerous calls and emails that are highly critical of Craig’s actions," Mitch Gieselman, the district superintendent of the church in Evansville, Indiana, said he had decided to relieve Duke of pastoral duties and "significantly reduced" his salary.

But Gieselman said he had not been fired nor had he resigned.

"He has not been found to have committed any chargeable offense or other violation of the United Methodist Book of Discipline," Gieselman said in a letter to parishioners.&nbsp;

Contacted by AFP on Wednesday, Gieselman declined to make any further comments.&nbsp;

The pastor's fate caused a surge of emotion, sparking an online fundraiser that raised nearly $60,000 in donations on Wednesday.&nbsp;

"May the bridge of understanding and acceptance of the LGBTQ community continue to expand across our community and beyond as God's love shines through," the pastor and his partner Linda said in a statement.&nbsp;

He did not regret his moment in the spotlight.&nbsp;

"I was surrounded and immersed in a culture that I've never been immersed in, and one of the things in ministry, if you want to involve people different than yourself in your ministry, you have to go to where people different than you are," he said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A pastor in US who made an appearance in a drag costume wearing sequined leotard and huge pink wig has been removed from his pastoral duties as per a church official in Indiana.

A pastor in US who made an appearance in a drag costume wearing sequined leotard and huge pink wig has been removed from his pastoral duties as per a church official in Indiana. Craig Duke (62), the pastor, appeared on an HBO show 'We're Here' wearing high-heeled thigh boots, lipstick and purple eyeshadow. He had a crucifix around his neck. The Methodist reverend described the appearance as "an incredibly wonderful, refreshing, deepening, powerful spiritual experience," in an interview with the Religion News Service. Having received "numerous calls and emails that are highly critical of Craig’s actions," Mitch Gieselman, the district superintendent of the church in Evansville, Indiana, said he had decided to relieve Duke of pastoral duties and "significantly reduced" his salary. But Gieselman said he had not been fired nor had he resigned. "He has not been found to have committed any chargeable offense or other violation of the United Methodist Book of Discipline," Gieselman said in a letter to parishioners. Contacted by AFP on Wednesday, Gieselman declined to make any further comments. The pastor's fate caused a surge of emotion, sparking an online fundraiser that raised nearly $60,000 in donations on Wednesday. "May the bridge of understanding and acceptance of the LGBTQ community continue to expand across our community and beyond as God's love shines through," the pastor and his partner Linda said in a statement. He did not regret his moment in the spotlight. "I was surrounded and immersed in a culture that I've never been immersed in, and one of the things in ministry, if you want to involve people different than yourself in your ministry, you have to go to where people different than you are," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

US pastor appears in drag costume on TV, loses pastoral duties

If you want to know why our politics are so awful, check out our recent public debates about abortion.

Everybody is sensing where the Supreme Court seems to be heading on Roe v. Wade. But as our politics have grown coarser and more combative, a lot of conservatives aren’t even acknowledging the problems that have always made this issue so hard. For example: How do we show proper respect and deference to women who become pregnant in terrible circumstances? How do we respect women who say: “This is not abstract. This is my body and my private concern?” What would it look like to ban abortion in places where vast majorities do not believe that life begins at conception? Many conservatives focus on the fetus to the exclusion of all else.

A lot of the progressive commentary, on the other hand, won’t recognize the fetus at all. Over the past day or two I’ve seen progressives refer to abortion as just health care for women, or an entirely private decision about what a woman does with her body. A lot of progressives talk about abortion as if it couldn’t possibly be a termination of a human life.

Especially now, in the post-Trump degradation of public life, politicos, propagandists and activists on this issue elide the hard and complex issues in order to powerfully advocate their side. And that’s what we see on issue after issue. The armies of certitude march forth and dominate debate and politics. The rest of us, hampered by ambivalence, hang back. We live in a democracy in which the majority often does not rule.

For a professional pundit, I’ve written remarkably little on abortion because I am so torn. For most of my life I’ve considered myself pro-choice because I didn’t have any confidence that I knew when life began and didn’t want to impose my views on others. But like many people, my life has intersected with the issue.

When I was about 19 a friend came home from college and realized she was pregnant, she asked me to accompany her through the abortion process, which I did. My progressive milieu did not prepare me for the moral and emotional anguish she endured before and especially after the abortion. I realized how grave an issue this was, and with what humility it must be addressed.

Then, there came the science. Like a lot of people, I’ve been influenced by the sonograms, and the way they show a human form at the early fetal stages.

I’ve read my share of books about human development, and my takeaway is that things are happening a lot earlier in the womb than we used to think. By 20 or 21 weeks, before what has been considered viability, the fetus is possibly moving, sucking its thumb, moving its eyes, hearing sounds. A female fetus has eggs of her own. These are sobering realities.

Then there are miscarriages. I have watched so many grieve over miscarriages. I’ve grieved myself. It doesn’t feel like the loss of some cells, but of life.

Experience and the moral sentiments that derive from it have moved me many notches over toward the anti-abortion position. Does that mean I know when life begins? That no longer seems like the right question. I’ve come to believe that all human beings have some piece of themselves that has no size, shape, color or weight but gives them infinite value and dignity, and it is their soul. To me the crucial question is when does a living organism become a human soul. My intuition is that it’s not a moment, but a process — a process shrouded in divine mystery.

This leaves me in a humdrum political position, I’m afraid — with the roughly half of Americans who want to restrict abortion in some circumstances, but — perhaps because they feel it would be unworkable or wrong — don’t want to ban it totally. Third- and some second-trimester abortions seem increasingly wrong to me, except in extraordinary circumstances. But the first trimester? I don’t know, and therefore I’d defer to each woman’s conscience.

Given where the Supreme Court seems to be heading, I’d sign onto the compromise position that Claremont McKenna professor Jon A. Shields sketched out in these pages in October, which could involve tightening restrictions on abortion after the first trimester.

I guess that means I’m rooting for John Roberts in the current deliberations over Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. He has signaled that he’s open to exploring whether the court could uphold Mississippi’s law banning abortion after 15 weeks, but not overturn Roe and allow states to enact total or near-total bans. But he may be in a minority of one.

I used to support overturning Roe because I thought it would be healthy to get the abortion issue out of the courts and back to state legislatures. I used to think that most states would wind up where the nation’s center of gravity is — with restrictions but not bans.

But we’re now trying to deal with a miserably complex issue in a brutalized political culture. Majorities don’t rule in this country; polarized minorities do. The evidence this week is that the post-Roe politics would make even our current politics seem tame. I’m not sure our democracy is strong enough for that.

If you want to know why our politics are so awful, check out our recent public debates about abortion. Everybody is sensing where the Supreme Court seems to be heading on Roe v.

If you want to know why our politics are so awful, check out our recent public debates about abortion. Everybody is sensing where the Supreme Court seems to be heading on Roe v. Wade. But as our politics have grown coarser and more combative, a lot of conservatives aren’t even acknowledging the problems that have always made this issue so hard. For example: How do we show proper respect and deference to women who become pregnant in terrible circumstances? How do we respect women who say: “This is not abstract. This is my body and my private concern?” What would it look like to ban abortion in places where vast majorities do not believe that life begins at conception? Many conservatives focus on the fetus to the exclusion of all else. A lot of the progressive commentary, on the other hand, won’t recognize the fetus at all. Over the past day or two I’ve seen progressives refer to abortion as just health care for women, or an entirely private decision about what a woman does with her body. A lot of progressives talk about abortion as if it couldn’t possibly be a termination of a human life. Especially now, in the post-Trump degradation of public life, politicos, propagandists and activists on this issue elide the hard and complex issues in order to powerfully advocate their side. And that’s what we see on issue after issue. The armies of certitude march forth and dominate debate and politics. The rest of us, hampered by ambivalence, hang back. We live in a democracy in which the majority often does not rule. For a professional pundit, I’ve written remarkably little on abortion because I am so torn. For most of my life I’ve considered myself pro-choice because I didn’t have any confidence that I knew when life began and didn’t want to impose my views on others. But like many people, my life has intersected with the issue. When I was about 19 a friend came home from college and realized she was pregnant, she asked me to accompany her through the abortion process, which I did. My progressive milieu did not prepare me for the moral and emotional anguish she endured before and especially after the abortion. I realized how grave an issue this was, and with what humility it must be addressed. Then, there came the science. Like a lot of people, I’ve been influenced by the sonograms, and the way they show a human form at the early fetal stages. I’ve read my share of books about human development, and my takeaway is that things are happening a lot earlier in the womb than we used to think. By 20 or 21 weeks, before what has been considered viability, the fetus is possibly moving, sucking its thumb, moving its eyes, hearing sounds. A female fetus has eggs of her own. These are sobering realities. Then there are miscarriages. I have watched so many grieve over miscarriages. I’ve grieved myself. It doesn’t feel like the loss of some cells, but of life. Experience and the moral sentiments that derive from it have moved me many notches over toward the anti-abortion position. Does that mean I know when life begins? That no longer seems like the right question. I’ve come to believe that all human beings have some piece of themselves that has no size, shape, color or weight but gives them infinite value and dignity, and it is their soul. To me the crucial question is when does a living organism become a human soul. My intuition is that it’s not a moment, but a process — a process shrouded in divine mystery. This leaves me in a humdrum political position, I’m afraid — with the roughly half of Americans who want to restrict abortion in some circumstances, but — perhaps because they feel it would be unworkable or wrong — don’t want to ban it totally. Third- and some second-trimester abortions seem increasingly wrong to me, except in extraordinary circumstances. But the first trimester? I don’t know, and therefore I’d defer to each woman’s conscience. Given where the Supreme Court seems to be heading, I’d sign onto the compromise position that Claremont McKenna professor Jon A. Shields sketched out in these pages in October, which could involve tightening restrictions on abortion after the first trimester. I guess that means I’m rooting for John Roberts in the current deliberations over Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. He has signaled that he’s open to exploring whether the court could uphold Mississippi’s law banning abortion after 15 weeks, but not overturn Roe and allow states to enact total or near-total bans. But he may be in a minority of one. I used to support overturning Roe because I thought it would be healthy to get the abortion issue out of the courts and back to state legislatures. I used to think that most states would wind up where the nation’s center of gravity is — with restrictions but not bans. But we’re now trying to deal with a miserably complex issue in a brutalized political culture. Majorities don’t rule in this country; polarized minorities do. The evidence this week is that the post-Roe politics would make even our current politics seem tame. I’m not sure our democracy is strong enough for that.

Abortion: The voice of the ambivalent majority

Seven years ago, Lakewood Church, the Houston megachurch led by Joel Osteen, the prominent televangelist, reported that $200,000 in cash and $400,000 in checks had been stolen from a church safe.

Last month, the money may have been discovered — not by detectives or church personnel, but rather by a plumber fixing a toilet inside a church bathroom.

The plumber revealed the discovery Thursday when he called into a Houston radio show.

“There was a loose toilet in the wall, and we removed the tile,” he said on 100.3 FM’s morning show. “We went to go remove the toilet, and I moved some insulation away and about 500 envelopes fell out of the wall.”

His reaction? “Oh, wow.”

The plumber said he contacted a maintenance supervisor and then gave the church the envelopes. On Friday, Houston police confirmed that the money appeared to be connected to the 2014 theft.

In a statement on Twitter, the department said that officers responded to a report of property discovered at the church on November&nbsp;10 and were told by church members that a “large amount of money, including cash, checks and money orders” had been found inside a wall during a renovation project.

Burglary and theft investigators responded and an undisclosed amount of money was inventoried, documented and left in the custody of the church since it had been found on Lakewood’s property, police said.

“Evidence from the recovered checks suggests this November case is connected to a March 9, 2014, theft report of undisclosed amounts of money at the church,” police said, adding that the investigation was continuing.

In a statement, Lakewood Church confirmed the discovery.

“Recently, while repair work was being done at Lakewood Church, an undisclosed amount of cash and checks were found,” the church said. “Lakewood immediately notified the Houston Police Department and is assisting them with their investigation. Lakewood has no further comment at this time.”

Osteen is among the country’s best-known televangelists, and his church, which holds services in the former Compaq Center, once home to the Houston Rockets, seats about 16,000 people. Before the pandemic, the church had been drawing an average of about 42,000 people to services every week, according to a church spokesperson.

The 2014 theft from the church’s safe was discovered by a church employee, a Houston police spokesperson told The Houston Chronicle that year.

Lakewood Church said in a statement at the time that the “funds were fully insured, and we are working with our insurance company to restore the stolen funds to the church,” the newspaper reported. The church and Crime Stoppers of Houston had offered $25,000 for information that led to the arrest of those responsible for the theft, according to the Chronicle.

The plumber, who identified himself only as Justin, revealed that he had found the money when he called “The Morning Bullpen with George Mo and Erik” on Thursday.

The hosts had asked callers to share stories of the valuable things they had found and had fielded calls about a lost wedding ring and a $100 bill when they heard from the plumber, according to George Lindsey, a host of the show.

“It was the most unique and incredible phone call I have had in my 25-plus year radio career — without a doubt,” Lindsey said Friday. He said the show went to a commercial break to confirm that the caller wasn’t pulling a prank and then let the plumber tell his story on air.

“I wish we had video of all of our faces as he was telling the story because it was like, 'Are you kidding me?' ” Lindsey said, adding that the 2014 theft was “big news” in Houston.

During the call, the plumber noted that there was a $25,000 reward offered, saying with a laugh, “I need some compensation.” He said he never thought about pocketing any of the envelopes.

“I’m an honest man,” he said.

Rania Mankarious, CEO of Crime Stoppers of Houston, said $20,000 of the reward had been offered by Lakewood Church, which donated the money to Crime Stoppers after a year passed with no breaks in the case.

The organization still has a $5,000 reward for the case, she said, but the money would be given only for information that helped investigators identify, charge or arrest a suspect.

Someone who found the money would not qualify for the reward, unless the discovery led the police to a suspect, she said.

Lindsey said he believed that the plumber was frustrated that he hadn’t heard anything from the church or the police since he found the stash November 10.

“Nobody said thank you,” Lindsey said. “Nobody has said a word to this guy. He has solved a case that has been on the books for seven years.”

Seven years ago, Lakewood Church, the Houston megachurch led by Joel Osteen, the prominent televangelist, reported that $200,000 in cash and $400,000 in checks had been stolen from a church safe.

Seven years ago, Lakewood Church, the Houston megachurch led by Joel Osteen, the prominent televangelist, reported that $200,000 in cash and $400,000 in checks had been stolen from a church safe. Last month, the money may have been discovered — not by detectives or church personnel, but rather by a plumber fixing a toilet inside a church bathroom. The plumber revealed the discovery Thursday when he called into a Houston radio show. “There was a loose toilet in the wall, and we removed the tile,” he said on 100.3 FM’s morning show. “We went to go remove the toilet, and I moved some insulation away and about 500 envelopes fell out of the wall.” His reaction? “Oh, wow.” The plumber said he contacted a maintenance supervisor and then gave the church the envelopes. On Friday, Houston police confirmed that the money appeared to be connected to the 2014 theft. In a statement on Twitter, the department said that officers responded to a report of property discovered at the church on November 10 and were told by church members that a “large amount of money, including cash, checks and money orders” had been found inside a wall during a renovation project. Burglary and theft investigators responded and an undisclosed amount of money was inventoried, documented and left in the custody of the church since it had been found on Lakewood’s property, police said. “Evidence from the recovered checks suggests this November case is connected to a March 9, 2014, theft report of undisclosed amounts of money at the church,” police said, adding that the investigation was continuing. In a statement, Lakewood Church confirmed the discovery. “Recently, while repair work was being done at Lakewood Church, an undisclosed amount of cash and checks were found,” the church said. “Lakewood immediately notified the Houston Police Department and is assisting them with their investigation. Lakewood has no further comment at this time.” Osteen is among the country’s best-known televangelists, and his church, which holds services in the former Compaq Center, once home to the Houston Rockets, seats about 16,000 people. Before the pandemic, the church had been drawing an average of about 42,000 people to services every week, according to a church spokesperson. The 2014 theft from the church’s safe was discovered by a church employee, a Houston police spokesperson told The Houston Chronicle that year. Lakewood Church said in a statement at the time that the “funds were fully insured, and we are working with our insurance company to restore the stolen funds to the church,” the newspaper reported. The church and Crime Stoppers of Houston had offered $25,000 for information that led to the arrest of those responsible for the theft, according to the Chronicle. The plumber, who identified himself only as Justin, revealed that he had found the money when he called “The Morning Bullpen with George Mo and Erik” on Thursday. The hosts had asked callers to share stories of the valuable things they had found and had fielded calls about a lost wedding ring and a $100 bill when they heard from the plumber, according to George Lindsey, a host of the show. “It was the most unique and incredible phone call I have had in my 25-plus year radio career — without a doubt,” Lindsey said Friday. He said the show went to a commercial break to confirm that the caller wasn’t pulling a prank and then let the plumber tell his story on air. “I wish we had video of all of our faces as he was telling the story because it was like, 'Are you kidding me?' ” Lindsey said, adding that the 2014 theft was “big news” in Houston. During the call, the plumber noted that there was a $25,000 reward offered, saying with a laugh, “I need some compensation.” He said he never thought about pocketing any of the envelopes. “I’m an honest man,” he said. Rania Mankarious, CEO of Crime Stoppers of Houston, said $20,000 of the reward had been offered by Lakewood Church, which donated the money to Crime Stoppers after a year passed with no breaks in the case. The organization still has a $5,000 reward for the case, she said, but the money would be given only for information that helped investigators identify, charge or arrest a suspect. Someone who found the money would not qualify for the reward, unless the discovery led the police to a suspect, she said. Lindsey said he believed that the plumber was frustrated that he hadn’t heard anything from the church or the police since he found the stash November 10. “Nobody said thank you,” Lindsey said. “Nobody has said a word to this guy. He has solved a case that has been on the books for seven years.”

Money found by plumber at Joel Osteen’s church is tied to 2014 burglary, police say

A coalition of conservative religious groups is waging an intensive lobbying effort to remove a nondiscrimination provision from President Joe Biden’s ambitious prekindergarten and child care plans, fearing it would disqualify their programs from receiving a huge new infusion of federal money.

The fight could have major consequences for a central component of Biden’s $1.85 trillion social policy bill, which the House is to consider as soon as this week. It could go a long way toward determining which programs, neighbourhoods and families can benefit from the landmark early-childhood benefits established in the legislation, given that child care centres and preschools affiliated with religious organisations make up a substantial share of those offered in the United States — serving as many as 53 per cent of families, according to a survey last year by the Bipartisan Policy Center.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/liberals-dig-in-against-infrastructure-bill-as-party-divisions-persist-416842">Liberals dig in against infrastructure bill as party divisions persist</a>

The provision at issue is a standard one in many federal laws, which would mandate that all providers comply with federal nondiscrimination statutes. Religious organisations, whose child care programs are currently exempt from some such laws, argue that it would effectively block many of their providers from participating, while civil rights advocates contend it is long past time for such institutions to comply.

Some of the faith groups are pressing lawmakers to scrap or modify the nondiscrimination language, asserting that it would essentially shut them out of the new federal program unless they made major changes to the way they operate. For instance, it could bar federal funds from going to programs that refused to hire a gay employee, gave preference to applicants of their faith or failed to renovate their facilities to accommodate students with disabilities.

The organisations argue that the rules would force them to choose between participating in the child care initiative and continuing to teach religious content, convene all-boys or all-girls programs, or give preferences in hiring or admissions to people of their religion. Congressional staff members working on the bill do not believe it prohibits religious organisations from teaching religious content.

The groups — including the US&nbsp;leaders of the Catholic Church and one of the country’s largest Orthodox Jewish groups — contend that unless the bill is rewritten, they will be forced to turn away families that want to use benefits from the bill to send children to their centres.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/key-to-bidens-climate-agenda-likely-to-be-cut-because-of-manchin-opposition-421381">Key to Biden’s climate agenda likely to be cut because of Manchin opposition</a>

“It will be detrimental to our ability to participate,” said Jennifer Daniels, the associate director for public policy at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. “It would impact our ability to stick with our Catholic mission in a variety of ways. We’ve worked really hard to make our concerns known.”

Their efforts appear to have gained some traction in the Senate, where Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., a key swing vote on the social policy bill, has privately told Democrats, he wants to ensure that religious programs can fully participate in the child care initiative.

But in the House, Democrats are just as adamant that the provision be retained in order to prevent federal money from flowing to any organisation that discriminates. Defenders include the Congressional Black Caucus and Rep. Robert C. Scott, D-Va. and the chair of the Education and Labor Committee, who wrote it into the social policy legislation.

The fight over preschool and child care programs is among the major conflicts that remain to be resolved before the social policy legislation can clear Congress and be signed into law by Biden.

“The Build Back Better Act must not allow government-funded discrimination — in employment or in the provision of services to participants — in publicly funded programs,” Scott and Rep. Joyce Beatty, D-Ohio and the chair of the Black Caucus wrote in a previously undisclosed letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

“We believe that allowing such discrimination financed with public funds collected from all taxpayers is wrong,” the lawmakers wrote. “We are asking you to oppose any effort to remove or change the nondiscrimination provisions included in the child care and universal preschool provisions of the Build Back Better Act.”

The bill would provide nearly $400 billion to help states build universal prekindergarten and affordable child care programs over six years. It is intended to ensure that the vast majority of families — those with four-person households earning up to $300,000 — spend no more than 7 per cent of their income on child care. Families that earn less than 75 per cent of the state’s median income would pay nothing.

It explicitly includes religious organisations.

“Nothing in this section shall preclude the use of such certificates for sectarian child care services if freely chosen by the parent,” it says. “For the purposes of this section, child care certificates shall be considered federal financial assistance to the provider.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaffe-prone-us-leaders-do-it-again-house-speaker-nancy-pelosi-mistakes-obama-for-biden-416891">Gaffe-prone US leaders do it again: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi mistakes Obama for Biden</a>

At issue is what’s arguably a major change the bill would make in how the federal government treats institutions that receive aid for the care of small children. For decades, low-income families have received funds from the Child Care and Development Block Grant program that they may use at a variety of child care centres. But since those centres are not necessarily considered direct recipients of federal funds, they are not bound by some nondiscrimination laws.

A similar situation exists for religious elementary schools that receive money through local school systems to educate low-income students.

Scott’s legislation would categorize any prekindergarten or child care centre that participates in the new program as a federal financial recipient, requiring it to either comply with nondiscrimination laws or turn away families, the conservative religious organisations argue.

“Religious providers are absolutely eligible to participate in the program — including receiving certificate funding, which is not considered direct federal financial assistance,” an aide to the Senate’s education committee said. “We are working with concerned organisations to ensure this distinction is clear.”

The bill would also prohibit any child care provider from using the funds to perform work on “buildings or facilities that are used primarily for sectarian instruction or religious worship.”

Senate Democrats say they are working to accommodate the religious organisations that object but will not agree to anything that would allow religious providers to discriminate against families that want to enrol children in their facilities. They note that some religious organisations — particularly those with a less conservative worldview — have no problem with the bill, including a few that signed a letter urging its passage.

And civil rights groups have pushed back hard at the efforts to remove the nondiscrimination provision, saying that any institution that wants to receive federal funds must submit to such laws.

“Who do they want to shut out? Is it the lesbian mom you want to shut out?” said Liz King, the director of the Education Equity Program at the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. “Is it the children with autism you want to shut out? Since at least 1964, the law and basic principle has been that federal funds cannot be used to discriminate. No one should have to subsidize their own discrimination.”

But religious organisations that have spent decades successfully steering clear of federal mandates say the legislation could be crippling to their educational programs.

“As a general rule, Catholic schools and most nonpublic schools purposefully avoid federal financial recipient status, because it triggers a whole host of federal regulatory obligations with which nonpublic schools are not currently required to comply,” Michael B. Sheedy, the executive director of the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, wrote in a letter last week to Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla. “The provisions of most obvious concern include nondiscrimination provisions related to sexual orientation and gender identity that could create religious freedom issues for religious providers.”

Manchin raised the issue at a recent closed-door meeting with Senate Democrats, emphasizing that the church and other faith-based organisations play a crucial role in helping care for many families in West Virginia, according to a person familiar with his comments.

Watch |&nbsp;US House expected to vote on Biden's social spending &amp; climate change bill

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-house-expected-to-vote-on-bidens-social-spending-climate-change-bill-426857/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Manchin argued that a little bit of funding would go a long way in helping religiously affiliated institutions provide a quality education for pre-K children, the person said, and he insisted they be eligible for any funds that are available. His position found widespread agreement among the other Democratic senators in the room, said two people familiar with the private discussion who described it on the condition of anonymity. Democrats did not get into the finer details of the dispute during their discussion, they said.

The debate is the latest skirmish in the battle over the role of religious organisations in participating in government programs — and how to include them while ensuring federal nondiscrimination protections that may conflict with their practices and beliefs.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 made it unlawful for an employer to discriminate against someone because of the “individual’s race, color, religion, sex or national origin.” It exempted church groups and faith-based organisations, but the act made no mention of whether such provisions could be applied if the groups were to accept federal funding.

Former President George W. Bush, through a series of executive orders, made it easier for churches and other faith-based organisations to receive federal money while circumventing certain anti-discrimination laws.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Orthodox Union want those practices to stay in place. In recent days, they have made the case to members of Congress that they could not accept money to run preschool or child care programs unless the bill expressly exempts them from anti-discrimination laws, such as Title IX, which protects against discrimination by sex, and the Americans With Disabilities Act, which they argue could require costly upgrades to old buildings, including houses of worship.

“We appreciate that key Senate Democrats have told us that they agree that churches and synagogues must be included, but the devil is indeed in the details,” said Nathan J. Diament, the public policy director at the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America. “Right now, the way the bill text is drafted, there are details that will deter, if not make it impossible for, faith-based providers to participate.”

A coalition of conservative religious groups is waging an intensive lobbying effort to remove a nondiscrimination provision from President Joe Biden’s ambitious prekindergarten and child care plans, fearing it would disqualify their programs from receiving a huge new infusion of federal money.

A coalition of conservative religious groups is waging an intensive lobbying effort to remove a nondiscrimination provision from President Joe Biden’s ambitious prekindergarten and child care plans, fearing it would disqualify their programs from receiving a huge new infusion of federal money. The fight could have major consequences for a central component of Biden’s $1.85 trillion social policy bill, which the House is to consider as soon as this week. It could go a long way toward determining which programs, neighbourhoods and families can benefit from the landmark early-childhood benefits established in the legislation, given that child care centres and preschools affiliated with religious organisations make up a substantial share of those offered in the United States — serving as many as 53 per cent of families, according to a survey last year by the Bipartisan Policy Center. Also read | Liberals dig in against infrastructure bill as party divisions persist The provision at issue is a standard one in many federal laws, which would mandate that all providers comply with federal nondiscrimination statutes. Religious organisations, whose child care programs are currently exempt from some such laws, argue that it would effectively block many of their providers from participating, while civil rights advocates contend it is long past time for such institutions to comply. Some of the faith groups are pressing lawmakers to scrap or modify the nondiscrimination language, asserting that it would essentially shut them out of the new federal program unless they made major changes to the way they operate. For instance, it could bar federal funds from going to programs that refused to hire a gay employee, gave preference to applicants of their faith or failed to renovate their facilities to accommodate students with disabilities. The organisations argue that the rules would force them to choose between participating in the child care initiative and continuing to teach religious content, convene all-boys or all-girls programs, or give preferences in hiring or admissions to people of their religion. Congressional staff members working on the bill do not believe it prohibits religious organisations from teaching religious content. The groups — including the US leaders of the Catholic Church and one of the country’s largest Orthodox Jewish groups — contend that unless the bill is rewritten, they will be forced to turn away families that want to use benefits from the bill to send children to their centres. Also read | Key to Biden’s climate agenda likely to be cut because of Manchin opposition “It will be detrimental to our ability to participate,” said Jennifer Daniels, the associate director for public policy at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. “It would impact our ability to stick with our Catholic mission in a variety of ways. We’ve worked really hard to make our concerns known.” Their efforts appear to have gained some traction in the Senate, where Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., a key swing vote on the social policy bill, has privately told Democrats, he wants to ensure that religious programs can fully participate in the child care initiative. But in the House, Democrats are just as adamant that the provision be retained in order to prevent federal money from flowing to any organisation that discriminates. Defenders include the Congressional Black Caucus and Rep. Robert C. Scott, D-Va. and the chair of the Education and Labor Committee, who wrote it into the social policy legislation. The fight over preschool and child care programs is among the major conflicts that remain to be resolved before the social policy legislation can clear Congress and be signed into law by Biden. “The Build Back Better Act must not allow government-funded discrimination — in employment or in the provision of services to participants — in publicly funded programs,” Scott and Rep. Joyce Beatty, D-Ohio and the chair of the Black Caucus wrote in a previously undisclosed letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi. “We believe that allowing such discrimination financed with public funds collected from all taxpayers is wrong,” the lawmakers wrote. “We are asking you to oppose any effort to remove or change the nondiscrimination provisions included in the child care and universal preschool provisions of the Build Back Better Act.” The bill would provide nearly $400 billion to help states build universal prekindergarten and affordable child care programs over six years. It is intended to ensure that the vast majority of families — those with four-person households earning up to $300,000 — spend no more than 7 per cent of their income on child care. Families that earn less than 75 per cent of the state’s median income would pay nothing. It explicitly includes religious organisations. “Nothing in this section shall preclude the use of such certificates for sectarian child care services if freely chosen by the parent,” it says. “For the purposes of this section, child care certificates shall be considered federal financial assistance to the provider.” Also read | Gaffe-prone US leaders do it again: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi mistakes Obama for Biden At issue is what’s arguably a major change the bill would make in how the federal government treats institutions that receive aid for the care of small children. For decades, low-income families have received funds from the Child Care and Development Block Grant program that they may use at a variety of child care centres. But since those centres are not necessarily considered direct recipients of federal funds, they are not bound by some nondiscrimination laws. A similar situation exists for religious elementary schools that receive money through local school systems to educate low-income students. Scott’s legislation would categorize any prekindergarten or child care centre that participates in the new program as a federal financial recipient, requiring it to either comply with nondiscrimination laws or turn away families, the conservative religious organisations argue. “Religious providers are absolutely eligible to participate in the program — including receiving certificate funding, which is not considered direct federal financial assistance,” an aide to the Senate’s education committee said. “We are working with concerned organisations to ensure this distinction is clear.” The bill would also prohibit any child care provider from using the funds to perform work on “buildings or facilities that are used primarily for sectarian instruction or religious worship.” Senate Democrats say they are working to accommodate the religious organisations that object but will not agree to anything that would allow religious providers to discriminate against families that want to enrol children in their facilities. They note that some religious organisations — particularly those with a less conservative worldview — have no problem with the bill, including a few that signed a letter urging its passage. And civil rights groups have pushed back hard at the efforts to remove the nondiscrimination provision, saying that any institution that wants to receive federal funds must submit to such laws. “Who do they want to shut out? Is it the lesbian mom you want to shut out?” said Liz King, the director of the Education Equity Program at the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. “Is it the children with autism you want to shut out? Since at least 1964, the law and basic principle has been that federal funds cannot be used to discriminate. No one should have to subsidize their own discrimination.” But religious organisations that have spent decades successfully steering clear of federal mandates say the legislation could be crippling to their educational programs. “As a general rule, Catholic schools and most nonpublic schools purposefully avoid federal financial recipient status, because it triggers a whole host of federal regulatory obligations with which nonpublic schools are not currently required to comply,” Michael B. Sheedy, the executive director of the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, wrote in a letter last week to Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla. “The provisions of most obvious concern include nondiscrimination provisions related to sexual orientation and gender identity that could create religious freedom issues for religious providers.” Manchin raised the issue at a recent closed-door meeting with Senate Democrats, emphasizing that the church and other faith-based organisations play a crucial role in helping care for many families in West Virginia, according to a person familiar with his comments. Watch | US House expected to vote on Biden's social spending & climate change bill Manchin argued that a little bit of funding would go a long way in helping religiously affiliated institutions provide a quality education for pre-K children, the person said, and he insisted they be eligible for any funds that are available. His position found widespread agreement among the other Democratic senators in the room, said two people familiar with the private discussion who described it on the condition of anonymity. Democrats did not get into the finer details of the dispute during their discussion, they said. The debate is the latest skirmish in the battle over the role of religious organisations in participating in government programs — and how to include them while ensuring federal nondiscrimination protections that may conflict with their practices and beliefs. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 made it unlawful for an employer to discriminate against someone because of the “individual’s race, color, religion, sex or national origin.” It exempted church groups and faith-based organisations, but the act made no mention of whether such provisions could be applied if the groups were to accept federal funding. Former President George W. Bush, through a series of executive orders, made it easier for churches and other faith-based organisations to receive federal money while circumventing certain anti-discrimination laws. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Orthodox Union want those practices to stay in place. In recent days, they have made the case to members of Congress that they could not accept money to run preschool or child care programs unless the bill expressly exempts them from anti-discrimination laws, such as Title IX, which protects against discrimination by sex, and the Americans With Disabilities Act, which they argue could require costly upgrades to old buildings, including houses of worship. “We appreciate that key Senate Democrats have told us that they agree that churches and synagogues must be included, but the devil is indeed in the details,” said Nathan J. Diament, the public policy director at the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America. “Right now, the way the bill text is drafted, there are details that will deter, if not make it impossible for, faith-based providers to participate.”

Faith groups push to scrap mandates in Biden’s child care plan

The French bishops recently said that they accepted that the Catholic church bore an "institutional responsibility" in the thousands of child abuse cases which were revealed in a shocking report. In its annual meeting, the Bishops Conference president Eric de Moulins-Beaufort said that the church was guilty of allowing the abuses to become "systemic."

"This responsibility implies a duty to provide justice and reparation," the archbishop said.&nbsp;

The commission has recommended that the church accepts civil and social responsibility for the abuses. Also, it has been said that the financial compensation should be calculated for each individual case based on the severity of abuses suffered.

This comes after an independent inquiry in October revealed that sexual abuse of minors by Catholic priests and other clergymen has had 216,000 victims between 1950 and 2020. This was called a "massive phenomenon" that was hushed up by a "veil of silence".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-inquiry-reveals-216000-cases-of-paedophilia-by-catholic-priests-since-1950-418328">Also read |&nbsp;France: Inquiry reveals 216,000 cases of paedophilia by Catholic priests since 1950</a>

The annual meeting was not entirely dedicated to the response to the report. However, the 120 bishops from different parts of France have devoted much of their week-long meeting to "the fight against violence and sexual aggression directed at minors".

The abuse victims were invited to join the meeting.

Many victims declined the invite as they were against the decision to make the sexual abuse scandal just one of several topics.&nbsp;

The report was released after an investigation of two and a half years. It was launched after widespread outrage over a string of paedophilia claims and prosecutions against Church officials worldwide.

The report of the inquiry, at nearly 2,500 pages, found that the "vast majority" of victims were pre-adolescent boys from a wide variety of social backgrounds.

"The Catholic Church is, after the circle of family and friends, the environment that has the highest prevalence of sexual violence," the report said.

The French bishops recently said that they accepted that the Catholic church bore an "institutional responsibility" in the thousands of child abuse cases which were revealed in a shocking report.

The French bishops recently said that they accepted that the Catholic church bore an "institutional responsibility" in the thousands of child abuse cases which were revealed in a shocking report. In its annual meeting, the Bishops Conference president Eric de Moulins-Beaufort said that the church was guilty of allowing the abuses to become "systemic." "This responsibility implies a duty to provide justice and reparation," the archbishop said. The commission has recommended that the church accepts civil and social responsibility for the abuses. Also, it has been said that the financial compensation should be calculated for each individual case based on the severity of abuses suffered. This comes after an independent inquiry in October revealed that sexual abuse of minors by Catholic priests and other clergymen has had 216,000 victims between 1950 and 2020. This was called a "massive phenomenon" that was hushed up by a "veil of silence". Also read | France: Inquiry reveals 216,000 cases of paedophilia by Catholic priests since 1950 The annual meeting was not entirely dedicated to the response to the report. However, the 120 bishops from different parts of France have devoted much of their week-long meeting to "the fight against violence and sexual aggression directed at minors". The abuse victims were invited to join the meeting. Many victims declined the invite as they were against the decision to make the sexual abuse scandal just one of several topics. The report was released after an investigation of two and a half years. It was launched after widespread outrage over a string of paedophilia claims and prosecutions against Church officials worldwide. The report of the inquiry, at nearly 2,500 pages, found that the "vast majority" of victims were pre-adolescent boys from a wide variety of social backgrounds. "The Catholic Church is, after the circle of family and friends, the environment that has the highest prevalence of sexual violence," the report said.

French bishops say church bore 'institutional responsibility' for child abuse

In what has been deemed as a "once-in-a-lifetime" discovery, archaeologists have unearthed Roman statues in a mausoleum under an old church. The discovery was made while working on a high-speed railway project in a small English village.

While archaeologists were excavating a circular ditch around what was considered the foundations of an Anglo-Saxon tower, they discovered three stone busts that appeared to be Roman.&nbsp;

Two of the busts include a head and torso which had been split before deposition. The third one comprises just a head.&nbsp; 
It has been concluded that the statues belong to one female adult and one male adult, along with the head of a child.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
A 'once in a lifetime' find: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Archaeologists?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Archaeologists</a> uncover 3 ancient <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Roman?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Roman</a> statues dating back 2,000 years underneath the site of a Norman church in Stoke Mandeville 
The 3 stone busts were found by archaeologists for the HS2 train line <a href="https://t.co/FSGsKhGwKJ">pic.twitter.com/FSGsKhGwKJ</a>
— Hans Solo (@thandojo) <a href="https://twitter.com/thandojo/status/1454405464414851075?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The work has been carried out by HS2’s Enabling Works Contractor, Fusion JV, and their archaeological contactor, L-P Archaeology.&nbsp;

Dr Rachel Wood, Lead Archaeologist for Fusion JV, in a press release said, “For us to end the dig with these utterly astounding finds is beyond exciting. The statues are exceptionally well preserved, and you really get an impression of the people they depict literally looking into the faces of the past is a unique experience. Of course, it leads us to wonder what else might be buried beneath England’s medieval village churches."

Apart from the statues, a well-preserved hexagonal glass Roman jug was also discovered. The jug had large pieces still intact despite being buried for years.&nbsp;

Archaeologists have concluded that the square building that pre-dates the Norman church is a Roman mausoleum.&nbsp;

The artefacts will be taken to a specialist laboratory where they will be further examined. However, the final destination for the finds is yet to be determined. 
&nbsp;

In what has been deemed as a "once-in-a-lifetime" discovery, archaeologists have unearthed Roman statues in a mausoleum under an old church. The discovery was made while working on a high-speed railway project in a small English village.

In what has been deemed as a "once-in-a-lifetime" discovery, archaeologists have unearthed Roman statues in a mausoleum under an old church. The discovery was made while working on a high-speed railway project in a small English village. While archaeologists were excavating a circular ditch around what was considered the foundations of an Anglo-Saxon tower, they discovered three stone busts that appeared to be Roman. Two of the busts include a head and torso which had been split before deposition. The third one comprises just a head. It has been concluded that the statues belong to one female adult and one male adult, along with the head of a child. A 'once in a lifetime' find: #Archaeologists uncover 3 ancient #Roman statues dating back 2,000 years underneath the site of a Norman church in Stoke Mandeville The 3 stone busts were found by archaeologists for the HS2 train line pic.twitter.com/FSGsKhGwKJ — Hans Solo (@thandojo) October 30, 2021 × The work has been carried out by HS2’s Enabling Works Contractor, Fusion JV, and their archaeological contactor, L-P Archaeology. Dr Rachel Wood, Lead Archaeologist for Fusion JV, in a press release said, “For us to end the dig with these utterly astounding finds is beyond exciting. The statues are exceptionally well preserved, and you really get an impression of the people they depict literally looking into the faces of the past is a unique experience. Of course, it leads us to wonder what else might be buried beneath England’s medieval village churches." Apart from the statues, a well-preserved hexagonal glass Roman jug was also discovered. The jug had large pieces still intact despite being buried for years. Archaeologists have concluded that the square building that pre-dates the Norman church is a Roman mausoleum. The artefacts will be taken to a specialist laboratory where they will be further examined. However, the final destination for the finds is yet to be determined.

'Utterly astounding finds': Archaeologists find Roman statues while excavating English church

Archaeologists believe they have uncovered the original brick foundation of one of the nation’s oldest historically Black churches, known as the First Baptist Church.

The church, at Colonial Williamsburg, the historical site and museum in Virginia, was formed in 1776 by free and enslaved Black people who met in secret in defiance of laws that forbade the congregation of African Americans, according to the museum.

“The early history of our congregation, beginning with enslaved and free Blacks gathering outdoors in secret in 1776, has always been a part of who we are as a community,” the Rev. Reginald Davis, pastor of the First Baptist Church, said in a statement Thursday.

He added that “to see the actual bricks of that original foundation and the outline of the place our ancestors worshipped brings that history to life and makes that piece of our identity tangible.”

Jack Gary, director of archaeology at Colonial Williamsburg, who is overseeing the excavation, said the team “always hoped this is what we’d find.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/since-1950-3000-paedophiles-operated-in-french-catholic-church-says-report-417907">Also read |&nbsp;Since 1950, 3,000 paedophiles operated in French Catholic Church, says report &nbsp;</a>

In an interview Thursday, he said it was “very powerful” to be able to tell visitors and members of the community “that you are standing in the place where the oldest Black Baptist church had congregated.”

He added: “The resilience of that group and the fact they remain today is really an American story.”

Since September 2020, archaeologists have been digging at the site of the church’s original structure, near the intersection of Nassau and Francis streets at Colonial Williamsburg, an open-air museum that, using actors in period costume, re-creates life in the colonial era in Williamsburg.

The archaeologists are looking for burials and seek to better understand the experiences of the church’s early congregants. The project is being supported by leaders of the church, whose members include descendants of those who attended services centuries ago.

Free and enslaved Black people met in secret to found the First Baptist Church around the start of the American Revolution.

Tax records show that, by 1818, the congregation was gathering on the site in a building known as the Baptist Meeting House. In 1834, a tornado destroyed it.

A second church structure, a brick building, was built in 1856 and stood there for nearly a century until it was purchased by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation in 1956.

That building was torn down that year as part of Colonial Williamsburg restoration efforts, and a parking lot was built on the site. The congregation relocated to another building blocks away.

The museum on Thursday said the newly identified brick-building foundation, which measures 16 feet by 20 feet, sits alongside a brick paving and on top of a layer of soil that dates to the early 1800s.

Artefacts found under the paving included a coin from 1817 and a straight pin that appeared to suggest the foundation was built sometime in the first quarter of the 19th century, according to the museum.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/archaeological-discovery-in-egypt-rewrites-history-as-we-know-it-357359">Also read |&nbsp;Archaeological discovery in Egypt 'rewrites history' as we know it!</a>

In addition to the original structure, archaeologists have discovered at least 25 human burials at the site.

The excavation of the Nassau Street site will continue “as part of a multiyear project” to learn more about the earliest version of the church, according to the museum.

Officials said they would hold a community meeting Oct. 30 for descendants to discuss the burial sites and possible next steps.

Connie Matthews Harshaw, a member of First Baptist Church and president of the Let Freedom Ring Foundation, which helps to preserve the history of the church, said “the discovery of the original site of our church is such a beautiful reminder of the power of public history to tell stories that inspire and unite us.”

Jody Lynn Allen, an assistant professor of history at William &amp; Mary, said Colonial Williamsburg “has made serious efforts since the late 1980s to include the African American experience.”

She said “with the addition of First Baptist Church, Christianity, a key component in the lives of Black people, is now included.”

Archaeologists believe they have uncovered the original brick foundation of one of the nation’s oldest historically Black churches, known as the First Baptist Church.

Archaeologists believe they have uncovered the original brick foundation of one of the nation’s oldest historically Black churches, known as the First Baptist Church. The church, at Colonial Williamsburg, the historical site and museum in Virginia, was formed in 1776 by free and enslaved Black people who met in secret in defiance of laws that forbade the congregation of African Americans, according to the museum. “The early history of our congregation, beginning with enslaved and free Blacks gathering outdoors in secret in 1776, has always been a part of who we are as a community,” the Rev. Reginald Davis, pastor of the First Baptist Church, said in a statement Thursday. He added that “to see the actual bricks of that original foundation and the outline of the place our ancestors worshipped brings that history to life and makes that piece of our identity tangible.” Jack Gary, director of archaeology at Colonial Williamsburg, who is overseeing the excavation, said the team “always hoped this is what we’d find.” Also read | Since 1950, 3,000 paedophiles operated in French Catholic Church, says report In an interview Thursday, he said it was “very powerful” to be able to tell visitors and members of the community “that you are standing in the place where the oldest Black Baptist church had congregated.” He added: “The resilience of that group and the fact they remain today is really an American story.” Since September 2020, archaeologists have been digging at the site of the church’s original structure, near the intersection of Nassau and Francis streets at Colonial Williamsburg, an open-air museum that, using actors in period costume, re-creates life in the colonial era in Williamsburg. The archaeologists are looking for burials and seek to better understand the experiences of the church’s early congregants. The project is being supported by leaders of the church, whose members include descendants of those who attended services centuries ago. Free and enslaved Black people met in secret to found the First Baptist Church around the start of the American Revolution. Tax records show that, by 1818, the congregation was gathering on the site in a building known as the Baptist Meeting House. In 1834, a tornado destroyed it. A second church structure, a brick building, was built in 1856 and stood there for nearly a century until it was purchased by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation in 1956. That building was torn down that year as part of Colonial Williamsburg restoration efforts, and a parking lot was built on the site. The congregation relocated to another building blocks away. The museum on Thursday said the newly identified brick-building foundation, which measures 16 feet by 20 feet, sits alongside a brick paving and on top of a layer of soil that dates to the early 1800s. Artefacts found under the paving included a coin from 1817 and a straight pin that appeared to suggest the foundation was built sometime in the first quarter of the 19th century, according to the museum. Also read | Archaeological discovery in Egypt 'rewrites history' as we know it! In addition to the original structure, archaeologists have discovered at least 25 human burials at the site. The excavation of the Nassau Street site will continue “as part of a multiyear project” to learn more about the earliest version of the church, according to the museum. Officials said they would hold a community meeting Oct. 30 for descendants to discuss the burial sites and possible next steps. Connie Matthews Harshaw, a member of First Baptist Church and president of the Let Freedom Ring Foundation, which helps to preserve the history of the church, said “the discovery of the original site of our church is such a beautiful reminder of the power of public history to tell stories that inspire and unite us.” Jody Lynn Allen, an assistant professor of history at William & Mary, said Colonial Williamsburg “has made serious efforts since the late 1980s to include the African American experience.” She said “with the addition of First Baptist Church, Christianity, a key component in the lives of Black people, is now included.”

Archaeologists unearth foundation of historic black church formed in 1776

In a shocking development, an independent inquiry has found that sexual abuse of minors by Catholic priests and other clergymen has had 216,000 victims between 1950 and 2020. This has been called a "massive phenomenon" that was hushed up by a "veil of silence".

The landmark report was released on Tuesday. The investigation took two and a half years. It was launched after widespread outrage over string of paedophilia claims and prosecutions against Church officials worldwide. 
&nbsp; 
This is tip of an iceberg as when sexual abuse by lower members of the Church like teachers at Catholic schools are included, number of child abuse victims over seven decades climbs up to 330,000.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/europes-social-democrats-show-signs-of-life-but-france-poses-a-roadblock-417473">Europe’s social democrats show signs of life, but France poses a roadblock</a>

"Until the early 2000s the Catholic Church showed a profound and even cruel indifference towards the victims," the president of the investigative committee, Jean-Marc Sauve, said at a press conference.

He denounced the "systemic character" of efforts to shield clergy from paedophilia claims.

Meanwhile, French Catholic bishops have asked for forgiveness from victims of the sexual abuse. &nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macron-wants-calming-down-in-algeria-relations-418305">Macron wants 'calming down' in Algeria relations</a>

Monsignor Eric de Moulins-Beaufort, head of the French conference of bishops, said he and his fellow bishops wanted to express to victims their shame at the abuse revealed in the report.

The report of the inquiry,&nbsp;at nearly 2,500 pages, found that the "vast majority" of victims were pre-adolescent boys from a wide variety of social backgrounds.

"The Catholic Church is, after the circle of family and friends, the environment that has the highest prevalence of sexual violence," the report said.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a shocking development, an independent inquiry has found that sexual abuse of minors by Catholic priests and other clergymen has had 216,000 victims between 1950 and 2020.

In a shocking development, an independent inquiry has found that sexual abuse of minors by Catholic priests and other clergymen has had 216,000 victims between 1950 and 2020. This has been called a "massive phenomenon" that was hushed up by a "veil of silence". The landmark report was released on Tuesday. The investigation took two and a half years. It was launched after widespread outrage over string of paedophilia claims and prosecutions against Church officials worldwide. This is tip of an iceberg as when sexual abuse by lower members of the Church like teachers at Catholic schools are included, number of child abuse victims over seven decades climbs up to 330,000. Also Read | Europe’s social democrats show signs of life, but France poses a roadblock "Until the early 2000s the Catholic Church showed a profound and even cruel indifference towards the victims," the president of the investigative committee, Jean-Marc Sauve, said at a press conference. He denounced the "systemic character" of efforts to shield clergy from paedophilia claims. Meanwhile, French Catholic bishops have asked for forgiveness from victims of the sexual abuse. Also Read | Macron wants 'calming down' in Algeria relations Monsignor Eric de Moulins-Beaufort, head of the French conference of bishops, said he and his fellow bishops wanted to express to victims their shame at the abuse revealed in the report. The report of the inquiry, at nearly 2,500 pages, found that the "vast majority" of victims were pre-adolescent boys from a wide variety of social backgrounds. "The Catholic Church is, after the circle of family and friends, the environment that has the highest prevalence of sexual violence," the report said. (With inputs from agencies)

France: Inquiry reveals 216,000 cases of paedophilia by Catholic priests since 1950

Pope Francis used his short time in Budapest, Hungary, Sunday to urge his bishops to embrace diversity and send a message to the country’s hard-right, anti-migrant leader, Prime Minister Viktor Orban, that God is not a strongman who silences enemies and that religious roots, while vital for a country, also allow it to open up and extend “its arms toward everyone.”

The seven-hour visit, ostensibly a spiritual layover to celebrate the concluding Mass of a weeklong international conference on the Eucharist, was the first international trip for Francis since undergoing major surgery this summer. It opened a four-day visit to neighboring Slovakia, and the disparity of time spent in the two countries has prompted Hungarian prelates to lobby for a longer stay and allies of Orban to excoriate the pope, who regularly criticizes “national populism,” for the perceived snub.

Orban has portrayed himself as a defender of Christian Europe, and he has ramped up connections to church traditionalists, many of whom are critical of Francis, before expected elections in April. Some in the Hungarian church worried that Orban would exploit the pope’s visit for electoral gain. His government, they argue, has already essentially bought the independence and the silence of the church by showering it with many millions of dollars in subsidies.

On Sunday, Francis met for about 40 minutes with Orban and with other civil authorities in a gaping hall at the Museum of Fine Arts. The pope and his top foreign policy officials sat without masks and at a considerable distance across from Orban and Hungary’s president, Janos Ader.

But Orban quickly posted photographs of his greeting Francis on his Facebook page, writing that he had asked the pope “not to allow Christian Hungary to perish.” Hungarian media, where Orban’s government holds great sway, splashed the picture of the handshake on their homepages and reported that Orban, who has referred to the influx of migrants to Europe in 2015 as an “invasion,” gave Francis a copy of a letter sent by a 13th-century Hungarian king to the pope at the time. In the letter, the king complained that pleas to the church for help against an invasion from Mongol armies had resulted in only empty words.

The issue of migration apparently did not come up in the meeting, according to the Vatican, but, as anticipated by some of his confidants, the pope addressed the issue head-on in his subsequent meeting in the museum with a group of Hungarian bishops.

“Your country is a place in which people from other populations have long lived together,” he said. “Various ethnicities, minorities, religions and migrants have also transformed this country into a multicultural environment.”

Francis said that at the beginning, “diversity always causes some fear because it puts at risk the acquired security and upsets the achieved stability,” but he added that it was a great opportunity to reach out in brotherhood. “In front of cultural, ethnic, political and religious diversity,” the pope said, “we can have two reactions: close ourselves in a rigid defense of our so-called identity, or open ourselves to meet the other and cultivate together the dream of a fraternal society.”

He said that he wanted the Hungarian church to build new bridges of dialogue, to show, he said, its “true face” and become a “bright symbol for Hungary.”

In Francis’ public remarks — in the Heroes’ Square adjacent to the museum, which was spilling over with tens of thousands of people, including Orban in a front-row seat — the pope seemed to touch on those issues, if in biblical and religious terms.

Appearing strong after having about 13 inches of his colon removed in early July, Francis, 84, spoke about how religious sentiment, with which Orban imbues much of his political talk, “not only invites us to be well rooted, it also raises and extends its arms towards everyone.” He said that while it was important to keep the “roots firm,” it was also important to do so “without defensiveness.”

Francis also seemed to warn against the conflating of religion and politics.

“There is God’s side and the world’s side,” he said. “The difference is not between who is religious or not, but ultimately between the true God and the god of ‘self.’ How distant is the God who quietly reigns on the cross from the false god that we want to reign with power in order to silence our enemies.”

On the early plane ride to Budapest from Rome, Francis told reporters that he was happy to be traveling again, as the coronavirus pandemic and his own health challenges had kept him in the Vatican. “If I’m alive, it’s because bad weeds never die,” he joked. In Budapest, he rode in the so-called popemobile along avenues crowded with faithful waving flags. Hardly anyone on the streets, or in the square, or in the city’s bars or restaurants, for that matter, wore masks, and they all crammed closely together.

But Francis took breaks when he could. When, after his meeting with Orban, he met with Christian and Jewish leaders, he explained that he had to deliver his speech while sitting because “I’m not 15 anymore.”

In that speech, he expressed wariness about “the threat of anti-Semitism still lurking in Europe and elsewhere,” and he frequently used his familiar imagery of building bridges and breaking down walls.

During the pope’s morning meetings, prelates and faithful gathered in the square under hats and white umbrellas to shade themselves from the sun, and five members of the defunct Hapsburg empire, which ruled over Hungary and much of Europe for centuries, stood in a line together on the side of a stage that had been set up for Francis. Orban has appointed two of them as his ambassadors in the hopes of improving access in Western Europe.

Eduard Hapsburg, Orban’s ambassador to the Holy See, who worked with the Vatican to extend the pope’s stay, said he had met Francis at the airport. The pope, he said, told him that Hungarian was the language of heaven because it takes an eternity to learn. Hapsburg said that he had pretended not to know the joke and had laughed.

“I didn’t have the impression of a grim atmosphere,” he said. “It was very cheerful, enjoying very much, and yes, for us it’s incredible.”

His father, Archduke Michael Hapsburg-Lothringen, agreed with the rest of his family that the world unfairly treated Hungary as a pariah. He said he was deeply happy with Orban’s government, its handling of the migrant crisis and its advocacy of Hungary as a Christian nation. “I say we live in paradise,” he said. “Compared to neighbor countries, even. I mean, there is so much confusion.”

But Hungary, under Orban, is increasingly isolated in Europe. And as Francis and Orban met, some of those who had crowded around Heroes’ Square sensed the tension and felt torn between the two.

“For me, Catholicism is one thing, and politics is another,” said Eva Tamar, 34, who came from the Hungarian town of God. “I know what is right in religion, but in real life and in politics, I don’t know who to follow. It’s hard.”

Others clearly knew what side they were on.

Balazs Nacy, 23, an ethnic Hungarian who was born and raised in neighboring Slovakia, said he thought the short stay in Hungary was “a political message.”

“He doesn’t really agree with things happening here in Hungary and what Orban does here,” Nacy said. “They say it’s Christian politics, but I don’t think it’s Christianity what they do here. The pope is sending a message.”

Pope Francis used his short time in Budapest, Hungary, Sunday to urge his bishops to embrace diversity and send a message to the country’s hard-right, anti-migrant leader, Prime Minister Viktor Orban, that God is not a strongman who silences enemies and that religious roots, while vital for a country, also allow it to open up and extend “its arms toward everyone.

Pope Francis used his short time in Budapest, Hungary, Sunday to urge his bishops to embrace diversity and send a message to the country’s hard-right, anti-migrant leader, Prime Minister Viktor Orban, that God is not a strongman who silences enemies and that religious roots, while vital for a country, also allow it to open up and extend “its arms toward everyone.” The seven-hour visit, ostensibly a spiritual layover to celebrate the concluding Mass of a weeklong international conference on the Eucharist, was the first international trip for Francis since undergoing major surgery this summer. It opened a four-day visit to neighboring Slovakia, and the disparity of time spent in the two countries has prompted Hungarian prelates to lobby for a longer stay and allies of Orban to excoriate the pope, who regularly criticizes “national populism,” for the perceived snub. Orban has portrayed himself as a defender of Christian Europe, and he has ramped up connections to church traditionalists, many of whom are critical of Francis, before expected elections in April. Some in the Hungarian church worried that Orban would exploit the pope’s visit for electoral gain. His government, they argue, has already essentially bought the independence and the silence of the church by showering it with many millions of dollars in subsidies. On Sunday, Francis met for about 40 minutes with Orban and with other civil authorities in a gaping hall at the Museum of Fine Arts. The pope and his top foreign policy officials sat without masks and at a considerable distance across from Orban and Hungary’s president, Janos Ader. But Orban quickly posted photographs of his greeting Francis on his Facebook page, writing that he had asked the pope “not to allow Christian Hungary to perish.” Hungarian media, where Orban’s government holds great sway, splashed the picture of the handshake on their homepages and reported that Orban, who has referred to the influx of migrants to Europe in 2015 as an “invasion,” gave Francis a copy of a letter sent by a 13th-century Hungarian king to the pope at the time. In the letter, the king complained that pleas to the church for help against an invasion from Mongol armies had resulted in only empty words. The issue of migration apparently did not come up in the meeting, according to the Vatican, but, as anticipated by some of his confidants, the pope addressed the issue head-on in his subsequent meeting in the museum with a group of Hungarian bishops. “Your country is a place in which people from other populations have long lived together,” he said. “Various ethnicities, minorities, religions and migrants have also transformed this country into a multicultural environment.” Francis said that at the beginning, “diversity always causes some fear because it puts at risk the acquired security and upsets the achieved stability,” but he added that it was a great opportunity to reach out in brotherhood. “In front of cultural, ethnic, political and religious diversity,” the pope said, “we can have two reactions: close ourselves in a rigid defense of our so-called identity, or open ourselves to meet the other and cultivate together the dream of a fraternal society.” He said that he wanted the Hungarian church to build new bridges of dialogue, to show, he said, its “true face” and become a “bright symbol for Hungary.” In Francis’ public remarks — in the Heroes’ Square adjacent to the museum, which was spilling over with tens of thousands of people, including Orban in a front-row seat — the pope seemed to touch on those issues, if in biblical and religious terms. Appearing strong after having about 13 inches of his colon removed in early July, Francis, 84, spoke about how religious sentiment, with which Orban imbues much of his political talk, “not only invites us to be well rooted, it also raises and extends its arms towards everyone.” He said that while it was important to keep the “roots firm,” it was also important to do so “without defensiveness.” Francis also seemed to warn against the conflating of religion and politics. “There is God’s side and the world’s side,” he said. “The difference is not between who is religious or not, but ultimately between the true God and the god of ‘self.’ How distant is the God who quietly reigns on the cross from the false god that we want to reign with power in order to silence our enemies.” On the early plane ride to Budapest from Rome, Francis told reporters that he was happy to be traveling again, as the coronavirus pandemic and his own health challenges had kept him in the Vatican. “If I’m alive, it’s because bad weeds never die,” he joked. In Budapest, he rode in the so-called popemobile along avenues crowded with faithful waving flags. Hardly anyone on the streets, or in the square, or in the city’s bars or restaurants, for that matter, wore masks, and they all crammed closely together. But Francis took breaks when he could. When, after his meeting with Orban, he met with Christian and Jewish leaders, he explained that he had to deliver his speech while sitting because “I’m not 15 anymore.” In that speech, he expressed wariness about “the threat of anti-Semitism still lurking in Europe and elsewhere,” and he frequently used his familiar imagery of building bridges and breaking down walls. During the pope’s morning meetings, prelates and faithful gathered in the square under hats and white umbrellas to shade themselves from the sun, and five members of the defunct Hapsburg empire, which ruled over Hungary and much of Europe for centuries, stood in a line together on the side of a stage that had been set up for Francis. Orban has appointed two of them as his ambassadors in the hopes of improving access in Western Europe. Eduard Hapsburg, Orban’s ambassador to the Holy See, who worked with the Vatican to extend the pope’s stay, said he had met Francis at the airport. The pope, he said, told him that Hungarian was the language of heaven because it takes an eternity to learn. Hapsburg said that he had pretended not to know the joke and had laughed. “I didn’t have the impression of a grim atmosphere,” he said. “It was very cheerful, enjoying very much, and yes, for us it’s incredible.” His father, Archduke Michael Hapsburg-Lothringen, agreed with the rest of his family that the world unfairly treated Hungary as a pariah. He said he was deeply happy with Orban’s government, its handling of the migrant crisis and its advocacy of Hungary as a Christian nation. “I say we live in paradise,” he said. “Compared to neighbor countries, even. I mean, there is so much confusion.” But Hungary, under Orban, is increasingly isolated in Europe. And as Francis and Orban met, some of those who had crowded around Heroes’ Square sensed the tension and felt torn between the two. “For me, Catholicism is one thing, and politics is another,” said Eva Tamar, 34, who came from the Hungarian town of God. “I know what is right in religion, but in real life and in politics, I don’t know who to follow. It’s hard.” Others clearly knew what side they were on. Balazs Nacy, 23, an ethnic Hungarian who was born and raised in neighboring Slovakia, said he thought the short stay in Hungary was “a political message.” “He doesn’t really agree with things happening here in Hungary and what Orban does here,” Nacy said. “They say it’s Christian politics, but I don’t think it’s Christianity what they do here. The pope is sending a message.”

In Orban’s Hungary, pope urges bishops to embrace diversity

The Evangelical Lutheran Church of America has installed its first openly transgender bishop.&nbsp;

This has been done in a service held in San Francisco’s Grace Cathedral on Saturday.

The Rev Megan Rohrer will lead one of the church’s 65 synods, overseeing nearly 200 congregations in northern California and northern Nevada.

According to the reports by the Associated Press, Rohrer told worshippers, “My call is ... to be up to the same messy, loving things I was up to before."&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hard-to-explain-to-anybody-biden-defends-us-pullout-from-afghanistan-on-911-anniversary-412447">Also read |&nbsp;'Hard to explain to anybody': Biden defends US pullout from Afghanistan on 9/11 anniversary</a>

“But mostly, if you’ll let me, and I think you will, my hope is to love you and beyond that, to love what you love.”

Rohrer was elected in May to serve a six-year term as bishop of the Sierra Pacific Synod after its current bishop announced his retirement.

Rohrer said in a statement, "I step into this role because a diverse community of Lutherans in northern California and Nevada prayerfully and thoughtfully voted to do a historic thing."

“My installation will celebrate all that is possible when we trust God to shepherd us forward.”

The Evangelical Lutheran Church of America has installed its first openly transgender bishop. This has been done in a service held in San Francisco’s Grace Cathedral on Saturday.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church of America has installed its first openly transgender bishop. This has been done in a service held in San Francisco’s Grace Cathedral on Saturday. The Rev Megan Rohrer will lead one of the church’s 65 synods, overseeing nearly 200 congregations in northern California and northern Nevada. According to the reports by the Associated Press, Rohrer told worshippers, “My call is ... to be up to the same messy, loving things I was up to before." Also read | 'Hard to explain to anybody': Biden defends US pullout from Afghanistan on 9/11 anniversary “But mostly, if you’ll let me, and I think you will, my hope is to love you and beyond that, to love what you love.” Rohrer was elected in May to serve a six-year term as bishop of the Sierra Pacific Synod after its current bishop announced his retirement. Rohrer said in a statement, "I step into this role because a diverse community of Lutherans in northern California and Nevada prayerfully and thoughtfully voted to do a historic thing." “My installation will celebrate all that is possible when we trust God to shepherd us forward.”

US Evangelical Lutheran Church installs first openly transgender bishop

The Vatican has banned the former archbishop of Wroclaw in Poland from taking part in any public ceremonies, following his alleged role in “covering up” child sexual abuse cases in the church.

The move against retired Archbishop Marian Golebiewski, 83, was announced on Saturday by the Archdiocese of Wroclaw in western Poland. It was the latest case of alleged sexual abuse cover-up in predominantly Catholic Poland.

During the investigation, it was found that Golebiewski failed to give sufficient credence to sex abuse allegations from 1996 to 2013, the Vatican said.

“As a result, the 83-year-old was ordered to live in the spirit of penance and prayer,” Reuters quoted the Vatican as saying.

In a statement, the Vatican said he was banned from taking part in any public ceremonies and ordered to pay a “suitable sum” to a fund that helps the victims of abuse.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-experts-urge-vatican-to-end-child-sex-abuse-in-catholic-institutes-393012">Also read |&nbsp;UN experts urge Vatican to end child sex abuse in Catholic institutes</a>

The Church, which wields strong political influence in Poland, has been rocked by a series of abuse scandals in recent years.

The Vatican has sanctioned seven other Polish bishops accused of covering up abuses&nbsp;since last year.

Last month, the state committee on paedophilia, which was set up in 2019, revealed that about a third of the 345 child sexual abuse cases committed between 2017 and 2020 involved members of the clergy.

In its own report presented in June, the Polish church said it had received 368 allegations of abuse by clergy from July 2018 to 2020.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Vatican has banned the former archbishop of Wroclaw in Poland from taking part in any public ceremonies, following his alleged role in “covering up” child sexual abuse cases in the church.

The Vatican has banned the former archbishop of Wroclaw in Poland from taking part in any public ceremonies, following his alleged role in “covering up” child sexual abuse cases in the church. The move against retired Archbishop Marian Golebiewski, 83, was announced on Saturday by the Archdiocese of Wroclaw in western Poland. It was the latest case of alleged sexual abuse cover-up in predominantly Catholic Poland. During the investigation, it was found that Golebiewski failed to give sufficient credence to sex abuse allegations from 1996 to 2013, the Vatican said. “As a result, the 83-year-old was ordered to live in the spirit of penance and prayer,” Reuters quoted the Vatican as saying. In a statement, the Vatican said he was banned from taking part in any public ceremonies and ordered to pay a “suitable sum” to a fund that helps the victims of abuse. Also read | UN experts urge Vatican to end child sex abuse in Catholic institutes The Church, which wields strong political influence in Poland, has been rocked by a series of abuse scandals in recent years. The Vatican has sanctioned seven other Polish bishops accused of covering up abuses since last year. Last month, the state committee on paedophilia, which was set up in 2019, revealed that about a third of the 345 child sexual abuse cases committed between 2017 and 2020 involved members of the clergy. In its own report presented in June, the Polish church said it had received 368 allegations of abuse by clergy from July 2018 to 2020. (With inputs from agencies)

Vatican bans former Polish archbishop from public services for covering up child abuse

91-year-old Theodore McCarrick, a former US cardinal&nbsp;has been charged with sexually abusing a teenage boy,&nbsp;making him the highest-ranking Roman Catholic official to face criminal charges in the scandal surrounding clergy abuse.

As detailed in a district court filing in Massachusetts, the former archbishop is charged with three counts of indecent assault and battery against a child over 14.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-vatican-covered-up-archbishop-theodore-mccarrick-teen-sexual-assault-case-342481">How Vatican covered up Archbishop Theodore McCarrick teen sexual assault case</a>

McCarrick, the highest-ranking church figure to be expelled by the Vatican in modern history, was found guilty by the Vatican of sexually abusing one teenage boy in the 1970s and sexual misconduct with adult male seminarians.

According to prosecutors, McCarrick groped the victim as he walked around Wellesley College in Massachusetts during his brother's wedding reception in 1974 when the victim was 16 years old.

The criminal complaint says McCarrick led the victim into a room and groped his genitals while "saying prayers."

He was stripped of his cardinal's title in 2018 before losing his priestly status the following year. McCarrick was instrumental in raising funds for the Holy See from wealthy US donors.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vatican-dismisses-former-us-cardinal-over-sexual-abuse-allegations-197897">Vatican dismisses former US cardinal over sexual abuse allegations</a>

The Vatican published a 450-page report in 2020 concluding McCarrick was able to rise through the ranks of the Church despite multiple allegations of sexual misconduct against him.

It was revealed last November that late John Paul II ignored advice not to promote McCarrick due to rumours of sexual assault that were later proven to be true.

Although several civil lawsuits have been filed against the former cardinal, this is the first criminal case filed against him.

Mitchell Garabedian, the man's lawyer, said his client exhibited great courage in filing the complaint adding that this is the first&nbsp;case where a cardinal was criminally charged with sexual assault against a minor in the United States.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-cardinal-steps-down-amid-mushrooming-sex-abuse-scandal-155328">US cardinal steps down amid mushrooming sex abuse scandal</a>

On the other hand, Barry Coburn, McCarrick's attorney, says that the two are eager to face the case in court.

Several scandals involving child sexual abuse have rocked the Catholic Church in recent years.&nbsp;

In 2018, an investigation into Pennsylvania dioceses found that over 300 predator priests committed sexual abuse of children on more than 1,000 children, all of which was covered up.

According to the site bishop-accountability.org, there were 18500 complaints filed against 6,700 clergies between 1950 and 2016.

In the US, several senior church members, including the late cardinal Bernard Law, have resigned for protecting and supporting sex offender priests.

(With inputs from agencies)

91-year-old Theodore McCarrick, a former US cardinal has been charged with sexually abusing a teenage boy, making him the highest-ranking Roman Catholic official to face criminal charges in the scandal surrounding clergy abuse.

91-year-old Theodore McCarrick, a former US cardinal has been charged with sexually abusing a teenage boy, making him the highest-ranking Roman Catholic official to face criminal charges in the scandal surrounding clergy abuse. As detailed in a district court filing in Massachusetts, the former archbishop is charged with three counts of indecent assault and battery against a child over 14. Also read | How Vatican covered up Archbishop Theodore McCarrick teen sexual assault case McCarrick, the highest-ranking church figure to be expelled by the Vatican in modern history, was found guilty by the Vatican of sexually abusing one teenage boy in the 1970s and sexual misconduct with adult male seminarians. According to prosecutors, McCarrick groped the victim as he walked around Wellesley College in Massachusetts during his brother's wedding reception in 1974 when the victim was 16 years old. The criminal complaint says McCarrick led the victim into a room and groped his genitals while "saying prayers." He was stripped of his cardinal's title in 2018 before losing his priestly status the following year. McCarrick was instrumental in raising funds for the Holy See from wealthy US donors. Also read | Vatican dismisses former US cardinal over sexual abuse allegations The Vatican published a 450-page report in 2020 concluding McCarrick was able to rise through the ranks of the Church despite multiple allegations of sexual misconduct against him. It was revealed last November that late John Paul II ignored advice not to promote McCarrick due to rumours of sexual assault that were later proven to be true. Although several civil lawsuits have been filed against the former cardinal, this is the first criminal case filed against him. Mitchell Garabedian, the man's lawyer, said his client exhibited great courage in filing the complaint adding that this is the first case where a cardinal was criminally charged with sexual assault against a minor in the United States. Also read | US cardinal steps down amid mushrooming sex abuse scandal On the other hand, Barry Coburn, McCarrick's attorney, says that the two are eager to face the case in court. Several scandals involving child sexual abuse have rocked the Catholic Church in recent years. In 2018, an investigation into Pennsylvania dioceses found that over 300 predator priests committed sexual abuse of children on more than 1,000 children, all of which was covered up. According to the site bishop-accountability.org, there were 18500 complaints filed against 6,700 clergies between 1950 and 2016. In the US, several senior church members, including the late cardinal Bernard Law, have resigned for protecting and supporting sex offender priests. (With inputs from agencies)

Defrocked US cardinal charged with sexual abuse

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Friday, he has asked the pope to come to Canada to apologise for the Catholic Church's role running residential schools for indigenous children, after nearly 1,000 bodies were found in two mass graves. 
 
"I have spoken personally directly with His Holiness Pope Francis to press upon him how important it is not just that he makes an apology but that he makes an apology to indigenous Canadians on Canadian soil," Trudeau told reporters in Ottawa. 
 
"I know that the Catholic church leadership is looking and very actively engaged in what next steps can be taken." 
 
Cowessess First Nation said on Thursday some 751 unmarked graves had been found at the site of Marieval Residential School in Saskatchewan, just weeks after 215 unmarked graves were discovered at a former school in British Columbia. 
 
The residential school system, which operated between 1831 and 1996, removed about 150,000 indigenous children from their families and brought them to Christian residential schools, mostly Catholic, run on behalf of the federal government. 
 
A federal commission's report found the residential school system enacted cultural genocide on Canada's indigenous people. 
 
"I have heard directly from many Catholics across this country who want to see the church play a positive role in this," Trudeau added. 
 
Earlier this month, Pope Francis stopped short of a direct apology but said he was pained by the discovery of the remains of 215 children and called for respect for the rights and cultures of native peoples. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Friday, he has asked the pope to come to Canada to apologise for the Catholic Church's role running residential schools for indigenous children, after nearly 1,000 bodies were found in two mass graves.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Friday, he has asked the pope to come to Canada to apologise for the Catholic Church's role running residential schools for indigenous children, after nearly 1,000 bodies were found in two mass graves. "I have spoken personally directly with His Holiness Pope Francis to press upon him how important it is not just that he makes an apology but that he makes an apology to indigenous Canadians on Canadian soil," Trudeau told reporters in Ottawa. "I know that the Catholic church leadership is looking and very actively engaged in what next steps can be taken." Cowessess First Nation said on Thursday some 751 unmarked graves had been found at the site of Marieval Residential School in Saskatchewan, just weeks after 215 unmarked graves were discovered at a former school in British Columbia. The residential school system, which operated between 1831 and 1996, removed about 150,000 indigenous children from their families and brought them to Christian residential schools, mostly Catholic, run on behalf of the federal government. A federal commission's report found the residential school system enacted cultural genocide on Canada's indigenous people. "I have heard directly from many Catholics across this country who want to see the church play a positive role in this," Trudeau added. Earlier this month, Pope Francis stopped short of a direct apology but said he was pained by the discovery of the remains of 215 children and called for respect for the rights and cultures of native peoples. (With inputs from agencies)

Trudeau says Pope should apologise on Canadian soil for church's role in residential schools

President Joe Biden went to church Saturday in his hometown a day after US Roman Catholic bishops issued a challenge to him over his support for&nbsp;abortion&nbsp;rights.

Biden and first lady Jill Biden spent time at St. Joseph on the Brandywine Church in Wilmington.&nbsp;They also visited the church graveyard where the president's first wife Neilia, son Beau and infant daughter Naomi are buried.

Biden, 78, is a devout Catholic who attends mass at least once a week, and he supports the landmark 1973 US Supreme Court decision affirming a woman's right to an&nbsp;abortion.

On Friday US bishops agreed to draft a statement on the meaning of holy communion which could potentially be used to deny that sacrament to the American leader.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazilians-protest-bolsonaros-role-in-half-a-million-covid-19-deaths-392661">Also Read |&nbsp;Brazilians protest Bolsonaro's role in half a million COVID-19 deaths</a>

The Eucharist, also known as the holy communion, is among the most sacred rituals in the Catholic Church and there have been calls from some conservative church leaders to deny the sacrament to politicians who support&nbsp;abortion&nbsp;rights.

Biden on Friday seemed to dismiss the possibility that he could be denied communion. "That's a private matter and I don't think that's going to happen," he told reporters.

It is up to each local bishop to decide who receives communion in their diocese.

In 2019, a priest at a Catholic church in South Carolina refused holy communion to Biden because of his stance on&nbsp;abortion.

The Catholic News Service reported in May that the Vatican had warned US bishops to proceed cautiously with policies designed "to address the situation of Catholics in public office who support legislation allowing&nbsp;abortion, euthanasia or other moral evils."

President Joe Biden went to church Saturday in his hometown a day after US Roman Catholic bishops issued a challenge to him over his support for abortion rights.

President Joe Biden went to church Saturday in his hometown a day after US Roman Catholic bishops issued a challenge to him over his support for abortion rights. Biden and first lady Jill Biden spent time at St. Joseph on the Brandywine Church in Wilmington. They also visited the church graveyard where the president's first wife Neilia, son Beau and infant daughter Naomi are buried. Biden, 78, is a devout Catholic who attends mass at least once a week, and he supports the landmark 1973 US Supreme Court decision affirming a woman's right to an abortion. On Friday US bishops agreed to draft a statement on the meaning of holy communion which could potentially be used to deny that sacrament to the American leader. Also Read | Brazilians protest Bolsonaro's role in half a million COVID-19 deaths The Eucharist, also known as the holy communion, is among the most sacred rituals in the Catholic Church and there have been calls from some conservative church leaders to deny the sacrament to politicians who support abortion rights. Biden on Friday seemed to dismiss the possibility that he could be denied communion. "That's a private matter and I don't think that's going to happen," he told reporters. It is up to each local bishop to decide who receives communion in their diocese. In 2019, a priest at a Catholic church in South Carolina refused holy communion to Biden because of his stance on abortion. The Catholic News Service reported in May that the Vatican had warned US bishops to proceed cautiously with policies designed "to address the situation of Catholics in public office who support legislation allowing abortion, euthanasia or other moral evils."

Biden goes to church a day after challenge from bishops on abortion

Scottish women who were pushed into giving up their children are calling for an official apology from their government.&nbsp;

Between the 1950s and 1980s, an estimated 60,000 mothers in Scotland were forced to put their babies up for adoption because they were unmarried.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lack-of-papal-apology-in-indigenous-school-abuse-shameful-canada-minister-389104">Also read | Lack of papal apology in indigenous school abuse 'shameful': Canada minister</a>

When they became pregnant, many of the ladies were unmarried teenagers who gave birth in church-run "mother and baby homes" in the United Kingdom.&nbsp;

Some of the women have said that they have been persuaded to feel shame and guilt in recent years.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/remains-of-215-children-of-kamloops-indian-residential-school-discovered-387995">Also read: Remains of 215 children of Kamloops Indian Residential School discovered</a>

In the postwar years, religious groups in the UK managed 150 mother-and-baby shelters before the major responsibility for arranging adoptions was transferred from voluntary organisations to local government in 1976.&nbsp;

A petition for a public investigation was denied by the Scottish government in 2017, citing "insufficient justification."&nbsp;

Monica Lennon, a Scottish politician, has called on the Scottish government to apologise to all people who have been affected.

"60,000 mothers who were victims of forced adoption in Scotland over the course of three decades should get a formal apology to help them heal from the "cruel injustice," said Scottish politician.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Scottish women who were pushed into giving up their children are calling for an official apology from their government. Between the 1950s and 1980s, an estimated 60,000 mothers in Scotland were forced to put their babies up for adoption because they were unmarried.

Scottish women who were pushed into giving up their children are calling for an official apology from their government. Between the 1950s and 1980s, an estimated 60,000 mothers in Scotland were forced to put their babies up for adoption because they were unmarried. Also read | Lack of papal apology in indigenous school abuse 'shameful': Canada minister When they became pregnant, many of the ladies were unmarried teenagers who gave birth in church-run "mother and baby homes" in the United Kingdom. Some of the women have said that they have been persuaded to feel shame and guilt in recent years. Also read: Remains of 215 children of Kamloops Indian Residential School discovered In the postwar years, religious groups in the UK managed 150 mother-and-baby shelters before the major responsibility for arranging adoptions was transferred from voluntary organisations to local government in 1976. A petition for a public investigation was denied by the Scottish government in 2017, citing "insufficient justification." Monica Lennon, a Scottish politician, has called on the Scottish government to apologise to all people who have been affected. "60,000 mothers who were victims of forced adoption in Scotland over the course of three decades should get a formal apology to help them heal from the "cruel injustice," said Scottish politician. (With inputs from agencies)

Historical wrong: When 60,000 unmarried mothers were forced to give babies up for adoption

church

Church, News on Church, stories on Church, articles on Church, Church stories at Wion, Church news, Church latest news