It appears that the Destiny Church has been the only church to acknowledge the wero presented by the reaction to the proposed development of Ihumātao next to the Ōtuataua Stonefields Historic Reserve in Māngere. On Saturday, Brian and Hannah Tamaki and about 100 Destiny Church supporters arrived at Ihumātao. Hannah Tamaki said she was there Read more
At least 75 diocesan priests from five dioceses in the West Papua region have voiced concern over the treatment of the Papuan people that has spurred various acts of violence in Indonesia’s easternmost provinces. “We see injustices in the fields of economy, social, culture and politics in the land of Papua. We are concerned about Read more
Last December four unarmed West Papua teenagers were killed and 17 more West Papua people were injured when the Indonesian army and police opened fire on a group of peaceful protestors in Paniai. They had gathered to protest an earlier incident of violence by the Indonesian security forces. A four-minute video, shot by citizen journalists and Read more
Since 2012, about 900 workers have died while working on infrastructure in Qatar, in a building boom anticipating the World Cup. Last month, the Guardian reported that over 400 Nepalese migrant workers had already died at building sites. Between 2010 and 2012 more than 700 workers from India lost their lives working on construction sites in Qatar, too. A report by the International Trade Union Read more
“Christianity, the world’s most persecuted religion, now risks being wiped out in countries where until recently it has been well established,” declares a new report from Aid to the Church in Need. “Oppression and exodus now threaten Christianity’s status as a worldwide religion.” The Catholic charity, which operates directly under the Holy See, said over Read more
In West Papua four community leaders who attended a church meeting to pray for activists aboard the West Papua Freedom Flotilla are to be charged with treason and could be given long jail terms, it emerged on Friday. The flotilla is sailing from Australia to draw attention to human rights abuses under Indonesian rule and Read more
On my regular walks around my neighbourhood, I pass by a property where two large dogs live. If they are running free on the fenced property, they come up to the gate, relaxed, curious, and quietly watch until I pass. It is a different scenario should they be tethered on their chains. As I approach, Read more
The United Nations wants more Pacific nations to sign up to a convention against torture. The UN Human Rights Office regional representative, Nancy Robinson says only four nations in our region have ratified the convention so far – Australia, New Zealand, Nauru and Vanuatu. Palau has signed on, but hasn’t ratified it yet. Ms Robinson Read more
Violence against Christians in Indonesia continues with a number of new incidents occurring last week. On Thursday, the congregation of the Batak Protestant Church (HKBP) in Taman Sari, Setu district in Bekasi regency, watched the local administration demolish their unfinished church building. The congregation formed a barrier between their church and the idling bulldozer. They Read more
Today, the top one per cent of incomes in the United States accounts for one fifth of US earnings. The top one per cent of fortunes holds two-fifths of the total wealth. Just one rich family, the six heirs of the brothers Sam and James Walton, founders of Walmart, are worth more than the bottom 40 per Read more