Catholic adoption agency may have to close its doors

The last Catholic adoption agency in England and Wales has lost its legal bid to continue its work free of discrimination legislation.

Seeking to deal with the requirements of sexual orientation discrimination laws enacted in 2007, Catholic Care, a social care organisation linked with the Diocese of Leeds, had applied to the Charity Commission to have its charitable status altered to allow it continue to offer adoptions, in keeping with Catholic tenets, only to heterosexual couples. However, the bid ended in failure when the commission ruled against the application, leaving Catholic Care victim to the legislation unless it broadens its adoption offers, something it has stated it will not do.

''In certain circumstances, it is not against the law for charities to discriminate on the grounds of sexual orientation,'' the Charity Commission ruled. ''However, because the prohibition on such discrimination is a fundamental principle of human rights law, such discrimination can only be permitted in the most compelling circumstances.''

Voicing disappointment with the ruling, the group said: ''Catholic Care will now consider whether there is any other way in which the charity can continue to support families seeking to adopt children in need.''

Of 11 Catholic adoption agencies in operation up to 2007, Catholic Care remains, for now, the only one not to have yet closed or renounced its Catholic identity.

Vatican

Pope's 'anger' at abuse

The Vatican's chief prosecutor has spoken of the ''anger and frustration'' evident in then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger as he examined cases of abuse between 2002-2005.

In an interview with an American television network, Monsignor Charles Scicluna rejected allegations against the Pontiff of mishandling cases of abuse both as Pope and while in his position with the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

''I am a direct witness to the compassion, the frustration and the anger that these cases instilled in Cardinal Ratzinger, the man, Joseph Ratzinger,'' Scicluna said, adding that, during his time working with Cardinal Ratzinger, he also noted among others the admiration for him and his ''courage and determination'' in dealing with the crisis.

Acknowledging the child abuse scandal as a crisis for the Church, Msgr Scicluna said it was, at the same time, an opportunity.

''It is an opportunity to call sin, sin in its face, and do something about it. It is an opportunity for the Church to show itself determined in its fight against sin, against crime,'' he said.

United States

Abortion 'too easily available'

A new national poll has shown that Americans believe abortion is too easily available in the country.

In a survey conducted by Ramussen, 48 per cent agreed that terminations were too readily procured, against just 15 per cent who believe it is still difficult to have an abortion. The survey also revealed that, contrary to popular belief, women outnumbered men in objecting to abortion availability.

Stem cell ruling

Plans by the Obama administration to expand funding for stem cell research have been delayed by a federal court ruling.

In a case brought by opponents of embryonic stem cell research it was argued that the government plan on stem cells violated a law prohibiting destruction of embryos for research purposes. This week, Royce C Lamberth, chief judge of the US District Court for the District of Columbia, agreed with that argument and blocked the plan, at least temporarily.

One lawyer, acting on behalf of Christian participants in the case, described the judge's ruling as ''common sense'' and added his clients ''believe that the court's interpretation is consistent with Congress' intent in keeping taxpayer money out of research that destroys human life''.

NY mosque row brews

The leader of New York's Catholics has offered to mediate in an ongoing row over a mosque close to the scene of the September 11 attacks.

With plans to construct an Islamic centre just blocks from what is now emotive territory for Americans in the wake of the Islamist attacks on the Twin Towers, Archbishop Timothy Dolan said he would be willing to work with sides in the debate towards the best compromise for all. Sixty-three per cent of Americans polled in a recent survey say they oppose the centre's current proposed location.

While defending freedom of religion, Archbishop Dolan said: ''Those who wonder about the wisdom of the situation of the mosque, near such a wounded site, ask what I think are some legitimate questions that I think deserve attention.''

New York authorities have offered to assist the centre's planners to find a less contentious site by way of compromise on the issue.

Plans to burn the Koran

A Christian community in Florida has announced plans to burn copies of the Koran on the ninth anniversary of the September 11 attacks.

The 'Burn a Koran Day' has been organised by followers of Pastor Terry Jones in what is designed to be a protest at what he called a ''deceptive religion of the devil''. The Dove World Outreach Centre, where the mass burning is planned, intends to sell mugs and tee-shirts bearing the pastor's Islam description as a logo.

Promoting the day, a message from the Dove Centre stated: ''Eternal fire is the only destination the Koran can lead people to, so we want to put the Koran in its place - the fire!''

India

Threat to 'weed out' Christians

A leader of an extremist Hindu political party has vowed to ''weed out'' Christianity in his region.

During speeches to mark Indian Independence Day, Prahlad Remani, a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), who is also a member of the Karnataka State Legislature said he would not rest until Christianity was removed from the state.

''People must remain aware and watchful about the spread of these seeds of Christianity,'' he warned. ''The followers of any religion, including the Hindus and others, must weed out Christianity.''

Remani's words were followed by a Hindu attack on two Christian clergymen during a prayer service. Police attending the scene subsequently arrested the clergymen on charges of proselytism together with 10 members of the congregation.

In response to Remani's speech, Archbishop Bernard Moras of Bangalore urged the governor of Karnataka to order his ministers to refrain from inflammatory statements.

Martyrs' day

The 2008 massacres of Christians in the state of Orissa is recalled this week across the country. The National Day for Indian Martyrs takes place on August 29 and will recall those priests, religious and laity who have died for their Christian faith. The ecumenical event will see Christians engage in prayer services, fasting and commemoration meetings.

Kenya

Constitution change call

The Catholic bishops have called for a pro-life amendment to the country's constitution.

At a press conference convened to address concerns over elements of the constitution, passed by referendum on August 4, the bishops took Article 26 of the document to task for its wording.

Specifically, the bishops challenged a section of the article, which, while banning abortion, except in emergency cases or where ''the life or health of the mother is in danger'', also adds ''or if permitted by any other written law''. This latter section, the bishops argue, needs to be altered.

''We played our role of directing our flock along the road of proper choice. We have not shied away from stating unequivocally what are the tenets of our faith in regard to some issues in our new Constitution,'' Archbishop John Njue of Nairobi said. ''As the shepherds placed to give moral guidance, we still reiterate the need to address the flawed moral issues in this new Constitution.''

Iraq

Peace call as troops leave

An Iraqi bishop has urged all sides in the country to work together for peace as the last US combat troops leave.

Speaking in Rome, Auxiliary Bishop of Baghdad, Shlemon Warduni, said his country is yet far from the twin needs of peace and security. He said that what was urgently needed was ''a stable government, a law that governs the country because now the terrorists come and go as they please. There is no work, there are car bombs, kamikaze attacks and other manifestations of violence''.

''We ask all men of good faith to cooperate with conscience, this conscience that puts God at the centre and not personal matters or personal interests,'' Bishop Warduni continued. ''We desire, we ask, we scream for peace and security!''