Pakistani Sikh, Christian acknowledged as tribal elders
http://www.myspiritfm.com/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=138221&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
For the first time in the history of Pakistan, Pakistani authorities have recognised two members of religious minorities, a Sikh and a Christian, as tribal leaders in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). This will allow members of the two minority groups, about 30,000 people, to press for their social, educational, and health rights.Wilson Wazir Masih, a Christian and Gormeet Singh, a Sikh, both are now ‘malik, a Pashto term that means ‘tribal elder’. This entitles them to a government salary, but above it allows them to participate in the jirga (local councils) to settle disputes or hear petition brought to the authorities. Local and federal government officials are required to consult them. This is the first time that such a privilege is granted to members of the Christian and Sikh minorities.FATA is located in north-western Pakistan, on the border with Afghanistan. Most of its 10 million residents are ethnic Pashtun. Fo...
For the first time in the history of Pakistan, Pakistani authorities have recognised two members of religious minorities, a Sikh and a Christian, as tribal leaders in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). This will allow members of the two minority groups, about 30,000 people, to press for their social, educational, and health rights.
Wilson Wazir Masih, a Christian and Gormeet Singh, a Sikh, both are now ‘malik, a Pashto term that means ‘tribal elder’. This entitles them to a government salary, but above it allows them to participate in the jirga (local councils) to settle disputes or hear petition brought to the authorities. Local and federal government officials are required to consult them. This is the first time that such a privilege is granted to members of the Christian and Sikh minorities.
FATA is located in north-western Pakistan, on the border with Afghanistan. Most of its 10 million residents are ethnic Pashtun. For years, it has been fertile recruiting ground for the Taliban, who have applied repressive measures on residents like religious tithes. The presence of Islamic militants has forced thousands of people to flee and seek refuge in other parts of Pakistan.
Masih said that he hopes the new measures will change his community’s circumstances for good. “Our people have now become part of the society’s fabric in FATA,” Masih said. “We will now get all the jobs reserved for minorities in FATA, and our children can be admitted to colleges, universities, and other professional institutions.”
Because of this recognition, Sikh and Christian communities will be considered legal residents within the region, and members will be able to apply for scholarships, jobs, services, and assert their rights.“We can now get drinking water, schools, and other amenities for our communities,” Singh added. (Source: AsiaNews)
Full Article
http://www.myspiritfm.com/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&url=10&view=post&articleid=275395&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
Pope Francis speaks to the United Nations General Assembly in New York City, Sept. 25, 2015. / L'Osservatore Romano.Rome Newsroom, Apr 25, 2024 / 07:22 am (CNA).Pope Francis is reportedly considering returning to the United States in September to speak before the United Nations General Assembly.The news was initially reported by the French Catholic newspaper La Croix and has not yet been officially confirmed by the Vatican. A source from the Vatican Secretariat of State, meanwhile, told CNA this week that "a formal invitation has arrived from Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, and Pope Francis seems inclined to respond positively."If the New York trip occurs, the pope would visit the United Nations during its "Summit of the Future," which the international body will convene from Sept. 22 to 23.The possible trip to the United States could change the pope's already-busy September travel schedule. The Holy See Press Office has announced that Pope Francis will be in Indonesia...
http://www.myspiritfm.com/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&url=10&view=post&articleid=275385&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
Chuck Robbins, the chief executive of the multinational digital communications conglomerate Cisco, signs the Rome Call for AI Ethics, a document by the Pontifical Academy for Life, on April 24, 2024, at the Vatican. / Credit: Vatican MediaRome Newsroom, Apr 24, 2024 / 11:06 am (CNA).The CEO of Cisco Systems signed the Vatican's artificial intelligence ethics pledge on Wednesday, becoming the latest technology giant to join the Church's call for ethical and responsible use of AI.Chuck Robbins, the chief executive of the multinational digital communications conglomerate, met privately with Pope Francis on April 24 before signing the Rome Call for AI Ethics, a document by the Pontifical Academy for Life. Pope Francis meets with Chuck Robbins, the chief executive of multinational digital communications conglomerate Cisco, on April 24, 2024, at the Vatican. Credit: Vatican MediaThe document, first published by the pontifical academy in February 2020, has previously been signed ...
http://www.myspiritfm.com/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&url=10&view=post&articleid=275384&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
null / Credit: Brian A Jackson / ShutterstockCNA Staff, Apr 24, 2024 / 13:35 pm (CNA).Catholics Charities Corporation in Ohio was found partially negligent this week in the 2017 death of a 5-year-old boy who was being supervised by one of the organization's caseworkers at the time he died.A jury in Cuyahoga County ruled in the wrongful death suit that the Catholic charity group was 8% responsible for Jordan Rodriguez's September 2017 death, local media reported. Rodriguez's body was discovered buried in his mother's backyard three months after he died.The boy's mother and her boyfriend earlier pleaded guilty to several charges stemming from his death, including involuntary manslaughter. Jordan was developmentally disabled and incapable of speaking.In the civil wrongful death trial this week, Catholic Charities Corporation was ordered to pay $960,000 into Jordan Rodriguez's estate. Several ...