Cries of the forgotten

Among the countries to benefit from money raised on this Friday?s Lenten fast day will be two that suffered natural disasters but were eclipsed from the headlines by others. Here, the situation in Guatemala is examined, and opposite, Joseph Mpinganjira describes that in Malawi...

One nation, two Britains

We are creating a class of socially deprived people. If this is to change, says the former Home Office minister, the more fortunate cannot, as the parable of the Good Samaritan puts it, pass by on the other side. We must relieve need where we find it, not assume that the state will do so...

The looting of the churches

In Latin America, theft of valuable works of art from unprotected colonial-era churches is on the increase. Demand for these objects is so great that for criminal organisations the trade in stolen art has become almost as lucrative as drugs-trafficking or arms-dealing...

Roma, rage and reason

Few events can arouse more furious local opposition than the arrival of Gypsy families in the neighbourhood. But the Church has a responsibility to bring settled people and travellers together and to promote a sense of community...

Journey to the desert within

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Tender saplings of dialogue

Last month, a conference took place in Tehran including Western and Iranian academics and clerics in an attempt to find common ground, away from the heated rhetoric between governments. As one participant?s dairy reveals, hopes of communication are there, but fragile...

Crisis in the countryside

Profound changes are taking place in England?s green and not so pleasant pastures that are throwing up serious pastoral challenges to the Church?s small rural ministry These must be addressed if faith is to be nurtured in our remote hills and valleys...

Be wise and know

With a sharp fall in British university students wanting to study humanities, the focus is on vocational courses. So is university education just about passing on knowledge and practical skills? An academic at a university in Japan says we must make students think for themselves...

Light in the darkness

Popular, prayerful devotions can deepen faith, and particularly help those considering joining or returning to the Church and welcome those seeking spiritual truth...

Fishy fast food

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