Foreign

Child-abuse scandal: Archbishop of Canterbury resigns

Published

5 months ago

November 13, 2024

The Archbishop of Canterbury and head of the global Anglican Church, Justin Welby, resigned on Tuesday, following a review that revealed senior church leaders covered up the widespread abuse of over 100 boys and young men.

The abuse was perpetrated by a British lawyer, John Smyth, who led Christian summer camps in the United Kingdom and other countries during the 1970s and 1980s.

The independent review, which was released last week, found that despite repeated efforts by individuals to bring Smyth’s actions to light, the response from the Church of England was inadequate, amounting to a cover-up.

Smyth, who died in South Africa in 2018 without facing any legal proceedings, abused boys and young men under his care for decades.

The review revealed that the church’s failure to act enabled Smyth to continue his abuse in the UK and abroad.

In a statement announcing his resignation, Welby expressed deep regret over the church’s failures.

“The last few days have renewed my long-felt and profound sense of shame at the historic safeguarding failures of the Church of England,” Welby said in the statement.

Welby admitted that he first learnt about the abuse allegations in 2013, the same year he became Archbishop, but acknowledged that his efforts to investigate and address the situation were insufficient.

He said, “For nearly twelve years I have struggled to introduce improvements. It is for others to judge what has been done.”

The Archbishop’s resignation came amid growing criticism from victims and other church leaders.

The Bishop of Newcastle, Helen-Ann Hartley, remarked, “I think, rightly, people are asking the question: ‘Can we really trust the Church of England to keep us safe?’ And I think the answer at the moment is ‘no’.”

Survivor Andrew Morse, who was among those abused by Smyth as a teenager, called for Welby’s resignation.

He criticised the Archbishop’s handling of the situation, stating that had Welby acted decisively in 2013, further abuse could have been prevented.

He said Welby’s “admission that in 2013, which is really modern day in comparison to the 1970s and 1980s, that he didn’t do enough, that he wasn’t rigorous… is enough in my mind to confirm that Justin Welby, along with countless other Anglican churchmen, were part of a cover-up about the abuse,” Morse told the BBC.

The scandal has cast a long shadow over Welby’s tenure, which included officiating high-profile events such as the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle and delivering the sermon at Queen Elizabeth II’s state funeral.

His resignation marked a moment for the Church of England, as it grapples with the legacy of abuse scandals and attempts to restore trust among its followers.

Welby concluded his statement by acknowledging the profound impact of the review’s findings, noting the pain endured by the victims and the failure of the church to protect those in its care.

“I am so sorry that in places where these young men, and boys, should have felt safe and where they should have experienced God’s love for them, they were subjected to physical, sexual, psychological and spiritual abuse,” he said.

Efforts to get the reactions of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and the Christian Association of Nigeria failed.

When contacted, the Communication Officer of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Korede Akin, informed our correspondent that he could not speak on the issue, stating that only the Primate of the Anglican Communion, Archbishop Henry Ndukuba, could provide the position of the church.

Similarly, the Director of National Issues and Social Welfare for the Christian Association of Nigeria, Abimbola Ayuba, told our correspondent that only the CAN President had the jurisdiction to speak on international matters, as he could only speak to issues of national concern or social welfare.

Meanwhile, efforts to reach the National Publicity Secretary of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Bishop Emmah Isong, failed as his phone line was switched off.

Foreign

Judge halts Trump’s shutdown of Voice of America

Published

2 days ago

April 24, 2025

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A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to restore all jobs and funding for the Voice of America and other US-backed news outlets, ruling that efforts to dismantle it violated the law and Constitution.

Over 1,300 VOA employees, including about 1,000 journalists, were placed on leave following President Donald Trump’s order. The White House has accused the broadcaster of being “anti-Trump” and “radical”.

VOA, still primarily a radio service, was set up during World War II to counter Nazi propaganda, and has become a major global media broadcaster.

The ruling noted that because of the cuts, “VOA is not reporting the news for the first time in its 80-year existence”.

Judge Royce Lamberth said the administration acted “without regard to the harm inflicted on employees, contractors, journalists, and media consumers around the world”.

He ordered the administration to take steps to restore employees and contractors to the jobs they had prior to the executive order, and to do the same for Radio Free Asia and the Middle East Broadcasting Networks.

The judge found the administration also likely violated the International Broadcasting Act and Congress’ power to appropriate funding.

“My colleagues and I are grateful for this ruling. But we know that this is just a small step forward, as the government is likely to appeal,” said Patsy Widakuswara, the VOA White House bureau chief and a lead plaintiff in the lawsuit.

“We are committed to continuing to fight against what we believe is the administration’s unlawful silencing of VOA until we can return to our congressional mandate: to tell America’s stories with factual, balanced, and comprehensive, reporting,” she said.

Trump has long criticised VOA as part of his broader attacks against the media, frequently accusing mainstream outlets of bias.

After taking office in January, he appointed a political ally, Kari Lake, to run VOA. Lake has previously supported Trump’s false claims that the 2020 election was stolen from him.

In March, Trump ordered the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which oversees VOA and funds outlets like Radio Free Europe and Radio Free Asia, to be “eliminated to the maximum extent consistent with applicable law”.

A separate judge in New York temporarily blocked the executive order after journalists, advocacy groups and unions sued, arguing the move was unlawful.

Judge Lamberth, who is based in Washington, DC, ruled the Trump administration lacked the authority to shutter VOA, which is funded by Congress and has a legislative mandate to deliver credible news globally.

“It is hard to fathom a more straightforward display of arbitrary and capricious actions than the Defendants’ actions here,” he wrote.

“Even though several courts have ruled that the President can remove personnel and terminate grants, a radical district judge is once again attempting to interfere with the Trump Administration’s efforts to make the government more efficient,” White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers said in a statement.

USAGM did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Foreign

Pope Francis Death: Italy, Argentina 25 other Countries Declared National Mourning (Full List)

Published

3 days ago

April 23, 2025

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The world stood still on April 21, 2025, as the Vatican officially confirmed the death of Pope Francis, aged 88. His passing marked the end of a historic papacy and triggered an outpouring of grief across continents. Numerous nations, especially those with significant Catholic populations, declared national mourning periods to honor the pontiff’s life, spiritual leadership, and global influence.

From Latin America to Europe, Asia, and Africa, countries initiated solemn observances, lowered national flags to half-mast, and held public commemorations. This article highlights the full list of countries that declared national mourning in memory of Pope Francis.

Why Pope Francis’s Death Resonated Globally

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was the first Jesuit and the first Latin American pope in the history of the Catholic Church. Since his election in 2013, he championed issues such as poverty alleviation, climate action, interfaith dialogue, and social justice, making him a spiritual leader not just for Catholics, but for people of all faiths.

His legacy transcended religious boundaries, prompting state-led tributes even in non-Catholic majority nations.

List of Countries That Declared National Mourning for Pope Francis
Below is a country-by-country breakdown of declared national mourning periods:

Country	Mourning Period	Remarks
Argentina	7 days (Apr 22–28)	Pope Francis’s homeland; nationwide memorial services held.
Brazil	7 days	Churches and public buildings observed solemn tributes.
East Timor	7 days	Predominantly Catholic nation with extensive observances.
Italy	5 days (Apr 21–26)	Vatican’s host country; held massive state ceremonies.
Costa Rica	4 days	Flags at half-mast; public prayers offered.
Spain	3 days	Public processions and masses conducted.
India	3 days	Interfaith tributes and official condolences shared.
Philippines	3 days	Nation-wide tributes; churches filled with mourners.
Poland	3 days	Mourning coincided with the Pope’s funeral.
Portugal	3 days	Official services in Lisbon and major cities.
Lebanon	3 days	Christian and Muslim leaders offered joint prayers.
Venezuela	3 days	Government-organized memorials.
Chile	3 days	National flags at half-mast; televised funeral services.
Cuba	3 days	Nationwide mourning with Catholic mass ceremonies.
Guatemala	3 days	Memorial services across Catholic institutions.
Panama	3 days	Official decree and observances.
Dominican Republic	3 days	Nationwide religious services held.
Paraguay	3 days	Church bells rang across the country in honor.
Peru	3 days	Large public gatherings held for prayers.
Ecuador	3 days	Tributes from religious and government figures.
Puerto Rico	3 days	Government-declared mourning period observed.
Malta	1 day (Apr 26)	Marked during the Pope’s funeral.
Croatia	1 day	Flags lowered; public messages of condolence shared.
Hungary	1 day	National mourning aligned with funeral rites.
Uruguay	1 day	Ceremonies held in Catholic schools and churches.
Cape Verde	1 day	Special services held across Catholic communities.

Global Religious and Political Reactions

World leaders, religious figures, and citizens across continents expressed grief and paid glowing tributes to Pope Francis’s legacy. The United Nations, European Union, and African Union all issued statements acknowledging his contributions to world peace, interreligious harmony, and humanitarian service.

In cities like Manila, Rome, Buenos Aires, and Lagos, candlelight vigils were held. Cathedrals rang their bells in synchronized tribute, while mosques and temples also joined in interfaith memorial services.

Pope Francis’s death has left a void in the global religious and moral conscience. His efforts to promote compassion, inclusiveness, and humility in leadership will continue to inspire generations to come.

While the Vatican prepares for a papal conclave to elect a successor, the world continues to reflect on the lessons and legacy of a pope who bridged faith and humanity in unprecedented ways.

The widespread declaration of national mourning in countries around the world highlights just how impactful Pope Francis was—not only to Catholics but to people of all beliefs. His death marks the end of a deeply influential era in the Church’s history.

May his soul rest in peace.

Foreign

Meet Peter Turkson, Ghanaian cardinal who is a potential candidate for the papacy

Published

4 days ago

April 22, 2025

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The Metropolitan Archbishop of Cape Coast, Most Rev Charles Gabriel Palmer-Buckle, has made a strong case for Cardinal Peter Appiah Turkson to become the next leader of the Catholic Church.

According to him, the Ghanaian Cardinal, who is currently the Chancellor of the Pontifical Academies of Sciences and Social Sciences at the Vatican, is of the right age and has the requisite experience to be elected Pope.

He said the Church in Ghana will pray for the Cardinal, adding that his becoming Pope would be a great achievement for the country, 3news.com reports.

“But definitely, our Cardinal is also one of the Cardinals. He is of the right age, he’s had enough experience, and if his brother Cardinals think he is the right person, then they will be ready to support him.

“We will support him with our prayers and definitely it will be a great pat on the shoulders of Ghana if that should happen,” he is quoted as saying.

Most Rev Palmer-Buckle, who is the former Archbishop of Accra, however, indicated that the Holy Spirit will guide the Cardinals in choosing the next Pope.

“Let’s leave it to the Holy Spirit to do its work. When Pope Benedict died, about 1.3 billion Catholics all over the world went into prayer, and therefore, I am sure we are all going to go into prayer.

“We are going to go into prayer and we will allow the Lord to indicate who should be the next Pope,” he added.

The Metropolitan Archbishop of Cape Coast, Archbishop Palmer-Buckle’s comments come following the death of Pope Francis on Monday, April 21, 2025.

About Pope Francis’ Death:

A number of global media outlets reported the death of the 88-year-old Pope early on Monday.

The Vatican Camerlengo, who is tasked with confirming the Pope’s death, has confirmed his passing.

“At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church,” Farrell, the Vatican Camerlengo, is quoted as saying by apnews.com.