The anti-traditional family values camp gains 2 victories: Kenyan Constitution, Gay marriage ban overturned in California

(Scripturelink Voter's Guide)

Article by Marc Aupiais

The left, or The Destruction: (the camp of those opposing the status quo and in this case traditional values) as they were known in post-revolutionary France, has gained another 2 victories:

"In the United States, a federal judge overturned California's gay marriage ban yesterday in a case which might end up in the country’s Supreme Court."

Vatican Radio (Catholic; Independent; Vatican Based)

05 / 08 | August / 2010

"As we expected, Judge Vaugh Walker has decided to overturn Proposition 8 (which re-established traditional marriage in California) and has ruled that efforts to retain the traditional definition of marriage between one man and one woman are “unconstitutional.” [CVA AMP provide the full judgement, click on the link at the date to see their article].

It will be appealed to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals (which I expect to agree with Judge Walker), and then onto the Supreme Court, where the question of the legality of same-sex marriage could be decided in a more definitive fashion. [...]

[...]

Cardinal Francis George, the President of the USCCB has issued an immediate statement:

“Marriage between a man and a woman is the bedrock of any society. The misuse of law to change the nature of marriage undermines the common good,” Cardinal George said. “It is tragic that a federal judge would overturn the clear and expressed will of the people in their support for the institution of marriage. No court of civil law has the authority to reach into areas of human experience that nature itself has defined.”

Joining Cardinal George in his criticism of the court decision was Archbishop Joseph Kurtz, Chair of the Ad Hoc Committee for the Defense of Marriage. Archbishop Kurtz noted that “Citizens of this nation have uniformly voted to uphold the understanding of marriage as a union of one man and one woman in every jurisdiction where the issue has been on the ballot. This understanding is neither irrational nor unlawful,” he said. “Marriage is more fundamental and essential to the well being of society than perhaps any other institution. It is simply unimaginable that the court could now claim a conflict between marriage and the Constitution.”

I have had a chance to briefly scan Judge Walker’s decision. Here are some interesting quotes [my {Thomas Peters', not ours} comments in brackets]:

“Gender no longer forms an essential part of marriage; marriage under law is a union of equals.” (Page 113) [What we see here is a complete deconstruction of gender.]

“Indeed, the evidence shows beyond any doubt that parents’ genders are irrelevant to children’s developmental outcomes.” (Page 127) [This view is simple absurd. The Ruth Institute (and other organizations) have demonstrated in study after study that parents' gender matters enormously to child development.]

“Because of Proposition 8, same-sex couples are not permitted to engage in sexual activity within marriage.” (Page 128) [More absurdity. After all - also not allowed to have sex within marriage? Siblings. The Judge has already decided, after all, that marriage is a union of equals. And who can be more equal than two people born of the same parents? Again, this is horrible logic.]

A friend [of Thomas Peters] pointed out this passage – which gets to the heart of the Judge’s argument:

“The evidence shows that the movement of marriage away from a gendered institution and toward an institution free from state-mandated gender roles reflects an evolution in the understanding of gender rather than a change in marriage. The evidence did not show any historical purpose for excluding same-sex couples from marriage, as states have never required spouses to have an ability or willingness to procreate in order to marry. Rather, the exclusion exists as an artifact of a time when the genders were seen as having distinct roles in society and in marriage. That time has passed.” (Page 113)"

Catholic Vote Action American Papist (Catholic; Independent; American; Pro Traditional Values)

04 / 08 | August / 2010

"Kenyans overwhelmingly backed a new constitution, according to preliminary results announced Thursday.

The Catholic bishops and other Christian leaders had opposed the constitution, because of its abortion language and the special status it gave some Islamic courts."

Vatican Radio / Radio Vaticana (Catholic; Independent; Vatican Based)

05 / 08 | August / 2010

The Kenyan Constitution was backed by both sides, for whom election violence was committed at Kenya's last election: it supports Muslim courts, a possible expansion of special interests and homosexual agendas, has land clauses which could further create hostilities or further hostilities on tribal and ethnic grounds, and takes the start of life in Kenyan law from conception, to birth.

"The Secretary of the National Council of Churches of Kenya, Peter Karanja said: "The Constitution has many good things, but the good is mixed with the evil that may influence the moral life and rights of this country in its foundations." This position was reiterated by Cardinal John Njue, Archbishop of Nairobi, who in opening the ecumenical prayer service said: "There have been improvements in the draft constitution, but the good has been mixed with some bad points that affect the moral life and rights. There are people who think that only a small percentage of the draft constitution is bad. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Evil, no matter how small it is, is like a bad yeast that transforms and corrupts the entire dough from within." Over 63,000 security agents across the country were mobilized to ensure safety, particularly in the Rift Valley, where the greatest number of deaths occurred in 2008 as a result of post-election violence. The UN has sent 50 observers to monitor the conduct of the vote in the “hot-spot” areas of the country. Observers will also be particularly attentive that there are not people who will incite hatred. It has also created a center to verify that messages sent via SMS do not contain incitement to violence. In the crisis of 2008, several text messages were sent inciting violence. "

Agenzia Fides (Catholic; Independent; Vatican Based; Subject to the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples)

03 / 08 | August / 2010

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The Vatican's not really PR disaster

Article by Marc Aupiais

When recently, already long in practice, but yet to actually be codified norms on dealing with sex abuse of minor's by the church's priest's, agents, were added to the official books permanently, giving the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith a permanent and greater authority over the issue, next to this, the Vatican published new rules also only formalising what was already practice, and in fact taken accurately in Canons already present. The Second issue, the excommunication of those partaking in an alleged woman priest ordination, was added. Catholic commentators accused the Vatican of another Public Relations disaster, and thought they needed PR skills training school. As someone who knows that the Vatican does their homework (we often get visits to our SACNS service from the Vatican), I highly doubt that the juxtaposition by the Vatican was in any way a mistake. In fact, the Vatican almost always knows exactly the message it is sending, even when they later send out clarifications as Lombardi seems to call them.

By putting the two issues together, the church firstly pointed out to whom they answer: God, both were nothing really new, the norms and law over the heretical, schismatic act of woman "ordination", and the norms involving sex abuse were in practice old news. The church was showing that it was not bowing to public pressure, that it was God, and not what the Vatican sees as the anti-Catholic New York Times club that they answered to.

Secondly, they were equating the issues, as media rightly realized. Woman's ordination is in the Vatican's opinion likely even worse than once off sex abuse. It is a direct denial of papal infallibility, and an instant separation of those partaking from the church. The Vatican was telling Catholics, that in their view this issue was equally important. After all, the formalisation wasn't required, the law already excommunicated these people just fine. It was a veiled and purposeful statement: one which meant that the Vatican could create a coup de tat against the liberal forces in the church. By accompanying a move that pseudo-Catholics had focussed on so much, with one that conservatives would see a pointless but a nice thought, the Vatican was showing their independence, and their unwillingness to compromise.

I always call the church a mirror, criticise it, and the world can see your own weaknesses.

We are of the world? No, that is not how the Vatican sees things. The eternal life is more important than present justice. While the soul of abuser and abused may be lot in a few seconds, it is easily regained, as long as they remain within the church. Those involved in woman's ordination instantly deny a statement of papal infallibility and the entire tradition of the church, as well as the fact that the bestowing of sacraments is a privilege and not a right- that the gifts of God cannot be bought and sold. This is the way the Vatican sees things. It cares first for Catholics before caring for the world, for our salvation before the goodwill we desire. The Vatican made no PR mistake, but rather a purposely thought out statement.

I've read enough Vatican statements, and researched around them to know, the Vatican does not generally make a move without looking into it first. The SSPX issue was unfortunate, but since then I have often had the Vatican access our service, to check up on people working for it, and the like. The Vatican is no longer the helpless lamb it was on the internet.

There was no mistake in the purposeful juxta-position, as the church changed nothing, but made two poignant statements: we are dealing ourselves with the internal; structural issue of sex abuse, of those who disobey our authority, and betray us, as well as with the equivalent disobedience of those who very publicly deny our authority - divinely over the church. Personally, I think they view woman's ordination as a much more serious threat than sex abuse ever was. The Vatican lost more in Protestantism, than it ever did to many abusers of its love. It has not forgotten the lessons of Trent: the structure must prevail, and it will: independent of the braying of the world.

One need not forget who started this revealing process: the same man who almost destroyed sex abuse in the church when he lead the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. To Benedict XVI, the eternal soul matters much more than the bodily integrity. He also knows that the negative press would not disappear in acquiescing. The Vatican, answers to the Vatican. Wherever Catholics should win against it by force, those dissidents, will also lose in what they gained. After all, the changes announced were already de facto practiced. Nothing, almost nothing, changed in the juxtapositioned statements.

And now that nothing has changed, the world press has picked up on another story. Panorama, owned by the family of Silvio dear Silvio, the Italian Prime Minister, found three actively gay priests who wondered around looking for sex at gay night spots. Their names aren't revealed of course. The fact that dear Silvio has had some recent clashes with Mother church in Italy is not noted. That one of his family's newspaper's wrongly accused a man who had been editing L'Avvenire, the Catholic bishops' paper in Italy of homosexuality, is not really noted. Instead, that three priests in all of Italy are gay club sex fiends is what the world is told. The Italian bishops condemned the alleged priests, who Dear Silvio's family propaganda machine says are real. After all, Vatican regulations forbid anyone currently inclined to strong attraction sexually to the same sex, from service as priests.

When one scandal loses its tang, another must emerge. 3 of 1.1 billion Catholics are sex crazed homosexual priests. Now, that is worth the headlines across the world press.

Remember, my fellow Vatican watching monsters, the church focusses on its mandate: salvation: first. Dealing with sex abuse in the church is an internal issue, as with treatment of abusive priests within the hierarchy. The Vatican already insisted on the contacting of the police by victims et al. Whether a man is a priest, and whether he is in jail are two separate issues. Both announcements were of internal structures, neither were about civil matters. After all, it is already demanded that civil authorities be contacted, what is done with a criminal by an organization is a separate issue, than what is to be done to him by the authorities.

Both announcements while making huge splashes, were really small stones. Neither really changed anything. Both were the Vatican scheming and speaking. Both were strategic nothings. How the church usually acts, when attempting to gain things that the world did not know it was giving.

I personally think the Vatican has achieved exactly the aim it was aiming for. Whether the world knows it or not.





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Archdiocese of Johannesburg: St Therese Relics: Communion at midnight mass in the Cathedral

(Southern African Catholic Dispatches)

Article by Marc Aupiais

"More than 300 people were present for Mass which was followed by a healing service at 02:00."

According to a release to us by the Archdiocese of Johannesburg, Archdiocesan News:

"Midnight Mass was celebrated during the all-night vigil at the Cathedral of Christ the King on Saturday/Sunday 10/11 July, the eve of the final match of the World Cup.


More than 300 people were present for Mass which was followed by a healing service at 02:00.

The vigil was opened by Archbishop Buti Tlhagale and began with the Litany of St Therese followed by public veneration. There were talks on the teachings of the church on saints and relics and on the life of and spirituality of St Therese, confessions and music by the Malawian and Charismatic Choirs and singing by the congregation. The vigil ended at 5 in the morning with benediction.

St Therese's relics travel to Tzaneen diocese for a week on 12 July. They will stay overnight at St Francis of Assisi, Yeoville on 19 July en route to Aliwal North, KwaZulu-Natal and finally Cape Town before returning to Johannesburg on 23 August."

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Release: Catholic Archbishop of Johannesburg Receives Relics of Saint Thérèse

(Southern African Catholic Dispatches)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Cathedral of Christ the King: Bird's Eye View: [Google Maps]


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Cathedral of Christ the King, a View from the Street [Google Street View]



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I have been asked to promote the following page by a source within the Hierarchy:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Saint-Therese-of-Lisieux-in-South-Africa/128924317145022?v=wall

And the official site for the visit is:

http://www.sttheresesouthafrica2010.com/


The following is a release given us by the Archdiocese of Johannesburg, Archdiocesan News:

"A friend of God among us

On Thursday 8 July at midday the Catholic Archbishop of Johannesburg, also the President of the SACBC, Archbishop Buti Tlhagale received the relics of St Therese of Lisieux also known as St Thérèse of the Little Flower, at the Cathedral of Christ the King in Doornfontein near Ellis Park.

The relics of Therese, the greatest saint of modern times, are on a 3-month tour of South Africa travelling from Tzaneen in the north to Cape Town. The relics housed in an ornate reliquary, or casket, made in Brazil from jacaranda wood and silver, have travelled to more than 50 countries around the world including ‘World Cup’ countries of Argentina, Australia, Brazil,
England, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, New Zealand, Portugal, Slovenia, United States of America, the Netherlands and Spain. In England last year some 250,000 people venerated the relics in spite of widespread cynicism before their arrival.

The relics were carried in procession into the Cathedral led by children dressed as Carmelites, the girls as little nuns. St Therese was only 15 when she wrested permission from her father to enter the Carmelite convent. The children were from the parish of St Francis of Assisi in Yeoville where Fr Vusi Sokhela is parish priest. It is at his invitation the relics are in
South Africa. Accompanying the children were Sisters of Charity, the order to which Mother Teresa belonged. They will host the relics in their hospice on 23 August.

Father Shaun Mary Von Lillienfeld, priest at the Cathedral and co-host with Father Vusi, welcomed about 300 priests, deacons, Chancery staff and parishioners to the reception service. The relics, surrounded with fresh flowers and rose petals - in life St Therese was very fond of nature - will lie at the Cathedral for veneration until 12 July when they depart for
Tzaneen.

All night Vigil on 10 July
On 10 July, the eve of the World Cup final match there will be an all-night
vigil in the Cathedral.

In his address at Thursday’s reception Archbishop Buti beseeched the intersession of the saint for blessings on the Archdiocese and the country. ‘Let South Africa be endowed with wise and caring leaders’. He expressed hope ‘for renewal in our faith and commitment; for inspiration; for protection; for healing in body and mind; for strength, for protection.’ And said the Archbishop, ‘Allow us to experience the change of heart which has been experienced by the thousands of pilgrims who have made the journey to venerate you.’

‘Here, today, in this Cathedral, the fullness of the invisible St. Thérèse is present. We encounter her face-to-face. Heaven has come to us. Behold, a friend of God is fully present among us. Let us venerate her in spirit and in truth.’

[...]

Info
www.sttheresesouthafrica2010.com
www.catholic-johannesburg.org.za ; www.sacbc.org.za"

Captions with quotations provided by the Archdiocesan News at our request, our comments afterwards [P.S. the photographs are of excellent quality, we commend the photographer, and Archdiocesan News for them]:

"Awaiting relics with AB Buti. They came from St Therese parish, Edenvale." SACNS: Stay in line, no pushing, watch and wait, be dressed like a saint to mimic her, now children.

"Borne in procession by 6 strong men. Front right Fr Duncan Tsoke, Vicar
General; behind him Mr Tony Mokheseng, Justice and Peace; back right Fr
Shaun Mary von Lillienfeld; back left Archbishop Buti Tlhagale; front left
Fr Petrus Shiya and directly behind him Reverend John Rahme. The wood and
silver reliquary weighs 130Kg"
SACNS: Pall Bearing is Men's work, actually a beautiful picture.

"Children dressed as Carmelite nuns and friars perform a reverential dance."
SACNS: Don't get the heebie Jeebies, just dance.

"Veneration. Fr Shaun and the Archbishop on the altar as others queue to
venerate the relics." SACNS: A Saint is the Centre of Attention!

[I apologise for the belated release, it is not our intention to delay these!]










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Invitation: St Therese welcomed by Archbishop Tlhagale: THURSDAY 8 JULY 2010

(Southern African Catholic Dispatches)

Article by Marc Aupiais


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RELATED:
Cathedral - Christ the King; Archdiocese of Johannesburg:
http://www.catholic-johannesburg.org.za/dms/contacts/dms_contact-view?contact_id=2690


From the Archdiocesan News, Archdiocese of Johannesburg:

"

THE CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE KING

WELCOMING

THE RELICS OF SAINT THÉRÈSE OF LISIEUX

“THE LITTLE FLOWER”

THURSDAY 8 JULY 2010

12 noon

PROGRAMME

ANGELUS at Noon

12:05PM

PROCESSION OF THE RELICS OF SAINT THÉRÈSE

12:20 – 13:00

WELCOME:  HIS GRACE ARCHBISHOP BUTI TLHAGALE OMI

LITANY OF SAINT THÉRÈSE

Veneration

PLEASE USE CATHEDRAL WEST DOOR PARKING

"

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Belgian police violate archbishops' graves in sex abuse scandal investigation

(Va-Browser / Catholic Watchdog South Africa dual article)

|Download the Audio of this Article|

Article by Marc Aupiais

The Associated Press among others has reported on a raid of graves, a former archbishop's residence and other incidences, in what increasingly appears to be an international incident between the Vatican City State or Holy See, and the government of Belgium.

Tombs were in the opinion of the Vatican: violated (mouse over for details), and confidential information given the Roman Catholic church by victims of sex abuse now in their 60s and 70s and promised confidentiality: were in the perspective of the Vatican, stolen, by agents of the Belgian government, in a Vatican shocking: police raid purporting to be investigating sex abuse in the Roman Catholic Church. Says CNA, 30 police members sealed off the residence of a retired Archbishop who is a Cardinal, in an investigation where documents and a personal computer were seized.

The raid was likely in connection with allegations against the Cardinal, Godfried Danneels, now retired, which to quote the Wall Street Journal:

"Belgium's Godfried Danneels, a retired cardinal who was once a contender for the papacy, was allegedly informed in the 1990s that Bishop Roger Vangheluwe, now 73, had molested a young man. Monsignor Vangheluwe admitted to the abuse last week, and Pope Benedict XVI accepted his resignation Friday.

The Dutch-language daily De Standaard reported on Friday that two former priests had personally informed Cardinal Danneels, 77, about Bishop Vangheluwe's abuse several times"

Former Archbishop of Mechelen-Brussel: Godfried Danneels's documents and personal computer were taken, but police have yet to explain why, and the Archbishop was not questioned. The Police did mention that it related to sex abuse allegations, but if this refers to those made as reported by the Wall Street Journal, in late April, then it may be seen as odd that the police took so long to come down on an alleged co-conspirator, surely some may note then: justice delayed is justice denied, if guilty, the former Archbishop would have had plenty of time to dispose of any evidence of conspiracy.

An outraged and livid Vatican summoned the Belgian ambassador to the Holy See to convey its utmost fury over the raids, especially as two graves were violated. The Belgian Ambassador to the Holy See has since requested a meeting with the Vatican's foreign minister.

The Vatican once again stated its support for seeking "justice and amends" (AP) for victims, but expressed dismay that statements received from victims of sex abuse with a promise of confidentiality were so roughly and in their view unjustifiably seized by the state of Belgium.

Archbishop Andre-Joseph Leonard, of Mechelen-Brussel, and Bishop of Belgium, Military, compared the reasoning of police to conspiracies of fictional crime novels and the slander of the Da Vinci Code.

Godfried Danneels, allegedly has a chequered history when it comes to acting via evil to achieve good, reportedly advising [reference] that unchaste men in Africa wear condoms despite the prohibition in the bible and the Dogma of the church- against masterbation, as intrinsically evil.




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Republicans filibuster premature Democrat attempt to discuss financial reform in USA Senate

(Catholic Watchdog South Africa; c.f. Fox News Radio (Conservative; Secular; American; Independent, but some link it to Republican beliefs) 26 / 04 | April / 2010 (The 5 minute news summary has since been updated); Radio Vaticana (Catholic; Hierarchical with relative independence; Vatican based) 27 / 04 | April / 2010 )

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|External Note: Republicans fear more bailouts, of the scope of those of Obama and of Bush.|

Article by Marc Aupiais





Title / Heading: Republicans filibuster premature Democrat attempt to discuss financial reform in USA Senate

Financial reform is thought to be Barack Obama’s Democrats’ number one priority, as the approval ratings of the US president have dipped to and even below the psychological 50% mark. Unemployment is just below 10%, and with passing of controversial healthcare legislation without any Republican support, despite mass public concerns, and without much of the vital explanations media believed were due to the public, Obama and his Democrats have much to worry about at the November polls, especially with recent iconic Republican wins in by-elections. One of the Republican wins has insured that unilateral financial reform has been filibustered in Yesterday’s procedural Senate vote. The reform is hoped by some Democrats to be a platform to garner support for Democrats via a focus on helping small rural business, and other reforms which could win Democrats votes in November. Republicans have also noted support for reform, but with some slight alterations to the bill, which they see as necessary.

The Democrats, Yesterday, had 57 votes on their side for the financial reform, while 41 Republican side nay votes opposed a proposal in the American Upper House of Parliament, to open debate on the matter; this was enough in the procedural vote to prevent thus far, financial reform, under the current Democrat proposal.

The Republicans are also concerned to insure financial reform goes through, especially as around two thirds of Americans reportedly are in favour of reforming the financial sector, after the recent aftermath of the hot-point of the financial crisis, and given the bail-outs during the Republican Bush, and Democrat Obama Administrations: of firms which otherwise, in ordinary capitalism, would have failed.

Their concerns relate to small but vital segments of the bill. They believe that the federal government could be over-reaching, and would prefer certain details of what they see as a complex issue to be ironed out more carefully. Despite this, their negotiators have reported to media that they are close to a solution. Fox news, a popular news service in America, accused by some of a sympathy towards the Republican cause has said that it is unlikely the Republicans will delay for much longer, due to a desire to garner the support of public opinion ahead of November elections.

Republican efforts at stricter financial regulations, pushed by Republican John McCain and others: during the 1990’s were blocked by Democrats, and it would seem unlikely for the bill to pass without Republican support, since Kennedy was replaced with Brown: as a representative in the Senate from Massachusetts, once a Democrat stronghold.

While both sides have claimed that they are close to a negotiated solution, the Democrats attempted, Yesterday: to push the bill forward for discussion prior Republican satisfaction, in a move similar to the unilateral overhaul of healthcare pushed through by the Democrats, and in the unilateral manner Barack Obama has pushed through legislation in: for much of his presidency. This despite promises of discussion and at attempting bi-partisan efforts during campaigning against his then Republican rival John McCain. Barack Obama has speeches set up in multiple areas (ending in a spot in Illinois), in order to garner more public support for the overhaul.

The question is whether Republicans will gain their concessions on details they believe should change, before the bill is either voted through or before the though highly unlikely, possible shelving of the legislation. The Democrat position seems to be aiming for a Democrat bill to pass, with as few of the Republic concessions within it as possible. Republicans could make an embarrassment for Obama before November polls, but have much to risk given high public support for financial reform, but also given the cost to public confidence, if they pass an inadequate bill, or are seen as a non-issue, or as betraying their ideals as regards Wall Street and other issues of importance to conservative voters: in the Senate.











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Earth Day: April 22nd is the 40th annual Earth Day- American Papist

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Why Russia and China are best friends with Iran over Nukes, Green Revolution!

(See What We See News and Archive)

[English; Afrikaans; français]

Analytical Article by Marc Aupiais

At our service, we often get our best information from sources many have not even heard of. Recently I personally wrote an article on the fact that the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister, had erroneously claimed that sanctions would not work against Iran on the Nuclear issue. The interview was carried out by Russia's RT, which almost certainly would tow the Kremlin line. We also noted that CCTV 9, the Chinese English language channel, and RT, both were seemingly taking the side of the Iranian government against the so-called "Green revolution" protestors. Apparently, the "Green" of the revolution refers to Islam, I cannot verify this myself, but a source has claimed this.

It is now that Italian Service, AsiaNews, has perhaps provided a reason for what we had observed, as I carried out what is now regular monitoring of different broadcasters:

"» 01/08/2010 15:54
RUSSIA - CHINA - IRAN
Russia, China and Iran to forge a new energy axis this year
The Iran-Turkmenistan gas pipeline is inaugurated on 6 January. More are expected to link Russia, Iran and China through Central Asia. Europe appears to be losing the race for Caspian Sea and Central Asian oil and gas; it might end up dependent on Moscow for supplies.

Moscow (AsiaNews/Agencies) – The Dauletabad-Sarakhs-Khangiran pipeline was inaugurated on Wednesday connecting Iran's northern Caspian region with Turkmenistan's vast gas field. Increasingly, Iran is turning to China and Russia not only as buyers of its gas but also as builders of pipelines. Moscow and Beijing are thus making inroads into Central Asia's vast energy reservoir. By contrast, Europe and the United States are still at the discussion stage when it comes to building pipelines towards the West."

(AsiaNews (Italian; Catholic; Independent with Vatican ties) 08 / 01 | January / 2010)

If you want to read the rest of their article, click on the date below the quotation.

While America is attempting to fix relations with every obscure leftist nation, it seems that the East continues to secure its strangle-hold on Europe, as it already has begun on Africa, and on the American economy.

Recently, Russia decided to cut off gas supplies, which reach Europe; Europe already is deeply reliant on Russian gas, and the situation was already a crisis, before these further developments.

Vatican vetted Jesuit Paper: "La Civiltà Cattolica" attacks credibility of the "Times", "New York Times" and "The Washington Post", "Le Monde", "the Italian press."

(See What We See news Archive ; c.f. Pope Benedict XVI, letter/speech on Vatican site (Catholic; Hierarchical; Vatican based) 17 / 02 (February) / 2006 ; American Papist (Catholic; Independent; American) 22 / 05 (May) / 2006; Catholic Culture (American; Catholic; Independent) 01 / 05 (May) / 2009; La Civiltà Cattolica (Catholic; Italian; connected with the Vatican) issue "3813")

Article by Marc Aupiais

Known for it's defense of the Catholic position against the use of condoms, purportedly to fight the pandemic of HIV/AIDS, and for being a journal which is purportedly vetted by Vatican officials, the Jesuit La Civiltà Cattolica (The Catholic Civilization) Journal, is known for something modern Jesuits, are not generally known for in recent times, if Catholic watchdogs are to be believed: perceived fidelity to the Catholic Faith.

The La Civiltà Cattolica journal, was noted on the 17th of February 2006, by Pope Benedict XVI:

"I am pleased to welcome you with all those who collaborate with you in various capacities. I know and appreciate the work that the Journal has carried out at the Church's service since 1850, when Bl. Pius IX, my Predecessor of venerable memory, founded it. He then endowed it with a permanent special statute that established its special connection with the Holy See."

(Pope Benedict XVI, letter/speech on Vatican site (Catholic; Hierarchical; Vatican based) 17 / 02 (February) / 2006 )

This same journal, which American Papist, a prominent Catholic service notes, via a quotation: is vetted by the Vatican (American Papist (Catholic; Independent; American) 22 / 05 (May) / 2006), when it was then defending the position of the church against the use of Condoms in the fight against HIV/AIDS, has again taken a stand, which is news making.

In an article, seemingly by La Civiltà Cattolica, which seemingly laments, that Catholics still are perceived as funding some press organizations:

"La Civiltà Cattolica", has been noted by a "Catholic Culture" news brief, as ("Catholic Culture" (American; Catholic; Independent) 01 / 05 (May) / 2009) apparently claiming severe media bias, against the Catholic Church in some Western Media : as seen in this English translation, as taken off "Catholic Culture" (additions by this service in "[]"):

"[these press organizations are part of an anti-Catholic campaign] which, at a universal level, tends to discredit the Catholic Church: "

(Catholic Culture (American; Catholic; Independent) 01 / 05 (May) / 2009)

Those mentioned by name, include: (The British/London) "Times", (The American) "New York Times" and (The American) "The Washington Post", (The French) "Le Monde", and "the Italian press".

In summarizing their article in English on their online site: La Civiltà Cattolica, writes [sections between [] are notes by us):

"[...]The article aims at demonstrating the evangelical purity of a scholarly, vigilant and attentive teaching ready to plug the possible leaks arising from the osmosis between Church and contemporary society. The lay front in Italy has certainly radicalized its position towards the Church. Moreover, the “lay” are always silent in regard to social services that would not exist if it were not for the contribution of the Catholic lay."

(La Civiltà Cattolica (Catholic; Italian; connected with the Vatican) issue "3813")

The word "lay": refers to "laity": to Catholics; who do not hold Holy Orders in the Catholic church. The so-called "lay front", seemingly refers largely to those attacking Pope Benedict XVI, or Catholic Doctrine, that is: in Europe or Italy, or to those supporting publications which do. The article is titled: "AN INCONVENIENT POPE?". The Full summary by the organization is accessible at (La Civiltà Cattolica (Catholic; Italian; connected with the "Vatican") issue "3813").

Founding Editor of First Things: Fr. Richard John Neuhaus: Dies

(Catholic Watchdog South Africa)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Despite prayers, from around the would, Fr. Richard John Neuhaus, has died of cancer. I received this in my Subscription to Trinity Communications: today. First Things, was an inter-religious organization: which truly tried to contribute towards inter-religious harmony. His efforts will be missed.

I have not read it, but Catholic Culture pays tribute to him here:
http://www.catholicculture.org/commentary/blog.cfm?id=338

And others: Here:
http://www.catholicculture.org/news/headlines/index.cfm?storyid=1601


I know I enjoyed his magazine, although I do not have time to read it anymore (I have been focused on Catholic news, and Catholic sources, studies, and other such opportunities), and his efforts were famous, and well-known. I think he was a good man. He died in 2009, having been born in 1936.

Vatican City, Vatican: Paper claims Pill is known for environmental effects: AFP denies claims, via contraceptives players: despite American studies

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. Catholic Culture 05/01/2009; Creative Minority Report 05/01/2009)

Article by Marc Aupiais

AFP, has reported that the Vatican's newspaper (it is not the official newspaper, but considered to have weight): L'Osservatore Romano: is reporting that the "Pill", has negative environmental effects: AFP, claims that no study is being quoted, and instantly quotes players in the Contraceptives business: to deny claims, saying that plastics (not mentioned here for pollution caused by such), also have many of the same substances.

The claims by the Vatican's paper: follow an American study, where fish had unnaturally been mutated: into half one sex, half another: scientists involved in the University Study: blame hormones, which they thought to be entering the water: via the contraceptive. The Vatican paper: has claimed, based on studies, I have also heard of: that the pill: pollutes water sources, causing problems: among which is human male infertility.

The pill is known for increasing the risk of sexual disease phenomenally, and also has many negative side affects. Creative Minority Report, a satirical, but as to facts quoted: accurate political and social initiative, is asking why no objection has been made by environmentalists: as to the accuracy of opinions: of those profiting from sales of the contraceptive.

Sudan, North Africa: Bishops warn of breaking down peace accord!- Agenzia Fides

(Scripturelink Voter's Guide; EWTN News (Catholic News Agency)25/11/08)

Article by Marc Aupiais

EWTN is hosting a story by Catholic News Agency, based on an article by Agenzia Fides: saying that the bishops in Sudan are warning of increased tensions and that a peace treaty may fall apart. The rebels say they are mirroring government efforts, the government says they are updating old weaponry: both are seemingly entered in a dangerous arms race, that could see a return to a war ended in 2005.

"Southern Cross" Placed on international Catholic Rating's service' danger list!

(Media Study South Africa)

Article By Marc Aupiais






05:19PM Today: Screen shot secured at off-site area.







Catholic Culture: Trinity Communications, has listed South African weekly, widely sold in parishes: the "Southern Cross" on a list of danger sites, after reviewing their website.

We ourselves had noticed problems and removed the Southern Cross from our links prior this. Catholic Culture has never before reviewed the site:

The review is listed:

http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/reviews/view.cfm?recnum=4135

India, AsiaNews.IT: Vishwa Hindu Parishad "Training" combattants: bounties out for killing Christians, as Hindu nationalists aim at finishing their Genocide, via payments

(Catholic Watchdog South Africa ; Philippine Bishops' Conference News (CBCP News)23/11/08)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Vishwa Hindu Parishad, whose claims are a central motivator for the Orissa violence, as violence is said to be an "act" of "revenge" against Christians for the death of a leader of the group, even though it is Maoist Rebels, who have claimed responsibility for the assassination: is now rumored to be creating "centers" of sorts, where youth can "learn" to be more effective in attacks on those professing Christianity. This is, according to the Philippine's Bishops' news service's source in this, based on an article by AsiaNews: if it is to believed. The development, follows others in the region around Orissa, India.

 Efforts, by the vengeful Hindu Nationalist groupings, in which the VHP has been accused of playing a role: at getting rid of remaining slithers of Christian influence, wealth and livelihood, include relatively inexpensive bounties on still professing Christians, as well as on Priests: such as US 250 per priest, or else basic necessities are traded for some acts of violence.

Illegal activities: for which Indian hit men, are supposedly to get paid for, in anti-Christian attacks, include burning down churches, or the slaying of important Christians. Previously, what seemed to be ideologically motivated volunteers would carry out attacks, these continue to, but, of late: their influence has yet to kill every Christian. Also, volunteers, generally hurt, or chase Christians, but are less prone to be effective killers.

Those who are getting paid for attacks are not paid wealthy sums, desperation, and self interest still cannot be ruled out in the attacks. Some have linked these to the destructions wrought on the cast system in Orissa, by the conversion of Christians to Christianity. Others have noted the appropriation of property by attackers, which could be seen as opportunism.

This latest development: is as winter comes around the corner, and Christians are lucky if left to suffer as internal refugees, in camps, which dispatches from AsiaNews.it on earlier dates have alleged to be: as unsafe, and prone to attacks. The fleeing persecuted's own houses have often been taken over by perpetrators of attacks, as with some of their goods. The Indian government is at this late hour: fronting claims of a special task force to protect Christians, the reality of these claims is yet to be seen in the future if lives are saved, as over 50 000 Christians have been adversely affected, and at last count: dozens had died. The attacks were already happening in September.

It could be hoped that: training camps, much like those run by militants at one stage in Afghanistan: aimed, in this case at Hindu Nationalists, attempting to kill Christians with more primitive weapons, even crude weapons: including swords, would not be successful in wiping out what remains of a persevering Christian outpost, in such a region of such a country, a country, whose government has, according to sources on the ground: been negligent at best at preventing deaths, and has been accused of a coverup over the genocide, by an important local church representation, which alleges this is to cover up the negligence with which local officials handled the situation.

Pontifical Academy for Life,Vatican: science which throws away ethics, we do not belief can morally be pursued

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. CBCPNEWS 18/11/08)

Article By Marc Aupiais

In an article published in a Vatican Based Newspaper (L’Osservatore Romano): the President of the Pontifical Academy for Life, has released a statement. Archbishop Rino Fisichella, in his capacity as President of the Pontifical Academy For life: has stated that when science is pursued without ethics- it mostly is utilized in such a way that it is made into a platform from which to persecute others: by unjust authorities.

He has therefore affirmed the Catholic belief: that science must always remain within ethics, or cannot morally be pursued. He said this: having noted already, that the church understands humanity with a special knowledge- having been the safeguard of man's dignity for about two millenia.

He also noted that science does not cause opposition to Catholicism, and therefore scientists must not appose the faith, rather- they should remain reasonable when dealing with issues such as the Ancient Religion.

Vietnam, Asia- America's selective "kindness" continues to hurt innocents- as government supporting mobs attack priests

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. Catholic Culture 17/11/08)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Catholic World News (affiliated with "Catholic Culture") reports of the ransacking of a Catholic monastery by Communist youth in Vietnam, while police protected the ransacking militants, from catholics attempting to save the place- in another of many attacks by supporters of the "Party" against often helpless adherents of Catholicism. The recent advancement against innocent civilians, came after an "invitation" by communists to priests for talks- probably in order to cause a diversion- to allow for the ransacking to occur.

The same American "good-willed" campaigners: who brought you a escalation in sexual immorality- money wasted on going into space, and "peace" ideals, and the abortion crisis- also, "priests" included- caused a mass withdrawal of troops from still every bit as much: communist: "Vietnam", and the Catholic church has been daily crucified ever since, along with all, or at least most slightly visible: free-thinking citizens. In a recent attack- Government controlled police blockaded a monastery to prevent desperate actions by Catholics local to the area to stop the ransacking of the building by Government affiliated Communist youths. The government itself constantly incites hatred of the church on television and other state controlled media, has called for the disposing of Catholic leaders, and have stolen church property, and goods- including the Nuncio in the country, and much of its contents. The nuncio which was "confiscated" was older than the communist regime. A nuncio is the catholic equivalent of an embassy.

The clear desire of the communist government to weaken, control, if not wipe out Catholic religion in Vietnam is more than aptly clear in the constant and incessant assaults by government representatives- verbally and physically on the human rights of Vietnam's Catholics. The systematic manner in which police, and authority are used as what seems to outsiders as an ideologically powered, and politically wielded: weapon is only part of it.

Communism is condemned as an ideology of evil by the Catholic church- and communist nations almost always try to control, or suppress the Ancient Religion- if experience is the indicator. Socialist governments are less likely to try to control religion: however with pure communism: those who question authority are often disposed of. External authority such as religions are either taken over, bargained with, or gotten rid of where viable.

America itself is hailing a "black" (half Kenyan) president and hope for a future "black pope" (The nickname of the head of the Jesuit Order apparently wont do it for them): while America does their painting- their decision to invade Iraq, and following it: ignoring of the wiping out of much of the Christian community in the nation- still reverberates: as with their desire to withdraw from another mess they caused.

As it is, "Planned Parenthood": the American based, international abortion firm, which teaches sex education in American schools- has been noted as hailing the election of their partisan president- Obama, as historic- not because he is black, not because he is part Kenyan- but because of all the blood, and white fluff stained tax dollars: they will get to keep systematically slaughtering helpless, unsuspecting, unborn children: that is- if he fulfills the promises he made about what changes he'd bring if elected. This includes preventing parents from stopping their child having an abortion- getting rid of pre-abortion councilling- and discriminating against the highly effective abstinence campaigns in schools- by funding further: Planned Parenthood's "Sexual education" programs.

Vietnam is a country in need of change, these incidents are not sporadic- they are common. When Catholic media picks up mass and open persecution of Christians- it is assured that others are already persecuted.

America- Bishops- Appose Obama on Abortion, life rights issues- Black president a good sign of racism's decline- Anti-Catholicism, another issue still more than alive and well

(Social Justice South Africa; Scripturelink Voters guide: How Catholics Should Vote in South Africa c.f. New York Times (Secular, liberal and considered antagonistic at times) 11/11/08; Catholic Culture 11/11/08)

Article by Marc Aupiais

The often antagonistic New York Times, is considering the fact that the president of the United States Conference of Catholic Biships's, has asked bishops to challenge Obama on abortion. Many bishops united, decried voting for the pro-abortion candidate during election races, and this will not stop when the man becomes president.

Already there is talk by "Democrats" of broadening abortion laws, and forcing insurance, and tax payers to foot the bill, and of economic strategies that will have to be based on further loans from China or elsewhere, but worse- many Catholics who did not vote Republican due to McCain's stance on Embryonic Stem Cell research- a definite evil, and sign of evil- Obama also plans to reverse legislation by George Bush, and pay for this with tax dollars.

Catholics who vote for a pro-abortion politician, incur an automatic excommunication unless other conditions exist which reduce culpability. With automatic excommunications- it is probably better to go with the Phrase guilty until proven innocent- in order to lift the spiritual ban on one's soul, just as with confessing- one should say- I may have done this, I am not sure, rather than leaving it out, but telling of their doubt where need be.

The bishops are realizing that many Catholics have excommunicated themselves, and therefor are compassionately apposing the Democrats, named by some as the "party of death", and by church representation as in danger of being branded such. The shepherds of the catholic Faith in America- are glad that there is a "black" American president, but while racism may be largely conquered, there are no illusions as to whether or not horrid anti-Catholic bigotry still exists in large portions of the American Population, according to the head of the conference- Cardinal George of Chicago. In fact, it seems to the bishops, that if Catholics want to succeed in public life in America, they are forced, or often choose to put aside their heritage. In America, like Great Britain, being faithfully Catholic and in politics, is almost an odd oxymoron for many.

For more see:

http://www.catholicculture.org/news/features/index.cfm?recnum=60234

Rome- New psychological screening implimented to rid church of bad apple priests- quality over quantity is the way its to be done!

(Journey in a Broken World; c.f. News 24 (Secular) 30/10/08; Catholic Culture 30/10/08)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Following a series of scandals in the church, the Vatican has implimented and set out new guidelines for psychological screening of priests. News 24 reports that Benedict XVI believes that despite a shortage of priests- quality is better than quantity.

The document also allows for psychological treatment of priests who have been wounded by the world as they prepare in seminary. It forbids that psychologists be part of formation teams- emphasizing that formation of priests must firstly be spiritual, however that when there are problems prior formation, sometimes psychological treatment helps allow spiritual formation to work.

Psychologists are bound by the same ethical oath as elsewhere (in South Africa people can reveal in some necessities as psychologists, vital information, none are reported in our sources on this Vatican bill)- except with consent- they cannot reveal what has been said in therapy by candidates.

The document is in accordance with Canon law's stipulations on the need for priests to be of a certain mold of person.

Philippines- Bishops call for society to act against corruption- having alread called for them to "Prepare a new government", say they need support

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. CBCP News (Catholic Bishops of the Philippines) 29/10/08)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Having recently asked for a "new government", and for society to take a stance on every level against corruption, which the bishop's representation in these statements had claimed to be a major cause of poverty in the nation, the Philippine church have asked for public action, through the voice of another bishop. They want the Philppines' president to face corruption charges against her, this is as religious organizations in the Philippines, have come out in support of the calls by their bishops.