Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference: "Fr Lionel Sham: Obituary": Basically what he did for the church

(Southern African Catholic Press Releases)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Details of message received, and our forwarding:

I am privileged to forward the following message from the SACBC, it concerns the obituary of a recently deceased priest: Fr Sham:

Rebroadcasting, or forwarding, or publishing this message does not imply endorsement of the Bishops conference, or any person mentioned in the contents of this dispatch/article, nor does it imply any endorsement of the accuracy, or content of views expressed in the forwarded content, which was sent to us by the Southern African catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC). We do not guarantee the accuracy, nor content, nor orthodoxy or fidelity of views expressed by the bishops conference, by emails sent to us via them, and by views recorded by them. These are not necessarily our views, nor do we necessarily express, or ascent to the views expressed in the message we are representing here for you:

The following is nothing, but a quotation of a source, that being an email we directly received from Father Townsend, of the SACBC, as a press release:

Received at: 15:19 (3 hours ago)

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Fr Chris Townsend 
Date: 2009/3/11
Subject: Fr Lionel Sham: Obituary
To:

Contents:

"The Very Reverend Father Lionel Sham.


Lionel John Sham was born 23 May 1943 of Keralla (Kay) and Janie (nee Boles) in Johannesburg. He has 2 Brothers (Peter and Reggie) and 1 sister (Vicky)


In 1959, at the age of 15, Lionel went to Sacred Heart Minor Seminary in Boksburg to discern his vocation to the Diocesan Priesthood. He spent 2 years there and completed his Matric at Christian Brothers College in Boksburg.


In 1961 he commenced his studies at St John Vianney seminary in Pretoria. He was ordained priest on 9 September 1967 at Holy Angels Catholic Church in Bez Valley by Bishop Hugh Boyle.


His first appointment was to the Cathedral of Christ the King where he worked from 1968 to 1971. He started studies through UNISA and completed an Honours Degree in Social Science in 1973.


In 1972, he joined Fr (Later Bishop) Reginald Orsmond at Boys Town in Magaliesburg and served the parish of St James and Hekpoort. He remained in Magaliesburg until 1986. He was Dean of the West Rand Deanery, a position he would fill again from 2006 to 2008.


Fr Lionel was appointed Bishop’s Vicar for Vocations in 1986 and moved to the Cathedral of Christ the King. In this role, he was responsible for accompanying many young men in their discernment of the call to Priesthood. He remained Vicar until 1999.


He was appointed Bishop’s Vicar for Youth in 1987 where touched the lives of many youth.


He was appointed Bishop’s Vicar for Funding and development from 1988 to 1999.


From 1992 to 1993 he was Priest-in-charge of Our Lady of Loreto Catholic Church in Kempton Park.


In 1994, he was appointed as Administrator of the Cathedral of Christ the King in Johannesburg, a position he held until 1999.


He was second Vicar General for Bishop Orsmond from 1995 to 2000.


In 2000, Fr Lionel Sham was appointed as Rector of the Orientation Seminary in Welkom. The Seminary moved under Fr Lionel’s direction to Oakford in KZN. Fr Lionel remained Rector until the end of 2005. During this time, he was responsible for many young men beginning their studies for the Catholic Priesthood in Southern Africa. He also looked after his mother until her death in January 2006.


In 2006, Fr Lionel returned to the Diocese of Johannesburg and was asked to look after four parishes on the West Rand in Johannesburg – St Paul of the Cross – Bekkersdal, Our Lady of Africa, Mohlakeng, St Martin de Porres – Toekomsrus and Immaculate Conception in Westonaria. He remained Parish Priest of Our Lady of Africa when he was murdered.


Fr Lionel had also served on the Southern African Council of Priests, the South African Council for Catholic Social Services, the World Lebanese Cultural Union and the Knights of Da Gama. Fr Sham was also responsible for the fundraising and development of the Sacred Heart pastoral Centre in Walkerville. Fr Lionel was Bishop’s Vicar for SPRED and Catechetics at his death.


Fr Chris Townsend – Johannesburg – 11 March 2009


Fr Chris Townsend

Information Officer

Office for Communication and Media.

Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference (SACBC)

P.O.Box 941 Pretoria 0001 South Africa

Khanya House - 399 Paul Kruger Street, Pretoria, 0001

Tel: +27 (0)12 323 6458

Fax: +27 (0) 12 326 6218

Mobile: +27(0)82 783 4729

www.sacbc.org.za


P Please consider the environment before printing this email"

Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference: SACBC Secretary General's clarification: Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference authorised to proceed with the implementation of the New English Translation of the Roman Missal.

(Southern African Catholic Press Releases)

Introduction by Marc Aupiais

Details of message received, and our forwarding:

I am privileged to forward the following message from the SACBC, it concerns the  introduction of the new liturgical changes in Southern Africa:

Rebroadcasting, or forwarding, or publishing this message does not imply endorsement of the Bishops conference, or any person mentioned in the contents of this dispatch/article, nor does it imply any endorsement of the accuracy, or content of views expressed in the forwarded content, which was sent to us by the Southern African catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC). We do not guarantee the accuracy, nor content, nor orthodoxy or fidelity of views expressed by the bishops conference, by emails sent to us via them, and by views recorded by them. These are not necessarily our views, nor do we necessarily express, or ascent to the views expressed in the message we are representing here for you:

The following is nothing, but a quotation of a source, that being an email we directly received from Father Townsend, of the SACBC, as a press release:

Received at: 14:59 (2 hours ago)

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Fr Chris Townsend 
Date: 2009/3/11
Subject: SACBC Secretary General's clarification: Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference authorised to proceed with the implementation of the New English Translation of the Roman Missal.
To:

Contents:

"Statement issued by Fr Vincent Brennan SMA, Secretary General of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference.
Pretoria
11 March 2009.

For Immediate Release.

STARTS>

The Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments has accepted the explanation by the President of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference regarding the early implementation of the new translation in English of the People's parts of the Roman Missal.

The Congregation has agreed that the implementation continue along with continued catechesis explaining the changes. This catechesis should include preparation of music for singing the new texts.

The other approved texts of the mass (e.g. the Eucharistic Prayers) will be implemented when the rest of the English Speaking world implements the changes.

A fuller statement may be issued by the President on his return from Rome.

Fr Vincent Brennan SMA
Secretary General

ENDS>

Issued on behalf of the Secretary General by Fr Chris Townsend.



Fr Chris Townsend
Information Officer
Office for Communication and Media.
Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference (SACBC)
P.O.Box 941 Pretoria 0001 South Africa
Khanya House - 399 Paul Kruger Street, Pretoria, 0001
Tel: +27 (0)12 323 6458
Fax: +27 (0) 12 326 6218
Mobile: +27(0)82 783 4729
www.sacbc.org.za
P Please consider the environment before printing this email"

Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference: "Johannesburg Archdiocese: Funeral Details: Very Rev. Fr Lionel Sham."

(Southern African Catholic Press Releases )

Article by Marc Aupiais

Details of message received, and our forwarding:

I am privileged to forward the following message from the SACBC, it concerns the funeral of a recently deceased priest: Fr Sham:

Rebroadcasting, or forwarding, or publishing this message does not imply endorsement of the Bishops conference, or any person mentioned in the contents of this dispatch/article, nor does it imply any endorsement of the accuracy, or content of views expressed in the forwarded content, which was sent to us by the Southern African catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC). We do not guarantee the accuracy, nor content, nor orthodoxy or fidelity of views expressed by the bishops conference, by emails sent to us via them, and by views recorded by them. These are not necessarily our views, nor do we necessarily express, or ascent to the views expressed in the message we are representing here for you:

The following is nothing, but a quotation of a source, that being an email we directly received from Father Townsend, of the SACBC, as a press release:

Received at: 15:30 (5 minutes ago).

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Fr Chris Townsend 
Date: 2009/3/10
Subject: Johannesburg Archdiocese: Funeral Details: Very Rev. Fr Lionel Sham.
To:

Contents of message received:

"Funeral Arrangements

Very Rev. Fr Lionel John Sham (1943 to 2009)

Memorial Services:

Wednesday 11 March 2009                          St John Vianney Seminary

                                                                                179 Main Street

                                                                                Waterkloof

                                                                                17.30

Sunday 15 March 2009                                   Our Lady of Africa Catholic Church

                                                                              

                                                                                14.00

Monday 16 March 2009                                 Catholic Cathedral of Christ the King

                                                                                cnr Saratoga & End street.

                                                                                Doornfontein

                                                                                18.00

Monday 16 March 2009                                 Maronite Catholic Church of Our Lady of the Cedars of Lebanon.

Western Service Rd

Wendywood

                                                                                18.30

Funeral Service:                                                Tuesday 17 March 2009

                                                                                Catholic Cathedral of Christ the King.

cnr. Saratoga and End Street.

Doornfontein.

                                                                                Office of the Dead                           09.30

                                                                                Requiem Mass                                  10.00

                                                                                Prior to Private Cremation.

Clergy Instructions:                                         The Office of the Dead will start at 9.30am.All priests are invited to concelebrate. The Requiem Vestments will be Purple. Please try to share transport as parking at the Cathedral is severely restricted due to Construction.

One week Mass:                                              Our Lady of the Cedars of Lebanon

22 March 2009.

09.30

Fr Chris Townsend

Information Officer

Office for Communication and Media.

Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference (SACBC)

P.O.Box 941 Pretoria 0001 South Africa

Khanya House - 399 Paul Kruger Street, Pretoria, 0001

Tel: +27 (0)12 323 6458

Fax: +27 (0) 12 326 6218

Mobile: +27(0)82 783 4729

www.sacbc.org.za

P Please consider the environment before printing this email"

"Funeral arrangements of the Late Fr Lionel Sham"...

The following is an email, I am forwarding, concerning a certain: Fr Sham, who died recently.

(name excluded) invited you to "Funeral arrangements of the Late Fr Lionel Sham" on Tuesday, March 17 at 9:00am.

Event: Funeral arrangements of the Late Fr Lionel Sham
What: Ceremony
Host: Fr Lionel Sham a Life in our Time
Start Time: Tuesday, March 17 at 9:00am
End Time: Tuesday, March 17 at 3:00pm
Where: Cathedral of Christ the King

To see more details and RSVP, follow the link below:
http://www.facebook.com/n/?event.php&eid=54834507595&mid=2042abG28ca5d0fG168e674G7

Thanks,
The Facebook Team

South Africa: DA Leaders office denies any pro-civil-union discrimination

(Scripturelink Voters guide)

Article by Marc Aupiais

In response to a request for clarity on seeming insinuation of DA discrimination for Homosexual candidates, the DA, has responded to our concerns. Gavin Davis, the Chief of Staff of the Da's Office of The Leader, whom I have corresponded with in the past, has responded to our concerns on behalf of Christian voters. The following is an email reply we received from him today:

2009/3/10 Gavin Davis 

Dear Marc

Thank you for your email.

As I mentioned in previous correspondence, DA public representatives have a free vote on issues of conscience including civil unions. To my knowledge, Mr Ollis has never said that the DA is for civil unions. He has expressed his personal view, which he has every right to do. But it does not represent the view of the party.

As far as the DA’s lists are concerned, there is no discrimination either for or against people from any particular group, whether based on race, religion, gender or sexual orientation.

I hope this answers your question.

Kind regards
Gavin

We have asked that the DA monitor their facebook group better, and are pleased that their national policy seems the same. It does seem odd, that Ian Ollis, should make such a point, as he did, and that he seems to have insinuated certain things, which would make the DA a less acceptable party to vote for.

As it is, they maintain their status on our acceptable vote list. Due to the positions of their leadership. We do hope that the DA will look into the claims by Ian Ollis, involving the Gauteng list, and sexual orientation.

South Africa: DA's SA Christian voters lose say?

(Scripturelink Voters Guide)

Note: the DA's leader's office's head of staff replied to our request: http://southafricancatholic.blogspot.com/2009/03/south-africa-da-leaders-office-denies.html

Article By Marc Aupiais

Recently, we came accross the following:

"

Post #1

Ian Ollis wroteon February 25, 2009 at 1:49pm

Ok, so huge numbers of people have been asking about the gay thing, so I decided we should start a discussion on the board! Currently, the DA has a large number of gay (LGBTI) people as public rep's either as MP's MPL's and Councillors around the country. Yes, I am one of them! On our election lists for the 2009 general elections, I was extremely happy to see the number of gay people that have been chosen on the lists for parliament and the various provinces as candidates. A case in point is the Gauteng Parliamentary Candidates list. I am currently one of 5(that I know of) gay or lesbian people in the top 16 positions on the list. That is a huge plus for the party and for our representivity. Show me one other party in SA that has that many? An many of us, like myself, Mike Waters, Paul Willemburg are very out about our sexuality. we are not a pink party however. We support equal rights for gay people, just as we support say, the equal rights of both genders, all races and each language group in the country. For those of you out there who are thinking of voting DA and for whom this is an issue, rest assured, the DA is the party that most represents the rights and views of gay people and not just in words. we have actions that support what we say! Viva Helen Viva!"

http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=2226300562&topic=7506

Ian Ollis, is the 11th member listed on the DA's GAUTENG NATIONAL ASSEMBLY LIST listing. I see no reason to discount that the person speaking is him.

 Last year, when asking the DA, whether or not they had altered their policy on gay marriage, their answer to our organization was no: they still had no policy. This was after a decision involving Internation Politics, which technically favored "Gay Marriage".

We have requested a reply from the Democratic alliance, on this issue, since, having seen this admittal by a potential MP.

This was posted on their facebook group.

The DA, has also refused to alter the constitution, so that abortion is clearly relegated to the criminal arena, as any South African, no matter their age, can legally request an abortion. The only restrictions in South Africa, seem to focus on protecting the mother's health. The Judiciary, largely seems to have a certain view of the Constitution, and some believe that if South Africa's abortion laws are overturned, they will overturn the nullification of ANC: African National Congress: policy. This trial has yet to occur however.

Such moves either mean nothing, or everything. The DA would not have succeeded in changing the constitution, and so their choice had no effect, but they seemed to say that the constitution was over in 1994.

If the DA values their Pro-life, pro-family, pro-catechism voters, I suggest that they clarify this issue: as one of their representatives seems to be saying that they have purposely placed a large portion of homosexual voters on their parliamentary list high up. Such would mean a pragmatic change in a possibly neutral vote on a pro-life issue: marriage.

Such calls into account: how does the DA stand on other issues of policy, such as abortion: another issue, of importance to Christians voting. If they are that sort of "liberals" now, leaving what I would have thought was the PFP behind, then: where else are they liberal. America's Democratic Party has jumped on both issues, so have many others. Such concern lies not in homosexual ideas, which generally may change from each to each: but what is considered liberalism in many nations.

Both support of "Gay Marriage", and support of abortionist policies, are issues which make a party very unlikely to be the best for Catholic voters. The question is whether or not the DA is still neutral on these issues, or if they simply are officially neutral, but have hidden practical policies.

I would like it if the DA were to reply to my request.

Can the DA say that it is still neutral on these morally concerning issues to Christian voters?

If the man above is not Ian Ollis, I request that the DA inform us, as it is, I suspect it is the DA potential Parliamentarian, and I hope that the DA, is not discriminating against heterosexuals in their representation in parliament.

Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference: releases more details on deaths of two priests

(Southern African Catholic Press Releases)

Article by Marc Aupiais

I am privileged to forward the following message from the SACBC, it concerns the deaths of two priests, one we have just reported to you yesterday, via the message they sent us:

Rebroadcasting, or forwarding, or publishing this message does not imply endorsement of the Bishops conference, or any person mentioned in the contents of this dispatch/article, nor does it imply any endorsement of the accuracy, or content of views expressed in the forwarded content, which was sent to us by the Southern African catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC). We do not guarantee the accuracy, nor content, nor orthodoxy or fidelity of views expressed by the bishops conference, by emails sent to us via them, and by views recorded by them. These are not necessarily our views, nor do we necessarily express, or ascent to the views expressed in the message we are representing here for you:

The following is nothing, but a quotation of a source, that being an email we directly received from Father Townsend, of the SACBC, as a press release:

Contents of forwarded message :

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Fr Chris Townsend 
Date: 2009/3/9
Subject: Church Mourns murdered priests
To: (list excluded by South African catholic)

Message we received at 16:15 (3 hours ago), from the bishops Conference:

"Immediate
Pretoria
9 March 2009.

STARTS>
Church Mourns Murdered priests.

Fr Lionel Sham, Parish Priest of Mohlakeng (Johannesburg Archdiocese) was killed on Saturday 7th March 2009, after being abducted from his home in Mohlakeng. He was the second catholic priest to be murdered in one week in South Africa. Father Daniel Matsela Mahula, from Klerksdorp Diocese, was killed on 27th February.

The body of Fr Lionel Sham, 66 years old, has been recovered by the Police on Sunday, few hours after the priest disappeared from his parish. Fr Lionel Sham was well known to be open to all and generous with people in the need.

“All we can do now is pray with the family, the parish of Mohlakeng and the many people who loved and knew Lionel” said Archbishop Buti Tlhagale of Johannesburg, on the 7th March. “I wish to express my own gratitude to the countless people who have looked for Fr Lionel and who have prayed for his safe return.”

On Friday 27th February 2009, Father Daniel Matsela Mahula was killed will driving his car, by four hitch-hikers, near Bloemhof. Father Matsela was a young priest, born on the 6th of June 1975 and ordained to the Priesthood on 22 December 2002. He ministered at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Jouberton at the time of his death.

In October 2007, Oblate of Mary Immaculate Father Allard Mmako, 42 years old, died in Nelspruit after being shot by carjackers.

Funeral Details for Father Lionel Sham will be announced as soon as they are finalised.

ENDS
Issued by Fr Chris Townsend

Fr Chris Townsend
Information Officer
Office for Communication and Media.
Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference (SACBC)
P.O.Box 941 Pretoria 0001 South Africa
Khanya House - 399 Paul Kruger Street, Pretoria, 0001
Tel: +27 (0)12 323 6458
Fax: +27 (0) 12 326 6218
Mobile: +27(0)82 783 4729
www.sacbc.org.za
P Please consider the environment before printing this email"

 The Following was brought to you by South African Catholic: http://southafricancatholic.blogspot.com for a fuller disclaimer the disclaimer on that site applies to this message. This message may be distributed.

Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference: Archbishop announces the finding of the Body of Missing Priest

(Southern African Catholic Press Releases)

Introduction by Marc Aupiais

Rebroadcasting, or forwarding, or publishing this message does not imply endorsement of the Bishops conference, or any person mentioned in the contents of this dispatch/article, nor does it imply any endorsement of the accuracy, or content of views expressed in the forwarded content, which was sent to us by the Southern African catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC). We do not guarantee the accuracy, nor content, nor orthodoxy or fidelity of views expressed by the bishops conference, by emails sent to us via them, and by views recorded by them. These are not necessarily our views, nor do we necessarily express, or ascent to the views expressed in the message we are representing here for you:

Contents of forwarded message :

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Fr Chris Townsend 
Date: 2009/3/8
Subject: SAPA PR: Archbishop announces the finding of the Body of Missing Priest
To: (list excluded on publication)

Time: 16:52 (2 hours ago)

Forwarded message:

Immediate

Johannesburg

Sunday 8 March 2009

STARTS

Archbishop Announces the finding of the Body of Missing Priest.

Archbishop Buti Tlhagale, Catholic Archbishop of Johannesburg, regrets to announce that the SAPS have found the Body of Fr Lionel Sham. Fr Sham, Parish Priest of Mohlakeng, had been missing since Friday night. The SAPS has recovered the missing car at an accident scene in Denysville in the Free State this morning. Suspects were apprehended and questioned.

Archbishop Buti spoke of the great Love Father Lionel shared with those he came into contact with. He was a friend and mentor to many people. He had worked at Boys Town, in various Parish Assignments, as Administrator of the Cathedral of Christ the King in Johannesburg, Rector of the Orientation Seminary in Welkom, Secretary of the Seminary Department of the Bishops Conference, Vocation Director and Vicar General.

“All we can do now is pray with the family, the parish of Mohlakeng and the many people who loved and knew Lionel” said the Archbishop. “I wish to express my own gratitude to the countless people who have looked for Fr Lionel and who have prayed for his safe return.”

Further details will be released when they are available .

Ends

Released By Fr Chris Townsend on behalf of Archbishop Tlhagale.

Fr Chris Townsend

Information Officer

Office for Communication and Media.

Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference (SACBC)

P.O.Box 941 Pretoria 0001 South Africa

Khanya House - 399 Paul Kruger Street, Pretoria, 0001

Tel: +27 (0)12 323 6458

Fax: +27 (0) 12 326 6218

Mobile: +27(0)82 783 4729

www.sacbc.org.za

P Please consider the environment before printing this email

Zimbabwe; SADC Region; Africa: Mrs Tsvangirai "assasinated", Morgan in foreign hospital?

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. Google News Search (assorted, diverse sources) __/__/__; IOL (South African; Secular; Independent) 08 / 03 / 2009; BBC World News (Governmental; British; Secular) 07 / 03 / 2009; AP (Independent; Secular; American) 08 / 03 / 2009; BBC World News (Secular; British; Governmental) 06 / 03 / 2009; 07 / 03 / 2009)

Article by Marc Aupiais

It was a car crash, and the MDC, who have changed their tune of late, were once sticking to that story, about how, Susan Tsvangirai died, and Morgan Tsvangirai, Zimbabwe's Prime Minister, and the leader of the MDC ("Movement of Democratic Change"), landed in hospital, before allegidly being shipped off to Botswana for some reason. Whether or not the accident resulted from "foul play", Tsvangirai, had had a two car escort, but somehow still got hit by a truck/lorry, controlled by a partner of USAID, operating in Zimbabwe. The lack of a police escort is odd, it is even more odd, that Tsvangirai, who has allegedly, repeatedly in the past, had his human rights abused by Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe, managed to get himself into a car accident, something other trouble persons in Zimbabwe's President's eyes, have gotten into in the past.

Mugabe appeared at the hospital to visit his arch rival in politics, and seemed disappointed, either by the incident, or by some other thing. Repeatedly, the "Unity Government", forced on the MDC, by SADC ("Southern African Development Community"), mediations, called biased and partisan by the MDC, has began to look more and more like an oddity.

One of the MDC's officials, Roy Bennett, is still in jail, after his bail on "terrorism" charges, was appealed again, with a magistrate who ordered his release from jail: arrested on Friday. It is widely thought that the charges are trumped up, and that the judiciary are acting as oddly as Mugabe's henchmen in an election.

The "Masvingo-Harare" Road, where Susan Tsvangirai, called the pillar, of Morgan Tsvangirai's strength, met her sudden end, has two lanes. Morgan had a car in front and behind himself, and still, they got hit by a truck. Morgan Tsvangirai is in a Stable condition, his wife is stably dead.

Deputy Mines Minister "Murisi Zwizwayi", who is a member of the MDC, does not buy into police reports involving humps in the road and potholes. He says the road was clear. An independent investigation is already being demanded, and the MDC, has also realized that they probably need to investigate the facts.

All these again put a shadow over Zimbabwe's Neighbor, South Africa: seen as instrumental in keeping Mugabe in power, the same nation, whose efforts to keep Sudan's president out of the International Criminal Court, and whose efforts to keep Saddam Hussein in Iraq, in power, are noted internationally.

Few signs of stability in Zimbabwe, if any

While Mugabe's opponents, have a history of "convenient" car crashes, according to an American source, the fact, that it was a truck, from a Zimbabwean partner of USAID, a governmental organization, seems highly odd; especially, as it allegedly is the truck, which hit the Tsvangirai car. America has extended sanctions against Zimbabwe, and continues to refuse to acknowledge the new "unity government", as currently capable of bringing any real hope to Zimbabwe. Western nations, don't have any change of opinion of Zimbabwe, since South African lead mediation organized a "Unity" Government, which maintained much of Mugabe's stranglehold. The MDC, was disappointed when sections of government, in the past: used to kill MDC members, or hold them, were not given into their control. These same apparatus, seem to still be used against their human rights.

Tsvangirai, has reportedly been flown to Botswana, the only SADC region government, to strongly appose Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe, and his Zanu PF. Botswana, has been giving aid to Zimbabweans, via the Catholic Charity "Caritas Zimbabwe", of "Caritas Internationalis": Caritas Internationalis, is known for getting aid to those in need of it. Other gifts of funding, by other nations, have been fraught with accusations, that such funding went straight to Mugabe.

Botswana's assistance to Zimbabweans

Botswana, and the Catholic church, have both been critics of Zimbabwe's government. The "Republic of South Africa", has still not cut off Zimbabwe's electricity, and has taken no real action against Robert Mugabe. 4 000 (Four thousand), Zimbabweans, are dead, having had Cholera. 80 000 to 90 000 (Eighty Thousand, to Ninety Thousand), Zimbabwean people, have the disease currently.

In South Africa

Due to a lack of compensation, meanwhile: the city of Cape Town, in South Africa, has recently moved to have refugees in state run areas evicted. This follows other closings of camps set up to protect foreigners, after multiple murders and acts of hate against them in Xenophobic attacks. Zimbabweans seeking asylum, were recently shipped off, from northern South Africa's Musina, in Limpopo Province: to Johannesburg, where a Christian church, has been caring for them. The Government has far from welcomed the refugees, but many have had to enter the country: in order to get basic care for cholera, or avoid death, or untenable standards of living. Cape Town, claims that the National government has not reimbursed them for care of refugees. The opposition stronghold, does not plan to follow other areas, in forcibly removing refugees, but rather: has taken a legal route.

The Cape Town action, in South Africa's south, under South Africa's Opposition, the DA (Democratic Alliance), is much later than that of Pretoria, which has already bulldozed away any refugee sanctuary.

The Musina outpost, in Limpopo, to the north of the country (South Africa), near the Zimbabwean border, to deal with refugees from Zimbabwe, has meanwhile, also been closed.

The SANDF (South African National Defense Force), meanwhile may take its own action to remove refugees from SANDF properties. The government in Cape Town has said, that their action to have refugees removed from public/municipal property: does not effect those on SANDF properties.

Meanwhile, the murder trial, in which a South African singer (Lucky Dube) was killed in a botched hijacking: some time ago, also showed what foreigners in Zimbabwe faced. Criminals are more likely to kill a foreigner, than a South African: and many in South Africa, are openly xenophobic. Those in the refugee camps, set up, at the hight of attacks on non-South African Africans, at least those in Cape Town: are likely refusing assistance, at reintegration into South Africa, due to fear, as the burning images, of one famous torched foreigner: likely still remain in their minds.

In Zimbabwe

Suspicions, that the car crash, was an assassination attempt, on Zimbabwe's own opposition leader, will likely further divide the political scene there.

Foreign governments, will likely be even more suspician of the Zimbabwean government than before.

A report on ENEWSCHANNEL, shortly after Zimbabwe's elections, said that due to the suspension of a runoff, Tsvangirai, had legitimately won the elections with a legitimate majority.

Tsvangirai is Zimbabwe's Prime Minister, under mediation brokered in Pretoria. Whether this was an assassination attempt or not: Mugabe will have one less voice in parliament to deal with. Echoes of political suppression in Zimbabwe, are not far from many memories: and continuing seeming human rights abuses in the Sub Saharan Nation, mean that most eyes viewing this situation from afar, are unlikely to take the politically convenient, whether false of true: view, that anything about Zimbabwe has changed much.

Brazil's anti-mgisterial "Workers Party" strikes again, but Vatican sticks by their man!

(Altered Persuation; SA Catholic 28 / 02 / 2009; 06 / 03 / 2009; BBC World News (Secular; Governmental; British; Professional)07 / 03 / 2009; Catholic Hierarchy (Independent) __/__/__)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Canon law is clear, whatever human laws say: help a girl (or in these pressing times, a guy) get an abortion, and you are outta the Catholic church. You are banned from all sacraments, until you get a special absolution, in which you must have confessed your sin, of partaking in abortion. This excommunication extends to those who vote for abortionistic parties, which causes extra abortions.

The News broke, a girl, whose stepfather is accused of abusing her consistently from age six to 9, and of abusing her 14 year old challenged sister, and was arrested on charges of rape: was persuaded by her mother into killing her twin daughters, before they could escape the womb, and Brazil's law, which gives the unborn no real rights.

The Catholic bishop of the area: "Brazilian Archbishop Jose Gomes Sobrinho ", was furious, and excommunicated the doctors who did the abortion, and justified it, and the mother. Brazil's Worker's Party, known for their positions on contraception, women priests, and homosexuality: then used the Vatican's protection of the unborn, to once again lambast the church.

The fact, that the mother and doctors involved in what the church termed to be homocide, against her grandchildren: were already automatically excommunicated, via canon law, has passed by many media works.

"Fatima Maia", who is director of the hospital who killed the twin fetuses, who had been conceived after years of abuse, by a 9 year old's 23 year old stepdad, with seemingly no intervention on the part of the girl's mother: tried to justify her hospital's work. She said that it was dangerous for a 9 year old to give birth.

"Marcio Miranda", who is a lawyer, and represented the church in a media release, stated that there was no risk to the 9 year old, and that a perfectly safe alternative to abortion, would be a Caesarian Section.

People often forget, that if one is permitting a woman to abort her baby, due to rape: that this is a complete denial that the child is a human person. In fact, in South African law: the fact that the Fetus is not considered a person, is precisely why many claim a right to abortion. Before it takes its first breath in South African law, it is considered just that, an it. This Brazillian decision, seems to work on the same principal: that the child has no right to choose to live.

President "Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva", of Brazil, and belonging to its infamous "Workers Party", slung mud, calling the Church "Conservative", saying that they did what he termed "necessary" and "saved" a nine year old's life. He is no stranger to completely ignoring canon law, and himself likely falls under the same automatic excommunication, as the mother and doctors do.

Recently, a congressman of his "Workers Party" party: a certain "Father Luiz Couto", called for the church to stop "unfair discrimination against homosexuals" (paraphrase), and said that condoms are "necessary", while also calling for the church to allow priests to have sex. Father Luiz Couto: was thus suspended from saying the mass, by his archbishop: "Aldo Pagotto", of Paraiba. "Father Luiz Couto", had already broken canon law, in being elected for the "Workers Party". The COngressman, said he would continue to say the mass at his house, with assorted friends.

Despite a large demographically "Catholic" population, Brazil, allows for abortion when a woman is raped, or when her health is badly in danger.

From past experience, Brazillian President, "Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva", calling himnself a "Catholic", for some odd reason: and his party, loves the word "necessary", when slamming the policies of the church. It is not surprising, that he has slammed the church's decision to appose the forcing of an abortion on a nine year old. Brazil's left leaning president, has neither seemingly said much of any alleged neglegence on behalf of the girl's mother, who additionally made her get the abortion, nor has he seemed to mention the two twins, who are now dead, due to his policy, which allowed the uunborn twins to be murdered, in a hospital.

The Vatican's "Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re", who is "Prefect of the Congregation for Bishops", and "Prefect of the Congregation for Bishops", according to "Catholic Hierarchy", has said that life should always been protected, and has named the attack on the Brazillian Bishop, who stood by Catholic beliefs, and regulations: to be unwarranted.

In Many parts of the world, Bishops, have ignored canon law on issues such as abortion, or moves to create anger towards the Vatican. The stancew this bishop has taken, and which his Vatican support have taken: is admirable to any true pro-lifer.

That abortion, itself is a surgery, where generally, the children, are either buirnt into non-existence, or torn apart, limb by limb, seems far from the minds of many a government. As long as the anborn is not known as a person, this will likely remain.

Please note, that the definition of murder, here mentioned: refers to the intentional killing of a unique human life.

The scales and balances of life and limb

(Journey: In a Broken World)

Article by Marc Aupiais

I set my cellular phone date and time today. I dropped it, and it lost the information. I set it by feel, and suddenly realized I was setting it to Saturday 8th, last year. My time, was only two minutes off, when I checked it against the television.

Evolution, or should I say Mother Evolution, or simply, that stuff, if you don't believe in evolution: has designed the mhuman body in a certain manner.

Now, we hate pain, but not the pain itself, but what the pain tells us is happening. We desire quality of life, but really: is this not simply a way to try an insure we live in a better, longer, fuller way. We might smoke (I don't), in order to relieve stress, or eat too much, to feel happier. In fact, here, we are doing something evolution, and survival of the fittest, does not desire entirely.

We fear, or are happy, or cry, or weep, or scream, or stand dead still: because Mother Evolution tells us we must. From this, comes all emotion. Even the joy of heaven, or hope for death: comes from a hope to protect the form of our bodies, and lives.

So, when we judge an action, we judge it in two ways: how much does it disobey the natural instinct, which seeks our protection, and the protection, and spreading of the species, or how sane it is, and secondly: in what extent does it endanger a life, or soul.

Those perfectly in touch with evolution, are those who are most moral. To obey God most fully, brings such joy, and a recent survey in the infamous, liberal New York Times, found that those in organizaed religion, are ost successful in general. Also, evolution has caused us to have this desire for something more, beyond: whther aimed at ghosts, aliens, conspiracy theory, or some manifesto: we desire more.

With this in mind, while things such as rape are extremely evil, intrinsically evil: the evil is effecting the rapist, and causing harm to the one who is raped. In the case of murder, a horrid thing is done to another, but society may judge the murderer more "sane", more acceptible than the rapist. Abortion, however, not only kills a person, but also causes a denial of their humanity, such is not only an act by one denying something, by one the church would consider unsound, but is further the ultimate effect on another.

We hate rapists, because rapists are unsound, but we hate rape, because it ruins quality of life, and makes one less likely to succeed, more likely to die.

Pain, is intricately related to existence. Pain is a method of keeping us alive. There is no point in any pain, nor reason for it, which is better: than being a warning system to keepn us alive.

So, why does the church make such an issue of abortion: because on both standards, it is denial of reason, and it has direct harm. All sin is insanity, and true sanity is never formed into sin.

So, rape is utterly evil, so far as the effect on the rapist, and the scandal apon the psyche of the raped, and possible transfer of illness, but our response to rape, this emotive response: truly is due to care for the raped person's wellbeing, their ability to sustain existence: so that murder is possibly worse than rape, for it ruins a life forever.

Of course, this is a meer evolutionary look at things, I here have excluded much of morality. Excommunication is a measure to protect the church, declaring a person in mortal sin, however, is simply a statement of a reality, done by God. Excommunication is an act of man, possibly aided by God. Declaring a person in mortal sin, is simply to say that it is likely that God has seen that their life is so faint it wont last for eternity, and the person in question needs an infusion of life, and "sanity", via confession.

And so, excommunication: either is a call to reform, via the good punishment of the church: to the person in question, or else the protecting of the church from a cancer within. Either way, the excommunicated can still enter churches, and communicate with Catholics, they are simply banned from sacraments until they repent. The Sacraments would not work in any case: due to their state of "disobedience".

Unfortunately, many bishops, or priests neglect to inform people of the state of their souls. If these were doctors of the body, we would demand honest, well-trained accuracy, why not with the physicians of our souls: why not with our Grace infusing priests?

Brazil; South/ Latin America: Mother of child whose step-father raped her: excommunicated, after the nine year old went through the trauma an abortion (Abortion is an excommunicable offense in Catholicism, and a mortal sin)

(Social Justice South Africa; IOL (Independent; Secular; South African) 06 / 03 / 2009 ; 05 / 03 2009 : note some reader comments on this page are disturbing, even hateful and anti-religious)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Rio de Janeiro; Brazil- - Her stepfather (A 23 twenty three: year old male) Raped her, and her mother gave her the childhood memory of and stigma of having had an abortion. A Girl of (9) Nine years of age, in Brazil, aborted her twin children, as endorsed by the Brazilian Government, in cases such as rape. Having, or assisting, or being part to an abortion, or allowing even one additional abortion to occur, by one's effect, can incur the automatic excommunication, which may only be lifted with the permission of a Catholic bishop: hopefully given to one's confessor. One must confess directly, the sin of abortion, and not vaguely that of wrath.

The 9 year old was considered too young to fall into being held accountable by the punishment, but the mother: was either excommunicated in causing the child to get an abortion or for other reasons. The Child is old enough, that her actions are mortal sin, and will deny her entrance into heaven, unless she confesses her sin, or there is the slight possibility, that she did not understand her actions. The 9 year old, is not excommunicated, only the mother, who endangered her for the affections of a 23 year old, and also caused her to have an abortion, and the doctors who did the deed.


Abortion is the killing of a unique and independent human life. In the catholic world view: it is homicide, and murder. There is also many an effort to help women or their partners, due to the horrific trauma that killing unborn innocents brings with it. Abortion is an intrinsic evil, and having any part in one, and possibly even voting for a party, which is pro-abortion ("pro-choice"), will very likely get you automatically excommunicated from the Global Roman Catholic Church, the world's largest and oldest religious organization, which is currently under the pontificate of the Beloved Pope Benedict XVI. This means that you cannot take sacraments in the church, and cannot attend confession validly, until the abortion is confessed to a priest who has the authority to absolve one for aiding abortion, who must then absolve one.

"Brazilian Archbishop Jose Gomes Sobrinho ", yesterday announced the excommunication of the doctors who took part in killing the nine year old's twins.

The Twins were killed at a hospital under the direction of a: "Fatima Maia". "Marcio Miranda", meanwhile, a lawyer who was representing the church: notes that any health danger claims asserted to by the director of the hospital, which killed the twins, are unfounded. They say that a Caesarean section, would have been a perfectly safe, and ethical option when the pregnancy reached the stage when the mother was to birth the children. Direct, and intentional abortion is a mortal sin of the gravest manner, in the Roman Catholic church.

It is considered, murder, heresy, the killing of one who has never once sinned, and possibly even the prevention of an unborn soul entering heaven. As an aborted child is not baptized, it is considered that it's soul's state should be left in the hands of God.

Zimbabwe, SADC Region, Africa: PM Tsvangirai notes Cholera is worse than thought, as Mugabe, seemingly continues, unabated: abuse of human rights

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. 13 / 01 / 2009; Reuters (British; Independent; Secular) 05 / 03 / 2009; 05 / 03 / 2009)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Zimbabwean Prime Minister: "Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai"; of Zimbabwe's "Unity Government", having asked for aid, and said that he will not allow human rights to go unpunished, has now contended "World Health Organization" (WHO) figures, which say that about 4 000 (Four Thousand) Zimbabweans have died, and 80 000 (Eighty Thousand) Zimbabwean people: are infected with the curable disease: cholera. Tsvangirai, says that the WHO, has underestimated the extent of the tragedy.

Zimbabwe's water sanitation, and other basic structures of modern, and of basic: civilization, have basically shut down. Many Zimbabweans have no access to clean water. Non-Profit initiative: "Jik for Zim"(13 / 01 / 2009), by "Catholic Development Commission", based in Cape Town, South Africa; recently tried to send Jik bleach to Zimbabweans, so as to place it in water to kill disease, so Zimbabweans could drink the bleached water. Using Jik Bleach to purify water, is usually reserved for desperate rural communities in South Africa. That was when there were only around 16 000 (sixteen thousand) cases of Cholera reported. The Figure has since raised to 80 000 (Eighty Thousand) people infected with the disease.

Many Zimbabweans, however: have little to no hope of preventing Cholera, and those infected in the collapsed country, are oft near assured death from a curable disease, due to a collapsed health sector, and lack of basic sanitation systems. Many have crossed the Border to Neighboring South Africa, for basic cholera treatment. South African Cholera cases, have spread as far as Gauteng, but are largely being kept from becoming too wide a problem. Those from "Up North" (Other African States), who seek refugee status, or citizenship in South Africa, risk Xenophobia, which has emerged among many in lower income brackets, and has seen multiple murders in outbursts, and sudden eruptions of race hatred.

Meanwhile, an attempt at a "trial" of sorts, on Thursday: on whether or not to allow appeal on an attempt to get bail for an MDC ("Movement of Democratic Change") parliamentarian, who was charged with something along the lines of treason: via charging him with plotting "terrorism", whose legal representation has been theoretically successful: in getting him bail, has resulted in Bail being effectively denied, oddly enough.

The judge, oddly: allowed prosecutors to appeal the bail, despite claims by the lawyer for the defense, that the judge himself told the prosecutors, that the chances of succeeding in an appeal are negligible: effectively allowing bail to in practice: be denied. "Beatrice Mtetwa", is the source of these accusations against the Zimbabwean "Supreme Court"; she is the one who noted that the Judge of Zimbabwe's "Supreme Court", trying the matter: noted the negligible chances that the prosecution had of winning: an appeal on the granting of bail, which caused her to be disappointed with the ruling.

The Name of the Defense, is "Roy Bennet" (an official in the MDC), arrested on terrorism charges, widely believed to be trumped up. His Lawyer is "Beatrice Mtetwa", who sees the allowance of appealing the bail grant, to be odd. The Prosecutor, is "Chris Mutangadura", who assures us that Roy, a "white" man: will remain in "custody".

This allowance for appeal: means that "Roy Bennet" will remain in "custody", until a hearing date is set. Allegations by "Morgan Tsvangirai", of the MDC ("Movement for Democratic Change"), that the SADC mediation, which formed the "Unity Government", in Zimbabwe, was partisan, seem far from here, but it is likely due to the cholera epidemic that he gave in at all, just as he withdrew from an election he would have won: because "Robert Mugabe" started another wave of mass terror: by committing human rights abuses on suspected MDC supporters: as he always had before.

Mugabe's ZANU PF, has consistently been seen as abusing human rights, and as not caring for the people of Zimbabwe. It allowed "White" Farmers to be removed from their properties, by inhumane force, and since: Zimbabwe now: has a collapsed economy: only worsened by state policies: which tend to ignore human dignity and basic reason. South Africa, has been accused of propping up Mugabe: both in thwarting sanctions and "United Nations" (UN) plans to remove Mugabe from power, and via accusations by the MDC itself, and by others. Mugabe gave members of South Africa's Ruling, communist affiliated, ANC ("African National Congress"): sanctuary, and a military training position in Zimbabwe, during the ANC's armed struggle against the Apartheid government. A "Struggle", which also involved the bombing of civilian sites in South Africa. After Democracy, the "Nationalist Party" (NP), responsible for Apartheid, at such stage now calling itself the NNP ("New Nationalist Party"), allied with, and was incorporated into the ANC.

Having seemingly used SADC ("Southern African Development Community"), with whatever intent: so as to force the MDC into a government seemingly presided over by Mugabe, South Africa, has since been vocal in calling for aid to be given to Zimbabwe. The Western World, meanwhile, does not seem to perceive Zimbabwe as having changed enough, if at all: on human rights, and other issues: and therefore, has not given Zimbabwe aid: seeming to condemn South African efforts to reform Zimbabwe's image: as a failure: and certainly any attempt to say that real change has occurred.

There is a perception is some circles: that in ceding to the SADC forced "Unity Government" in Zimbabwe, "Morgan Tsvangirai" effectively lost his power base. According to South Africa's "ENEWSCHANNEL": during reporting on the "elections" in Zimbabwe: the MDC, technically won, and Morgan Tsvangirai, is legally the winner of the Presidential post, due to the unconstitutional period of suspension of run-off elections.

Catholics, priesthood grew in 2007: H20News

H20News reports a growth in the number of Vocations, view their video on YouTube

"


h2onews
March 04, 2009

The number of Catholics in the world has increased by 1.4%, with particular gains in Oceania and Africa. Vocations to the priesthood grew overall by 0.4%, though they decreased in Europe. The 2007 statistics were published in the new edition of the pontifical yearbook, called the Annuario Pontificio.A communiqué released by the Holy See states that the worldwide Catholic Church included 1.147 billion people in 2007 -- a 16 million increase since 2006. The numbers of baptized grew significantly in Oceania and Africa by 4.7% and 3%, respectively. Positive gains were made in Asia (+1.7%) and Europe (+0.8%). While North and South American Catholics decreased by 0.1%, they still represent half of all Catholics on the planet.The number of priests maintains a moderate growth trend that began in 2000 after more than 20 years of losses. Over the course of eight years ending in 2007, the Church's body of priests rose from 405,000 to 408,000. Africa and Asia reported strong results, whereas numbers were stable in North and South America. Europe and Oceania reported significant declines during the same period.Finally, the number of candidates for the priesthood increased by 0.4% on a global scale, almost reaching 116,000. Africa and Asia grew in priestly vocations, while Europe and America registered respective reductions of 2.1% and 1%.
Category: News & Politics
Tags: Annuario Pontificio 2009 pontifical yearbook statistics priests "

Source:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mo9ZT2Q8TBo

Zimbabwe, SADC Region, Africa: Tsvangirai continues in the pathos of damage control in asking aid, as Zimbabwean refugees don't get reception in RSA

(Social Justice South Africa ; c.f. Reuters (Secular; British; independent) 04 / 03 / 2009; 04 / 03 / 2009; )

Article by Marc Aupiais

Morgan Tsvangirai: Zimbabwean Prime minister, has called for the International Community to lift sanctions, and has warned his fellow countrymen that human rights abuses, such as police brutality will no longer be accepted.

It is unlikely that Tsvangirai has the power to keep his promise. He only entered the "Unity Government", with Zimbabwean President "Robert Mugabe", after being thrawted, and defeated by SADC,(Southern African Development Community), a regional body: in which South Africa, and it's ruling party: the ANC (African National Congress): has great influence. Tsvangirai had repeatedly accused SADC, and South Africa's mediation: of being in support of Mugabe. Mugabe still has ample control over state resources, due to the agreement "reached" by his Zanu PF, and the MDC, at a SADC mediation. Mugabe, suspiciously, it appears, from his actions: is able, as proved by actions in the earlier days of the unity government: to use state resources in intimidation, and human rights abuses.

It is likely that Tsvangirai joined the "Unity Government", in Zimbabwe, in order to gain aid, however the International community, will still not recognize what it considers to still likely be a form of dictatorship, or government sustained by the will of a few, even if Morgan Tsvangirai in some token manner, or in some amazement: has an office in government. The Catholic church in Zimbabwe, also: like the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference: desires for Mugabe to be removed from power, from documents which have been released, this is ascertained to be so: by us (on the last time we were updated, by the SACBC: properly on the issue, unless we missed something, which seems highly unlikely).

Thousands of Zimbabweans have died from a cholora epidemic, due to a lack of clean water. Many others have fled to South Africa, where they face Xenaphobia against "Up North" (Other States in Africa), and other issues.

America: USA: An interesting take on Obama and Socialism

Note, placing the video, and text content, of a video linked to on facebook, in this case: does not guarantee the accuracy, or the contents of the views linked to. I can also assure you, that I do not hold, or endorse these views. I do disagree with the American President, I do think some of his policies worse than revolting, and others extremely unwise, or badly timed. I do not think he is in any way a socialist.

I don't know enough to say, but another Catholic on facebook added this video or linked to it, and I read it on my updates on people networked to me: Obama has periodically been accused of socialist agendas, in addition to supporting an abortion, and birth control program, which is in danger of transgressing international Genocide law. Whether he is a socialist, or simply terrible at economics, I don't know, yet I had a good laugh at this emotive, and possibly ill-conceived clip. Please remember, that this is simply some individual's viewpoint. It is highly unlikely that Obama is a socialist, but this likely will give a window into the different political camps in America: the Democrats, being the population reducing, religion twisting party, which is also left leaning: "liberal", and the Republicans, being more right leaning.

"
November 01, 2008
(more info)
Ronald Reagan blows away Barack Hussein Obama on socialism, healthcare, the Consititution and Liberty."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6DmjBneGBc

Africa: SADC: South Africa: Corruption and Politics: Shaik (accused of a currupt relationship with ANC president) shakes off 15 year jail sentence

(Scripturelink Voters guide; Social Justice South Africa; IOL (Independent; South African; Secular) 03 / 03 / 2009; Letters sent to IOL (Independent; South African; Secular) on the 04 / 03 / 2009; IOL (Independent; South African; Secular) 04 / 03 / 2009; IOL (Independent; South African; Secular) 04 / 03 / 2009; 03 / 03 / 2009)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Shabir Shaik: convicted of having a "Generally Corrupt" relationship with the Ruling (with a majority capable of changing the constitution of SA, which has changed said constitution numerous times) ANC (African national Congress) President Jacob Zuma, has just been "permanently" let off a 15 year jail sentence for corruption, 2 days after a press release by Jacob Zuma, that he would pardon Shaik on possibly becoming president of South Africa.

"Shaik was sentenced to 15 years in jail in 2005 after he was convicted on two counts of corruption and one of fraud. This was based on evidence of a corrupt relationship between himself and then South African and ANC deputy president Jacob Zuma.

At the time of going to press on Monday night, there was a lot of activity at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Hospital in Durban, where Shaik had spent a good deal of his incarceration."

(IOL (Independent; South African; Secular) 03 / 03 / 2009)

The ANC, largely backed by uneducated masses of South Africa, who suffer from lack of education, and basic resources: after over a decade of ANC rule, is mooted to win a majority, as usual in this year's elections. When a Constitutional challenge on election rules, preventing South Africans abroad from voting: hit: the ANC set the election date in April: this may well prevent the constitutional claim from succeeding. Millions of South Africans have left the country since 1994, due to openly racist business and other regulations set by the government: which has seen incalculable damage to South Africa's economy, due to a non-white skills shortage, and also the leaving of many South Africans due to crime, and a general perception among many: that whatever they want, the government will do as it desires.

Opposition parties have, in recent years, whether purposeful, or incidently: had the police used against them. DA leader Hellen Zille was arrested in Cape Town, by police, while objecting on crime. ANC offshoot: COPE, was prevented from taking to the streets, to campaign after a national congress, by Riot Police, as the ANC suddenly had a meeting nearby. No mention of Riot Police by the ANC talk was mentioned. With Voter intimidation in recent By-Elections, and ANC supporters alleged by the DA, to have been bussed in, and attempting to blockade a DA rally in a township, these are just some of the worries: not excluding murders in Kwazulu Natal; where IFP and ANC supports are alleged to have taken part in violence in previous elections. High ranking members of the ANC's Triparteid Alliance: have said that they will take up arms for Mr Zuma's cause, and there have been comments regarding what seems, for lack of adequate clarification like a physical annihilation of the DA (Democratic Alliance), South Africa's major opposition party.

According to the State, which has let Shaik off due to "depression", and "high blood Pressure", Shaik will not be sent back to jail, if these "symptoms" suddenly disappear. The State has also refused to release exactly what "terminal" condition Shaik has: only mentioning what could be signs of someone actually being in prison.

"It should be noted that in terms of section 75 (8) of the Correctional Services Act (Act 111 of 1998), the 'decision of the board is final' and can only be reviewed by the Correctional Supervision and Parole Review board, led by a judge," Wolela said."
( IOL (Independent; South African; Secular) 03 / 03 / 2009)

As the law requires a prisoner to be terminally ill to be released, it seems odd, that a terminal illness has not been mentioned. In fact, unless Shaik kicks the bucket within days, or weeks, it raises the question on HIV Positive prisoners, who have been denied parole until their last legs. Perhaps Shaik needs a change in diet, having spent most of his time in hospital, over what many may see as symptoms of stress, and being in jail.

IOL, probably South Africa's most reliable news source, has more to say, by airing letters sent on the issue, which I think are an interesting read:


Like many South Africans: who have seen so much in the interesting way in which ANC supporters of high rank usually don't feel too discomforted when faced with "prison", many South Africans seem suspicious. Others want more details: some think that fraudsters should not go to jail.

(Letters sent to IOL (Independent; South African; Secular) on the 04 / 03 / 2009)

IOL notes that the state is refusing to review the choice, or to give it up to review, despite the fact that the ANC controls the government, and: "Shaik was sentenced to 15 years in jail in 2005 on two counts of corruption and one of fraud, which, among other things, related to an alleged bribe he negotiated between Zuma and a French arms company. - Sapa"IOL (Independent; South African; Secular) 04 / 03 / 2009; IOL (Independent; South African; Secular) 04 / 03 / 2009). Zuma is president of the ruling ANC.

The African National Congress denies ( IOL (Independent; South African; Secular) 04 / 03 / 2009) any influence in the release of Shaik, while the DA, among others is seeking some form of action over the surprise the release of Shaik, due to his "High Blood pressure" "etc".

IOL quoted a source, which tries to get prisoners rights insured, it was noted that 2500 prisoners die a year, it seems these did not get this parole. Many prisoners have been subject to denials of medical parole, and it is probably a unique case, that Shaik should get it for depression and high blood ( 03 / 03 / 2009: IOL) pressure, with possible "chest pains". Why the public has been denied so much information on this case is odd, especially due to the following:

"32. Access to information

1. Everyone has the right of access to
1. any information held by the state; and

2. any information that is held by another person and that is required for the exercise or protection of any rights.

2. National legislation must be enacted to give effect to this right, and may provide for reasonable measures to alleviate the administrative and financial burden on the state."

(Bill of Rights, Chapter II of the Constitution of the "Republic of South Africa" 10 December 1996)

Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference ask for Vatican help on Litergical alterations!

(Southern African Catholic Press Releases )

Article by Marc Aupiais

The following message, was sent to a facebook event which South African Catholic has set up in South Africa: to forward messages from the Bishops' Conference in Southern Africa, which they send to us, as a media initiative. Our Service is independent of the Bishops conference, even as we fall under Canon Law:

Message:

"
Disclaimer:

See our disclaimer at:

http://sites.google.com/site/catholicaffiliates/southern-african-catholic-bishops--conference--section-devoted-to-their-dispat

The Phrase "South African Catholic", in the disclaimer on the page applies to myself in sending this!

To invite others to receive these dispatches:

http://www.facebook.com/editevent.php?guests&eid=60405051344

Details of message, sent to us at: 15:37 today, by the Bishop's Conference:
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Fr Chris Townsend < townsend@sacbc.org.za >
Date: 2009/3/4
Subject: SACBC: Secretary General's Clarification on the Implementation of the new English Language Text of the Roman Missal in Southern Africa.
To: (excluded by South African Catholic (us))

Contents of message:
"Statement by Fr Vincent Brennan SMA, Secretary General of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference.

Pretoria

Immediate

4 March 2009



STARTS>



Clarification on the Implementation of the new English Language Text of the Roman Missal in Southern Africa.



On Wednesday 28 February 2009 the President of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Archbishop Buti Tlhagale OMI received a letter from the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.

The letter asked that the current implementation of the new English Text of the Roman Missal be halted until the process had been finalised internationally and all English-speaking churches could implement the new translation at the same time.

Normally a recognitio given by the Congregation approves a text for implementation at a time determined by the Bishops’ Conference. In this case, the recognitio approved the text but only for Catechesis of the people and the preparation of music for the Rite and not for immediate implementation.

The Bishops’ Conference has explained the situation to the Vatican and has requested that their decision be allowed to stand. They await Rome’s response.

In the meantime the President, Archbishop Tlhagale, and the Bishop in Charge of Liturgy, Bishop Risi, have requested that Churches that have implemented the changes should continue to use them until a response has been received from the Holy See. Churches that have not implemented the changes should not do so until further notice.

The Bishops regret the confusion that may have arisen. They ask for patience and they pray that the misunderstanding that has arisen will not take away from the prayerful and joyful celebration of the Mass in English. They wish to point out that the only issue in dispute is the date of implementation, not the text itself.



Fr Vincent Brennan SMA

Secretary General.



ENDS>



Issued by Fr Chris Townsend on behalf of Fr Vincent Brennan SMA. All Media Queries to



Fr Chris Townsend

Information Officer

Office for Communication and Media.

Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference (SACBC)

P.O.Box 941 Pretoria 0001 South Africa

Khanya House - 399 Paul Kruger Street, Pretoria, 0001

Tel: +27 (0)12 323 6458

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