Al Kresta's Blog, page 350
February 17, 2011
Rome diocese offers online help for pilgrims attending beatification of John Paul II
Are you planning to go to Rome for the May 1 Beatification celebration for Pope John Paul II and don't know where to turn? Hotel and bed and breakfast reservations are being quickly gobbled up as Church and city authorities predict more than two million pilgrims will be descending on the Eternal City for the weekend event presided by Pope Benedict XVI.The Vicariate of Rome's travel organization Opera Romana Pellegrinaggi (ORP) has launched a new multi lingual website that will help visitors plan their trip to Rome for the beatification of John Paul II, the city's bishop for 26 years.
For practical information on getting to Rome and finding and booking accommodations, pilgrims can click on http://www.operaromanapellegrinaggi.org/ or http://www.jpiibeatus.org/. The site, available in English, Italian, and Polish, will soon offer Spanish and German editions as well.
It also provides information on events planned around the beatification ceremony, real time traffic updates, and press and multimedia areas. Like Vatican Radio, the site will allow visitors to follow the major beatification events in live-streaming.
In addition, ORP offers the "Special JPII Pass" including public transportation around the city, a package lunch, a map of Rome, ORP's double decker bus tours of Christian Rome, audio guided visits to a number of Christian sites, health coverage, and exclusive deals and discounts.
Through their website, pilgrims can also plan and reserve tours of the Vatican Museums and Rome's four Major Basilicas. Links to external sites, including that of the canonization process and to local institutional sites are also provided.
Outrageous Statement of the Day
Back in 1991 ABC News produced a full 15 minute mini-documentary on how terrible they think Crisis Pregnancy Centers are. You can view that "documentary" below. However, why is it that they can not muster the same outrage over the horrors uncovered in the recent Planned Parenthood undercover investigations? Not a peep out of them. Wonder why that is?
Today on Kresta - February 17, 2011
Talking about the "things that matter most" on Feb. 17
4:00 – Roman Catholic / Orthodox Relations
The renowned theologian Metropolitan Kallistos Ware is here to discuss Orthodoxy in the Americas and the world. He tells us about his personal journey to Orthodoxy, being Orthodox by choice and not by birth, the state of worldwide Orthodoxy, and the current status of the Roman Catholic / Orthodox dialogue.
4:20 – Spiritual Warfare, the Occult and the New Age
Ordained in 2001, Father Christopher Crotty is a member of the Fathers of Mercy. He has spent the last six years traveling the globe preaching God's love through parish missions, conferences and nights of healing. The Fathers of Mercy were founded in France during the early part of the 1830s with a mission to preach parish missions and retreats, emphasizing the power of the holy Eucharist and confession. Fr. Crotty is here in MI giving a retreat and joins us in studio to discuss spiritual warfare, the Occult and the New Age.
4:40 – Why Christianity Lacks a Holocaust Literature?
Here's a question that astute observers of the religious landscape find themselves asking these days, and which deserves a serious response: Why doesn't Christianity have its own Holocaust literature? By that, of course, no one means to minimize the absolute singularity of the Holocaust against the Jews during the Second World War, and the moral imperative of keeping that memory alive. Yet the question persists: Given the harrowing realities of Christian martyrdom during the 20th century, and the rising global tide of anti-Christian violence in the early 21st century, why isn't there a budding genre of Christian analogs to Night by Elie Wiesel, or Spielberg's "Schindler's List"? Vatican analyst John Allen joins us to discuss this question.
5:00 – The "Snowshoe Priest" Bishop Frederic Barraga
Bishop Frederic Baraga was first bishop of the Diocese of Marquette, MI and was the first of many Slovenian missionaries to come to the United States to help build up the American Catholic Church. As a seminarian, the future St. John Neumann, was inspired to come to America after reading Baraga's missionary accounts. We talk to Bishop Alexander Sample , current Bishop of Marquette and vice-postulator of the cause for sainthood for Bishop Barraga, about the life and ministry of this extraordinary pioneer priest.
5:20 – Pope recognizes heroic virtue of American priest, Fr. Nelson Baker
In January Pope Benedict officially recognized the heroic virtues of 20th century American priest Fr. Nelson Baker, which moves the beloved champion for the poor further along in the process towards sainthood. Fr. Baker – who was born in Buffalo, New York in 1842 – lived to be 95 years old and is heralded for building what's been called a "city of charity" in Lackawana, New York. By the time of his death in 1936, his initiatives for the poor included a minor basilica, an infant home, a home for unwed mothers, a boys' orphanage, a hospital, a nurses' home, and an elementary and high school. Today there is a 41-year-old Catholic priest in the Arlington diocese, Fr. Stefan Starzynski , attributes his opening three homes for expectant mothers there to a vision of Fr. Baker he had eight years ago. Fr. Starzynski describes the inspiration he got from this priest he'd never met -- a champion for unwed mothers, their babies, orphans, and children --- in his book, Miracles: Healing for a Broken World. Fr. Starzynski joins us again to talk about Fr. Nelson Baker.
5:40 – "Vocation Boom Radio"
If you think you have a vocation or know someone who might or if you want to better understand the role of a Catholic priest, then don't miss EWTN Global Catholic Radio Network's newest series, "Vocation Boom Radio," which will air Saturdays at 5 p.m. Eastern. Host Jerry Usher brings his lively, breezy, often humorous style with him as he interview priests, bishops, seminarians and their families, and other with a passion for promoting priestly vocations. Jerry joins us to tell us about the show and its aims.
4:00 – Roman Catholic / Orthodox Relations
The renowned theologian Metropolitan Kallistos Ware is here to discuss Orthodoxy in the Americas and the world. He tells us about his personal journey to Orthodoxy, being Orthodox by choice and not by birth, the state of worldwide Orthodoxy, and the current status of the Roman Catholic / Orthodox dialogue.
4:20 – Spiritual Warfare, the Occult and the New Age
Ordained in 2001, Father Christopher Crotty is a member of the Fathers of Mercy. He has spent the last six years traveling the globe preaching God's love through parish missions, conferences and nights of healing. The Fathers of Mercy were founded in France during the early part of the 1830s with a mission to preach parish missions and retreats, emphasizing the power of the holy Eucharist and confession. Fr. Crotty is here in MI giving a retreat and joins us in studio to discuss spiritual warfare, the Occult and the New Age.
4:40 – Why Christianity Lacks a Holocaust Literature?
Here's a question that astute observers of the religious landscape find themselves asking these days, and which deserves a serious response: Why doesn't Christianity have its own Holocaust literature? By that, of course, no one means to minimize the absolute singularity of the Holocaust against the Jews during the Second World War, and the moral imperative of keeping that memory alive. Yet the question persists: Given the harrowing realities of Christian martyrdom during the 20th century, and the rising global tide of anti-Christian violence in the early 21st century, why isn't there a budding genre of Christian analogs to Night by Elie Wiesel, or Spielberg's "Schindler's List"? Vatican analyst John Allen joins us to discuss this question.
5:00 – The "Snowshoe Priest" Bishop Frederic Barraga
Bishop Frederic Baraga was first bishop of the Diocese of Marquette, MI and was the first of many Slovenian missionaries to come to the United States to help build up the American Catholic Church. As a seminarian, the future St. John Neumann, was inspired to come to America after reading Baraga's missionary accounts. We talk to Bishop Alexander Sample , current Bishop of Marquette and vice-postulator of the cause for sainthood for Bishop Barraga, about the life and ministry of this extraordinary pioneer priest.
5:20 – Pope recognizes heroic virtue of American priest, Fr. Nelson Baker
In January Pope Benedict officially recognized the heroic virtues of 20th century American priest Fr. Nelson Baker, which moves the beloved champion for the poor further along in the process towards sainthood. Fr. Baker – who was born in Buffalo, New York in 1842 – lived to be 95 years old and is heralded for building what's been called a "city of charity" in Lackawana, New York. By the time of his death in 1936, his initiatives for the poor included a minor basilica, an infant home, a home for unwed mothers, a boys' orphanage, a hospital, a nurses' home, and an elementary and high school. Today there is a 41-year-old Catholic priest in the Arlington diocese, Fr. Stefan Starzynski , attributes his opening three homes for expectant mothers there to a vision of Fr. Baker he had eight years ago. Fr. Starzynski describes the inspiration he got from this priest he'd never met -- a champion for unwed mothers, their babies, orphans, and children --- in his book, Miracles: Healing for a Broken World. Fr. Starzynski joins us again to talk about Fr. Nelson Baker.
5:40 – "Vocation Boom Radio"
If you think you have a vocation or know someone who might or if you want to better understand the role of a Catholic priest, then don't miss EWTN Global Catholic Radio Network's newest series, "Vocation Boom Radio," which will air Saturdays at 5 p.m. Eastern. Host Jerry Usher brings his lively, breezy, often humorous style with him as he interview priests, bishops, seminarians and their families, and other with a passion for promoting priestly vocations. Jerry joins us to tell us about the show and its aims.
February 16, 2011
Today on Kresta - February 16, 2011
Talking about the "things that matter most" on Feb. 16
4:00 – US Bishops to Revise "Faithful Citizenship" Document on Voting
This coming November the Catholic bishops will approve a new version of their "Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship" document. The 36-page statement on political responsibility was hotly debated at the bishops' meeting in 2007, though only four bishops voted against it. At the time, Archbishop Raymond Burke made an impassioned plea for his fellow bishops to reconsider problematic sections of "Faithful Citizenship" to no avail. Now, it is known that Cardinal Raymond Burke's concerns were well founded. During the election, various sentences of the bishops' statement were cherry-picked, stripped of context, and employed to convince Catholic voters it was justifiable to vote for pro-abortion candidates. We talk about the possible revisions with Deal Hudson and Matt Smith of Catholic Advocate.
4:20 – Al Challenges Former Priest Alberto Cutie
Alberto Cutie , also known as "Father 'Oprah'" due to his frequent radio and television appearances was formerly a priest of the Archdiocese of Miami. He has now written a self-justifying book entitled Dilemma: A Priest's Struggle With Faith and Love. The book is his attempt to justify his double life which was exposed in May of 2009 when the paparazzi photographed him on a Miami beach in the arms of his "girlfriend." He quickly made a public showing of his departure from the priesthood, marriage, and entry into the Anglican clerical state. But the scandal is not ended. His new book makes sure of that as it attacks the Church and continues to lead the faithful astray with his outrageous claims and skewed theology. It is for this reason that Al has decided to challenge him and expose his deception, false teaching, and accommodation to the world.
5:00 – TBA
5:40 – Why Exorcism Films Still Fascinate / Saint Paul and the Mission of the Church
Today we have our regular segment with Fr. Robert Barron of Word on Fire Ministries. He is here to discuss the fascination people have with exorcism films in light of the recent release of "The Rite." He also talks with Al about St. Paul and the Mission of the Church.
4:00 – US Bishops to Revise "Faithful Citizenship" Document on Voting
This coming November the Catholic bishops will approve a new version of their "Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship" document. The 36-page statement on political responsibility was hotly debated at the bishops' meeting in 2007, though only four bishops voted against it. At the time, Archbishop Raymond Burke made an impassioned plea for his fellow bishops to reconsider problematic sections of "Faithful Citizenship" to no avail. Now, it is known that Cardinal Raymond Burke's concerns were well founded. During the election, various sentences of the bishops' statement were cherry-picked, stripped of context, and employed to convince Catholic voters it was justifiable to vote for pro-abortion candidates. We talk about the possible revisions with Deal Hudson and Matt Smith of Catholic Advocate.
4:20 – Al Challenges Former Priest Alberto Cutie
Alberto Cutie , also known as "Father 'Oprah'" due to his frequent radio and television appearances was formerly a priest of the Archdiocese of Miami. He has now written a self-justifying book entitled Dilemma: A Priest's Struggle With Faith and Love. The book is his attempt to justify his double life which was exposed in May of 2009 when the paparazzi photographed him on a Miami beach in the arms of his "girlfriend." He quickly made a public showing of his departure from the priesthood, marriage, and entry into the Anglican clerical state. But the scandal is not ended. His new book makes sure of that as it attacks the Church and continues to lead the faithful astray with his outrageous claims and skewed theology. It is for this reason that Al has decided to challenge him and expose his deception, false teaching, and accommodation to the world.
5:00 – TBA
5:40 – Why Exorcism Films Still Fascinate / Saint Paul and the Mission of the Church
Today we have our regular segment with Fr. Robert Barron of Word on Fire Ministries. He is here to discuss the fascination people have with exorcism films in light of the recent release of "The Rite." He also talks with Al about St. Paul and the Mission of the Church.
Al Kresta Challenges Former Priest Alberto Cutie
THIS AFTERNOON on "Kresta in the Afternoon" Al will be interviewing Alberto Cutie a.k.a. "Father 'Oprah'" due to his frequent radio and television appearances. Cutie was formerly a priest of the Archdiocese of Miami, and has now written a self-justifying book entitled Dilemma: A Priest's Struggle With Faith and Love. The book is his attempt to justify his double life which was exposed in May of 2009 when the paparazzi photographed him on a Miami beach in the arms of his "girlfriend." He quickly made a public showing of his departure from the priesthood, marriage, and entry into the Anglican clerical state. But the scandal is not ended. His new book makes sure of that as it attacks the Church and continues to lead the faithful astray with his outrageous claims and skewed theology. It is for this reason that Al has decided to challenge him and expose his deception, false teaching, and accommodation to the world. Be with us from 4-6 p.m. Eastern Time for this riveting and instructional interview.
February 15, 2011
Today on Kresta - February 15, 2011
Talking about the "things that matter most" on Feb. 15
4:00 – Catholic IPhone App Aids Catholics in Confession
Developed for those who frequent the sacrament and those who wish to return, Little iApps is pleased to announce the release of "Confession: A Roman Catholic App." This confession helper follows directly on the heels of Pope Benedict's message for the 45th World Communications Day address in which he emphasized that new media, "if used wisely, can contribute to the satisfaction of the desire for meaning, truth and unity which remain the most profound aspirations of each human being." Is has a personalized examination of conscience for each user, password protected profiles, and a step-by-step guide to the sacrament, this app invites Catholics to prayerfully prepare for and participate in the Rite of Penance. Developer Patrick Leinen joins us.
4:20 – John Paul II, Benedict XVI and the New Evangelization
In September, 2010 Pope Benedict XVI established a new Pontifical Council for the New Evangelization. He issued a "motu proprio" entitled "Always and everywhere it is the duty of the Church to promote the Gospel of Jesus Christ." Here we find embodied and perpetuated the legacy of Pope John Paul II and the "Church in the Modern World." Fr. Patrick Collins , a popular teacher and retreat master, joins us in studio to discuss effective evangelization in the world.
5:00 – Gelileo Galilei Born February 15, 1564 - The Galileo Affair: Facts and Misconceptions
It is commonly believed that the Catholic Church persecuted Galileo for abandoning the geocentric (earth-at-the-center) view of the solar system for the heliocentric (sun-at-the-center) view. The Galileo case, for many anti-Catholics, is thought to prove that the Church abhors science, refuses to abandon outdated teachings, and is not infallible. For Catholics, the episode is often an embarrassment. It shouldn't be. On this anniversary of his birth, Al provides a brief explanation of what really happened in the Galileo affair.
5:20 – Pro-Life Bills Make Their Way Through Congress
House Republican leaders have made life issues one of their top priorities, pushing two bills to the forefront of the congressional agenda. One bill would strengthen the already existing Hyde Amendment banning federal tax dollars from paying for abortions, and the second would defund Planned Parenthood. We talk with Marjorie Dannenfelster , President of the Susan B. Anthony List, who is on the front lines of this legislative fight.
5:40 – Christ-Centered Healthcare in the Public Square and in the Marketplace
As the health care law of 2009 works it's way through the court system, it is also working its way through Capitol Hill. Now, four moderate Senate Democrats may break with their party and imperil the president's signature legislative accomplishment. They are facing tough re-election battles in 2012 say they are open to changing the law, especially the controversial individual mandate at its heart. Four Democrats plus the Senate's 47 Republicans equals a simple majority. Mike O'Dea of the Christus Medicus Foundation and Jack Nelson , author of Diagnosis Critical: The Urgent Threats Confronting Catholic Healthcare join us to talk about Christ-centered health care in the public square and in the marketplace.
4:00 – Catholic IPhone App Aids Catholics in Confession
Developed for those who frequent the sacrament and those who wish to return, Little iApps is pleased to announce the release of "Confession: A Roman Catholic App." This confession helper follows directly on the heels of Pope Benedict's message for the 45th World Communications Day address in which he emphasized that new media, "if used wisely, can contribute to the satisfaction of the desire for meaning, truth and unity which remain the most profound aspirations of each human being." Is has a personalized examination of conscience for each user, password protected profiles, and a step-by-step guide to the sacrament, this app invites Catholics to prayerfully prepare for and participate in the Rite of Penance. Developer Patrick Leinen joins us.
4:20 – John Paul II, Benedict XVI and the New Evangelization
In September, 2010 Pope Benedict XVI established a new Pontifical Council for the New Evangelization. He issued a "motu proprio" entitled "Always and everywhere it is the duty of the Church to promote the Gospel of Jesus Christ." Here we find embodied and perpetuated the legacy of Pope John Paul II and the "Church in the Modern World." Fr. Patrick Collins , a popular teacher and retreat master, joins us in studio to discuss effective evangelization in the world.
5:00 – Gelileo Galilei Born February 15, 1564 - The Galileo Affair: Facts and Misconceptions
It is commonly believed that the Catholic Church persecuted Galileo for abandoning the geocentric (earth-at-the-center) view of the solar system for the heliocentric (sun-at-the-center) view. The Galileo case, for many anti-Catholics, is thought to prove that the Church abhors science, refuses to abandon outdated teachings, and is not infallible. For Catholics, the episode is often an embarrassment. It shouldn't be. On this anniversary of his birth, Al provides a brief explanation of what really happened in the Galileo affair.
5:20 – Pro-Life Bills Make Their Way Through Congress
House Republican leaders have made life issues one of their top priorities, pushing two bills to the forefront of the congressional agenda. One bill would strengthen the already existing Hyde Amendment banning federal tax dollars from paying for abortions, and the second would defund Planned Parenthood. We talk with Marjorie Dannenfelster , President of the Susan B. Anthony List, who is on the front lines of this legislative fight.
5:40 – Christ-Centered Healthcare in the Public Square and in the Marketplace
As the health care law of 2009 works it's way through the court system, it is also working its way through Capitol Hill. Now, four moderate Senate Democrats may break with their party and imperil the president's signature legislative accomplishment. They are facing tough re-election battles in 2012 say they are open to changing the law, especially the controversial individual mandate at its heart. Four Democrats plus the Senate's 47 Republicans equals a simple majority. Mike O'Dea of the Christus Medicus Foundation and Jack Nelson , author of Diagnosis Critical: The Urgent Threats Confronting Catholic Healthcare join us to talk about Christ-centered health care in the public square and in the marketplace.
February 14, 2011
Today on Kresta - February 14, 2011
Talking about the "things that matter most" on Feb. 14
4:00 – The Real St. Valentine
It's Valentine's Day! We will introduce you to the REAL St. Valentine - You will be surprised at how much misinformation and urban legend exists surrounding the life of St. Valentine. (and there's even more than one!) Al will show you the history of Valentine's Day.
4:20 – How to Get to "I Do": A Dating Guide for Catholic Women
"Finding a man is just like finding a parking spot in New York CIty. It can be hard and take a while, but you can do it."--from Chapter One. On this Valentine's Day we talk to Amy Bonaccorso , a savvy veteran of the Christian dating scene. In her book, How to Get to "I Do", she offers hard-won advice that will help you get real, get practical, and get married. Forget about Prince Charming--he doesn't exist--but plenty of good men are waiting for a woman like you to throw away the checklist of idealized mate material and settle down with a real man.
4:40 – TBA
5:00 – Lila Rose and Live Action Films: Christian Crusaders or Sinful Liars?
Young pro-life crusader Lila Rose and her organization Live Action Films have been responsible for an amazing series of undercover videos showing the nasty underbelly of the abortion industry. Because of her work, Planned Parenthood employees have been fired, PP has suffered a sullied reputation nationwide, and has contributed significantly to an effort in Washington, DC to defund PP. But now a series of bloggers have accused Lila and her undercover actors of being responsible for immoral lying. They say the investigations are a matter of the ends justifying the means - and the means are the sin of lying to PP employees. Al examines the issue.
4:00 – The Real St. Valentine
It's Valentine's Day! We will introduce you to the REAL St. Valentine - You will be surprised at how much misinformation and urban legend exists surrounding the life of St. Valentine. (and there's even more than one!) Al will show you the history of Valentine's Day.
4:20 – How to Get to "I Do": A Dating Guide for Catholic Women
"Finding a man is just like finding a parking spot in New York CIty. It can be hard and take a while, but you can do it."--from Chapter One. On this Valentine's Day we talk to Amy Bonaccorso , a savvy veteran of the Christian dating scene. In her book, How to Get to "I Do", she offers hard-won advice that will help you get real, get practical, and get married. Forget about Prince Charming--he doesn't exist--but plenty of good men are waiting for a woman like you to throw away the checklist of idealized mate material and settle down with a real man.
4:40 – TBA
5:00 – Lila Rose and Live Action Films: Christian Crusaders or Sinful Liars?
Young pro-life crusader Lila Rose and her organization Live Action Films have been responsible for an amazing series of undercover videos showing the nasty underbelly of the abortion industry. Because of her work, Planned Parenthood employees have been fired, PP has suffered a sullied reputation nationwide, and has contributed significantly to an effort in Washington, DC to defund PP. But now a series of bloggers have accused Lila and her undercover actors of being responsible for immoral lying. They say the investigations are a matter of the ends justifying the means - and the means are the sin of lying to PP employees. Al examines the issue.
February 11, 2011
Today on Kresta in the Afternoon - February 11, 2011
Talking about the "things that matter most" on Feb. 11
4:00 – February 12 – Birthday of Charles Darwin
Alfred Russel Wallace's Theory of Intelligent Evolution
With tomorrow being the anniversary of the death of Charles Darwin, we look at the fascinating story of Alfred Russel Wallace, co-discoverer with Darwin of natural selection. Yet his belief in spiritualism caused him to be ridiculed and dismissed by many, leaving him a comparatively obscure and misunderstood figure. Michael A. Flannery places Wallace in historical context. Flannery exposes Charles Darwin's now-famous theory of evolution as little more than a naturalistic cover for an extreme philosophical materialism borrowed as a youth from Edinburgh radicals. He joins us.
4:30 – More Christianity: Finding the Fullness of the Faith – Expanded Revised Edition
No one would dare to suggest that C. S. Lewis's Mere Christianity is anything less than a brilliant explanation and defense of the Faith. But as robust, wise and ardent as it is, still it is incomplete. It begins our banquet at the table of the Lord, but doesn't take us all the way to the final course. That is what Fr. Dwight Longenecker's new book, More Christianity, does. It fills our plates with the fullness of the Christian Faith found only in the Catholic Church. Fr. Longenecker is back with us.
5:00 – TBA
5:20 – Finance Friday: The End of Prosperity: How Higher Taxes Will Doom the Economy--If We Let It Happen
Today we continue our series intended to fully explore the practical, political, moral and philosophical underpinnings of the financial meltdown of 2008. Our guide will be Dr. Max Torres and each "Financial Friday" we will be using as a base of discussion, one book written on an aspect of the financial crisis. Today, we look at Arthur Laffer's The End of Prosperity: How Higher Taxes Will Doom the Economy--If We Let It Happen
4:00 – February 12 – Birthday of Charles Darwin
Alfred Russel Wallace's Theory of Intelligent Evolution
With tomorrow being the anniversary of the death of Charles Darwin, we look at the fascinating story of Alfred Russel Wallace, co-discoverer with Darwin of natural selection. Yet his belief in spiritualism caused him to be ridiculed and dismissed by many, leaving him a comparatively obscure and misunderstood figure. Michael A. Flannery places Wallace in historical context. Flannery exposes Charles Darwin's now-famous theory of evolution as little more than a naturalistic cover for an extreme philosophical materialism borrowed as a youth from Edinburgh radicals. He joins us.
4:30 – More Christianity: Finding the Fullness of the Faith – Expanded Revised Edition
No one would dare to suggest that C. S. Lewis's Mere Christianity is anything less than a brilliant explanation and defense of the Faith. But as robust, wise and ardent as it is, still it is incomplete. It begins our banquet at the table of the Lord, but doesn't take us all the way to the final course. That is what Fr. Dwight Longenecker's new book, More Christianity, does. It fills our plates with the fullness of the Christian Faith found only in the Catholic Church. Fr. Longenecker is back with us.
5:00 – TBA
5:20 – Finance Friday: The End of Prosperity: How Higher Taxes Will Doom the Economy--If We Let It Happen
Today we continue our series intended to fully explore the practical, political, moral and philosophical underpinnings of the financial meltdown of 2008. Our guide will be Dr. Max Torres and each "Financial Friday" we will be using as a base of discussion, one book written on an aspect of the financial crisis. Today, we look at Arthur Laffer's The End of Prosperity: How Higher Taxes Will Doom the Economy--If We Let It Happen
February 10, 2011
Canadian bishops seek action to save Afghan Christian's life
Kingston, Canada, Feb 10, 2011 (CNA)On behalf of his country's Catholic bishops, Canadian Archbishop Brendan M. O'Brien of Kingston has asked his government to intervene on behalf of Musa Sayed, a Christian convert in Afghanistan who may soon be executed for the "crime" of renouncing Islam.
On Feb. 9, the archbishop – who is also the human rights chairman for the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops – wrote to Canada's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Lawrence Cannon, about Sayed's plight. He called attention to the Afghan Christian's "urgent case," citing reports that he is to be executed within days on charges of apostasy.
Sayed converted to Christianity sometime between 2002 and 2003. An amputee and physical therapist, he has worked with the International Committee of the Red Cross for 15 years and specializes in fitting children with prosthetic limbs.
If executed, he would leave behind a wife and six young children, who have reportedly fled Afghanistan already due to fears for their safety.
Archbishop O'Brien urged his government "to express its condemnation of this religious persecution, and to intervene with the Government of Afghanistan for mercy and clemency for Mr. Sayed."
From his prison cell in Kabul. Sayed himself has written an open letter – addressed to U.S. President Barack Obama and other international leaders – detailing the beatings and acts of sexual abuse he has suffered.
"The authority and prisoners in jail did many bad behaviors with me, about my faith in the Lord Jesus Christ," he wrote. "For example, they did sexual things with me, beat me by wood, by hands, by legs, put some things on my head, mocked me."
"Please pray and immediately help with me and rescue me from this jail," the letter concluded. "Otherwise they will kill me."
Jamal Khan, the chief of staff at Afghanistan's Ministry of Justice, has maintained that Sayed's Christian conversion is clearly a capital crime under the country's Islamic legal code.
"The sentence for a convert is death and there is no exception," Khan has stated, maintaining that defectors from Islam "must be sentenced to death to serve as a lesson for others."
Some Christian groups are taking a different lesson from Sayed's sentence, however, as they begin to wonder what nine years of war in Afghanistan have accomplished.
"A coalition of nations has spent many billions to help Afghanistan come out from under a religious dictatorship and into some semblance of modernity," said Jeff King, an activist who heads the Washington-based International Christian Concern.
"This case, if taken on its own, would point to a grand waste of time, money, and blood," King observed
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