UCA News https://www.ucanews.com/ UCA News South Asia Stories en-us support@ucanews.com Copyright 2023 Police block access to Indian Catholic school https://www.ucanews.com/news/police-block-access-to-indian-catholic-school/101782 UCA101782 St. John’s Senior Secondary School in Madhya Pradesh's Damoh town compelled to hold online classes for its 2,300 students Tue, 27 Jun 2023 17:44:00 +0700 Catholics burn Vatican appointee’s circular on Indian liturgy row https://www.ucanews.com/news/catholics-burn-vatican-appointees-circular-on-indian-liturgy-row/101775 UCA101775 Archbishop Andrews Thazhath’s circular insisted on following synod-approved Mass rejected by the majority of priests and laity Mon, 26 Jun 2023 18:51:00 +0700 Christians, civil society urge peace in riot-hit Indian state https://www.ucanews.com/news/christians-civil-society-urge-peace-in-riot-hit-indian-state/101772 UCA101772 PM Narendra Modi must break his silence and immediately address the communal flare-up in Manipur, they say Mon, 26 Jun 2023 18:22:00 +0700 Last of Bangladesh’s Buddhist Rakhines wage a losing war https://www.ucanews.com/news/last-of-bangladeshs-buddhist-rakhines-wage-a-losing-war/101748 UCA101748 Muslim majority has replaced minority ethnic group in their villages in coastal districts of Patuakhali and Barguna Mon, 26 Jun 2023 18:00:00 +0700 Rights group decries Bangladesh’s war crimes death penalty https://www.ucanews.com/news/rights-group-decries-bangladeshs-war-crimes-death-penalty/101774 UCA101774 Bangladesh so far sentenced 135 out of 155 accused of war crimes during the 1971 War of Independence Mon, 26 Jun 2023 17:17:00 +0700 19 dead in South Asia monsoon floods https://www.ucanews.com/news/19-dead-in-south-asia-monsoon-floods/101765 UCA101765 Thousands are seeking shelter from flooding and landslides in Nepal and India while Bangladesh is also on alert Sat, 24 Jun 2023 12:55:00 +0700 Media outrage brings Holi back to Pakistan universities https://www.ucanews.com/news/media-outrage-brings-holi-back-to-pakistan-universities/101759 UCA101759 Leaders of religious minorities say the order banning Hindus' Holi celebration in universities was anti-constitutional Fri, 23 Jun 2023 18:55:00 +0700 Indian bishop, nun get bail in anti-conversion case https://www.ucanews.com/news/indian-bishop-nun-get-bail-in-anti-conversion-case/101740 UCA101740 Bishop Gerald Almeida and Sister Liji were booked under anti-conversion law after a raid on a diocesan-run orphanage Thu, 22 Jun 2023 19:43:00 +0700 Should Bangladesh alone bear the burden of Rohingya crisis? https://www.ucanews.com/news/should-bangladesh-alone-bear-the-burden-of-rohingya-crisis/101737 UCA101737 The question begs to be answered by the international community, including the UN Thu, 22 Jun 2023 19:38:00 +0700 Indian prelate issues security advice after parish heist https://www.ucanews.com/news/indian-prelate-issues-security-advice-after-parish-heist/101732 UCA101732 Priest in Chhattisgarh state is held at gunpoint by armed robbers who escaped with cash Thu, 22 Jun 2023 15:02:00 +0700 Arson, unrest continue in violence hit Indian state https://www.ucanews.com/news/arson-unrest-continue-in-violence-hit-indian-state/101728 UCA101728 Christian leaders in northeastern Manipur state say houses of Christians, who fled to refugee camps, are burnt down Wed, 21 Jun 2023 18:45:00 +0700 US lawmakers hailed for raising religious persecution in India https://www.ucanews.com/news/us-lawmakers-hailed-for-raising-religious-persecution-in-india/101723 UCA101723 75 senators urged US president to discuss shrinking religious freedom in India with visiting Indian PM Narendra Modi Wed, 21 Jun 2023 17:22:00 +0700 Rights group demands release of Sri Lankan comedian https://www.ucanews.com/news/rights-group-demands-release-of-sri-lankan-comedian/101722 UCA101722 Activist and stand-up comedian Nathasha Edirisooriya was arrested last month for allegedly insulting Buddhism Wed, 21 Jun 2023 15:49:00 +0700 Minority forum alleges discrimination in Bangladesh's budget https://www.ucanews.com/news/minority-forum-alleges-discrimination-in-bangladeshs-budget/101717 UCA101717 Though minorities represent 9.1 percent of the population, they get only 6.4 percent of the development budget Wed, 21 Jun 2023 13:52:00 +0700 Hardly a drop to drink in Bangladesh's Barind tract https://www.ucanews.com/news/hardly-a-drop-to-drink-in-bangladeshs-barind-tract/101711 UCA101711 A Catholic church helps villagers with fresh water but over-exploitation is causing the water table to decline further Wed, 21 Jun 2023 10:23:00 +0700 India’s top court rejects plea to deploy army in Manipur https://www.ucanews.com/news/indias-top-court-rejects-plea-to-deploy-army-in-manipur/101713 UCA101713 A tribal forum told the Supreme Court that any delay in sending the army will result in further loss of lives Tue, 20 Jun 2023 17:45:00 +0700 Vatican intervention sought to settle Indian Church's liturgy row https://www.ucanews.com/news/vatican-intervention-sought-to-settle-indian-churchs-liturgy-row/101701 UCA101701 More than five-decades-old dispute in Ernakulam-Angamaly archdiocese has seen public rallies and the closure of a cathedral Mon, 19 Jun 2023 18:58:00 +0700 Uniform Civil Code is Indian PM’s response to electoral rout https://www.ucanews.com/news/uniform-civil-code-is-indian-pms-response-to-electoral-rout/101698 UCA101698 It confirms Narendra Modi will again use Hindu majoritarianism to win a third consecutive term in 2024 Mon, 19 Jun 2023 18:38:00 +0700 Delhi archdiocese to help riot-hit Indian state https://www.ucanews.com/news/delhi-archdiocese-to-help-riot-hit-indian-state/101699 UCA101699 Earlier, Bangalore archdiocese came forward to rebuild the lives of college and school-going students from Manipur Mon, 19 Jun 2023 18:35:00 +0700 Pakistan activists decry pact to apply terror charges for blasphemy https://www.ucanews.com/news/pakistan-activists-decry-pact-to-apply-terror-charges-for-blasphemy/101702 UCA101702 Government surrendered before mobs in favor of laws often misused for personal vendetta, says Catholic rights activist Mon, 19 Jun 2023 18:32:00 +0700 Indian priests face fresh case over orphanage raid row https://www.ucanews.com/news/indian-priests-face-fresh-case-over-orphanage-raid-row/101696 UCA101696 2 clergymen in Madhya Pradesh are charged with assaulting public servants and obstruction Mon, 19 Jun 2023 14:47:00 +0700 Jailed Bangladesh hangman freed after sentence cut https://www.ucanews.com/news/jailed-bangladesh-hangman-freed-after-sentence-cut/101695 UCA101695 Shahjahan Bhuiyan's jail sentence was reduced for hangings he carried out, says the deputy chief of Dhaka Central Jail Mon, 19 Jun 2023 12:16:00 +0700 Pakistani migrant's last call home foretold Greek tragedy https://www.ucanews.com/news/pakistani-migrants-last-call-home-foretold-greek-tragedy/101694 UCA101694 As many as 300 Pakistanis could have been aboard the boat when it sank, says local media Mon, 19 Jun 2023 11:46:00 +0700 2 deaths reported as cyclone eases over Indian coast https://www.ucanews.com/news/2-deaths-reported-as-cyclone-eases-over-indian-coast/101690 UCA101690 Biparjoy packed sustained winds of up to 125 kilometers (78 miles) per hour as it struck, but weakened overnight Sat, 17 Jun 2023 13:23:00 +0700 Catholic nuns want justice for India's female wrestlers https://www.ucanews.com/news/catholic-nuns-want-justice-for-indias-female-wrestlers/101684 UCA101684 After much delay, police filed a 1500-page chargesheet against the former chief of wrestling body, accused of sexual abuses Fri, 16 Jun 2023 18:51:00 +0700 Prelate hails Indian state’s scrapping of anti-conversion law https://www.ucanews.com/news/prelate-hails-indian-states-scrapping-of-anti-conversion-law/101682 UCA101682 Southern Karnataka state decides to repeal controversial law that critics say serves to persecute Christians Fri, 16 Jun 2023 15:43:00 +0700 'Disaster' storm weakens after ramming India's coast https://www.ucanews.com/news/disaster-storm-weakens-after-ramming-indias-coast/101677 UCA101677 Biparjoy, the 'very severe cyclonic storm,' crossed the coastline near Jakhau Port Thursday evening Fri, 16 Jun 2023 12:15:00 +0700 Bangladeshi Santals demand speedy probe into atrocities https://www.ucanews.com/news/bangladeshi-santals-demand-speedy-probe-into-atrocities/101671 UCA101671 The tribal Christians accuse investigating agencies of protecting masterminds behind the mayhem in northern Gaibandha district Thu, 15 Jun 2023 19:32:00 +0700 India, Pakistan brace for 'very severe cyclonic storm' https://www.ucanews.com/news/india-pakistan-brace-for-very-severe-cyclonic-storm/101667 UCA101667 Over 100,000 evacuated as Cyclone Biparjoy is making its way across the Arabian Sea, likely to make landfall Thursday evening Thu, 15 Jun 2023 13:00:00 +0700 Does Church hierarchy engage in ‘moral disengagement?’ https://www.ucanews.com/news/does-church-hierarchy-engage-in-moral-disengagement/101662 UCA101662 Understanding the disengagement pathways is the first step to preventing moral conflicts Thu, 15 Jun 2023 10:54:00 +0700 Indian archdiocese to help Manipur students https://www.ucanews.com/news/indian-archdiocese-to-help-manipur-students/101661 UCA101661 Archbishop Peter Machado of Bangalore welcomed 70 students from the northeastern Indian state to Karnataka in the south Wed, 14 Jun 2023 18:12:00 +0700 Indian nun arrested for 'offending' religion released on bail https://www.ucanews.com/news/indian-nun-arrested-for-offending-religion-released-on-bail/101658 UCA101658 Hardline Hindu groups objected to the newly professed nun and her family holding a thanksgiving Mass at their home Wed, 14 Jun 2023 18:09:00 +0700 Indian pastor, associate get bail in conversion case https://www.ucanews.com/news/indian-pastor-associate-get-bail-in-conversion-case/101657 UCA101657 Pastor Roshan Faster, two others were arrested on June 4 for holding a home prayer service in the central Madhya Pradesh state Wed, 14 Jun 2023 17:49:00 +0700 Cyclone 'Biparjoy' menaces India and Pakistan https://www.ucanews.com/news/cyclone-biparjoy-menaces-india-and-pakistan/101652 UCA101652 Biparjoy, meaning 'disaster,' making its way across the Arabian Sea, is forecast to make landfall Thursday evening Wed, 14 Jun 2023 12:35:00 +0700 Growing old in today’s India https://www.ucanews.com/news/growing-old-in-todays-india/101645 UCA101645 A sad and desperate situation, made worse by neglect and hypocrisy Wed, 14 Jun 2023 11:00:00 +0700 Vatican urged to step in to end endogamy in Indian Church https://www.ucanews.com/news/vatican-urged-to-step-in-to-end-endogamy-in-indian-church/101643 UCA101643 The Global Knanaya Reform Movement wants action against the hierarchy of Kottayam archdiocese in Kerala Tue, 13 Jun 2023 19:27:00 +0700 Pakistan Church urges national unity to end economic woes https://www.ucanews.com/news/pakistan-church-urges-national-unity-to-end-economic-woes/101639 UCA101639 In April and May, the cash-starved nation recorded the highest inflation rate in Asia Tue, 13 Jun 2023 14:25:00 +0700 Mass evacuations as cyclone heads to Pakistan https://www.ucanews.com/news/mass-evacuations-as-cyclone-heads-to-pakistan/101635 UCA101635 Coastal communities in southern Sindh province are set to suffer storm surges as cyclone to make landfall later this week Tue, 13 Jun 2023 12:47:00 +0700 Lay group urges synod to end endogamy in Indian Church https://www.ucanews.com/news/lay-group-urges-synod-to-end-endogamy-in-indian-church/101627 UCA101627 Catholics in an archdiocese under Syro-Malabar Church follow endogamy, termed illegal by the top court in southern Kerala Mon, 12 Jun 2023 18:24:00 +0700 Bangladesh Hindus live in fear after attacks https://www.ucanews.com/news/bangladesh-hindus-live-in-fear-after-attacks/101626 UCA101626 Three incidents of violent attacks on members of the minority community last week left one dead and four injured Mon, 12 Jun 2023 18:19:00 +0700 Tribal Christians protest in poll-bound Indian state https://www.ucanews.com/news/tribal-christians-protest-in-poll-bound-indian-state/101625 UCA101625 Backed by the pro-Hindu groups in Chhattisgarh, a demand is being raised to deny them reservation benefits Mon, 12 Jun 2023 18:05:00 +0700 Winds, heavy rains kill at least 27 in Pakistan https://www.ucanews.com/news/winds-heavy-rains-kill-at-least-27-in-pakistan/101622 UCA101622 Meanwhile, a cyclone is making its way across the Arabian Sea toward the coastlines of Pakistan and India Mon, 12 Jun 2023 13:20:00 +0700 India’s train wreck aftermath — a painful search for loved ones https://www.ucanews.com/news/indias-train-wreck-aftermath-a-painful-search-for-loved-ones/101618 UCA101618 Weeks after India's deadliest rail accident in 20 years, relatives scour morgues and hospitals in a desperate attempt to find the remains of their loved ones Mon, 12 Jun 2023 10:20:00 +0700 Cash-strapped Pakistan unveils $51 billion budget https://www.ucanews.com/news/cash-strapped-pakistan-unveils-51-billion-budget/101616 UCA101616 More than half of the budget is set aside to service the country's debt while also hiking defense spending Sat, 10 Jun 2023 13:26:00 +0700 $12 million relief package for India’s riot-hit Manipur https://www.ucanews.com/news/12-million-relief-package-for-indias-riot-hit-manipur/101608 UCA101608 The hilly state has seen unprecedented violence between predominantly Hindu Meiteis and tribal Christians, claiming 98 lives Fri, 09 Jun 2023 18:38:00 +0700 India's northeast Catholics look to French missioners' canonization https://www.ucanews.com/news/indias-northeast-catholics-look-to-french-missioners-canonization/101606 UCA101606 The tombs of Fathers Krick and Bourry, martyred 169 years ago, are in the Tibet area of China, where no priest can go Fri, 09 Jun 2023 18:31:00 +0700 Sri Lankan cardinal calls on govt to hold local polls https://www.ucanews.com/news/sri-lankan-cardinal-calls-on-govt-to-hold-local-polls/101603 UCA101603 Interim administration is putting off local polls because it fears a crushing defeat, critics say Fri, 09 Jun 2023 14:21:00 +0700 Is Nepal walking back to being a Hindu nation? https://www.ucanews.com/news/is-nepal-walking-back-to-being-a-hindu-nation/101597 UCA101597 PM Dahal and other leaders do not want a secular, stable Nepal which could precipitate their fall Fri, 09 Jun 2023 11:17:00 +0700 Indian nun, mother arrested for 'offending' religion https://www.ucanews.com/news/indian-nun-mother-arrested-for-offending-religion/101596 UCA101596 The newly professed nun was arrested after she conducted a thanks-giving Mass inside her home Thu, 08 Jun 2023 20:49:00 +0700 Custody of Sri Lankan Buddhist monk extended https://www.ucanews.com/news/custody-of-sri-lankan-buddhist-monk-extended/101589 UCA101589 Rajangane Saddharathana Thera's online videos have caused unrest between races and religions, investigators said in court Thu, 08 Jun 2023 19:15:00 +0700 Indian govt asked to criminalize raping dead body https://www.ucanews.com/news/indian-govt-asked-to-criminalize-raping-dead-body/101588 UCA101588 An accused charged with raping dead body of a 21-year-old girl went scotfree for want of law against necrophilia in India Thu, 08 Jun 2023 19:10:00 +0700 Indian pastors, woman denied bail, continue in jail https://www.ucanews.com/news/indian-pastors-woman-denied-bail-continue-in-jail/101587 UCA101587 They will remain in custody till June 17 under the sweeping Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act Thu, 08 Jun 2023 18:56:00 +0700 Church leaders need to share blame and credit with others https://www.ucanews.com/news/church-leaders-need-to-share-blame-and-credit-with-others/101578 UCA101578 Acknowledging one’s self-serving bias can make us a synodal Church that seeks and travels together Thu, 08 Jun 2023 10:57:00 +0700 Catholic bishop airs community concerns in north India https://www.ucanews.com/news/catholic-bishop-airs-community-concerns-in-north-india/101573 UCA101573 Deepak Valerian Tauro of Delhi urged authorities to ensure the safety and security of Christians in Haryana state Wed, 07 Jun 2023 17:57:00 +0700 Indian bishops allege conspiracy against Church-run institutions https://www.ucanews.com/news/indian-bishops-allege-conspiracy-against-church-run-institutions/101576 UCA101576 Amal Jyothi College in Kanjirappilly diocese witnessed violent protests after the suicide of a 20-year-old female student Wed, 07 Jun 2023 17:44:00 +0700 Indian court rejects bishop’s plea on Mass change https://www.ucanews.com/news/indian-court-rejects-bishops-plea-on-masschange/101567 UCA101567 Prelate was questioning its jurisdiction on Catholic matters over petition seeking Mass in a local language Wed, 07 Jun 2023 14:43:00 +0700 Nepal commemorates 70 years of conquering Mount Everest https://www.ucanews.com/news/nepal-commemorates-70-years-of-conquering-mount-everest/101561 UCA101561 Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay paved the way for a mountaineering and trekking boom that transformed the livelihoods of the Sherpa and other communities living in the shadow of the Himalayas Wed, 07 Jun 2023 10:07:00 +0700 Bangladesh shuts power plant as heatwave hits https://www.ucanews.com/news/bangladesh-shuts-power-plant-as-heatwave-hits/101551 UCA101551 The South Asian nation is struggling with a depreciating currency, foreign exchange reserves, and record-high inflation Tue, 06 Jun 2023 11:53:00 +0700 Indian Catholic religious speak, despite bishops’ silence https://www.ucanews.com/news/indian-catholic-religious-speak-despite-bishops-silence/101538 UCA101538 CRI calls for action against a politically powerful sexual predator accused of harassing women wrestlers Mon, 05 Jun 2023 19:08:00 +0700 Indian court rejects Catholic bishop's bail plea https://www.ucanews.com/news/indian-court-rejects-catholic-bishops-bail-plea/101548 UCA101548 A court dismissed Bishop Gerald Almeida anticipatory bail in a case of converting Hindu destitute children in an orphanage Mon, 05 Jun 2023 18:59:00 +0700 Catholic priests attacked in northern India https://www.ucanews.com/news/catholic-priests-attacked-in-northern-india/101547 UCA101547 In separate incidents, a priest was manhandled by members of a pro-Hindu party while another was targeted by armed robbers Mon, 05 Jun 2023 18:40:00 +0700 Indian religious urged to stand up against organized violence https://www.ucanews.com/news/indian-religious-urged-to-stand-up-against-organized-violence/101537 UCA101537 In a clarion call, Sister Nirmalini Nazareth calls on men and women religious to take to the streets, if needed Mon, 05 Jun 2023 18:26:00 +0700 Sri Lankan Christians join Buddhists in Poson festivities https://www.ucanews.com/news/sri-lankan-christians-join-buddhists-in-poson-festivities/101544 UCA101544 Christians illuminated lanterns, sang devotional songs, and organized free food stalls as part of the festivities Mon, 05 Jun 2023 18:08:00 +0700 2,500 booked for Bangladesh clashes over 'blasphemy' https://www.ucanews.com/news/2-500-booked-for-bangladesh-clashes-over-blasphemy/101542 UCA101542 The violence was triggered by an alleged blasphemous post on Facebook insulting Prophet Muhammad Mon, 05 Jun 2023 17:49:00 +0700 Church arson reported in India’s strife-torn Manipur state https://www.ucanews.com/news/church-arson-reported-in-indias-strife-torn-manipur-state/101543 UCA101543 Adjoining presbytery, boarding school also set ablaze while a nearby convent is 'under the control of outlaws' Mon, 05 Jun 2023 16:40:00 +0700 'Lightning season' claims 133 lives in Bangladesh https://www.ucanews.com/news/lightningseason-claims-133-lives-in-bangladesh/101539 UCA101539 Lightning strikes are becoming an increasing problem in South Asian nation due to global warming Mon, 05 Jun 2023 14:24:00 +0700 India’s train accident toll could rise, fear volunteers https://www.ucanews.com/news/indias-train-accident-toll-could-rise-fear-volunteers/101531 UCA101531 Rescue and relief operations were underway the entire night with local priests, nuns and Church volunteers helping the wounded Sat, 03 Jun 2023 16:49:00 +0700 288 dead, hundreds hurt in India horror rail crash https://www.ucanews.com/news/288-dead-hundreds-hurt-in-india-horror-rail-crash/101529 UCA101529 Images showed smashed train compartments torn open with blood-stained holes near Balasore, in the eastern state of Odisha. Sat, 03 Jun 2023 13:14:00 +0700 7 Indian pastors get bail in 'conversion' case https://www.ucanews.com/news/7-indian-pastors-get-bail-in-conversion-case/101523 UCA101523 Courts in Uttar Pradesh used to be rigid in granting bail in conversion cases until the top court reprimanded them Fri, 02 Jun 2023 19:11:00 +0700 Judicial probe into ethnic violence in Indian state https://www.ucanews.com/news/judicial-probe-into-ethnic-violence-in-indian-state/101519 UCA101519 Social unrest began in northeastern Manipur on May 3, and its worst victims are tribal Christians, say Church leaders Fri, 02 Jun 2023 18:26:00 +0700 Outrage in Pakistan over rights activist’s abduction https://www.ucanews.com/news/outrage-in-pakistan-over-rights-activists-abduction/101520 UCA101520 Jibran Nasir is known for his support of minorities and vocal criticism of human rights abuses Fri, 02 Jun 2023 17:33:00 +0700 Bishops seek end to Christian persecution in Indian state https://www.ucanews.com/news/bishops-seek-end-to-christian-persecution-in-indian-state/101517 UCA101517 Catholics and their institutions in Madhya Pradesh are being targeted by raising the bogey of conversion, says CBCI Fri, 02 Jun 2023 16:58:00 +0700 Bangladesh minorities fear violence upsurge ahead of polls https://www.ucanews.com/news/bangladesh-minorities-fear-violence-upsurge-ahead-of-polls/101514 UCA101514 Previous election promises to protect them have not been kept by PM, they say Fri, 02 Jun 2023 13:16:00 +0700 Indian bishops should prevent rather than wait for a cure https://www.ucanews.com/news/indian-bishops-should-prevent-rather-than-wait-for-a-cure/101510 UCA101510 But does the resignation of a rape-accused bishop mark the beginning of a clean-up operation? Fri, 02 Jun 2023 11:02:00 +0700 Vatican accepts resignation of rape-accused Indian bishop https://www.ucanews.com/news/vatican-accepts-resignation-of-rape-accused-indian-bishop/101509 UCA101509 Bishop Franco Mulakkal of Jalandhar was cleared of charges of raping a nun by a district court in southern Kerala a year ago Thu, 01 Jun 2023 19:47:00 +0700 Church cautions against polarization attempts in Sri Lanka https://www.ucanews.com/news/church-cautions-against-polarization-attempts-in-sri-lanka/101505 UCA101505 Catholic leaders say ethnic and religious divisions are being flamed ahead of the presidential poll next year Thu, 01 Jun 2023 19:18:00 +0700 Indian Catholic bishop, nun seek bail in 'conversion' case https://www.ucanews.com/news/indian-catholic-bishop-nun-seek-bail-in-conversion-case/101504 UCA101504 Bishop Gerald Almeida of Jabalpur, Sister Liji Joseph move court against likely arrest in a case under the anti-conversion law Thu, 01 Jun 2023 18:45:00 +0700 Overconfidence: the bias of self-importance https://www.ucanews.com/news/overconfidence-the-bias-of-self-importance/101498 UCA101498 In India, where the Church is a tiny minority, leaders need to be courageous and brave rather than overconfident and brash Thu, 01 Jun 2023 10:44:00 +0700 Plea seeking Hindu women’s rights raises storm in Bangladesh https://www.ucanews.com/news/plea-seeking-hindu-womens-rights-raises-storm-in-bangladesh/101490 UCA101490 A section of minority Hindus call it an attempt ‘to break our families and get us out of this country’ Wed, 31 May 2023 18:21:00 +0700 US-born champion of education in rural Pakistan dies https://www.ucanews.com/news/us-born-champion-of-education-in-rural-pakistan-dies/101477 UCA101477 Bishop Emeritus Ernest Boland was instrumental in starting 7 churches, 10 hostels and at least 20 schools in Punjab Wed, 31 May 2023 10:15:00 +0700 Indian bishop named in 'conversion' complaint https://www.ucanews.com/news/indian-bishop-named-in-conversion-complaint/101476 UCA101476 The complaint registered after inspection of a Church-run orphanage in Jabalpur diocese is 'baseless and false,' says nun Tue, 30 May 2023 19:07:00 +0700 Sri Lankan monks seek alms to celebrate Poson Poya https://www.ucanews.com/news/sri-lankan-monks-seek-alms-to-celebrate-poson-poya/101474 UCA101474 Despite economic woes, Buddhist leaving no stone unturned to mark the arrival of Buddhism in the island nation Tue, 30 May 2023 18:10:00 +0700 Families demand probe into Bangladesh disappearances https://www.ucanews.com/news/families-demand-probe-into-bangladesh-disappearances/101471 UCA101471 Some 500 fell victim to enforced disappearance since 2013 and 200 still remain missing, rights group says Tue, 30 May 2023 17:51:00 +0700 Sri Lanka arrests stand-up comedian for insulting Buddhism https://www.ucanews.com/news/sri-lanka-arrests-stand-up-comedian-for-insulting-buddhism/101462 UCA101462 Jayani Natasha Edirisuriya has been accused of disrespecting Buddhism and ridiculing Buddhist girls as 'virgins' Mon, 29 May 2023 18:58:00 +0700 Indian bishops say Manipur riots targeted tribal Christians https://www.ucanews.com/news/indian-bishops-say-manipur-riots-targeted-tribal-christians/101460 UCA101460 Bishops' body in Kerala says the 'well-orchestrated' violence in the northeastern state exposes BJP’s ‘double standards’ Mon, 29 May 2023 18:31:00 +0700 Minority body demands India uphold constitution guarantees https://www.ucanews.com/news/minority-body-demands-india-uphold-constitution-guarantees/101459 UCA101459 National Conference for Minority also calls for an equal opportunities commission at convention in New Delhi Mon, 29 May 2023 15:46:00 +0700 'Hidden agendas' behind ethnic conflict in Indian state https://www.ucanews.com/news/hidden-agendas-behind-ethnic-conflict-in-indian-state/101449 UCA101449 Archbishop Dominic Lumon of Imphal in Manipur says 'vested interests have to be recognized and resisted' Sat, 27 May 2023 13:02:00 +0700 Dengue fever threat looms large in Bangladesh’s Rohingya camps https://www.ucanews.com/news/dengue-fever-threat-looms-large-in-bangladeshs-rohingya-camps/101439 UCA101439 Infections and deaths may set new records this year at world's largest refugee camp in Cox's Bazar, warn health officials Sat, 27 May 2023 11:26:00 +0700 12 jailed Indian pastors, 9 others get bail https://www.ucanews.com/news/12-jailed-indian-pastors-9-others-get-bail/101441 UCA101441 They were booked under the stringent anti-conversion law in Uttar Pradesh, the most populous state in the country Fri, 26 May 2023 18:07:00 +0700 Rohingya in Bangladesh face further food ration cut https://www.ucanews.com/news/rohingya-in-bangladesh-face-further-food-ration-cut/101438 UCA101438 WFP is forced to slash ration weeks after Cyclone Mocha destroyed thousands of shelters in refugee camps Fri, 26 May 2023 15:15:00 +0700 Second thoughts on homosexuality https://www.ucanews.com/news/second-thoughts-on-homosexuality/101431 UCA101431 In his own way, Pope Francis has changed the conversation Fri, 26 May 2023 10:47:00 +0700 No letup in harassment of Church-run orphanage in India https://www.ucanews.com/news/no-letup-in-harassment-of-church-run-orphanage-in-india/101428 UCA101428 Inmates of the orphanage were shifted in violation of an order by the Madhya Pradesh High Court, says its director Thu, 25 May 2023 19:03:00 +0700 Peace sought in violence-hit Bangladesh hills https://www.ucanews.com/news/peace-sought-in-violence-hit-bangladesh-hills/101425 UCA101425 Emergence of new rebel group, the Kuki-China National Front, is blamed for an uptick in unrest in Chittagong Hill Tracts Thu, 25 May 2023 17:10:00 +0700 Hindu man's jailing irks Bangladeshi interfaith group https://www.ucanews.com/news/hindu-mans-jailing-irks-bangladeshi-interfaith-group/101424 UCA101424 Says it doubts blasphemy conviction over social media post since alleged offender is 'illiterate' Thu, 25 May 2023 12:49:00 +0700 Indian prelates seek end to man-animal conflict https://www.ucanews.com/news/indian-prelates-seek-end-to-man-animal-conflict/101417 UCA101417 Over 1,200 people were killed in the past decade in the southern state of Kerala where 120 villages lie near forests Wed, 24 May 2023 18:10:00 +0700 Case filed against attackers of Indian Protestant church https://www.ucanews.com/news/case-filed-against-attackers-of-indian-protestant-church/101413 UCA101413 Sikh warrior group storm church brandishing swords, Christians retaliate by pelting them with bricks, stones Wed, 24 May 2023 16:57:00 +0700 6 killed in Pakistan Taliban attack on Hungarian firm https://www.ucanews.com/news/6-killed-in-pakistan-taliban-attack-on-hungarian-firm/101410 UCA101410 About 50 fighters attacked a site owned by Budapest-headquartered MOL Group around midnight in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province Wed, 24 May 2023 12:14:00 +0700 Same-sex couple adoption violates child rights https://www.ucanews.com/news/same-sex-couple-adoption-violates-child-rights/101388 UCA101388 Why do same-sex couples want to adopt children born out of a heterosexual relationship? Wed, 24 May 2023 10:11:00 +0700 Christians face conversion threat in riot-hit Indian state https://www.ucanews.com/news/christians-face-conversion-threat-in-riot-hit-indian-state/101401 UCA101401 Meitei Christians in Manipur are being asked to embrace Hinduism, say Christian leaders Tue, 23 May 2023 18:39:00 +0700 Asian bishops play it safe, offer no clear vision for Asia https://www.ucanews.com/news/asian-bishops-play-it-safe-offer-no-clear-vision-for-asia/101392 UCA101392 The Bangkok document produced on the FABC's 50th anniversary falls short of the lofty expectations set for it Tue, 23 May 2023 11:12:00 +0700