August 26, http://ww.tribtimes.com
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William Zambrano MD
Aug 25, 2021, 3:35:25 PM8/25/21
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(Rev 6:9-11) And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held. And they cried with a loud voice, saying: How long, O Lord (Holy and True), dost thou not judge and revenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? And white robes were given to every one of them one; And it was said to them that they should rest for a little time till their fellow servants and their brethren, who are to be slain even as they, should be filled up.
CATHOLIC WORLD REPORT REVIEW: The fall of Afghanistan and the resurgence of radical Islam
REPORT: Afghanistan's Catholic 'hidden believers' and the underreported work of the church
AID TO THE CHURCH IN NEED: In Afghanistan, a dark future for religious freedom
On AUG. 19, 2021, the 102nd anniversary of the country’s independence from British rule, Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Taliban, declared Afghanistan as the “Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan” on the Taliban’s official Twitter account.
Thomas Heine-Geldern, executive president of Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), expresses profound concerns about the future of the country:
“During the rule of the previous Emirate of Afghanistan (1996 to 2001), the Taliban imposed a strict version of sharia law nationwide. We can expect that Sunni Islam will be the official religion, that Sharia law will be reimposed, and that hard-won respect for human rights, including a relative measure of religious freedom during the last 20 years will be revoked.
“ACN predicted the deterioration of the situation in its recent Religious Freedom in the World Report. Throughout the 22-year history of this report, Afghanistan has always been among the countries that most severely violates this fundamental right. Especially in the last three years, the report highlights, there have been repeated and egregious attacks against places of worship, religious leaders, and worshippers.
“Our analysis, unfortunately, does not leave much room for hope. All those who do not espouse the extreme Islamist views of the Taliban are at risk, even moderate Sunni. The Shia (10 percent of the population), the small Christian community, and all other religious minorities, already under threat, will suffer even greater oppression. This is a huge setback for all human rights and especially for religious freedom in the country.
“Regrettably, several countries quickly declared their sympathies for the new Emirate. This will not only help legitimize the Taliban, but also embolden authoritarian regimes all over the world, particularly in the region, spurring increasing violations of religious freedoms in their own countries. International recognition of the Taliban will also act as a magnet for smaller radical Islamic groups, creating a new constellation of religious terrorist factions that could supplant al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. Among others, areas of concern include Pakistan, Palestine, and the province of Idlib in Syria. The situation for Christians and other religious minority communities already suffering oppression, will further deteriorate.
“Aid to the Church in Need encourages the international community to raise a voice in protection of human rights for all citizens of Afghanistan, especially considering that we estimate that religious freedom will be particularly under threat. We also call on our donors and friends to continue to pray during this profoundly troubling time in the history of Afghanistan.”
More than 99 percent of the population is Muslim; the biggest group are Sunni, and 10 percent are Shia. Among other believers are a relatively equal number of Hindus, Bahai’s, Buddhists and Christians. Estimates of the number of Christians in Afghanistan vary from a high of 20,000 to possibly as low as 1,000. They live their lives of faith in secret, so accurate numbers are impossible to come by. There has been only one Catholic church in the country, hidden away at the Italian Embassy that had to shut down because of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2018, there were an estimated 200 Catholics in Afghanistan.
In 2010, in territory that it controlled, the Taliban killed 10 humanitarian workers, who had been accused of spreading Christianity and being foreign spies. Reportedly, some leaders of underground house churches have received letters from Taliban that they are being watched. There is concern that Christians may be killed outright and that young Christian girls will be given in marriage to Taliban fighters. Even before the Taliban takeover, Christian converts from Islam faced ostracization and even violence from family members. As of August 16, two Indian Jesuits and four Missionaries of Charity were awaiting evacuation. Supporting Afghanistan’s Christians in practical ways will be extremely difficult—and prayer will be especially important.
NCR: Catholic Charities Mobilize to Aid Afghan Refugees, Urge Continued Prayers and Assistance
"Have ANY Catholic Question? Just ask Ron Smith at: hfmin...@roadrunner.com
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READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: https://oneyearbibleonline.com/august-oyb/?version=63&startmmdd=0101
August 26, 2021(Rev 6:9-11) And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held. And they cried with a loud voice, saying: How long, O Lord (Holy and True), dost thou not judge and revenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? And white robes were given to every one of them one; And it was said to them that they should rest for a little time till their fellow servants and their brethren, who are to be slain even as they, should be filled up.
CATHOLIC WORLD REPORT REVIEW: The fall of Afghanistan and the resurgence of radical Islam
REPORT: Afghanistan's Catholic 'hidden believers' and the underreported work of the church
AID TO THE CHURCH IN NEED: In Afghanistan, a dark future for religious freedom
On AUG. 19, 2021, the 102nd anniversary of the country’s independence from British rule, Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Taliban, declared Afghanistan as the “Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan” on the Taliban’s official Twitter account.
Thomas Heine-Geldern, executive president of Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), expresses profound concerns about the future of the country:
“During the rule of the previous Emirate of Afghanistan (1996 to 2001), the Taliban imposed a strict version of sharia law nationwide. We can expect that Sunni Islam will be the official religion, that Sharia law will be reimposed, and that hard-won respect for human rights, including a relative measure of religious freedom during the last 20 years will be revoked.
“ACN predicted the deterioration of the situation in its recent Religious Freedom in the World Report. Throughout the 22-year history of this report, Afghanistan has always been among the countries that most severely violates this fundamental right. Especially in the last three years, the report highlights, there have been repeated and egregious attacks against places of worship, religious leaders, and worshippers.
“Our analysis, unfortunately, does not leave much room for hope. All those who do not espouse the extreme Islamist views of the Taliban are at risk, even moderate Sunni. The Shia (10 percent of the population), the small Christian community, and all other religious minorities, already under threat, will suffer even greater oppression. This is a huge setback for all human rights and especially for religious freedom in the country.
“Regrettably, several countries quickly declared their sympathies for the new Emirate. This will not only help legitimize the Taliban, but also embolden authoritarian regimes all over the world, particularly in the region, spurring increasing violations of religious freedoms in their own countries. International recognition of the Taliban will also act as a magnet for smaller radical Islamic groups, creating a new constellation of religious terrorist factions that could supplant al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. Among others, areas of concern include Pakistan, Palestine, and the province of Idlib in Syria. The situation for Christians and other religious minority communities already suffering oppression, will further deteriorate.
“Aid to the Church in Need encourages the international community to raise a voice in protection of human rights for all citizens of Afghanistan, especially considering that we estimate that religious freedom will be particularly under threat. We also call on our donors and friends to continue to pray during this profoundly troubling time in the history of Afghanistan.”
More than 99 percent of the population is Muslim; the biggest group are Sunni, and 10 percent are Shia. Among other believers are a relatively equal number of Hindus, Bahai’s, Buddhists and Christians. Estimates of the number of Christians in Afghanistan vary from a high of 20,000 to possibly as low as 1,000. They live their lives of faith in secret, so accurate numbers are impossible to come by. There has been only one Catholic church in the country, hidden away at the Italian Embassy that had to shut down because of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2018, there were an estimated 200 Catholics in Afghanistan.
In 2010, in territory that it controlled, the Taliban killed 10 humanitarian workers, who had been accused of spreading Christianity and being foreign spies. Reportedly, some leaders of underground house churches have received letters from Taliban that they are being watched. There is concern that Christians may be killed outright and that young Christian girls will be given in marriage to Taliban fighters. Even before the Taliban takeover, Christian converts from Islam faced ostracization and even violence from family members. As of August 16, two Indian Jesuits and four Missionaries of Charity were awaiting evacuation. Supporting Afghanistan’s Christians in practical ways will be extremely difficult—and prayer will be especially important.
NCR: Catholic Charities Mobilize to Aid Afghan Refugees, Urge Continued Prayers and Assistance
Thoughts and Sayings of Saint Margaret Mary: Peace- Trust- Abandonment
30. Should you find yourself overwhelmed by fear, cast yourself into the abyss of the unshaken confidence of the Sacred Heart, and there your fear will give place to love. If you find yourself frail and weak, lapsing into faults at every moment, go to the Sacred Heart and draw from It the strength which will invigorate and revive you.Prayer request? Send an email to: PrayerR...@aol.com
"Have ANY Catholic Question? Just ask Ron Smith at: hfmin...@roadrunner.com
This month's archive can be found at: http://www.catholicprophecy.info/news2.html.
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