Franciscans International News Briefs - 17 July 2008

Franciscan Testimony: Violence in the tea shops of Salarappatti In India, in the region of Tamil Nadu, Sr. Joséphine Gertrude, Franciscan Missionary of Mary, tell the ordinary violence that strike the Dalits, those we still call “The Untouchables”. Difficult facts, told without turnings and with much simplicity, in the light of the first article of the Universal Declaration of the Human Rights. Read this article

World Youth Days 2008 to launch in Sydney From 15-20 July, the twenty-third annual World Youth Days will unfurl in Sydney, Australia. Two hundred and twenty-five thousand young pilgrims will journey to Australia, responding to the call of Pope Benedict XVI. Read this article

Biak Incident of 1998, remembered On 6 July 1998, a flag-raising ceremony in Biak, Papua, unfolded into a violent incident which to-date has never been investigated by the authorities. Read this article

UN marks day of support for torture victims As the United Nations honors June 26 as the annual day of support for torture victims, Franciscans around the world continue their global efforts to abolish torture. Read this article

Kenya: Youth Peace Building Forum Taking place on 5 July 2008, the Youth Peace Building Forum aims to let youth talk amongst themselves and share the dream they have for their country, Kenya. Read this article

FI Continues to Pray for Zimbabweans as Political Violence Escalates Read this article