Ecumenical News International News Highlights 27 February 2003

Nigeria’s Christian and Muslim leaders unite in call for peaceful election

Abuja (ENI). Nigeria’s Christian and Muslim leaders have united in calling on Muslims to embrace peace and the spirit of tolerance. In a message to Muslims, who make up some 50 per cent of the 130 million people in the country, Anthony Olubunmi Okogie, the Roman Catholic archbishop of Lagos, expressed dismay that terrorism was being promoted by radical Islamic elements. The calls of the leaders come ahead of national elections, scheduled for April, that are seen by many as a critical test of the democratisation process in Africa’s most populous country. [469 words, ENI-03-0088]

Orthodox priests to become alcohol-abuse counsellors in Alaska

New York (ENI). Closer to Russia than to the rest of the United States, and separated by Canada from the contiguous states, Alaska is arguably among the most beautiful locales in the US, with its mountains and vast, sprawling wilderness. But the state, with a reputation from outside for big bears and gold rushes, has an unflattering underside: it has one of the most serious alcohol-abuse problems in the US. A new initiative of the Orthodox Church in America aims, however, to address this debilitating problem. [443 words, ENI-03-0087]

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