eni-summary list Ecumenical News International News Highlights 10 September 2003

Southern Africa clerics condemn Zimbabwe ‘paramilitary’ programme

Johannesburg (ENI). South African and Zimbabwean clerics have charged that an official youth training programme in Zimbabwe is in reality a paramilitary force being used by the ruling party to cling to power through violence. Zimbabwe’s National Youth Service Training Programme is being used by the ruling Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front party of President Robert Mugabe “to maintain their hold on power by whatever means necessary, including torture, rape, murder and arson,” the church leaders said. [453 words, ENI-03-0481]

Indian Supreme Court ruling on conversion law a ‘setback’ say Christians

New Delhi (ENI). Church groups have expressed disappointment over a Supreme Court decision that in effect permits governmental authorities to prevent people from changing faiths. The court on 1 September ruled that there was “no fundamental right to convert” someone from one religion to another, and that the government could impose restrictions on conversions. [407 words, ENI-03-0483]

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