New abortion law resistance
Following the legalisation of abortion in February, “reports are streaming in of nurses and doctors who are refusing to perform abortions”, according to the organisation Doctors For Life. It said that of about 1000 nurses at the Pretoria
Academic Hospital, only ten said they were willing to perform abortions. The organisation also said it would obtain legal advice for pro-life doctors and nurses if necessary.
Namibia Church breaks away
The recently constituted Namibian bishops’ conference was formally launched at a Mass in Windhoek’s St Mary’s cathedral. At the altar (as pictured on the front-page) were Archbishop Boniface Haushiku of Windhoek, papal nuncio Archbishop Ambrose de Paoli, and Bishop Josef Shikongo of Rundu. Previously Namibia had been part of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference.
Church is helping Africa
In his editorial, Michael Shackleton writes that “in spite of adversity, the Church is working in Africa to improve the spiritual and temporal welfare of all. Although its influence is often perceived as suspect, the Church must continue to help Africa to help itself.”
Previous “From The Vaults” articles at www.scross.co.za/vaults
- At the heart of Jesus’ teachings lies the mystery of the Kingdom of God, which today’s Gospel likens to treasure and a pearl (cf. Mt 13:44–52). The parables convey the surprise of those who find something far beyond what they could have hoped for, so much so that selling or leaving everything behind no longer seems a sacrifice, but a gain. - July 26, 2026
- R to @Pontifex: Let us #PrayTogether for all those peoples throughout the world who are suffering because of war. May the Lord touch the hearts and enlighten the minds of those in power, so that reconciliation and #peace may soon prevail. - July 26, 2026
- R to @Pontifex: I likewise renew my plea regarding the situation throughout the #MiddleEast, where the intensification of military operations has again wreaked violence and destruction, endangering the lives of countless civilians and further aggravating the shortages of drinking water and electricity. From the depths of my heart, I exhort all parties involved to suspend the attacks and urgently reopen paths of dialogue and diplomacy, so that the longed-for peace for the entire region may be achieved without delay. - July 26, 2026
