The secretary of the Italian bishops' conference has said that proponents of abortion, euthanasia, and same-sex marriage the "new enemies" of Christianity in Europe. Today, the bishop said, the Christian people face a new challenge, in the form of political forces that are "attempting to storm our cities, undermine their peaceful order, and bring turbulence into their lives."
In trying to clear up the "mysteries" about Jesus to reduce him to an ordinary man, we end by creating a still more unexplainable mystery.
The Christian Social Union suspended 6 members due to suspicion of right-wing extremist activities. Regensburg's public prosecutor is investigating the six on charges of incitement, coercion and use of symbols of unconstitutional organizations.
It might be Germany's smallest state with a population of less than 700,000, but the make-up of Bremen's new government could curb the ability of Angela Merkel's coalition to continue with planned reforms.
German Development Minister Wieczorek-Zeul Wednesday stepped up pressure on disgraced World Bank president Paul Wolfowitz to resign, saying he would not be welcome at a forum the bank is holding next week in Berlin.
France and Germany have long been the motor of the EU. But new French President Sarkozy has called that dynamic into doubt. He may be more interested in French protectionism than European cooperation.
Nicolas Sarkozy was inaugurated as France's new president on Wednesday. Der Spiegel spoke with French intellectual Max Gallo about why France wants Sarkozy, what his election means for la Grande Nation, and how Sarkozy is like Napoleon.
[WAR: And remember, Napoleon was at war with the papacy and the Holy Roman Empire of the GERMAN Nation!]
The new French President was greeted in Berlin last night like an old friend. For a moment it seemed as if the Franco-German partnership, the engine that has powered the integration of Europe for 50 years, might splutter into life again.
Britain and Germany are locked in a high-stakes tug-of-love over Nicolas Sarkozy, the new French President, amid clashing visions of Europe's future. London is becoming increasingly isolated in the EU over its efforts to limit the scope of the revived EU constitution.
The danger is that Mr Blair will sign Britain up to a treaty that is too integrationist and that Mr Brown, blaming his predecessor, will then try to avoid holding a referendum. Not only Mr Brown's future is at stake: the fate of Britain could be determined over the coming weeks.
German press...
Russia and the EU have engaged in a diplomatic courting ritual this week as if between equal partners, trying to clear the way for a trade and energy summit on Friday. But who, exactly, needs who? German commentators whiff an elephant in the room.
As he prepares for a crucial meeting with top EU officials that starts today, President Putin is finding out that his confrontational policies toward several European countries have unexpectedly united the 27-member bloc, diplomats said.
A Palestinian from the Gaza Strip who works for the humanitarian organization Doctors Without Borders has been arrested for allegedly plotting to assassinate Prime Minister Olmert.
Italy would consider sending peacekeepers to the Gaza Strip if the Palestinian government requested help to end factional fighting, Foreign Minister Massimo D'Alema said on Wednesday. Italy is leading the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon.
Suspected militants being held in Saudi Arabia on charges of plotting terror attacks have told prosecutors their main aim had been to draw the US into Saudi territory. They also said they had planned to attack Saudi Arabia's Bqeeq oil field. They believed that the US would have moved in to protect the oil field if the attack was carried out. If this had happened, according to the militants, the US would have been an easy target for Al Qaeda attacks.
Musharraf's firm grip on the affairs of state has until now served Washington's interests well, as he has been able to steer the country into the US camp as an ally in the "war on terror". However, Musharraf may be more the problem than the solution.
One year from now, Iran could possess the means of producing a nuclear bomb - that was the chilling message delivered by Ambassador Dore Gold during an interview with Ynetnews Tuesday.
Iran's nuclear programs are once again being pushed to centre stage as a second UN deadline is due to expire next week.
Bravo!...
Tony Blair last night made his most passionate defence of the "special relationship" with the US warning that it would be a "dark day" for Britain if it was ever abandoned by his successors. In what will be seen as a warning to Gordon Brown never to loosen ties with Washington, Blair said the greatest danger to the world would be if America were to "disengage" from other major powers in the West.
Boooo!...
Tony Blair plans to convert to Catholicism after stepping down as Prime Minister, it was claimed last night. "He's been going to Mass every Sunday. He goes on his own when he is abroad, not just when he is with his wife and children."
It is clear that Ron Paul is continuing to panic the Establishment. How else can one describe the ongoing efforts of all mainstream media outlets to discredit and downplay his surging popularity?
Oil prices rose slightly in Asian trading today on continued concerns about gasoline supply - despite a US government report that showed stockpiles of the fuel increased last week.
Today, many academics believe that "transnational forces," especially TNCs, are eroding state power.
The Russian Orthodox Church Abroad has reunited with the Russian Orthodox Church after 80 years of schism sparked by the Bolshevik revolution.
(IHT: 2 Russian churches reuniting)
Depth, Mystery, Complexity, and Beauty
One of the deepest ways a woman bears the image of God is in her mystery. By mystery we don't mean "forever beyond your knowing," but "something to be explored." "It is the glory of God to conceal a matter," says the book of Proverbs, "to search out a matter is the glory of kings" (25:2). God yearns to be known. But he wants to be sought after by those who would know him. He says, "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart" (Jer. 29:13). There is dignity here; God does not throw himself at any passerby. He is no harlot. If you would know him you must love him; you must seek him with your whole heart.
This is crucial to any woman's soul, not to mention her sexuality. "You cannot simply have me. You must seek me, pursue me. I won't let you in unless I know you love me." Is not [God] a great mystery? Not something to be solved, but to be known with ever-deepening pleasure and awe, something to be enjoyed. Just like God, a woman is not a problem to be solved, but a vast wonder to be enjoyed. This is so true of her sexuality. Few women can or even want to "just do it." Foreplay is crucial to her heart, the whispering and loving and exploring of each other that culminates in intercourse. That is a picture of what it means to love her soul. She yearns to be known, and that takes time and intimacy. It requires an unveiling. As she is sought after, she reveals more of her beauty. As she unveils her beauty, she draws us to know her more deeply. Whatever else it means to be feminine, it is depth and mystery and complexity, with beauty as the very essence. Every woman has a beauty to unveil. (Captivating , pg. 41–42)
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