Church survey IN A LOCAL survey of Catholic young people in Ho Chi Minh City, capital of Vietnam, more than two-thirds of the 18-35 year olds questioned said religion occupies an increasingly important place in social life, while over half said they consider religion to be a driving force or guide that leads believers towards goodness. Almost all said they were comfortable with their Catholic identity.
Excommunicate BISHOP FABIAN Bruskewitz of Lincoln, Nebraska, has come under criticism for announcing that any Catholics in hisdiocese still belonging to specific groups on 15 April would be barred from Holy Communion. If they have not left the groups, which include Planned Parenthood and Catholics for a Free Choice, by 15 May, they will be automatically excommunicated.
Painting stolen A PAINTING of Our Lady of Good Counsel has been cut from its frame and stolen from a Catholic church in Dublin. The picture was taken from the St Mary of the Angels Capuchin chapel, and was over 100 years old.
Release
Morocco's Ministry for Human Rights has confirmed that a Moroccan Christian, imprisoned for his Christian ativities, has been realeased. Jamaa Ait Bakrim has been imprisoned four times for his beliefs. His release was the culmination of more than six months campaigning by the Jubilee Campaign, which worked with more than 20 MPs and MEPs to gain Jamaa's release, and encourged Christians to pray for him
Catholic schools FOR THE FOURTH consecutive year, enrolment has increased in Catholic schools throughout the United States. "This shows that parents want a value-based education," said Robert Kealey, director of NCEA's department of elementary schools.