National Day of Prayer event to take place
A National Day of Prayer event will take place at noon May 1 at the flag pole at the La Plata County Courthouse, 1060 East Second Ave.
English city probes Islamic influence in schools
LONDON – The English city of Birmingham has expanded its probe into an alleged Muslim plot to greatly expand Islamic influence in the city’s schools.
The investigation announced Monday will look into 25 schools after more than 200 complaints were received.
The complaints focus on allegations made in an anonymous letter known as Operation Trojan Horse that was leaked. It claimed a group of radical Muslims had plans to force out teachers and administrators who resisted plans to increase the observance of Islamic customs in schools.
The letter’s authenticity has not been verified.
Birmingham’s City Council and the Department for Education are both investigating complaints that boys and girls have been segregated in class, that sex education has been banned and that non-Muslim staff have been bullied.
Vatican responds to next round of UN abuse inquiry
VATICAN CITY – The Vatican has responded to the latest round of U.N. sex abuse inquiries by suggesting it is only responsible for implementing a U.N. treaty against torture within the confines of the tiny Vatican City State.
The Vatican issued a statement Tuesday ahead of a May 5-6 hearing that will likely delve into the Vatican’s failures to stop clergy sex abuse around the globe. Another U.N. committee interrogated the Holy See about abuse in January.
In an indication it will seek to limit its responsibility, the Vatican said it signed the torture treaty in 2002 “exclusively in the name of and on behalf of” the 110-acre Vatican City State, where fewer than 1,000 people live. The Vatican said it will “undertake its obligations on behalf of that state.”
Blessing of the Fleet tradition continues
PASS CHRISTIAN, Miss. – A Roman Catholic priest has prayed over the boats and crews in Pass Christian, Miss.
Father Mike Austin, who pastors a local parish, strode along the docks Sunday sprinkling holy water on each boat and pausing to bless their crews in the 38th annual Pass Christian Blessing of the fleet.
He asked God for a good, prosperous fishing season for the working boats, fun on the water for the owners of pleasure craft “and safety for all.” Austin said he also prayed for protection from hurricanes.
The Sun Herald reports at one point the priest went aboard a Vietnamese fishing boat. Not quite understanding what the fishermen were asking, he found they wanted him to bless the Virgin Mary statue they carry aboard the boat.
Herald Staff & Associated Press
