Cyprus: The ‘great divide’
Cyprus is mentioned numerous times in the Bible and Barnabas, one of the earliest Christian missionaries, was a native Cypriot. A 1974 Turkish invasion and occupation of the north has divided the island to this day, creating as many as 230,000 refugees. The Republic of Cyprus, claiming authority over the whole island, is recognized internationally as the official state, while only Turkey recognizes the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. The Orthodox Church is a key element of Greek Cypriot culture and identity and Cyprus is one of the more religious countries in the EU. However there is much bitterness and prejudice between the Greek Cypriot Christians of the south and Turkish Cypriots in the north.
Croatia: Dubrovnik Caritas sent tons of goods to Tanzania
The following is an English translation from a Croatian newspaper. A container with 5,200 pounds of clothing started early last week from Caritas Diocese of Dubrovnik to the needy in Tanzania. It is a charitable action that has taken fifty volunteers, along with the staff of Caritas, three months. The action was a response to the members of the prayer group EFFATHA and young people from the parish of St. Peter-Boninovo. The need for such charitable action emerged last summer after a visit by the Reverend David to the Archdiocese of Songea in Tanzania. The goods that they are sending will be distributed free of charge to the needy.
Bulgaria: Unreached people, Islam and terrorism
There are sixteen language groups in Bulgaria - the three main ones are Romani, Turkish, and Bulgarian. Gypsies are one of the major ethnic groups who, under the communist regime, were sent to ghettos to live without electricity or running water. Today, because of their isolation and poor living conditions many Gypsies are not educated and unable to find jobs. Islam in Bulgaria dates to the Ottoman era and is practiced today with folk magic. Muslims are largely unaware of Islamic teachings and Muslim missionaries (who outnumber Christian missionaries) are funded to teach Bulgarian Muslims a ‘’purer Islam’ and to push for greater Islamic influence. 24% of Bulgarians have never heard of Jesus. Meanwhile the English Government’s foreign travel advice warns, ‘There is an underlying threat from terrorism in Bulgaria’. See: Tourist
Bosnia: Participation in war against IS.
Recently Bosnia donated more than 550 tons of surplus arms and ammunition to Iraq as part of its involvement in the U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State militants. The donation was made on request from the United States and comprises arms and ammunition produced decades ago, when Bosnia was part of the now-defunct Yugoslav federation. Bosnia is not in the NATO alliance but hopes to join. On Monday and Tuesday of this week (8 & 9 June) the special Envoy of President Obama for the Global Coalition against the Islamic State, General John Allen, held meetings with the members of the Presidency of Bosnia. Allen also attended a separate Forum on security in Bosnia before going on to Zagreb, where he met with Croatian political and security officials.
