CP World Report: Fiscal Cliff, Morsi and Judicial Council, Gender-Based Violence Days
Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak announced his resignation yesterday saying he is quitting politics to spend more time with his family.
Congress returns this week without much public evidence of real progress on a deal to avoid the fiscal cliff; a term to describe a series of tax increases and spending cuts next year that could do serious damage to the economy. While members of congress tried to remain optimistic, they sounded warnings
Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi has been in meetings with the Supreme Judicial Council over the edict he issued last Thursday, giving him virtually unlimited powers; while diminishing that of the courts; that is, until a new constitution can be finalized. Morsi's office said his decree was to preserve the impartiality of the judiciary and to avoid politicizing it. The Supreme Judicial Council oversees all matters related to the judiciary and judges. It expressed dismay over Morsi's decision; which has also caused massive public demonstrations.
Christians around the world are taking part in 16 days of activism against gender-based violence. The UN awareness campaign started Sunday and is being supported by organisations like Tearfund and the World Council of Churches. The latter teamed up with the YWCA and World Student Christian Federation to produce a resource kit for churches to use during the 16 days. The kit includes Bible studies, videos, prayers and activity ideas. They cover issues like domestic violence, human trafficking, and initiatives promoting a paradigm shift away from the denial of women's human rights.
A new centre for global interreligious dialogue is opening today in Vienna. It's called "The King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz International Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue.The Center has the support of UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams. Its founding was overseen by Austria, Spain and Saudi Arabia. The Vatican is also supporting the initiative and has the role of Founding Observer.
A South Carolina woman proves that friendship transcends all differences... even college football rivalries. Katie McKee tells us about her selfless gift.