Editorial

The Church and the future of East Timor

Peter Westmore

Contents - Oct 1999 - Buy a copy now Editorial: The Church and the future of East Timor - Peter Westmore Catholic objections to the 'morning-after' pill - Maria Luisa Di Pietro News: The Church Around the World Australian bishops' report on women: majority supports orthodoxy - Michael Gilchrist Pope Pius XII's efforts to avert World War II - Zenit News Service The UN's war on population confronts religious principles - Stephen Hitchings Bishop John Myers of Peoria on the meaning of teaching authority - Bishop John Myers Catholic counselling support group - Peter Watt Spanish academic revives speculation about authenticity of the Holy Grail - Zenit News Service Apostleship of the Sea: the Stella Maris Seafarers' Centre - AD2000 Report Reflection: A Kolbe Quartet - Msgr Peter J. Elliott

The rapid pace of events in East Timor has focussed on the violence which preceded and followed the referendum held on August 27, with the breakdown of civil order in the territory.

Almost completely ignored has been the central role of the Church over many years in East Timor.

While the Indonesian Government has spent large amounts on developing roads, schools and a civil service in East Timor, the repressive actions of its army have created a climate of fear and hostility evident in the vote for independence.

At this time of suffering and anxiety, the Church's role in East Timor has been exemplary. It has served to protect the faith and culture of the East Timorese people, and as a result, the Church is vibrant and growing rapidly. Virtually the whole population of East Timor is Christian.

It is not clear that the rival armed units operating in East Timor can be disarmed; but the Church remains the only body in Timor capable of bringing about a peaceful resolution to the present crisis. The actions of Bishop Belo, Apostolic Administrator in East Timor, have served as a unifying factor in this divided country.

Australian Catholics have a special obligation - both through their prayers and material aid - to ensure that East Timor enjoys a peaceful and prosperous future in accord with the will of the majority of its people.

Peter Westmore: Publisher (Email - freedom@connexus.net.au)

Reprinted from AD2000 Vol 12 No 9 (October 1999), p. 2