NEWS

{mosimage}The deal between Canada and the United States which forces refugees to apply for refugee status in the first country they land will remain in force while the federal government appeals a Federal Court ruling that the agreement is illegal.

{mosimage}TORONTO - The ecumenical social justice organization KAIROS is urging churches to use their investment portfolios to encourage peace between Israel and Palestine.

OTTAWA - Quebec Cardinal Marc Ouellet has already begun his new assignment guiding next fall’s Synod of Bishops at the same time preparations move into high gear for the 2008 International Eucharistic Congress June 15-22.

{mosimage}Editor’s note: following are the recipients of the proceeds from the 2007 Cardinal’s Dinner held in October in Toronto and the amount disbursed to each organization. A total of $145,500 was disbursed.

TORONTO - Toronto’s archbishop is inviting members of the business community to join him for a Lenten Mass and breakfast on Feb. 20.

{mosimage}TORONTO - In theory all faiths share a commitment to the poor. The ecumenical Christian social justice coalition KAIROS will test out that theory at a meeting for representatives from all faiths to talk about ways of reducing poverty rates in Toronto.

{mosimage}TORONTO - Politics and poverty are about to find themselves on the same stage in Ontario and nationally.

“The issue is back on the table,” said Michael Polyani, KAIROS’ Canadian social development expert.

OTTAWA - It’s on to round two of the court battle between Canada’s refugee advocates and the federal government.

{mosimage}The 20th anniversary of the Morgentaler decision that left Canada without any laws restricting abortion was both mourned and celebrated in the nation’s capital.

{mosimage}TORONTO - Aid workers, church groups and peace activists are deeply disappointed in the Manley panel’s report on Canada’s future role in Afghanistan — which calls for Canada to continue its mission while seeking more troops from NATO — with aid workers worried the panel’s approach to development could result in murders and kidnapping of project staff and Taliban targeting of communities where they work.