This current issue of ARC-News covers five different themes or topics: religious freedom and ministry, child murder, conscientious objection to military service, forced contraception, and disaster preparedness for the elderly. Each theme has a different tone and perspective, but they all relate to some aspect of human rights, dignity, and justice. The right to life has no rational justification without the right to exercise religious faith.
The first topic deals with how Christians are called to preach the gospel and minister to the poor, the oppressed, and the marginalized. The author cites biblical passages and examples from Jesus and the apostles to support this claim. The author also argues that preaching and ministering are not mutually exclusive, but rather complementary aspects of practical ministry. The author uses the acronym P&M (Preach & Minister) to summarize this idea. He also provides some historical evidence of how the early church grew through the service of deacons who cared for the needy. And he emphasizes that this is not just a theoretical or theological concept, but a hands-on ministry that helps the church grow.
Next, the second theme is about a horrific case of infanticide in Ohio, where a mother killed her newborn baby and asked her daughter to help dispose of the body. The mother claimed that she did it because the baby would have caused more expenses. The baby was found in the trunk of a car after paramedics noticed that the mother had recently given birth. The baby had been born alive and healthy before he was suffocated in a plastic bag. The article reports the details of the crime, the investigation, and the charges against the mother and daughter. It also includes some quotes from the police and the coroner's office. This article conveys a sense of shock and outrage at the brutality and callousness of the mother and daughter.
Thirdly, it relates a lawsuit filed by Greenland women who were sterilized without their consent by Danish doctors in the 1960s and 1970s. The women claim that they lost their ability to bear children because of this policy, which was motivated by paternalism, racism, and economic interests. The women demand immediate compensation, as they are getting older and fear that they will not live to see justice. The article explains the background and context of the policy, which affected half of the indigenous women in Greenland. The article also mentions how the policy was exposed by a podcast that sparked a political debate. The article quotes a psychologist who initiated the request for compensation and expresses her frustration with the slow pace of the government inquiry.
The fourth theme tells that in Russia, military courts have imprisoned four men who refused to fight in Ukraine on religious grounds. These conscientious objectors are from various Christian denominations and were not allowed to perform alternative civilian service. This raises questions about religious freedom and the right to conscientious objection, which is enshrined in the constitution. The text calls attention to the cases of these individuals who stood firm in their beliefs.
And fifthly, you can learn about the vulnerability and resilience of older adults in disasters. The author explains that older adults are not only the least prepared for disasters, but also have the highest rate of disaster-related deaths. The author also notes that not all older adults are equally vulnerable, as it depends on their health, social support, and living situation. The author offers some tips on how to be prepared and assist others in disasters, such as having an emergency plan, staying informed, keeping in touch with family and friends, and seeking professional help if needed. The author also cites some statistics and sources to support his claims. The author aims to raise awareness and provide guidance for older adults and their caregivers in disaster situations.
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