UK ‘losing fight’ against internet crime, warn MPs;Nearly 100 war crimes suspects’ in UK last year; Anglican youth join the Pope on Copacabana for two inspirational nights; Muslims and Christians together for Egypt
UK ‘losing fight’ against internet crime, warn MPs
BBC – The UK must do more to stop online fraud and deter state-sponsored cyber-espionage or risk losing the fight against e-crime, MPs have warned.
The Home Affairs Select Committee said much low-level internet-based financial crime was falling into a “black hole” and was not reported to the police.
The MPs said more officers should be trained in digital crime detection and e-crime experts protected from cuts.
The Home Office said the authorities must “keep pace” with criminals.
It called for a dedicated cyber-espionage team to respond to attacks, many of which are believed to be backed by foreign governments because they are so sophisticated. More at –
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-23495121
Nearly 100 war crimes suspects’ in UK last year
BBC – The Home Office last year identified nearly 100 suspected war criminals who had made UK immigration applications, figures released to the BBC suggest.
The majority of cases involved people already likely to have been living in Britain for a number of years.
Suspects originated from countries including Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Rwanda, Serbia and Sri Lanka.
The Home Office says it is determined the UK doesn’t become a “refuge for war criminals”.
Human rights groups are calling for more criminal prosecutions in Britain as the courts commonly block deportation on human rights grounds if suspects face torture or death in their home country.
The figures emerged from a Freedom of Information request made by the BBC.
They show that, in the 15 months from January 2012, the Home Office researched nearly 800 cases where individuals were suspected of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-23495314
Anglican youth join the Pope on Copacabana for two inspirational nights
ENS – For the last week, a small group of 8 Anglican young adults from 5 countries have been in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil for the World Anglican Youth Encounter.
The brainchild of the Rev. Nicholas Wheeler and the Rev. Daniel Cabral of the Diocese of Rio de Janeiro, with the support of diocesan bishop Filadelfo Oliveira, this event is taking place alongside World Youth Day, an event attracting millions of Catholic youth from around the world.
On Friday, the faithful throngs crowded along Copacabana beach to walk the Stations of the Cross, life-sized constructions along Avenida Atlantica, at where the cross of World Youth Day and the Icon of Our Lady paused and the dramatization of each station was televised on the multiple big screens along the beach. At the end of the procession, the cross was raised on the stage from which the Pope delivered a sermon in a mixture of Spanish and Portuguese. For Oliver Petter from the Diocese of London, currently in his second year of seminary in Oxford, Friday evening’s events were particularly impressive. The difference in the symbolism in Brazil was of note for him—he commented that many countries perform the stations of the cross with a ‘body’ present, but: “…to process with an empty cross here with a crown of thorns…it symbolizes absence, loss…and yet 1 million people there on the beach, such a manifestation of resurrection, in stillness and reverence…that was very moving…”
On Saturday, the vigil previously scheduled was for a thirteen kilometer hike, ending at a campsite at Pedra de Guaritiba. However, three days’ worth of rain in Rio made for unsustainable conditions at the field, and the event was rescheduled for Copacabana beach. Thousands upon thousands staked out locations to set up camp and stay overnight, and the Pope processed along the street to greet the crowd before arriving at the main stage for an event of music, testimonies from various individuals from throughout the country, and ending with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. Pope Francis praised the spirit and strength of youth today, exhorting them to be leaders in their communities—of faith and otherwise—to call for change, and be guided by their faith to create a church not for a small few, but large enough for all of humanity to be included. The feelings of hope and inspiration were almost tangible, an emotional high note to prepare for tomorrow’s closing Mass, also to be held on Copacabana. For these 8 young Anglicans, this time in Brazil is nearing its end, but what they will take away from this experience is only beginning.
Muslims and Christians together for Egypt
ACNS – The Anglican Diocese of Egypt with North Africa and the Horn of Africa invited Muslim leaders and politicians, along with Christian leaders from different denominations, for an Iftar or a break of the fast of Ramadan, at All Saints Cathedral Hall.
More than 130 people attended the Iftar including the Grand Mufti of Egypt, the Deputy of the Grand Imam of Al Azhar, the former Grand Mufti of Egypt, and the Ambassadors of the UK, Holland, Australia, Ireland and Switzerland.
The Most Revd Dr Mouneer Hanna Anis, Bishop of the Diocese and Primate of the Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East, spoke of the importance of working together for building a new Egypt. A diocesan spokesman said: “The spirit of joy and celebration prevailed among all participants and several leaders affirmed that the resuming of national unity is of the utmost importance for the future of Egypt, especially after the recent demonstrations and the appointment of a new civil government.”