Developments across Asia in the past week were shocking for groups fighting for religious freedom and democracy. Authoritarian governments continued their arm-twisting tactics to remain in power as the Covid-19 pandemic continued to claim thousands of lives.

With 132 million people aged between 15-33, Pakistan is the fifth largest young country in the world. The Muslim-majority nation also has the second-largest youth population in South Asia after India. However, young people from religious minorities, such as Christians and Hindus, face social discrimination. They have fewer opportunities for education, jobs, and to develop their talents. Organizations like Youth Development Foundation or YDF attempt to bridge this gap through collaborative programs. Shahid Rehmat, YDF, Executive Director in conversation with Kamran Chaudhary.

The temptation to avoid the cross is not one that Jesus alone faced. We, too, face it. That is the reason Jesus tells us that we must be willing to take up the cross.

The struggle for democracy and freedom of religion and speech continued across Asia as the world observed International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief on August 22. The desire for democracy endures in several Asian nations amid fanatic violence and a pandemic that refuses to die out.

The corona virus pandemic has forced limits upon Christians’ ability to gather in churches to pray and celebrate liturgy. In some places, churches are closed. In others, the number of those who can join liturgies is limited to a fraction of what used to be normal. In this episode, Father William Grimm, who lives in Japan, shares experience of Christians in Japan during centuries of persecution that may have something to teach us today.

The important thing about Peter and the important thing about me is that Christ has chosen us to be Church. He has set us up in all our weakness and declared that the gates of death will not prevail against us.

Three Asian nations observed independence days this week, marking their freedom from colonial rule in the middle of the last century. It is more than seven decades since India, Indonesia and Pakistan gained political independence but their people continue to complain about lack of freedom of speech and religion.

The Incarnation means that Jesus really was a man of his time, his place and his people. He spoke their language, he dressed as they dressed, he had the same prejudices they had.

Several parts of Asia witnessed heavy rain and floods this week as the region continued to fight the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the natural disasters did not deter governments from violating people’s freedom of religion and speech.

It is not even a year since Pope Francis visited Japan to answer critics of his declaration that even the possession of nuclear weapons is immoral. But did the World War II truly end? From Japan, Father William Grimm, in this episode of Observations, look at the possibility of being able to say prayers of thanksgiving for a peaceful world without the threat of atomic weapons.