The history and politics of the First Intifada

What came to be known as the First Intifada unfolding in Gaza Strip, 1987. Historians of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict identify two highly significant moments in the long drawn-out conflict by the names given to them by Palestinians: the First and Second Intifada. An overview In Arabic, the word "Intifada "(ุงู†ุชูุงุถุฉ) literally means "shaking off" or "uprising." …

Why listening counts as reading

On the equivalence of reading and listening to a book The rapid growth of audiobooks has revived an unexpectedly vigorous debate about the meaning of reading. Recently, several friends have waxed lyrical and passionate about whether or not reading a book in the traditional manner is superior to listening to the same text read aloud …

Liturgy and worship in Papua New Guinea (Part 2)

Contextualisation, unity and the future As churches in Papua New Guinea grew and changed through the twentieth century, the need for worship resources that could be used across linguistic and denominational boundaries became increasingly apparent. The challenge was not to produce a single liturgy acceptable to all churches, since there existed genuine theological differences concerning …

Liturgy and worship in Papua New Guinea (Part 1)

Tradition, diversity and growth Pope Francis shares a moment with Mundiya Kepanga, a Papuan activist and leader from Papua New Guinea, at the Vatican May 8, 2024. (CNS photo/Vatican Media) The history of Christian liturgy and worship in Papua New Guinea is a remarkable development in modern world Christianity. Within little more than a century, …

Accompaniment as Christian witness

EAPPI officers from sending countries visit a bedouin village in the Jordan Valley. Photo: Rod Benson, 2013. The history and achievement of EAPPI Rod Benson The Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel is among the most sustained and distinctive human rights initiatives of the modern ecumenical movement. Established by the World Council of Churches …