News and Prophecy Staff

A recent report by the Vatican’s Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace proposes the “establishment of a supranational authority to oversee the global economy” (New York Times, October 24, 2011).

When 27 EU leaders met in Brussels last week to discuss how to save their common currency, the ten non-members of the eurozone (including Britain, Denmark and Poland) were asked to leave the eight-hour meeting that followed a reception!

Throughout its history, the United States government has strictly avoided getting involved in matters dealing with churches and religion.  However, in a current Supreme Court case, a woman is suing the Lutheran Church with a disability claim—something previously prohibited due to interpretation of federal law.  A U.S. attorney is arguing that the case has “nothing to do with religion and church practice.”  However, several Supreme Court justices expressed “shock” at the reasoning of the U.S. attorney.  One justice, appointed by the President, stated she was “amazed” by the argument.

In a recent Russian Izvestia article, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin shared his vision for a Eurasian union.  Mr. Putin noted this future union would include several former “Eastern Block” nations, and also nations from Asia and the Pacific Rim.  His vision calls for “a close integration based on new values and economic and political foundation [that] is a demand of the present time.”  Mr.

On Sunday, October 23, a 7.2 earthquake shook Turkey, destroying thousands of buildings, killing more than 500 people, injuring more than 1,600 and leaving as many as 40,000 homeless (Telegraph, October 27, 2011; Washington Post, October 27, 2011).