This comes on the first anniversary of Ireland’s abortion referendum where the country voted overwhelmingly in favour of legalising terminations.

The 25th May 2018 vote effectively repealed the eighth amendment of the Irish constitution, which stated that a pregnant woman and a foetus had an equal right to life.

Bishop of Elphin Kevin Doran said he was saddened at last year’s decision to liberalise the regime surrounding early terminations.

He said many people voted for change with ambivalence and may not be happy with their choices.

“In marking this anniversary, we reaffirm our belief in the fundamental dignity and right to life of every human being from conception to natural death,” he said.

“This is not simply a matter of faith, it is what reason and common sense suggests.

“There remains a real sadness that the majority of Irish people, for a variety of reasons, said ‘yes’ to abortion if not for themselves, then at least as an option for others.”

However, he insisted that many people remain committed to protecting the lives of unborn children.

“The challenge now remains for us, in these changed circumstances, to find new and more effective ways to serve life and to bear witness to the essential goodness and beauty of every life,” Bishop Kevin added.

“This is the mission…

Threats of violence towards religious minorities has been on the rise in India since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power five years ago.

President Narendra Modi has secured a further five year term with the BJP winning an increased majority, as the world’s largest general election ends.

More than 800 million people voted in the marathon six-week contest.

Religious freedom charity Open Doors, who recorded over 700 attacks in 2017, fears the marginalisation of the country’s Christian minority could intensify following the election results.

They have accused authorities of failing to intervene against these crimes, contributing to the strengthening of Hindu radicals.

Open Doors representative Erin James told Premier: “It’s all religious minorities and even ethnic minorities.

“The BJP believes that to be Indian is to be Hindu and they’ve been making life really difficult for minorities.

“The BJP have been polarizing the minds of Indians on the grounds of religion and it’s rousing religious intolerance and promoting Hinduism as the only religion in India and belittling Christians and Muslims as intruders.”

India is number ten on the 2019 World Watch List – Open Doors’ annual ranking of the 50 countries where Christians face the most extreme persecution.

Stay up to date with the latest news stories from a Christian…

The loyalist marches due to take place on 1st and 2nd June and have been moved away from a stretch of London Road passing St Alphonsus RC Church, where a Catholic priest was spat on.

Fr Thomas White (below) was targeted as an Orange walk went by the place of worship on 7th July last year.

Police raised concerns with Glasgow City Council that similar marches had prompted counter-protests and this was likely to be repeated next weekend.

Had the previous route been used, Police Scotland said more officers including specialist resources would have been necessary to safely manage the parades and any protests.

The decision was made by the council due to timing with the holiday weekend not allowing enough opportunity for organisers to appeal a committee decision.

The affected processions are those of the Apprentice Boys of Derry (Bridgeton) and Dalmarnock No Surrender Branch Club, both at 5pm on Saturday 1st June, and Dalmarnock Orange & Purple District 50 and Orange & Purple District 37, both at 11.15am on Sunday 2nd June.

A spokesman for Glasgow City Council said: “Police have raised significant concern about the impact of these marches and counter protests – both on the local community and their own resources.

“The council’s decision to reroute the processions is proportionate and maintains the participants’ right to…