Roundup: Kippax, Philippines typhoon appeal, the departing young, frankincense on the way out, Egypt

Christmas giving at UnitingCare Kippax

ACT Chief Minister Katy Gallagher has lent a hand to UnitingCare Kippax to distribute Christmas food hampers and toys to members of the Canberra community experiencing financial difficulties.

Uniting Church launches Typhoon Washi Appeal

The Uniting Church in Australia has launched an emergency appeal in response to the devastating impact of Typhoon Sendong (Washi) that stuck southern Philippines on Friday, December 17, 2011.

Millennials to the Church: Wake Up or We’re Outta Here

Research indicates younger people are not only departing from their elders on “social issues,” such as same-sex marriage and abortion, but on wealth distribution and care for the environment, as well.

Frankincense production is doomed, scientists warn

Trees that produce frankincense, a fragrant resin used in incense and perfumes and a central part of the Christmas story, are declining so fast that production could be halved over the next 15 years.

Egypt’s Christian minority wary of too much foreign support

“It’s not to our benefit to have loud voices overseas talking about Christians,” said Ramez Atallah, general secretary of the Bible Society of Egypt. “It’s a great benefit to us to have loud voices abroad talking about a more universal bill of rights for all Egyptians.”