The White House will halt the deportation of as many as 800,000 young illegal immigrants and in some cases give them work permits.

The move was opposed by the United States and Israel.

As protest continue, Fernando Lugo, the bishop-turned-president who was impeached on June 22, announced that he was forming a parallel government.

Refugees are continuing to arrive from Syria as more Christians and Alawite Muslims fear they could become targets of Sunni Islamic militants.

President Barack Obama awarded the 2012 Presidential Medal of Freedom to the civil rights activist Dolores Huerta.

Bishop Blaire also reiterated his support for the conference’s overall effort to protect religious liberty.