New Zealand

NZ Catholic bishops lament sexual abuse

In a letter read at all Masses last Sunday, the NZ Catholic bishops lamented the actions and lack of actions, the sins and crimes of priests, religious and lay people working in Catholic settings. They said that some of the earlier responses and solutions were ill-advised and had devastating consequences. Along with the sins and Read more

Treaty Principles Bill collaboration heals Anglican-Iwi rift

Treaty Principles Bill

Common thinking on the contentious Treaty Principles Bill has healed a decades-long rift between the Anglican Church in Wellington and Ngāti Toa Rangatira. The Church and iwi have joined forces to “unequivocally” oppose the Bill which they say reinterprets the 184-year old Te Tiriti o Waitangi – the Treaty of Waitangi. The Bill, which sets Read more

Analysis and Comment

The Treaty Principles Bill is already straining social cohesion – a referendum could be worse

With the protest hikoi from the far north moving through Auckland on its way to Wellington, it might be said ACT leader David Seymour has been granted his wish of generating an: “important national conversation about the place of the Treaty in our constitutional arrangements”. The hikoi is timed to coincide with the first reading Read more

Abuse, bishops, apology, litany, lament and Sunday Assembly

The Bishops’ Pastoral Letter and Litany of Lament at last Sunday’s masses are another example of Church leaders’ persistent inability to take full responsibility for the institution’s decisions. The inability to take full responsibility for these decisions has been a constant complaint of survivors and victims of abuse. However, in this action, the episcopal and Read more

The Church after Gaza

The Church

The Church must confront its silence on the Middle East conflict and recognise the suffering of all victims, especially Palestinians. Addressing this is essential for maintaining moral credibility, supporting interfaith dialogue, and continuing the path set by Nostra Aetate. While global attention was focused on the U.S. elections, people continued to die in the most Read more

Australia will impose a ‘digital duty of care’ on tech companies to reduce online harm. It’s a good idea – if it can be enforced

digital duty of care

In an escalation of its battle with big tech, the federal government has announced it plans to impose a ‘digital duty of care’ on tech companies to reduce online harms. The announcement follows the government’s controversial plans to legislate a social media ban for young people under 16. The plans also include imposing tighter rules Read more

Wrap-around services aim to end long emergency housing stays

A new initiative aims to provide tailored support to people who have been sheltered in emergency housing for over a year, helping them transition to permanent accommodation. Wellington City Mission and Emerge Aotearoa in Waikato are the first organisations to deliver the two-year trial. Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka announced that up to 100 participants Read more

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  • Pope Francis: Does Gaza humanitarian crisis constitute genocide?

    Gaza humanitarian crisis

    Pope Francis has called for a thorough investigation into whether the Gaza humanitarian crisis constitutes genocide. The pope’s remarks are prominently featured in his new book “Hope Never Disappoints. Pilgrims Towards a Better World”, which is set for release ahead of the 2025 Jubilee Year. “According to some experts, what is happening in Gaza has Read more

  • China-Vatican relationship: Dialogue not dominance

    Cardinal Stephen Chow of Hong Kong has urged the Catholic Church to engage in dialogue with China to ensure its presence aligns with Chinese culture. Speaking at a conference in Rome on 16th-century Jesuit missionary Father Matteo Ricci, Chow emphasised the need for collaboration with China’s ruling and intellectual class amid ongoing efforts to “sinicize” Read more

  • Self-identifying men join La Leche League breastfeeding groups

    La Leche League

    The La Leche League – a global breastfeeding support group – has lost two leaders over the group’s decision to allow males to participate in formerly mothers-only meetings. One of those who resigned was a La Leche League founder. The La Leche League international board recently directed all British affiliates to admit men who identify Read more

  • Millions left over from restoring Notre Dame Cathedral

    Notre Dame

    Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris has been restored – and millions of euros donated from across the globe are surplus to current requirement. The fire of April 2019 ignited nearly $1 billion in pledged donations from across the world within days. Not all the money was needed Restoration chief Philippe Jost says €140 million (around Read more

  • Archbishop feeds vulnerable at Cathedral forecourt

    Archbishop

    Emulating Pope Francis, Sydney’s Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP invited the city’s most vulnerable to come to lunch at St Mary’s Cathedral forecourt on Friday. Hundreds of people responded to the invitation. Over 100 volunteers fed them in the spirit of community and charity. The Archbishop, who joined the diners for the meal, spoke of his Read more