New Zealand

End of life choice bill beyond repair – Start again Comments 0

end of life choice

The Disability Rights Commissioner says the process of enacting The End of Life Choice Bill is clumsy, awkward and deeply complex. Paula Tesoriero thinks it continues to pose risks for New Zealanders, particularly the disabled. She is concerned that disabled Kiwis may see themselves as a burden. “If New Zealanders want this kind of scheme” the Read more

Royal Commission – small first steps in a marathon journey Comments 0

royal commission

The Royal Commission into historical abuse in state care and faith-based institutions on Tuesday met representatives of organisations responsible for the care of abused children. Tuesday’s hearing was “procedural”. It is the first step in a very long and complex process. The inquiry has grown since its inception to become the largest in New Zealand’s Read more

Analysis and Comment

Becoming one’s true self through Manaakitanga Comments 0

Many young people generously offer themselves for volunteer service and are actively involved in movements for social justice and care of the planet. This involves both personal sacrifice and personal satisfaction. There is a direct link between what we personally become and what we do to help others become. Our own existence is a gift Read more

Ihumatao: Notions of achieving justice tested Comments 0

The dispute currently being played out at Ihumatao will take Solomon-like wisdom to resolve. Given that all major parties involved, Fletcher Construction, the kaumatua who negotiated a deal with Fletchers, and the “protectors of the land” led by Pania Newton, are all acting legally and are all making reasonable claims concerning their interest in the Read more

Why the priesthood must change Comments 0

After 1,500 years of consecutive church services, a Catholic parish in Ireland canceled Mass for its parishioners. The Church of the Sacred Heart, in Boho, Co. Fermanagh, canceled a regularly scheduled service because of a shortage of priests. This is a serious concern in Ireland and around the world. According to The Catholic News Agency; Read more

What will it take to keep young people in the church? Comments 0

The photos covered my Facebook newsfeed: pictures of teenagers donning bright red robes, smiles upon their faces, foreheads shiny with the fresh chrism. The captions for the photos were all similar: “Confirmed in Christ!” or “He did it! A full-grown Catholic, choosing his own faith.” It was nice to see photos of happy families celebrating Read more

Why one appeal judge thought Pell should go free Comments 0

One of the judges who heard Cardinal George Pell’s appeal says he would have quashed the cardinal’s five convictions for child sex offences. Judge Mark Weinberg says he would have based his decision on a “significant body of cogent evidence” that cast serious doubt on the victim’s accoun­t. In his dissenting ruling, Weinberg says the Read more

  • Oddly

    • 10 official titles of Pope Francis

      Initially, there was no particular title that distinguished the leader of the Catholic Church. Over time the pope has gained many different titles that reflect different aspects of his ministry. Read more

  • World

  • Cardinal Pell’s appeal wanes Comments 0

    George Pell

    An  ageing and dishevelled Cardinal George Pell, Wednesday, returned to his cell in solitary confinement at the Melbourne Assessment Prison. The journey follows the Court of Appeal’s split 2-1 decision handed down by Chief Justice Anne Ferguson. Both she and Justice Chris Maxwell experienced no doubt about Pell’s guilt. “The Chief Justice and Justice Maxwell Read more

  • New discrimination laws support religious beliefs Comments 0

    Australia’s Christian leaders hope new religious discrimination laws will ensure church-run aged care homes do not have to support people when they access euthanasia services. They also hope the new laws will protect churches’ ability to selectively hire school staff who share their religious ethos. They have been urging the government to frame religious protections Read more

  • You cannot be a Catholic and sit on the sidelines Comments 0

    “You cannot be a Catholic and sit on the sidelines,” Washington’s Archbishop Gregory told hundreds of young people at a Theology on Tap meetup. “To be a member of the Church means you’ve got to get in and get your hands dirty in the mix of the whole arena of faith from what we believe Read more

  • Magdalene Laundry survivor awarded compensation Comments 0

    An 80-year old woman who worked in a Magdalene Laundry for six years from the age of 11 has won her battle for compensation. The mother of five said her six years at the workhouse affected her “throughout her life”. Mary Cavner, who now lives in the UK, worked at the Good Shepherd’s Convent in Read more

  • Priest’s racist dog prevents him hiring black cleaner Comments 0

    Legal action has been taken against a priest from Memphis, Tennessee, whose racist dog supposedly prevented him from hiring a black woman as a cleaner. Church staff for Fr Jacek Kowal reportedly told African American LaShundra Allen, “I’m sorry, we are not trying to be rude, but the dog doesn’t like black people.” Allen was Read more