Marriage rates are declining. Marriage could disappear altogether, says an English Catholic bishop. The social consequences that the shrinking number of marriages is causing are not good, Bishop Mark Davies of Shrewsbury says. Speaking at a diocesan Mass celebrating marriage, Davies praised the congregation which was composed of married couples. Between them, they have amassed Read more
The “niche issue” issue of women priests and deacons distracts the Church from addressing what women really need, a theologian participating in the Synod on Synodality says. “As a woman, I’m not focused at all on the fact that I’m not a priest,” says Professor Renée Köhler-Ryan (pictured). Köhler-Ryan is the National Head of School Read more
Addressing Spirit Unbounded, Pa Ropata McGowan from New Zealand said that humanity is not the master of the universe and that everything we have depends on the earth’s wellness. Organised by the International Reform Network, Spirit Unbounded is a virtual assembly running in parallel to the current Synod on Synodality, attracting participants from all over Read more
Aotearoa New Zealand “punches above its weight” in sport, science and international affairs. We also excel at something less praiseworthy: producing excessive emissions which damage the environment. However, Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand is gloomy about the country’s response to climate change and in its latest ‘advocacy newsletter,’ and pricks at New Zealanders’ consciences. It points Read more
Maintaining synod confidentiality was one of Pope Francis’s particular requests of delegates during this month’s synod on synodality in Rome. But one delegate, German cardinal Gerhard Müller, immediately defied the pontiff’s request. Müller, a former head of the Vatican’s doctrinal office, is known as a vocal critic of Francis’s synod on synodality. During an Eternal Read more
Pope Francis has hinted he could be open to blessing same-sex couples provided certain conditions are met. The blessings must not be confused with the wedding ceremonies of heterosexuals, and decisions as to whether to bless these couples should be decided on a case-by-case basis he said. Francis shared his views on several hot theological Read more
“Pretty stink” is how artist Aora Novak described an attack on a Dunedin Māori Jesus mural. The mural had been fully covered in white paint. The artwork veered away from traditional iconography and aimed to represent a more modern and inclusive image of Jesus Christ. Novak of Ngai Te Rangi and Ngati Kahungunu descent guided Read more
Amid Cyclone Gabrielle’s devastating impact, a group of young volunteers emerged as unsung heroes. Without the help of young people, St Vincent de Paul Napier would not have been able to respond so positively, reports the Catholic charity in its most recent national newsletter. While the media focus has moved on, Cyclone Gabrielle’s devastation continues Read more
Pope Francis was visibly moved when on the way home from Marseille he was presented with a photograph of a young migrant child. Francis was in Marseille to address a Mediterranean forum on migration. The image was captured by Reuters photographer Yara Nardi who accompanied the Pope on his journey from Rome to Marseille. “As Read more
Finding freedom in New Zealand after years on the run is a success story that’s left Esraa Al-Hoot (pictured right) wanting to do more. More for her new hometown, Timaru. More for New Zealand. Presbyterian Support South Canterbury helped a lot. Still does, in fact. Until 2010, her Middle East country of Yemen was very Read more