Viennese theologian Paul Zulehner (pictured) is convinced that even though churches are increasingly less relevant in today’s world, they still have the ability to help society with today’s problems. Carrying on in the same old way won’t achieve this, he points out. But churches can be “sparring partners for those seeking meaning” or “midwives of Read more
The Vatican announced on October that there is currently no basis for ordaining women deacons. The announcement came from Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández, head of the Vatican’s Doctrine Office. It came after a year-long study by a specially appointed unnamed synod group. “We have concluded that there is still no room for a positive decision Read more
Taking part in the Synod on Synodality is much like participating in a hui says Manuel Beazley, currently in Rome as a New Zealand member of the Synod. Beazley is also Vicar for Maori in the Auckland Diocese. “As Māori, synodality is nothing new to us. In a sense it’s part of our DNA as Read more
The Catholic Church in New Zealand has pledged to implement the recommendations of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State Care and Faith-based Institutions. On 27 September, in the most detailed statement to date from any Church or the State, Catholic Church leaders expressed deep regret and committed to concrete actions to Read more
The Anglican Church, Presbyterian Support Southland and the Salvation Army are the only groups to meet a key deadline recommended by the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care. Even the Government missed the deadline. The Catholic Church says its response is nearing completion and will be made public by the end of the Read more
A Christchurch food bank is back on its feet after a devastating burglary left it empty. The thieves cleared out all the food and caused extensive damage to the pantry next to St Faith’s Church in New Brighton. The move prompted a wave of support from the local community. Destruction left behind The food bank, Read more
The Synod working document is failing to address adequately the needs of people on the margins of society, according to Bishop Erwin Kräutler. Kräutler, a prominent voice for social justice, is disappointed with the Catholic Church’s preparations for the second session of the Synod on Synodality. “The Synod cannot retreat ‘from the evil world’ into Read more
Several warm stories of Bishop Denis Browne have emerged since he died on 1 September. One was retold when a photo was shared of a girl at St Peter’s School who was chosen to try on the new bishop’s mitre. The photo was taken by Waikato Times senior writer Mary Anne Gill who revealed that her Read more
Jason Rigon, a Filipino migrant and President of Club Filipino Tauranga Inc., is making significant strides in helping newcomers acclimatise to their new home in New Zealand. Volunteering makes the Tauranga migrant feel at home. Rigon (photographed with his family), who moved to Tauranga with his wife Joy and their three sons in 2017, has Read more
Pope Francis told gatherings of clergy, religious sisters, and catechists in Indonesia and PNG that proclaiming the Gospel does not mean “imposing one’s own faith or opposing it to others, proselytising”. He said proclaiming the Gospel should “always be done with great respect and fraternal affection for all”. Fraternal living means “accepting one another and Read more