The distribution of what is being described as a book of extreme propaganda and religious rhetoric is causing concern around the country. The book, National Sunday Law by A Jan Marcussen, is connected with an independent group of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church. It is not endorsed by the New Zealand church. Originally published in 1983, Read more
Pope Francis says his four-day visit to Iraq was a “pilgrimage of peace.” The first Catholic pope to visit Iraq, Francis’s history-making four-day trip began in Baghdad last Friday. His key message stressed peace in Iraq where wars, terrorism and sectarian conflicts have plagued it over several decades. “May there be an end to acts Read more
Masses cancelled, funerals with just ten people, marriages postponed, sacramental programmes delayed, no shared chalice, and a new way to exchange the sign of peace, touchless ashes on Ash Wednesday, no ashes on Ash Wednesday are a few of the now-familiar marks of what has been termed a Liturgical Disruption. Add to them, the lengths Read more
In a new book Pope Francis hints at possible retirement, saying he’ll either be in office or emeritus when he dies. Regardless of whether Francis dies in office or emeritus, he intends staying in Rome and wants to be buried there. He does not want to be buried in Buenos Aires, where he spent most Read more
Oranga Tamariki’s new youth justice bill is getting some hefty opposition from the Archdiocese of Wellington EJP Commission, Challenge 2000 and the Attorney General’s Office. Their submissions challenge the Oranga Tamariki (Youth Justice Demerit Points) Amendment Bill’s proposal that a system of demerit points be assigned by police to young offenders. This system would enable Read more
Ninety-four New Zealand schools – including at least 11 Catholic schools – are at risk of flooding. Niwa says sea level changes could create flooding around school buildings and roads. Then it would be difficult for children to get to and from their classrooms. Infrastructure would be affected. Seawater in pipes would cause school toilets Read more
A newly-released report says a reality of the COVID pandemic’s effect can be seen in soaring poverty rates throughout New Zealand. Rising unemployment and corresponding increases in people relying on government income support is concerning. Then there’s food insecurity, housing insecurity, increasing child poverty, increasing drug use and increasing debt levels. All these issues are Read more
Pope Francis spoke of his solidarity with the people of Myanmar and appealed to its leaders to show willingness to serve the common good “promoting social justice and national stability”. Myanmar is “a nation that I carry in my heart with much affection, ever since my apostolic visit there in 2017,” he said after the Read more
Pope Francis has appointed the Bishop of Christchurch, Paul Martin SM, as the Coadjutor Archbishop of Wellington. The appointment was announced in Rome overnight and comes into effect immediately. Archbishop of Wellington, Cardinal John Dew says he is delighted with the appointment, which comes at a time of a heavy workload in the Wellington Diocese. Read more
The Palmerston North diocese is working well, even without a bishop. The diocese has a positive vision for the coming year says newly appointed general manager, Liam Greer. Greer told parishioners in a presentation around the diocese that the diocese’s prime focus is its mission. “One of the best questions (during the presentation) that was Read more