Boris Johnson’s controversial claim linking Britain’s obesity crisis to a “spiritual void” neglected by the Church of England has drawn support from another former Conservative MP, Jacob Rees-Mogg. The former Prime Minister accused religious leaders, particularly Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, of failing to provide “spiritual sustenance”, pushing people to overeat instead. Speaking to GB Read more
Renowned theologian Paul Zulehner has called for bold changes to the Catholic Church, advocating a move from clericalism to a synodal model centred on baptism rather than ordination. Speaking to Sonntag, the Viennese pastoral theologian said the Church must adapt to remain relevant and inclusive. Zulehner envisions a Church that encourages active participation by all Read more
From now on bishops will be expected to follow up and report their progress on the proposals delegates presented at October’s Synod on Synodality, says Pope Francis. The Synod’s final document must be accepted since it constitutes church teaching, says Francis. “The Final Document participates in the ordinary Magisterium of the Successor of Peter and Read more
Fr Joe Grayland’s disquiet over the NZ bishops’ apology (Cathnews 18/11/24) is perplexing. In a letter that needed to be short, it is hard to know what language the bishops could have used to make their apology more comprehensive than it is. Certainly, the apology needed to acknowledge, above all, Church leaders’ own failures for Read more
According to Christopher Hale, co-founder of Catholics for Harris, the Democratic Party’s inability to connect with Catholic voters cost Vice President Kamala Harris the 2024 election. In an op-ed for Newsweek, Hale blamed the defeat on a lack of faith outreach and a perceived “God problem” within the party. Exit polls revealed that 58% of Read more
Christchurch’s Anglican Diocese has reaffirmed its good relationship with the Catholic Diocese of Christchurch amid concerns about the sale of St Albans Church to the Transalpine Redemptorists. The Anglican diocese recently sold St Albans via a trust. The church is now being used by the Sons of the Redeemer, also known as the Transalpine Redemptorists. Read more
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
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
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
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