Work began last Thursday on the renovation of the Sacred Heart Basilica in Timaru to protect it against future earthquakes. The project involves major improvements, maintenance and repairs. “We have a responsibility to fulfil the requirements to earthquake strengthen this building for public use and maintain the building as an impressive symbol of Christian Faith Read more
Challenge 2000 was nearly called ‘Bridges 2000’, Challenge founder Kitty McKinley revealed to National Party Leader Simon Bridges at morning tea on Thursday. “Society needs more bridges that bring together the different sectors of the community, and that’s what we do”, she explained. Welcomed to Challenge 2000 with a mihi whakatu by staff, volunteers and Read more
‘Kiwi Jihadi’ Mark Taylor says he was a born-again Christian, but turned his back on that faith after his wife left him for another man. Taylor, who is currently in a Kurdish prison in Syria, said in an interview with The National that his faith had wavered several times, going from born-again Christian, to atheist, Read more
Firefighters were called to a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints building on Kirkwood Ave, Upper Riccarton, about 2.15am on Monday, Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesman Brent Dunn said. It was being treated as suspicious and a fire investigator would be at the scene on Monday to determine the cause, Dunn said. Read more
The Anglican Church is facing a landmark case from a parishioner arguing it should be responsible for abusive priests – one of whom allegedly harassed her in counselling sessions after her baby’s death. It will be the first time a New Zealand church has been tested as an employer under human rights law, and if Read more
The Seriously Surprising Story draws children into the biblical story of Easter as they walk in the footsteps of Jesus’ followers on the road to Emmaus. Acclaimed New Zealand Children’s author Joy Cowley described it as “a lovely little book”. “It’s warm, it’s happy, it’s the Good News! “The positive message with the rhythmic text Read more
The white statue of Saint Patrick outside St Patrick’s College in Kilbirnie, Wellington, has been vandalised. The statue was covered with red and yellow tags including swear words. The attack has been blamed on McEvedy Shield rivalry, following Wellington College’s victory on Tuesday. The track and field competition, named for St Pat’s Town old boy Read more
Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State Care and in the Care of Faith-based Institutions has confirmed that its investigation will include those abused by any person in a pastoral role in a faith-based institution. The clarification came in a “plain English” version of the terms of reference for the royal commission posted Read more
Every year a bunch of Kiwis head to West Africa to volunteer onboard an enormous hospital ship run by a Christian charity called Mercy Ships. Surgeons, nurses, physiotherapists and radiographers providing surgeries to thousands of patients from the world’s poorest countries. Tumour removal, facial reconstruction, cataract removal/lens implants, cleft lip and palate reconstruction and orthopaedics Read more
The Catholic Church’s National Office for Professional Standards (NOPS) has called in private investigators to examine historic sexual abuse at a former Dunedin high school. NOPS director Virginia Noonan would only say when contacted her office took all complaints seriously, and church protocols now required an independent party to investigate such complaints. Continue reading