One of the world’s most famous scientists has professed his desire to live in New Zealand – although he’s disappointed he won’t see any moa. Richard Dawkins is an English evolutionary biologist best known for his strong stance against religion, which he wrote about in his bestselling 2006 book The God Delusion. Continue reading
New Zealand
Caritas NZ supports non violent protest in Gaza
Monday, May 21st, 2018For many years, Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand has promoted human dignity, peace and development in the Holy Land. This has been demonstrated via our partnerships with Bethlehem University and Caritas Jerusalem. The recent violence near the Gaza-Israel border pains us. However, we find encouragement in the words of Pope Francis, “[we need to redouble our Read more
The life and death of Gloriavale’s Hopeful Christian
Thursday, May 17th, 2018
Gloriavale founder, Neville Cooper, know as Hopeful Christian, died on Tuesday at his community on the South Island’s West Coast. He had been suffering from cancer. Cooper’s funeral took place on Wednesday, but outsiders were not allowed to attend. They were able to email condolence messages to the community. Two cars blocked the entrance to the Read more
Kiwi aid worker to help in Rohingya refugee crisis
Thursday, May 17th, 2018
Caritas Humanitarian Co-ordinator, Mark Mitchell, has just left for Bangladesh to assess the needs of Caritas Bangladesh. They provide aid to individuals and families caught up in the Rohingya refugee crisis, as well as provide support in emergency response strategies. Violence against Rohingya in Rakhine State escalated to a critical point, driving an estimated 671,500 Read more
Caritas welcomes Budget direction – but lasting results will be the real test
Thursday, May 17th, 2018In welcoming the government’s Budget announcement today, Caritas says it heralds proposed changes that could help families, people on low incomes and the environment. The government will, however, still need to demonstrate how money reaches those at the grassroots and most impacted by poverty. They are still keen to hear how the Government will report Read more
Six Anglican churches in Christchurch shortlisted for post-earthquake heritage awards
Thursday, May 17th, 2018More than half of the finalists in an award recognising “commitment, investment or a unique solution to earthquake strengthening which has saved or will now protect a heritage building” in Christchurch, New Zealand, are Anglican churches and a school. Continue reading
Te Rūnanga o te Hāhi Katorika ō Aotearoa website has a new face
Thursday, May 17th, 2018Te Rūnanga o te Hāhi Katorika ō Aotearoa has given their website a new face, a new name and a revitalised content. The comprehensive site includes liturgy music written by Richard Puanaki, Mass in Māori, te reo pronunciation guides, information on wāhi tapu (sacred places), liturgical calendar, links to Pope Francis’ communication direct from the Read more
City Impact Church takes on Hollywood with ‘Broken’
Monday, May 14th, 2018
City Impact church has produced Broken, a feature film, as a way to get the gospel message of forgiveness out into the community. “We wanted to be able to go to where people are, not just expect them to come into the four walls of our church,” creative director Josh Campbell told Eternity News. “We all Read more
An unused church can be converted into beautiful home
Monday, May 14th, 2018
A number of unused churches in New Zealand are on the market and many will be transformed into homes. Buyers are attracted by the big spaces and the unique architectural features of the buildings. In many cases, the former churches are protected by their heritage status which means they cannot be demolished or significantly altered. Here are Read more
Bishop questions raising $70 million for Cathedral restoration
Monday, May 14th, 2018
The Catholic Bishop of Christchurch, Paul Martin is reconsidering restoration of the earthquake-damaged Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament. The diocese has about $30m from insurance but the total cost of a complete restoration is estimated to be in the region of $100 million. That leaves about $70m to be obtained from fund-raising. Martin has questioned the Read more