The Vatican has responded to Bishop of Christchurch Michael Gielen’s request for help dealing with unauthorised exorcisms and related spiritual abuse in the Diocese. The retired bishop of Toowoomba, Robert McGuckin (pictured), has been tasked with conducting an Apostolic Visitation to investigate the allegations. The former professor of Canon Law at the University of Notre Read more
Micah Tuivaiave, who loves playing outside on his scooter, swimming and getting lost in books, turns 6 in December. While many of his peers have already started school, he’s still at daycare, but not by choice. Micah has severe non-verbal autism which means he requires dedicated attention in a school setting. However, the majority of Read more
It’s not often you get to sing with your teacher in front of 25,000 people. But Port Ahuriri School’s “Mr Stretch” made that a reality for his talented tamariki over the weekend when they got the chance to open for British superstar Robbie Williams. Near the end of his opening set, Anthony Stretch – more Read more
The Beatitudes Community’s murky past is under the spotlight. A series of scandals has been casting a shady light on some members. The Community, which has links to New Zealand, is a 50-year-old French Catholic group. It was inspired by the Catholic Charismatic movement Located in Leithfield, North Canterbury, the Beatitudes Community is in the Read more
Secondary school rolls all over the country are bursting. Catholic schools and state schools alike. There’s been a steady increase in roll numbers, according to the Ministry of Education. Immigrants boost school rolls An immigration-driven surge in enrolments is adding to the pressure. The national school roll is now topping 831,038 children. In Invercargill, Catholic Read more
Hundreds of people have gathered in Auckland’s Aotea Square this afternoon, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. Today’s rally comes after close to 300 protesters gathered yesterday at the Museum Reserve in Dunedin before marching on the Octagon, chanting and wielding placards and Palestinian and Tino Rangatiratanga flags. Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA) spokesperson Rinad Read more
The Coalition of Ministers Supporting Israel from New Zealand condemns the antisemitic attacks and threats being levelled against the Jewish Community in our nation. We condemn the graffiti and arson attack against Jewish property in Epsom yesterday. We also condemn the intimidating rallies throughout New Zealand calling for the elimination of the State of Israel Read more
School counselling service funds are badly over-stretched, the Association of Counsellors is warning. Some schools are coping – like eight Catholic schools in Dunedin – but only after stretching out their hands to their communities. They’re now getting funded by the Mercy Charitable Outreach Fund. Meanwhile, Catholic Social Services is helping support the service with Read more
Two hundred and fifty-seven people chose to die by euthanasia in first year since euthanasia became legal in New Zealand, says Victoria University assisted dying researcher Dr Jessica Young. Hundreds more explored the service but chose not to proceed, she says. However, Young’s conversations with 19 individuals who opted for euthanasia paint a picture of Read more
The Burials and Cremation Act, created over half a century ago, needs to reflect modern funeral requirements of the ever broadening racial and religious mix in New Zealand families, an industry expert says. Michael Powell, general manager of Davis Funerals, said gaps in the law have seen families of mixed ethnicities and religions spending tens Read more