Muslims will take up full representation at the Wellington Council of Christians and Jews, which will re-launch as the Wellington Abrahamic Council on 14 April at an event at Parliament hosted by the Attorney General, Hon Chris Finlayson. Jewish Co-chair Dave Moskovitz said that the Council had welcomed Muslims at all meetings since 2007, and Read more
A Myanmar court has jailed a New Zealand bar manager, Philip Blackwood, and two Myanmar colleagues for two and a half years for insulting religion by using a psychedelic image of Buddha wearing headphones to promote their bar. Myanmar’s semi-civilian government has lifted restrictions on freedom of speech, association and media, but reforms have been accompanied by Read more
“In Port Vila the destruction is everywhere, and there’s no news from anyone around the islands yet,” says the Bishop of Port Vila, John Bosco Baremes. “There’s just no shelter, with so much having been blown away, and people will need somewhere to shelter while they rebuild.” Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand and Caritas Australia are Read more
More than 250 of Wellington’s most needy will have warm, dry feet this winter, thanks to a donation by Shoe Clinic to the Wellington City Mission. The shoes are nearly new, as they have been returned to Shoe Clinic under the store’s 30-day guarantee, and cannot be resold. This is the second year the Shoe Read more
Destiny Church’s bid to make its private school part of the state system has failed. The Ministry of Education’s rejection of Destiny’s proposal comes after the church was earlier turned down to run a charter school. The church says the rejection is disappointing as its case was compelling and valid. “We have other schools in Read more
Hundreds of Wellingtonians turned out for a final service and blessing of St Mary of the Angels church before it closes for $3.1 million of earthquake strengthening work. Among those present were church patron and former prime minister Jim Bolger, Cardinal John Dew, parishioners and construction workers who will be involved in the project to Read more
An Irish American website has listed Auckland as one of the 19 most surprising places around the world to celebrate St Patrick’s Day. “Aukland(sic) holds the distinction of holding the first St Patrick’s Day party, since midnight on March 17 reaches New Zealand’s largest city before anywhere else.” “It is also the farthest celebration away from Read more
Church leaders, Caritas and Christian World Service are calling for an increase in peace efforts and humanitarian aid from the New Zealand Government and support from the New Zealand public. Leaders of the Anglican, Catholic, Methodist and Presbyterian churches, along with the Quakers, have addressed their members in an Open Letter encouraging them to support their Read more
The Auckland Catholic diocese has developed concept plans for a 10,000 square metre high-rise office building and car parking on property behind Newman Hall. The property is also home to a freshwater spring that was essential to life at two local pā and their surrounding gardens. Called Wai Ariki, or chiefly waters, the spring has Read more
St Mary of the Angels is to be reopened for a final liturgy and blessing before it closes for at least two years as work begins to preserve this important heritage building. Parish Priest Father Barry Scannell said: “At 2pm on Tuesday 17 March we will hold a short liturgy and blessing for our church Read more