Muslim youths in California schools are bullied at double the rate of students across the nation, according to a report by the Council on American-Islamic Relations. The report, “Singled Out: Islamophobia in the Classroom and the Impact of Discrimination on Muslim Students,” is based on a statewide survey of about 1,500 Muslim students between 11 Read more
The largest gathering of Catholic Pastoral Musicians in Australia was celebrated at the Catholic Leadership Centre in Melbourne from October 1-3. Expert presenters offered keynotes, workshops, showcases, and over 45 dynamic breakout sessions to over 330 participants from all over Australia and New Zealand, covering a wide range of topics and musical genres. Read more
Fernando Meirelles’ film, the Two Popes has won the audience award at the Miami Gems Film Festival. Inspired by a true story, “The Two Popes” stars Anthony Hopkins as Pope Benedict XVI and Jonathan Pryce as the future Pope Francis in a verbal battle of wits over the future direction of the Catholic Church. The Read more
Would any of the politicians who opposed the marriage equality bill have voted differently if it had passed today? Greta Yeoman asked them. Just over five years ago, New Zealand politicians voted 77-44 to legalise gay marriage, making this country the 13th in the world to do so. Of the 44 politicians who voted against Read more
As a severe drought continues to devastate regions of Angola, the Catholic Church in the country is asking the government to declare a state of emergency, according to Portuguese news agency Lusa. On Monday, the Angolan government acknowledged a “severe water and grazing crisis” which has affected over 800,000 people in one southern province alone, Read more
Places of worship in Palmerston North are opening their doors for people to pray for world peace. People are invited to join in prayers as part of the International Week of Prayer for World Peace, with different churches hosting prayers throughout the week. Palmerston North Interfaith Council spokeswoman Mary Eastham said the group had celebrated Read more
As Turkish-led forces began the fifth day of their move against Kurdish militias in northeastern Syria Sunday, Pope Francis appealed for dialogue, especially as families in the region are forced to flee from warfare. “My thoughts go once again to the Middle East. In particular, to the beloved and tormented Syria, from which dramatic news Read more
People with a passion for the Christ Church Cathedral got to go beyond the fences today, the closest the public has been allowed since the earthquakes. Plans are still being drafted for the rebuild of the cathedral, but today’s visit attracted those who worked inside its walls for decades. Read more
More fetal remains were found in vehicles owned by the late Indiana abortionist Ulrich Klopfer on Wednesday, just weeks after the remains of more than 2,200 aborted babies were first discovered at his Illinois residence. On Oct. 9, the Will County, Illinois, Sheriff’s Office discovered more fetal remains in vehicles owned by Klopfer, which were Read more
Cardinal John Dew has referred to the Vatican the handling of historic sexual offending within the Dunedin Diocese. The period under review is when Bishop John Kavanagh was bishop. Recently Pope Francis’ published new procedures for making bishops accountable for their actions and non-actions. The new procedures give power to a Metropolitan Archbishop to refer Read more