An estimated 85,000 children under the age of five may have died from extreme hunger or disease since the war in Yemen escalated, according to new analysis by Save the Children. Using data compiled by the UN, Save the Children evaluated mortality rates for untreated cases of Severe Acute Malnutrition. Read more
Peter Lineham, professor of history and religion at Massey University, says it is anecdotally evident that many people have “just had it” with religion. The respected academic joined RadioLIVE’s Mark Sainsbury to discuss how new age and traditional religions are evolving in the 21st century. Listen to the interview
Sister Beverley Rita Grounds was born in Christchurch in 1928, the only daughter of four children born to James and Mary Grounds. The family were well-known in Catholic circles, with brother William going on to become a priest in the diocese. Grounds read newspapers in Italian, translated religious scripture from French to English and keenly studied te Read more
An Indian priest faces disciplinary action for supporting nuns’ struggle for justice for a colleague who claims she was raped by a bishop. Bishop Jacob Manathodath from Kerala has sought an explanation from Father Augustine Vattoly about his involvement in leading a protest against Bishop Franco Mulakkal of Jalandhar. Read more
Myamnar’s Cardinal Charles Bo has been elected as the new president of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC). The federation’s purpose is to foster among its members solidarity and co-responsibility for the welfare of Church and society in Asia. Read more
Bishop Owen Dolan recently celebrated his 90th birthday at a gathering in Palmerston North with fellow Bishops, priests, diocesan staff, parishioners and friends. Bishop Peter Cullinane paid tribute to this ‘great and lovable man’. Continue reading
US bishops are backing an anti-racism pastoral letter aiming “to combat the scourge of racism in the hearts and minds of the faithful, in our own church communities and in the structures of society”. Read more
Māngere Refugee Centre’s mental health support service is under pressure as it faces an increase in demand and an expected influx in coming years. While news of the refugee quota increase from 1000 to 1500 in 2020 and the offer to resettle 150 refugees per year from Australian offshore detention has been welcomed by advocates, Read more
Austrian bishop Manfred Scheuer has written to Pope Francis explaining people are calling for married priests and female deacons in the future ordained ministry. Scheuer told Francis with regards to the Eucharist as the font, center, and summit of the life of the church, three changes are called for. Read more:
Auckland churches are getting a one-year breather before Auckland Council brings in higher rates on facilities not used for religious purposes. Three months ago the council contacted hundreds of churches telling them to ignore big rates increases, which came into effect this financial year without political input.