A Catholic radio station is facing state pressure after it aired a homily in which a priest called South Sudan officials “monkeys”, “criminals” and “devils”. Bakhita Radio aired a homily by a South Sudan priest, Monsignor Racco Taban, in which he criticised officials for their role in recent violence in Wau. Civilians were targeted on Read more
A total of 4484 students are still studying under tents in schools in Fiji as a result of tropical cyclone Winston. This was clarified in Parliament by Education Minister Dr Mahendra Reddy, who said Opposition MP Salote Radrodro incorrectly informed the House that more than 85,000 students were studying under tents. “This is far from Read more
A Muslim imam and missionary has taken to Auckland’s streets to gauge what New Zealanders think about Islamic culture, and to try and change perceptions. Mustenser Qamar and a group of friends used a white board displaying the text, “I am a Muslim so that makes me…” to invite members of the public to share Read more
A priest from Vailoa Palauli on the island of Savai’i in Samoa has left the village after an allegation of sexual misconduct. It is alleged that he was caught sleeping with a Year 13 student. Spokesperson for the Catholic Church, Father Fereti said they have no comment to make. He also refused to confirm or Read more
Pope Francis has said he avoids conflict with Catholic ultra-conservatives. “They do their work and I do mine,” Francis said in interview published in Argentina’s La Nacion on Sunday. “I want a Church that is open, compassionate, that accompanies wounded families. They say no to everything,” the Pope said of ultra-conservatives. But he added, “I’m Read more
The founder of a US religious order died during a Mass celebrating 75 years since she made her first vows. Mother Rosemae Pender, FSE, had a heart attack during the Mass in Connecticut. She was the Mother Foundress of the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist. Mother Rosemae had received the renewal of her vows during Read more
An African archbishop has said there are worse sins than priests who have promised to be celibate having sex. Archbishop Peter Akwasi Sarpong, who is Archbishop emeritus of Kumasi archdiocese in Ghana, was responding to people accusing priests of having sex. “Of course it is against their vows and it is inimical to the growth Read more
A large portion of the migrant workers rebuilding Christchurch are from the Philippines Many Filipinos are devout Roman Catholics and some found the colourful building site language demeaning and sacrilegious. “We’ve heard of Filipino workers walking off a work site, sometimes in groups, because the swearing and shouting got too much, so it’s something to Read more
Almost half a million dollars of funding has allowed plans for a new roof for Dunedin’s Dominican Priory to go ahead. The money is coming from the Lottery Grants Board’s World War One commemorations environment and heritage committee. Work on the historic building is expected to start this summer. The news has brought joy to Read more
Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse said New Zealand was not in a position to judge the 400 visas issued each year for women to enter the country for an arranged marriage. He was responding to a question at the National Party conference in Christchurch from a delegate concerned at domestic violence cases within arranged marriages going Read more