The Vatican is now taking applications from priests who want to be ‘missionaries of mercy’ for the upcoming jubilee Year of Mercy. In Misericordiae Vultus, promulgated in April, Pope Francis stated that the missionaries of mercy would be granted “the authority to pardon even those sins reserved to the Holy See”. These sins include desecration Read more
Uganda’s Supreme Court has ruled that men demanding a refund of the bride price after a failed marriage is dehumanising to women. Lead Justice Jotham Tumwesigye said it was “unfair” for the parents of the woman to be asked to refund the bride price after years of marriage. He said it was unlikely they would Read more
A thief has taken cash donations, computer hardware and chalices from Auckland’s Holy Trinity Cathedral in Parnell. Footage from the cathedral’s security system shows a man enter the building and wrench open a secure donation box to remove money after a service, the cathedral’s dean Reverend Jo Kelly-Moore said. Computer hardware and chalices used for Read more
West Papua is hoping New Zealand will support its call for a fact finding team to be sent to the region to look into human rights abuses by Indonesia. The United Liberation Movement for West Papua is an observer member of the Melanesian Spearhead Group and wants similar status at the Pacific Islands Forum. Papua Read more
Segregated education at the secretive Gloriavale sect will not be investigated despite concerns for children’s rights, a select committee has decided. The Education Review Office was called before the Education and Science Select Committee today to explain why the extreme fundamentalist school was allowed to teach separate subjects for girls and boys, and stop education Read more
Inter-congregational ministries and formation were among the topics explored at the Leadership Conference of Women Religious 2015 assembly. Former executive director Sr Janet Mock emphasised the need for inter-congregational ministries. The St Joseph Sister said there could be no “superstars” in religious life. Sr Mock discussed the need for current leadership to ensure that younger Read more
An 11-year-old rape victim in Paraguay gave birth to a baby girl on August 13, stoking debate about abortion law in that country. The former partner of the 11-year-old’s mother is accused of the rape. The baby weighed 3.3 kilos and was born by caesarean section. Post-operative recovery is going well. Paraguayan law permits abortion Read more