Pharmacists have asked health authorities to allow the pill to be bought over the counter without prescription. But GPs are warning the pill is not safe for all women, and that medical oversight is still needed. At present, only the emergency morning-after pill can be bought at a pharmacy without a prescription from the patient’s Read more
There’s a call for charities to stop putting people out on the street to collect money. Wellington city councillor Iona Pannett says “chuggers” profit from a form of mild harassment. Chuggers ie. charity muggers, are paid street fundraisers who approach passers-by to persuade them to donate money to the charitable cause he/she is promoting. Pannett Read more
In his traditional Easter Sunday blessing to the city and the world, Pope Francis several times implored God to stop violence in many parts of the world. The Pope mentioned Iraq and Syria, Libya, Yemen, Nigeria, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, and Ukraine. Francis also called on Christians to look at Read more
Police in Melbourne are investigating suspected arsons at three churches with historic links to abusive priests. Fire destroyed the 123-year-old St James Church in Brighton in late March. And fires at St Mary’s Church in Dandenong caused A$250,000 worth of damage. A separate blaze started near a door at St Mary’s in St Kilda East Read more
The diocese of Pittsburgh in the United States has eliminated all fees for marriage annulments. Bishop David Zubik said Pope Francis had inspired the move by calling for marriage tribunals to do justice swiftly. The Pope expressed a desire for no-cost annulments last year. Pittsburgh church officials had been collecting about US$120,000 annually in annulment fees Read more
Christian radio station Star launched itself into uncharted waters for the duration of Holy Week by running adapted versions of the NZPB Morning and Evening Prayer. The services – of seven minute duration, and broadcast at 5.30am and 11.45pm – were read by the Rev David Guthrie, the Anglican priest who, in early 2007, began to Read more
The “greatest story ever told”lit up the stage in a dazzling spectacle at Villa Maria Winery last weekend. And Jesus Christ rose again – in the form of a large Samoan man. They Crucified Him, a Passion play directed by Ross Jennings and co-directed by Terri de’Ath, portrays Christ’s last days on earth but with Read more
About 1200 people from a dozen Maori Catholic clubs from Opononi to Poneke have gathered at Flaxmere College in Hastings for the 69th Hui Aranga. It’s five days of singing, sports, speech and drama competitions, religious quizzes and prayer. Organising committee member Julie Tangaere says a highlight is always the choral and solo singing. She Read more
A Catholic Church spokesman is surprised at the Australian government’s rejection of a proposed national compensation scheme for child sex abuse victims. The Church’s Truth, Justice and Healing Council chief, Francis Sullivan, said this to a royal commission hearing last week. Mr Sullivan said the Church supported a national scheme administered by the federal government Read more
A Catholic high school in Pennsylvania is requiring female students who want to attend the school prom to submit a photo of their dress for pre-approval. The policy of Delone Catholic High School in McSherrytown has angered parents and students ahead of the prom in May. A photo of the prom dress has to be Read more