Chicago archdiocese has released about 15,000 pages of previously secret files on clerical sex abuse in order to provide greater transparency. The documents detail interpersonal communications between victims, the priests and archdiocese officials. Making this information public comes after other documents were released in January as part of a settlement with victims. The archdiocese says Read more
Catholic parishes in Washington have been subject to noisy protests from fundamentalist Christians, who, in two cases, charged into churches before Mass. Washington archdiocese said protestors using megaphones were shouting at ordinary Catholics going in and out of churches. Fundamentalist literature was being distributed. The protestors attacked the Catholic Church’s dogmas, teachings, practices and leaders, Read more
Marlborough priest will face internal disciplinary action from the Catholic Church after he was discharged without conviction for committing and indecency against a teenage boy. Alastair Aidan Kay, 71, appeared in the Blenheim District Court on Monday after pleading guilty at an earlier appearance. Judge Bruce Davidson told the court his decision was a close Read more
Finn Lowndes from St Patrick’s College in Kilbirnie Wellington is first person to receive The Absolutely Positively Wellington Student Award. This award is given to secondary school students who have demonstrated commitment lo Wellington and their community. It is the brainchild of mayor Celia Wade-Brown. “it was time the positive aspects of teenagers were celebrated,” Read more
Roncalli College is to mediate with its head of English following a report into the department. Last week, parents were informed Michelle Denson had been placed on leave for an indeterminate period of time. In the letter, principal Chris Comeau said that followed an independent report into the English department commissioned by the board of Read more
An excommunicated Catholic woman bishop says she has conducted services alongside male Catholic priests without any problems from the Church’s hierarchy. Austrian Christine Mayr-Lumetzberger, 58, told The Telegraph: “Most Catholic priests in Austria, are very nice to me. They call me ‘Mrs Bishop’. And they show me respect.” The newspaper reported her having been at Read more
An Italian bishop has warned that Catholics who go to Mass at chapels staffed by the traditionalist Society of St Pius X incur excommunication. Bishop Marcello Semeraro of Albano diocese said SSPX bishops and priests are suspended from priestly ministry. When the faithful receive the sacraments from them, “they break communion with the Catholic Church”. Read more
Pope Francis has sent a special message of condolence to the family of former Australian Prime Minister Gough Whitlam, who died last month. The letter was read at a memorial Mass in Rome to honour the former Labor leader. In the message, it was noted that the Pope personally prayed for Mr Whitlam after hearing Read more
A controversial healing group that claims to have a cure for Ebola is coming to New Zealand this weekend to promote a bleach-based solution that medical experts have slammed as being potentially fatal. Genesis II Church of Health and Healing leader James Humble is heading a three-day, US$500-a-head ($646) seminar in Ngatea on the Hauraki Read more
A Christchurch father’s call for the right to end his life has reignited debate about assisted-suicide for the terminally ill. Philip Broderick, 33, has the same type of brain cancer as American Brittany Maynard, who chose to end her life this week. Palmerston North Labour MP Iain Lees-Galloway said he would take the debate forward Read more