I am always conflicted by the Anzac Day remembrances and the call to honour the “glorious dead”. Nothing about war is glorious, regardless of who wins; and if the dead could speak, their first utterance would be to ask why. No war is “good” or “just” or “necessary” from the standpoint of the aggressor, though Read more
A priest who was once a top official in a New Hampshire diocese was sentenced to four years prison after admitting felony theft charges. Msgr Edward Arsenault admitted stealing tens of thousands of dollars from Manchester diocese, a Catholic hospital and the estate of a dead priest. He was order him to repay the $185,000 he Read more
The Hui Aranga, the annual Maori Catholic gathering, took place in in Upper Hutt near Wellington this year. The Hui Aranga celebrates the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and involves kapa haka and sports competitions as well as a religious procession. The chairperson of a Palmerston North Maori Catholic club, Rawiri Tinirau, says many non-religious Read more
During a Holy Thursday Mass at a rehabilitation centre, Pope Francis washed the feet of four women and eight men with disabilities. Ranging from 16 to 86 years of age, nine of the patients were Italian, one was a Muslim from Libya, one was a woman from Ethiopia and one young man was from Cape Read more
Thirty Christian leaders in Auckland New Zealand have published a joint Easter message. The message reminds people that the resurrection is not just a Bible story from long ago. “It is a present reality and the Gospel of peace has been an intrinsic part of Aotearoa since the message was first preached here 200 years Read more
An English priest has appeared in court after he wrote a peace slogan on a Ministry of Defence wall in London on Ash Wednesday. Fr Martin Newell said he was trying to prevent “mass destruction”. The Passionist has denied charges of criminal damage, saying his message was later washed off. His trial will be in Read more
Labour leader David Cunliffe attended a Samoan church service last night, as the party ramps up its efforts to woo the Pasifika vote. After an Easter Sunday service in Mangere, Cunliffe addressed more than 3000 people at the Samoan Assembly of God National Easter Conference. Labour is making a concerted effort to target voters in Read more
Pope Francis’s team of eight cardinals is to meet for three days starting April 28 to consider proposals to reform the Roman Curia. They will also examine each of the Pontifical Councils, weighing up measures for mergers and changes. One proposal is for a new figure, a “moderator Curiae”, who would coordinate the work of Read more
A high-profile Christchurch businessman is fronting a nationwide television commercial as the fight to save the Christchurch Cathedral escalates. Mortgage and real estate magnate Mike Pero is appearing in 60-second commercials being aired mainly during breakfast slots on TV One, TV3, Prime and Canterbury Television, backing the cathedral’s restoration. The commercial also features the pro-restoration Read more
British Prime Minister David Cameron has told a group of religious leaders that Christianity is the “most persecuted religion around the world”. Mr Cameron said the British government should stand up against such persecution of Christians and other faith groups. Continue reading