At the start of Islam Awareness Week, Ethnic Affairs Minister Judith Collins announced plans are underway for an official Muslim forum to be held in November. “The national forum will celebrate the different ways the Muslim community contributes positively to New Zealand society and the global community,” says Ms Collins. “Holding a forum is one Read more
The Law Society says it appears the costs of the SkyCity convention centre deal outweigh the benefits to the public. SkyCity is to build a $402 million centre in central Auckland in exchange for an extension of its casino license and being allowed to operate more gaming machines and tables. The bill allowing the deal Read more
Emergency housing and shelters are struggling to cope with the growing number of homeless women and children in Christchurch city. The Christchurch City Mission and YWCA say they are inundated with women and children desperately seeking emergency housing – at levels never seen before. Both say they have to turn away people, with the YWCA Read more
Wellington’s Anglican bishop says he may cut his own salary to help fund a “living wage” for cleaners, caregivers and other low-paid workers in Anglican churches and social agencies. Bishop Justin Duckworth, a dreadlocked, Jandal-wearing priest who was an upset choice as bishop last year, is also challenging other high-income earners to take less to Read more
Archbishop Diarmuid Martin has hit out at some Catholic writers who he said lack basic Christian charity. He also criticised elements of the Catholic media who he said were damaging the credibility of the church. In an address yesterday to the ‘Faith of Our Fathers’ conference in Kilkenny, organised by the ‘Catholic Voice’ newspaper, the Read more
On the occasion the beatification of Fr. Jose Gabriel Brochero of Cordoba, Argentina, known to locals as the “cowboy priest,” Pope Francis praised him for his open heart. “Brochero was a normal man, fragile, like any of us,” said Pope Francis. But his greatness came from the fact that, “he knew the love of Jesus. Read more
Irish politicians who voted in support of Enda Keeny’s abortion legislation are coercing priests to give them Holy Communion by presenting themselves to receive during Requiem Masses. Enda Kenny received Holy Communion at a Requiem Mass in the presence of three Irish bishops in an act of public defiance. Niamh Ui Bhriain, a pro-life campaigner,’ Read more
A New Dunedin Catholic ”crisis pregnancy centre” is training staff and overwhelmed with support. Co-ordinator Frank Fischer (42), of Dunedin, said the centre, run by the Family Life International John Paul II Centre for Life, was training staff to be ready for its first clients – troubled pregnant women seeking assistance. Continue reading
With promotional events like “Wine and theology evenings” and “Beer and barbeque” church services, congregants of New Zealand’s Presbyterian Church are now embracing alcohol as an evangelism tool to attract more members and increase their bottom line according to a new study coming out of that country. Highlighting new research by religion expert, Dr. Geoff Read more