Pastor Robert Jeffress, who led the blessing of the new American embassy in Jerusalem is said to believe Satan is behind Catholicism. The Texan, who was invited to lead the blessing by President Donald Trump, has a history of strongly disliking a range of individuals and groups. According to recordings from his radio show “Pathway Read more
World
Technology giants halt Ireland’s abortion referendum ads
Monday, May 14th, 2018
Technology giants Google and Facebook have suspended all advertising about Ireland’s abortion referendum. At present voters are being asked to decide whether to repeal Ireland’s constitutional ban on most abortions. Google says protecting “election integrity” is behind their decision. Advertisements on Google-owned companies AdWords and YouTube are included in the ban. Facebook says its decision Read more
Christian conversion can lead to 10 years in jail
Monday, May 14th, 2018
Christian conversion is not for the fainthearted in Iran. It can be a crime leading to a decade in jail. The Iranian government uses the Internet to censor and monitor activists and to enforce official religious interpretations. Surveillance cameras watch Catholic churches. They’re looking for Muslims going into Christian churches, Iranian-born journalist Sohrab Ahmari says. Read more
Chilean bishops and Pope discussing reforms following scandal
Monday, May 14th, 2018
Thirty Chilean bishops are in Rome to meet with Pope Francis. Francis summoned them to the Vatican last month. He wants to discuss short, medium and long-term reforms to the church. Francis has admitted he made “grave errors in judgment” about Bishop Juan Barros’s role in covering up sexual abuse perpetrated by Fr Fernando Karadima. Read more
Pax Christi USA condemns Trump’s Iran Deal decision
Monday, May 14th, 2018
Pax Christi USA is condemning President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal. The Catholic peace movement says it is “short-sighted” and “an insane move. “This decision is short-sighted and opens the door to war or the resurgence of Iran’s nuclear programme.” Pax Christi says the Iran Deal has been successful in Read more
First African-American priest could be first African-American saint
Monday, May 14th, 2018
The first African-American priest in the US could be the country’s first African-American saint. Fr Augustus Tolton’s cause for canonisation was officially launched in 2010, and he was given the title “Servant of God” by the Vatican in February 2011. The runaway slave-turned priest’s cause for sainthood took a step forward last week. A committee Read more
Help with legal fees for Cardinal Pell sought
Monday, May 14th, 2018Help to pay the legal fees for Cardinal Pell is being sought. An article seeking contributions has been posted in the Catholic Weekly. Pell is fighting historical sexual assault offences charges. He has pleaded not guilty to all the charges. The Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney posted an article. It includes bank details for people to Read more
Boy’s miraculous recovery – he died, saw Jesus, then returned
Monday, May 14th, 2018The miraculous recovery of a 13 year-old boy has his mother singing praises to God and sharing her story. Doctors had already declared Trenton McKinley brain-dead and were set to harvest his organs to donate to five other children. McKinley says he was in Heaven walking with Jesus and a sibling who died before he was Read more
New documentary “Pope Francis – A Man of His Word” trailer out
Monday, May 14th, 2018A new documentary about Pope Francis by film-maker Wim Wenders shows Francis telling his own story. Francis looks directly into the camera as though he’s having a conversation with the audience. The documentary will be released in the US on 18 May. Read more
Belgian cardinal backs celebrating gay couples’ relationships
Thursday, May 10th, 2018
A Belgian cardinal is considering a celebration of thanksgiving or prayer for gay couples in stable, lasting relationships. After a meeting with delegates from a local gay working group last week, Cardinal Jozef De Kesel said he was concerned for their well-being and spoke of his respect for them. He also spoke of gay couples’ Read more