The Catholic Church in New Zealand has pledged to implement the recommendations of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State Care and Faith-based Institutions. On 27 September, in the most detailed statement to date from any Church or the State, Catholic Church leaders expressed deep regret and committed to concrete actions to Read more
An independent assessment of Catholic safeguarding protocols and procedures in New Zealand has identified significant progress in many areas. The New Zealand Bishops Conference, in a report issued by Te Rōpū Tautoko, says it also highlights areas where more work is needed. Te Rōpū Tautoko coordinated the Church’s engagement with the Royal Commission of Inquiry Read more
The NZ Catholic newspaper has sent out its final print publication. While the print newspaper is the last of 100 years of Catholic publications owned and operated by Bishops of Auckland, it will return. At least that’s the current plan says Auckland’s Catholic bishop, Steve Lowe. It’ll be a 21st century digital paper, with Lowe Read more
When NZ Catholic sends out its final print publication at the end of June, it will mark the end of an era. A print era, that is. Print edition will be missed “I liked the NZ Catholic because I could catch up with current news about Catholic NZ … seminarians, Vinnies, ordinations, school successes, photos Read more
New Zealand’s national newspaper NZ Catholic will cease publication at the end of June. The Catholic Bishop of Auckland, Steve Lowe, confirmed the 27-year old publication’s closure and thanked NZ Catholic readers for their faithful support. Subscribers are offered refunds for their prepaid subscription. NZ Catholic’s closure will bring to an end a 150-year tradition Read more
NZ Catholic Bishop Steve Lowe (pictured) is dismayed Easter trading – and the current ban on it – is up for change. He’s concerned about the ACT Party’s Easter Trading bill, which was drawn in a ballot just before Easter. “I guess when I read about this, I groaned. I thought: ‘Here we go again’. Read more
“Please pray for the soul of Efeso Collins” says Auckland Bishop Steve Lowe. “We give thanks for Efeso’s ministry in our church and his mahi in the world. “Please join me in praying for his family and all those who are struggling with this sad news. Rest in peace Efeso.” Brought up a Pentecostal Christian, Read more
In a significant move, the NZ Catholic bishops are promoting open and informed life discussion through a modernised and broadened document, Te Kahu o te Ora – A Consistent Ethic of Life. The modernisation seeks to fill a twenty-six-year gap and reflect some of the modern challenges. Dr John Kleinsman, director of the NZ Catholic Read more
Against a background of ongoing legal matters, Bishop Steve Lowe, the apostolic administrator of the Hamilton Diocese, is accused of not being pastoral enough in his response to a victim of clergy abuse. The Waikato Times reports a woman from within the Hamilton Catholic diocese saying that in a meeting with Lowe, she told him Read more
The Synod’s Working Document is the Holy Spirit talking and Bishop Stephen Lowe is urging people to become familiar with it. Emphasising its importance, Lowe, President of the New Zealand Bishops Conference, describes the document as “another step towards the future”. “This working document is the product of the process of the Church listening to Read more