In Pope Francis’ vision for the future of the Catholic Church, bishops will no longer make decisions alone but in dialogue and discernment with the faithful in their community. The new, expanded two-year process to prepare for synods will begin in October and promises to flip the power structures in the church. When it comes Read more
It is time to stop using the term “Catholic church” as a synonym for “Catholic hierarchy.” We all do it. “The church teaches such and such.” “The church lobbied against gay marriage.” “The church failed to protect children.” “The church is homophobic and sexist.” “The church is authoritarian.” “I hate the church.” The word “church” Read more
Later this week Michael Dooley will become the 7th bishop of Dunedin. His ordination will take place in the Dunedin town hall on Thursday. Over 1000 people are expected to attend including clergy, the Vatican’s diplomatic representative, the apostolic nuncio Archbishop Martin Krebs, civic leaders and other Church leaders. The ordination will be followed on Friday morning Read more
Dr Jennifer Te Paa-Daniel believes the Christian churches are in danger of becoming exclusive. She says they are just serving the needs of their own congregations rather than reaching out to the community and taking risks. “Jesus didn’t hang out with those who had it all together,” she says. Te Paa Daniel, who is an Read more
Scores of Indonesian priests quit their posts after accusing a bishop on the Catholic majority island of Flores of embezzling more than US$100,000 of church funds for personal use. At least 69 priests from Ruteng Diocese submitted letters of resignation this week and demanded that Bishop Hubertus Leteng heed their calls for a complete overhaul Read more
Thousands of people attended the installation of Christopher Michael Cardone as the third archbishop of the Honiara Diocese on Saturday 10 September. Among those present in the Holy Cross Cathedral for the ceremony were the Governor General Sir Frank Kabui, government ministers Overseas dignitaries, and family and friends included the retired archbishop of Gizo western Read more
Dunedin’s St Joseph Cathedral was packed with people paying respects to Emeritus Bishop Len Boyle. Boyle, who was the fifth bishop of the diocese of Dunedin, died on June 1. A requiem mass – held at St Joseph Cathedral – featured Catholic bishops from around New Zealand. The Deputy Prime Minister Bill English, the former Read more
Emeritus Bishop Len Boyle of Dunedin has died, surrounded by family and his brother priests, after a short period of ill health. He was 85. He came from a distinguished and well known Winton family known for their involvement with racing, rugby and the hotel trade. Boyle himself had a love of horses. He often Read more
Requiem Mass for The Bishop of Christchurch, Barry Jones, who died on Saturday, will be held at 1pm on Friday. Burial will take place after the Mass at Bromley Cemetery. He will be taken to the Carmelite Monastery on Tuesday afternoon. On Wednesday afternoon the Bishop will rest at Te Rangimarie Centre. He will then lie Read more
Pope Francis has called for a Church that listens and learns at every level, but he said this requires the correct view of Church structure. Marking the 50th anniversary of the Synod of Bishops, Francis outlined his vision for a Church that is “synodal” at every level. “A synodal church is a listening church, aware that listening is Read more