Cardinal Sebastian Francis says Malaysia’s diverse cultures and religions offer Catholics and people of faith a chance to create a pluralistic society where everyone progresses together. “It is the pluralism of cultures and ethnic groups that makes Malaysia a ‘miniature Asia’” the cardinal says. “The coexistence of different components allows the Catholic community to experience Read more
Every Sunday, whoever is welcoming the gathered at my parish also welcomes those “joining us online,” before inviting us to stand for the processional hymn. Sometimes, I imagine that these folks are actually in the choir loft, where the camera and streaming laptop actually are. I can’t see them, but for most of Mass, I Read more
Accolades continue for the New Zealand Catholic bishops’ trailblazing document on sexual diversity. The latest comes from David Palmieri of Outreach, a US LGBTQ Catholic resource. “Aroha and Diversity in Catholic Schools, manifests the love of Jesus Christ in its courage to seek “respect, compassion, and sensitivity” for LGBTQ children in Catholic schools and colleges” Read more
The new pastoral guidelines concerning gender and sexuality are “groundbreaking”, says New Ways Ministry’s Robert Shine. Primarily targeting Catholic educators, “Aroha and Diversity in Catholic Schools” is the opposite of so many policies which have harmed students and upset school communities in recent years, Shine comments. The document clearly shows the bishops’ core concern is Read more
New diversity guidelines for the country’s 235 Catholic schools offer support for rangatahi with regard to sexual diversity. New Zealand’s Catholic bishops, who released the guidelines, say all young people in Catholic schools are to be welcomed, supported and encouraged. This is important as they navigate their journey from childhood to adult and discover more Read more
The Gathering evolved a few years ago from a handful of like-minded friends who used to meet and share their common belief in their homes. The Gathering, which meets in a hall the South Canterbury town of Temuka has no leader, no service plan and just a couple of acoustic guitars. About 30 people attend Read more
Brenton Tarrant’s manifesto is unbelievably offensive. It talks about the supremacy of the European people and deporting all non-Europeans. He says he decided to take a stand to ensure a future for ‘my’ people. ‘The White Genocide’ is how he refers to his actions; he labels himself as a part-time kebab removalist. Tarrant says he Read more
Munroe Bergdorf probably hates you. Certainly if you are white she will think you are pretty disgusting. She thinks that you, like ‘all white people’, partake in ‘racial violence’. She thinks you have built your ‘existence, privilege and success’ on ‘the backs, blood and death of people of colour’. In short, you’re scum: you are Read more
Parliament will open with a new prayer on Tuesday after the Speaker of the House listened to criticism about him removing mention of the Queen and Jesus Christ. While the Queen is back in the new version to be read ahead of Question Time next week, references to Jesus Christ are still on the chopping Read more
A history professor said “religion’s the enemy of education” in response to the stir following his comment on a Z Energy Facebook post about diversity in the workplace. He wrote, “Who needs employees if they stop work five times per day to talk to an imaginary being?” Richards was accused of confusing the Sikh in Read more