In the aftermath of the 11 March earthquake and tsunami, a Christian network is joining with Buddhists to provide bereavement services and prevent suicides, according to a Japanese interdenominational network. With the goal to offer counseling and spiritual support, the Sendai Buddhist Federation through the Miyagi Prefecture Liaison Council of Religious Corporations established a counseling Read more
The people of Christchurch will need help to rebuild their heritage churches, especially since these religions are fading away. The religious leaders’ cheque books are, however, conspicuously closed. The Pope and the Archbishop of Canterbury should be making a contribution because the Anglican and Catholic Churches are some of the wealthiest organisations in the world and if it is Read more
The nuclear disaster in Japan raises ethical questions about the future use of nuclear power according to Catholic scholars and other ethicists. The accident could be a “huge wake-up call” that “would give impetus to jump start research” in other energy technologies. While nuclear energy could be part of the solution to climate change because it does Read more
Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand has pledged NZ$10,000 towards Caritas relief efforts in Japan following the earthquake and tsunami. Caritas Director Mike Smith says the pledge is one of solidarity with Japan.‘It also recognises the closer ties and empathy felt between Japan and New Zealand in the wake of recent deadly earthquakes that have afflicted both Read more
Since God has nothing to do with the advent of earthquakes – or fires, floods, hurricanes, volcanic eruptions or tsunamis for that matter – I rather prefer the legal term “force majeure”, which defines “an event that is a result of the elements of nature, as opposed to one caused by human behaviour”. So after Read more