About twelve years ago, I was at an Auckland Literary Festival, with a talk on ‘The Influences that Have Made a Writer.’ The greatest influence in my life, my faith, I left until last, aware that some people were allergic to talk about religion. I said if anyone wanted to leave at that point, I Read more
Posts Tagged ‘Secular’
NZ Census – fewer Catholics but the most populous religion
Friday, December 13th, 2013
Declining numbers in all the mainstream churches means that Catholicism has emerged as the most populous religion in New Zealand. The 2013 New Zealand census shows that of the total population of 4.2 M, population, 3.9 M stated their religious affiliation. Of those, 1.635 M, (1 in 4), say they had no religious affiliation, up from Read more
Europe more secular because of Muslim immigration
Friday, June 21st, 2013
The European relationship between religion, law and politics is a strange creature. Religious influence over political life is weaker in Europe than in almost any other part of the world. To adapt the phrase first used by Alastair Campbell when he was spokesman for the British prime minister Tony Blair, politicians in Europe generally ‘don’t Read more
Students punished for opting out of religious studies
Sunday, April 29th, 2012Parents of public school students say their children are effectively being punished for not attending religious studies. Schools are legally obliged to be secular, but under the Education Act they are allowed to close for an hour a week for religious instruction, as long as children can opt out. Peter Harrison, the founder of Facebook Read more
God in austerity Britain
Tuesday, December 20th, 2011
Considering that Britain is a deeply secular country, there is a lot of God about this Christmas. Austerity is a part of the explanation. With the core cultural activity of modern Britain–shopping for stuff–losing its lustre, there are hints of a nation groping for something more profound. For millions, austerity Christmas will include a dose Read more
Pope Benedict addresses NZ and Pacific Bishops – asks for adequate lay formation
Tuesday, December 20th, 2011
The New Evangelization was the focus of Pope Benedict XVI’s remarks to the bishops of New Zealand and the Pacific on Saturday, as he received them at the end of their ad limina visits. In his address to the Bishops of New Zealand and the Pacific Pope Benedict spoke of the contribution of priests and Read more