Four Napier churches have been celebrating the 30th anniversary of their Covenant. 30 years ago an ecumenical covenant was established between four inner-city churches of Napier to forge a stronger Christian church for the city through working together. The churches involve St Paul’s Presbyterian Church, St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Trinity Methodist Church, and the Waiapu Read more
New Zealand
Story time at Library gives homeless a chance to challenge stereotypes
Monday, May 29th, 2017For two hours on a wintry Saturday afternoon, some of Wellington’s homeless came in from the cold to tell their stories to those who wanted to listen. Te Ha Tangata – the Breath of the People, is a collaborative project by Kahungunu Whanau Services, Compassion Soup Kitchen, and Massey University, with funding and support from Read more
Budget recognising some Kiwis are missing out
Thursday, May 25th, 2017
Two billion dollars will go back into the pockets of New Zealand families, with the Government unveiling a combination of tax cuts, a boost to the accommodation supplement and Working for Families. Salvation Army says the budget is a step in the right direction to correct the growing imbalance in New Zealand society between the Read more
Marriage celebrants must pay to be registered
Thursday, May 25th, 2017
Marriage celebrants, will now have to pay $220.00 to be registered. (Note: This post has been updated to correct some errors.) They will also have to pay an annual fee of $60.00 to renew their registration. Ministers of recognised religions are exempt. Up until now the cost of registering is covered by couples when they pay Read more
Who said Francis did not smile when he met Trump?
Thursday, May 25th, 2017
Proir to the meeting between Pope Francis and President Trump Bishop Steve Lowe of the Hamilton Diocese, said he was optimistic about the meeting even if they did not agree on the common issue. It seems Lowe’s optimism was not misplaced. According to a statement released by the Vatican Press Office, the discussions, which lasted about Read more
- Pope Francis Receives US President Donald J. Trump
- We Can Use Peace,' President Trump Says After Exchanging Gifts With Pope
- Francis asks Trump to work for peace in closely watched Vatican meeting
- Pope welcomes Trump to the Vatican despite past disagreements
- Ahead of Vatican Visit, Former Nuncio Welcomes Trump’s Pro-Life Record
Kiwi women targeted by religious cult based in South Korea
Thursday, May 25th, 2017South Korean cult, Jesus Morning Star, is trying to recruit young women in universities, shopping centres and churches in New Zealand. Rev Dr Carolyn Kelly, chaplain at the University of Auckland, said JMS had been active for “quite some time” at the university and there were grave concerns for safety of female students. Often they Read more
Amnesty says NZ should resettle Manus detainees
Thursday, May 25th, 2017New Zealand should make an offer to Papua New Guinea to resettle some of the asylum seekers Australia has detained on Manus Island, according to Amnesty International. A group of detainees has asked the New Zealand prime minister Bill English for asylum as they say PNG is incapable of resettling them when the detention centre Read more
After 100 years World War 1 chaplain’s chalice going back to Belgium
Monday, May 22nd, 2017
The chalice of First World War chaplain Father James Joseph McMenamin was handed over to New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) chaplains during a Mass at Sacred Heart Church, Petone on Sunday. The NZDF will take to the chalice to Belgium where it will be used in services in Nieppe and Mesen/Messines as part of the Read more
Christchurch cathedral decision in September – Regeneration Minister “deeply disappointed”
Monday, May 22nd, 2017
On Sunday Bishop Victoria Matthews announced in a letter that members of the Anglican Diocese of Christchurch’s synod would make the decision about the future of the Christchurch cathedral at its meeting in early September. A government-appointed working party has been trying to decided the fate of the building and its report, which is due Read more
Church leaders discuss concerns with the Prime Minister
Monday, May 22nd, 2017
Cardinal John Dew was one of a group of church leaders who met with the Prime Minister and Government ministers to ask for more action in the areas of immigration, housing and social investment. Their views are influenced by the experience of their church congregations and church based social agencies in most New Zealand communities. Read more