New warnings by Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki include the perils of Harry Potter and that the hit children’s character lures young people into the “demonic world.” And in the latest book released by the church leader, Tamaki has also delivered a new chapter on the Kaikoura earthquake saga – and that he predicted the Read more
New Zealand
Wellington Archdiocese to have a Synod next year
Friday, December 9th, 2016
Cardinal John Dew has announced that the fifth Synod for the Archdiocese of Wellington is to take place in 2017. A diocesan synod helps to establish the ‘communion and mission’ of a diocesan community. In the decree of convocation Dew said he was mindful of Pope Francis’ desire that we advance along the path of what Read more
NZ’s Prison population has trebled since 1985
Friday, December 9th, 2016
Despite crime rates falling overall, the prison population in New Zealand has tripled since 1985 and is likely to reach a record 10,000 people next year. Corrections is also unlikely to meet its composite target of reducing reoffending by 25 per cent by 2017. Post-prison reoffending rates have barely changed in the past 10 years. Read more
Cardinal Dew Challenges MPs on Euthanasia
Friday, December 9th, 2016
Cardinal Dew spoke on behalf of the bishops of New Zealand to the written Submission to the Health Select Committee on their End of Life investigation at Parliament on Wednesday. “Catholic teaching regarding the end of life is well known, however we would like to share with you our extensive and long experience of our Read more
Reclaiming Santa from the clutches of Coca-Cola
Friday, December 9th, 2016One man is on a mission to take back Santa from the corporate clutches of Coca-Cola for the sake of future generations. And he’s starting with the giant Christmas display at the Clarence Street Pak ‘n Save in Hamilton – which is hard to miss. Continue reading
Earthquake shaken Wellington Archdiocese asks for Mary’s protection
Friday, December 9th, 2016Thursday was the feast of the Immaculate Conception, the day Wellingtonians traditionally pray to Mary to protect them from earthquakes. In 1855 Wellington experienced a severe earthquake that rocked the southern part of the North Island. At magnitude 8.2 it was the most powerful ever recorded in New Zealand. The earthquake was caused by movement Read more
Ray Columbus’ career began in church
Friday, December 9th, 2016Five years ago, Ray Columbus was interviewed by RNZ host Chris Laidlaw, and spoke of mods, family, Christopher Columbus and how the band’s style started in church. As a young man, Ray had wanted to be a priest. He said he thought he had a strong moral conviction, but it was also the way they Read more
Challenge 2000 put the youth justice case to Bill English
Tuesday, December 6th, 2016
Last week the deputy prime minister, Bill English visited Challenge 2000, a Youth Development, Community and Family Social Work agency based in Johnsonville, near Wellington. Challenge staff discussed with English the services they provide to youth and how they could help if the age at which people are referred to the adult court was raised Read more
Passion for illustrating makes new Big Little Bible App a great success
Tuesday, December 6th, 2016
The success of Bible Society New Zealand’s recently released Big Little Bible app and book has been largely credited to Catholic illustrator Meesh Holswich who played a significant part in its creation. Meesh’s art style means the pencil never leaves the page and actually dovetails in with the overall message of the Bible. “One line, Read more
Suzanne Aubert declared Venerable
Tuesday, December 6th, 2016
Suzanne Aubert, the founder of the Sisters of Compassion has been declared ‘venerable’, a major milestone on the path to sainthood in the Catholic Church. The announcement has just been made from Rome by Pope Francis. Being declared ‘venerable’ is a major step towards sainthood in the Catholic Church, says Dr Maurice Carmody, the promoter Read more