A clerical sexual abuse survivor calls a summit on child protection that will take place at the Vatican Feb. 21-24, involving presidents of all bishops’ conferences around the world as well as the pope’s own top aides, a “last chance” for the Vatican to be taken seriously. “If this 2019 meeting ends with nothing more Read more
It is time to stop using the term “Catholic church” as a synonym for “Catholic hierarchy.” We all do it. “The church teaches such and such.” “The church lobbied against gay marriage.” “The church failed to protect children.” “The church is homophobic and sexist.” “The church is authoritarian.” “I hate the church.” The word “church” Read more
I was the lone theologian among psychologists sitting on the “Faith and Mental Illness” panel my alma mater’s chapter of The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) was hosting. This panel, unbeknownst to me, had been scheduled as the pinnacle event at the end of a week filled with much-anticipated conversations and workshops. After what Read more
While parliament fiddles, Europe burns, or at least sputters into flame. History could not be clearer. The diversion of the Russo-Ukrainian conflict into the Sea of Azov is precisely the kind of escalation that has preceded Europe’s past cataclysms. A great power treats a little one with contempt. A little one responds with violence, expecting Read more
Can’t the truth set us free? In the last couple weeks, it was revealed that the US Justice department has secretly (ironic) charged Wiki-leaks founder Julian Assange with publicizing government secrets. Also recently, the US Catholic bishops voted down a resolution which would have encouraged the Vatican to release all its documentation on the disgraced Read more
I bet the Government is regretting its $2.8 billion fees-free promise right about now. And if it’s not, it should be. Last Friday, secondary school teachers and principals rejected the Government’s second pay offer, and voted to strike in term one. While the strike may still be averted, it’s not looking good, with the Government Read more
Sidewalk prayers near shoot-up spots. Sunday sermons in the back of a bar. Pleas to struggling souls to surrender to God. Funerals for members of their flock who didn’t make it. Clergy members have become spiritual first responders in the opioid crisis, often leaving the pulpit to minister on the streets. They can be reverends, Read more
In addition to being used as an argument against artificial birth control and women’s ordination, sexual complementarity is also put forth as an argument against the goodness of same-sex relationships. According to this thinking, the procreative compatibility of male and female reproductive organs is a type of microcosm and symbol of the compatibility between man Read more
In a decision highlighting the great importance he gives to next February’s summit meeting on “the protection of minors in the church,” to which he has called the presidents of all the Catholic bishops conferences, Pope Francis has appointed a high-powered steering committee to oversee the project. The committee is composed of two cardinals, Blase Read more
Like all expectant parents, Danielle and Kyle Jenkins had plenty to organise before the arrival of their baby boy. They chose the name Aryton after Formula One racing driver Ayrton Senna to reflect both Kyle’s mad love for the sport and Danielle’s Brazilian heritage. They had a baby shower, filled drawers with baby clothes, decorated Read more