More than 100 converts signed an open letter to the synod fathers and the Pope.

The signatories include such prominent converts as Scott and Kimberley Hahn, Mark Regnerus and John Finnis.

The signers explain that the Church's teaching on marriage and sexuality helped draw them to the Church, especially as she held to these truths when society began to reject them.

Continue reading

Fire destroyed the 123-year-old St James Church in Brighton in late March.

And fires at St Mary's Church in Dandenong caused A$250,000 worth of damage.

A separate blaze started near a door at St Mary's in St Kilda East caused little damage.

Bishop Peter Elliott said the Catholic archdiocese would increase security at local churches.

Bishop Elliott suggested an arsonist with a "very disturbed mind" was responsible for the fires, but doubted the instigator was a victim of sexual abuse.

A spokesperson for a victims' support group said it was possible an arsonist was simply targeting churches generally, rather than those linked to abuse.

Continue reading