The Commission is condemning Church leadership for its glaring failures to prevent abuse.

Established by Pope Francis in 2014, the commission has pledged to push church authorities for more decisive measures.

The statement made public on 27 September underscores the commission's escalating concern over the "anguish and pain of a terrible betrayal" felt by victims of abuse.

It indicts not only the abusers but also a Church that has been "unable or even unwilling" to confront the severity of its own actions.

"Each day reveals fresh cases of abuse, cover-ups and poor handling by Church authorities worldwide," the commission said, adding that they are profoundly disturbed by the conduct of individuals holding responsible roles within the Church.

The comments come just a few days before Pope Francis' Synod on Synodality begins in Rome.

The Commission is calling for action and making an urgent plea for the upcoming Synod on Synodality to dedicate substantial time to discussing sexual abuse within the Church.

"We insist that the issue of sexual abuse be at the forefront of your discussions on teaching, ministry, formation and governance," the commission declared in its "Call to Action."

The commission has laid out three critical priorities for the Church:

• Strengthened solidarity with victims and survivors
• Amplified commitment and resources for safeguarding initiatives
• Making safeguarding a pivotal issue in synod discussions

"The sexual abuse crisis cuts to the very core of the synod's agenda," the commission stressed.

"It infiltrates discussions on leadership models, ministerial roles and professional standards of behaviour."

The commission has a list of goals, including an outline of several pressing objectives for the Church, by:

• Being a place of welcome, empathy and reconciliation for those impacted by abuse and a strong advocate "against the endemic complacency of those in the church and society that silence these testimonies, minimize their significance and stifle hope for renewal"
• Taking "full account and full responsibility for the wrongs done to so many in its care"
• Protecting all children with "appropriate safety policies and procedures, ones that are known and verified"
• Having well-run, "transparent and accessible systems of redress for wrongdoing by the church's ministers"
• Implementing and taking responsibility for "robust safeguarding" in dioceses, parishes, schools, hospitals, retreat centres, houses of formation and everywhere the church is present and active.

The commission insisted that these goals should be a continuous focus for the Synod on Synodality and not just a topic for brief consideration.

"We urge synod attendees to work towards these goals throughout the entire synod process" the statement concluded.

The commission also said that "recent publicly reported cases point to tragically harmful deficiencies in the norms intended to punish abusers and hold accountable those whose duty is to address wrongdoing.

"We are long overdue in fixing the flaws in procedures that leave victims wounded and in the dark both during and after cases have been decided" it said, adding that the commission will continue to study what is not working and to press for necessary changes.

Sources

• Crux
• NCR

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Reflecting on the century since Northern Ireland's partition, they say they hope this centenary year will provide opportunities to create a better level of mutual understanding.

The Protestant and Catholic leaders went on to speak of hope for the future.

"We have an opportunity in marking these events from our past, to be intentional in creating the spaces for encounters with those who are different from us, and those who may feel marginalised in the narratives that have shaped our community identity.

"This will require us to face difficult truths about failings in our own leadership in the work of peace and reconciliation.

"As Christian churches we acknowledge and lament the times that we failed to bring to a fearful and divided society that message of the deeper connection that binds us, despite our different identities, as children of God, made in his image and likeness.

"We have often been captive churches; not captive to the word of God, but to the idols of state and nation."

Among those who signed the statement were the leader of the Catholic Church in Ireland, Archbishop Eamon Martin, and the head of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, Dr David Bruce.

Other signatories were Church of Ireland Archbishop Rev John McDowell, President of the Methodist Church Dr Thomas McKnight and the President of the Irish Council of Churches, Dr Ivan Patterson.

Reflecting on the peace process, they pointed out:

"We have to live in a shared space on these islands and to make them a place of belonging and welcome for all.

"In our approach to the past we have a moral responsibility to acknowledge the corrosive impact of violence and words that can lead to violence, and a duty of care to those still living with the trauma of its aftermath."

Last week, details of official plans to mark the centenary of Northern Ireland were announced.

As part of the programme, a religious service will be organised by Northern Ireland's church leaders.

Source

• BBC
• Image: BBC

As reported recently by CathNews, church leaders met, March 11, with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Social Development Minister Carmel Sepuloni and Housing Minister Megan Woods to discuss issues of mutual concern.

The churches' position papers have just been released.

"We seek tika me pono (truth and justice) to right wrongs in our history that continue to lead to disparities which see poorer health outcomes for Maori and Pasifika. We cannot be healthy unless all are healthy", the church leaders said.

Acknowledging the impact of COVID-19, the church leaders said the virus has exposed new forms of inequality and thrown new light on old and ongoing injustices.

"Many want to get back to ‘normal', but we don't want a ‘normality' that returns to an everyday life which is indifferent to the poor and to the environment, and just exposes us again to the next pandemic."

During the pandemic, church and state cooperation has ensured wide-ranging support - from connecting with kaumatua/isolated elderly people, finding accommodation, providing necessities, supporting migrant workers and temporary visa holders.

"We seek ongoing engagement in this regard," New Zealand's church leaders said.

Two issues — housing and welfare — "have been priorities for decades in these meetings of Church Leaders and Government, but remain urgent and pressing issues in the context of the pandemic."

COVID vaccinations

Confirming their support for vaccinations, the church leaders offered to:

• Contribute to public messaging about Covid-19 as an ethical choice for the common good.
• Support and encourage church members to be vaccinated.
• Provide access to church facilities as vaccination centres.

They asked for:

• Information about the vaccination priority settings for church workers like hospital chaplains.
• Clarity around the process of setting priorities for border entry for non-citizens and residents.
• Recognition that there are circumstances in which church workers are essential workers for immigration purposes.
• Recognition of family reunification as a priority when border restrictions can be relaxed.

Welfare, Income and Wellbeing

The church leaders said they want:

• To provide input into policy and programmes that support New Zealanders making significant permanent changes to work and careers because of Covid-19 outcomes, including retraining and psychosocial support.
• To work with Government and other agencies to provide access to psychosocial services for those affected by COVID-19 health or economic effects.
• Government to recognise the benefit levels do not meet basic needs and should be lifted.
• To continue the dialogue about addressing food insecurity.
• To encourage the Government to continue to push a wellbeing approach to better integrate social, economic and environmental dimensions to grow inter-generational wellbeing and resilience.

Housing

The church leaders would like to see:

• A long-term balanced policy approach to the housing crisis is needed. The pressure is building as homeownership reduces, and rent increases.
• The Government partnering more and sharing development investments with community housing providers.
• The Government committing to a balanced tenure policy of social housing, secure renting and affordable homeownership, with access for lower-income households.
• Priority access for Maori and Pasifika households.
• Housing support assistance reviewed so lower-income households are realistically better off and can afford essential housing costs.

Source

• Church Leaders meet with PM and Ministers (PDF)
• Image: BBC

We are deeply saddened by these tragic events and we strongly condemn these acts of racial hatred and murder. We feel very deeply for our fellow New Zealand faith community, which was so cruelly attacked as worshippers peacefully gathered for prayer.

We extend our prayerful and heartfelt sympathy to the Muslim community here in New Zealand, and around the world. The whole Christian church community in New Zealand is praying for the Muslim community: praying for the healing of the wounded, comfort for the bereaved, and for God's peace upon all who have been traumatised.

At this time of deep shock, grief, and anxiety, we ask and pray for all New Zealanders to stand united, to have great love and compassion, and to show unfailing respect and kindness for all people who live in this society of Aotearoa New Zealand, regardless of ethnicity or religious affiliation.

We believe there is absolutely no room for racial hatred in our land, and we are determined that we must stand together as one people, united as human beings created by God, and as fellow New Zealanders. May goodness overcome evil, and peace and goodwill prevail.

• Rev Dr Bruce Allder, District Superintendent, Church of the Nazarene
• Pastor Steve Burgess, Regional Overseer, C3 Churches
• Cardinal John Dew, Catholic Church of New Zealand
• Pastor Iliafi Esera, General Superintendent, Assemblies of God New Zealand
• Rev Tale Hakeagaiki , Chairman, Congregational Union of New Zealand
• Pastor Dr Brian Hughes, Regional Leader, Calvary Chapel Association
• Rt Rev Fakaofo Kaio, Moderator, Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand
• Rev Dr Stuart Lange, Interim National Director, New Zealand Christian Network
• Pastor Brent Liebezeit, President, Christian Churches New Zealand
• Rev Andrew Marshall, National Director, Alliance Churches of New Zealand
• Pastor Peter Mortlock, Senior Pastor, City Impact Church

The group refused to leave Australian justice minister Michael Keenan's office on February 20.

At the Perth Magistrates Court last week, the protestors were given "spent" convictions for trespassing and were released on good behaviour bonds.

They were protesting a court decision, since overturned, to return 267 refugees, including Australian-born babies, to Nauru's immigration detention centre.

Continue reading

Many religious, political and community leaders paid tribute to the tremendous efforts of the late Archbishop Jabez Bryce of the Anglican Church, the late Archbishop Emeritus Petero Mataca of the Catholic Church and the late Reverend Tuikilakila Waqairatu of the Methodist Church during the church service.

In an interesting twist, to celebrate the close relationship of the churches, speakers from the Methodist, Anglican, and Roman Catholic Churches each paid tribute to a leader who is not from their own community of faith.

Speakers talked about the ecumenical service that each former church leader had contributed in their various churches and in Fiji.

"The main point highlighted was the strong relationship or commitment that the three leaders had in supporting each other," said the Methodist Church's secretary for communication and overseas mission, the reverend James Bhagwan.

Source

• The Fiji Times
• thejournalofaspiritualwonderer.blogspot
• Image: cookancestry.com

On Tuesday the Rev Richard Dawson was announced as moderator-designate, and will become moderator in late 2016.

Mr Dawson (56), who is minister at St Stephens Leith Valley Presbyterian Church, said he was surprised and "quite humbled". Continue reading

The Far North District Council's draft plan would also allow supermarkets to be able to sell alcohol from 7am to 10pm seven days a week.

Of the 98 written submissions to the draft Local Alcohol Policy, many called for a cap on the amount of liquor outlets and a reduction of the hours of sale and accessibility.

The Kaikohe Church Leaders Forum said the draft policy has little community support, if any.

In a press release, the Church leaders note that a proliferation of low cost liquor outlets will increase alcohol related harm in the community.

Mike Shaw of the church leaders' forum said there should be at least one store where those negatively affected by alcohol can still shop for food.

A police submission also calls for a cap on the amount of liquor outlets and restricting supermarkets to the sale of alcohol between 9am and 10pm, the same as proposed for the bottle stores.

Continue reading

As we remind ourselves each year, Joseph and Mary made their long journey, compelled by a census. It became a journey of joy as Mary gave birth to a baby whom we call the Prince of Peace.

As we sing Christmas carols we are invited to think of Bethlehem on the night when Jesus was born. This year I'd invite you to think also of what Bethlehem has become today.

To make the journey from Nazareth in Israel to Bethlehem in the occupied Palestinian territories today, Mary and Joseph would have to cross through approximately 70 Israeli barriers - checkpoints, fences, walls and barriers which would involve multiple interrogations and delays - and they would be lucky to be allowed through at all.

These same barriers prevent shepherds watching their flocks, either by day or by night. Most people in Bethlehem have been cut off from their grazing lands, having significant economic effects. Continue reading.

Bishop Pat Power is a retired auxiliary bishop of Canberra and Goulburn. He is a member of the Palestine Israel Ecumenical Network.

Source: Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn, this article was reprinted in December's Wel-Com

Image: Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn

A University of Queensland researcher, Morgan Brigg, says research in Timor Leste, Papua New Guinea's Bougainville, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu shows peace and order is most often dealt with at grass roots levels.

It is entitled "Towards a Robust Society." Garth George presents some excerpts from the essay.

"Every three years," they say, "the electoral cycle reminds us of the inestimable value of democracy, and the opportunity for voter and candidate alike to actively participate in determining the future shape of our society."

Defining how we understand ourselves as people in community, the churchmen say: "Underpinning each person's vision for society will be a number of assumptions about what it means to be human ... that can be characterised by two broad emphases. The first tends to regard each person primarily as an autonomous individual, each with his or her own needs, aspirations and interests.

Read
Garth George _ New Zealand Herald