Courtney McGrailLebanon’s Cardinal Bechara Rai has urged the international community to strive to end the wars in the Middle East, and called for a return of displaced people to their countries of origin. Addressing the European Parliament, the Maronite Catholic patriarch warned that the crisis has direct consequences not only for Christians in the region, but…
Month: May 2016
Errors admitted as French cardinal brings in new anti-abuse measures
A French cardinal being investigated for his handling of allegations of clerical sexual abuse has admitted mistakes and introduced new anti-abuse measures. Following a three-hour meeting with 220 priests, during which testimony from at least one abuse survivor was heard, Lyon archdiocese issued a statement on behalf of Cardinal Philip Barbarin. “The cardinal has accepted…
Attacks on Rwandan migrants condemned
Zambia’s hierarchy has criticised governmental failures to stop xenophobic violence, following attacks on Rwandan migrants. “The government must anticipate events and make every effort to stop these behaviours,” said Fr Cleophas Lungu, Secretary General of Zambia’s bishops’ conference, describing how following four murders, residents responded to rumours of ritual murders by deciding “to take justice…
Vatican Roundup
Medical research should aim at protecting life – Pope Francis Moral and ethical concerns must guide medical research so it is always directed to the protection of human life and dignity, Pope Francis has said. Speaking at a Vatican-hosted conference on adult stem cell research, the Pope said in this way research can “serve higher values, such as solidarity, generosity, magnanimity, sharing of knowledge,…
Pope Francis is making the Church more democratic
The Pope understands that a worthy shepherd must have the pastoral instincts and authenticity that link him with the laity, writes Michael W. Higgins
Facing the blade
Paul KeenanThe Church speaks against extremism in Bangladesh, writes Paul Keenan
Early intervention needed to keep children from gangs
Dear Editor, What an interesting suggestion from former gangster John Pridmore to use the Confirmation programme to show children “how they can use their gifts to help others rather than hurt people” (IC 21/04/2016). I have heard Mr Pridmore’s incredible story at a parish mission where he described his life of drugs, organised crime, power…
Changes to Junior Cert syllabus are an attack not a reform
Dear Editor, It is annoying to see the current attack by politicians on the Junior Cert syllabus constantly being referred to as a “reform”. It is nothing of the sort. I hope the new Dáil will commit to suspend the brainless forcing through of coursework into the Junior Cert curriculum, whether marked by the classroom…
Economic systems vs human ethics
Dear Editor, In his address to the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, 2014, President Michael D. Higgins, talking on the shortcomings of the economic theories of our times, had this to say: “The notion that capitalist markets are systems set apart from human ethics, is even shared by many who reject capitalism. “The writings of…
Learning from other churches
Dear Editor, Regarding chaplaincy support services (IC 14/04/2016 ‘Mass attendance a crude measure of chaplaincy support services’), Texas A&M State University (Aggieland) is of interest. In 2011 Aggieland had 52,775 students. St Mary’s Catholic Centre housed the Catholic campus ministry. Daily Mass attendance averaged 175; Sunday Masses drew between 4,000 and 5,000 worshippers. There were…