Focus

The Pregnancy of Mary

Nov 26, 2015

This time of year, the Mother of God is very pregnant. The skin around her belly stretches to hold the weight of her child.
God is mercy: Holy Year affirms the belief that Christians, Muslims, Jews share

Nov 26, 2015

Opening the Holy Door of St Peter’s Basilica and the Year of Mercy, Pope Francis also hopes to open a year of “fervent dialogue” among Christians, Muslims and Jews, so that all who profess faith in a merciful God may be stronger in showing mercy toward one another.
Consider yourself a prophet

Nov 25, 2015

What is the direct opposite of a false prophet? Presumably it is a true prophet, one whose authenticity is fairly plain to see.
In Australia, bishops face legal complaint for defending marriage

Nov 25, 2015

The Sydney archbishop has strongly defended the freedom of the Catholic Church in response to a legal complaint claiming the Australian bishops’ pastoral letter on marriage violated Tasmania’s strict anti-discrimination law.
What the Vatican’s decision to charge five people over alleged leaks really means

Nov 24, 2015

The announcement that five people, including two journalists, allegedly responsible for latest round of leaks are to be charged under the laws of the Vatican City State, has generated considerable reaction and looks likely to generate more.
Banning the Lord’s Prayer advert is a foolish affront to freedom of speech

Nov 24, 2015

Most of the cinemas in the country will not be showing a one minute advertisement made by the Church of England which features the Our Father
Composer's music celebrates women in the Catholic church -- as priests

Nov 23, 2015

When composer Rich Moriarty, 69, was inspired four years ago to write music for a liturgy to celebrate women in the church, he had a particular role i
For Syrian refugees, faith groups want a US welcome mat

Nov 23, 2015

Religious groups are pushing back against a wave of opposition toward Syrian refugees and working to preserve the U.S. as a haven for them.
Church leaders welcome review of Indonesian religion law

Nov 20, 2015

Catholic leaders in Indonesia have welcomed an announcement that the government will review legislation that critics say restricts constitutional protection to religious freedoms.
Religious nationalism threatens the “stability of India and the whole world

Nov 20, 2015

The Hindu nationalist ideology that has arisen over the past century in India (Hindutva) begins with a conception that India is a Hindu nation, in which Hinduism is a default way of life for Indians.