According to new research carried out by the universities of Manchester, Glasgow and the West of Scotland gossip is good for our reputation because it shows we are in the know and we most enjoy dishing the dirt about familiar people – the more damaging the better. Psychologists say that at the same time it improves our social standing as a…… Continue reading Did you hear . . . Gossip is good for you – Benedict Luckhurst
News
Catholic deacon’s love for his trans child
Deacon Ray Dever of St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Tampa, Florida, writing as guest blogger for the New Ways Ministry blog, refers to the time his daughter came out as trans and what that meant for his faith and his community. He wrote: “Our journey has probably not been very different than the journey of any family with an LGBTQ child. It…… Continue reading Catholic deacon’s love for his trans child
The fifteen “diseases” of the Roman Curia
In his presentation of Christmas greetings to the Roman Curia, Pope Francis identified fifteen “diseases”, “malfunctions” and “infirmities” to which the Curia, like any human body, is exposed. “They are the more common diseases in our life in the Curia. They are diseases and temptations which weaken our service to the Lord.” The diseases identified are as follows: 1. The disease…… Continue reading The fifteen “diseases” of the Roman Curia
Labelling under a misapprehension
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) begins with the uplifting words, “The desire for God is written in the human heart, because man is created by God and for God, and God never ceases to draw man to himself” (27). It goes on to address the reasons why “this ‘intimate and vital bond of man to God’ can be…… Continue reading Labelling under a misapprehension
Son, I’ll Always Love You Whether You’re Straight Or A Closeted Gay
There’s something I want to tell you, son. You don’t have to say anything. I just want you to listen for a second, okay? I want you to know that you are the most important person in the world to me and that I will always be there for you. Because I’m your dad, and I’m always going to be.…… Continue reading Son, I’ll Always Love You Whether You’re Straight Or A Closeted Gay
Book Review: The Book of Forgiving
The Book of Forgiving: The fourfold path of healing for ourselves and our world, Desmond and Mpho Tutu Harper Collins 978-0-06220-356-4 Over many decades, the Anglican Archbishop-emeritus of Cape Town, Desmond Tutu, has been a tireless campaigner for peace, justice and reconciliation; most notably in his homeland of South Africa both in the pre- and post-apartheid years. In 1984 he was awarded the Nobel…… Continue reading Book Review: The Book of Forgiving
2014 Conference Talks: Fr Peter McVerry
A sea-change? Is Pope Francis ushering in a sea-change in the Catholic Church? I believe he is. The sea change is in our understanding of who God is and what God wants. Everywhere Jesus went, he was followed by large crowds. Five thousand people, not counting women and children, listened to him all day long, even forgetting that they were hungry,(Luke 9:10-17). Every town…… Continue reading 2014 Conference Talks: Fr Peter McVerry
Quest Conference Talks: Pádraig Ó Tuama
I stayed here for your AGM last night. I don’t know if I’ve ever stayed intentionally for a group’s AGM. They’re not things that I’m overly fond of. But I was moved last night listening to your stories, because what struck me was that you’re particularly attuned and aware to the possibility of marginalisation, and the possibility of isolation that people have, and that the concerns…… Continue reading Quest Conference Talks: Pádraig Ó Tuama
Trans Suicide: An Epiphany Reflection
In my school RE classes, I was taught that suicide is the one unforgiveable sin. So what are we to make of the social prejudices, discrimination, and even Church teaching or practice, that drive people to take their own lives? At Bondings 2.0, Bob Shine has a reflection on one such trans suicide that has…… Continue reading Trans Suicide: An Epiphany Reflection
New “Members Area”.
This site is public, and open to all. However, your committee has often noted that there is a need to offer members some tangible benefits not available to others, and at times we want to publish confidential or sensitive material which should be available only to members. (Examples are the summaries of committee meetings, which…… Continue reading New “Members Area”.