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Big Tobacco Flexes its Muscles
Sean McDonagh comments on the current conflict between Dr. James Reilly, the Children’s Minister, and Japan Tobacco International over the issue of plain packaging of cigarettes.
Sean challengingly reminds us that “Religious people do comment on alcohol miss-use, but not on cigarettes. I wonder why, because every time you use tobacco products as described by the producer you harm yourself and those around you.”
Erring Shepherds
Aidan Hart, in this article from the Association of Catholics in Ireland website, not only provides a catalogue of the abuse of minors that has led to the Church losing ‘much of its moral leadership around the world, particularly among younger Catholics in the northern hemisphere.’ but says ‘Lay people must be given back effective ownership of their Church, in which they will work, in word and action and partnership with clergy, guided by the Holy Spirit and a deep knowledge of Sacred Scripture and strengthened divine Eucharist – to help bring about on earth God’s Kingdom of unconditional love and mercy for all human kind and all of nature.’
Australian bishops gravely concerned about crisis in Iraq
Gerry Hefferan, St Joseph and St Anthony Parish, Bracken Ridge, in Queensland, Australia draws our attention to a statement of the Australian catholic bishops who have expressed grave concern at the humanitarian crisis that is continuing to worsen in northern Iraq. They state that ‘The best outcome for the Christians and Yazidis of Iraq is peace and security, so they can return to their homes. But if this is not possible, the Australian Government should agree to offer safe haven to many of these displaced people so they can try to rebuild their shattered lives.’
Is the reaction of the church and state in Ireland appropriate in response to this and other growing crises?
REUTERS EXCLUSIVE: Pope Francis denies he is planning to resign soon
Unsubstantiated rumours fuelled reports of imminent resignation Pope laughs off rumours of cancer: “Doctors didn’t tell me” Trips to Moscow, Kyiv appear more likely; possibly in September On U.S. court…
Association of Catholics in Ireland (ACI) Open Information Event, Belfast, Saturday 6th December 2014
Theme:
“Helping the Church to become self-critical:
Why the laity are best equipped for this role”
Presider’s Page for 17 December (Advent 3, GAUDETE)
We’re two thirds of the way through Advent. Traditionally, today is called Gaudete Sunday, which means ‘a day for rejoicing.’ The reason for celebration is that the day of the Lord’s coming is very near.