DAMAGE to the Great Barrier Reef in the wake of Cyclone Debbie has prompted one of Queensland’s bishops to renew a call for greater environmental protection. “Speaking as a former industrial chemist, I note that there has been tremendous damage done to the reef by the run-off of waters and untreated effluent contained by our industries,” Rockhampton Bishop Michael McCarthy said. ... Read More »
Author Archives: Mark Bowling
Leading clinical psychologist praises veteran program ‘Timor Awakening’
A LEADING clinical psychologist has praised the “quality healing” of the rehabilitation program Timor Awakening, which is helping veterans deal with PTSD, substance abuse, isolation and thoughts of committing suicide. Brisbane-based Dr John Barletta, who volunteered as a consultant on the Timor Awakening program, said “it has been inspiring to see veterans and leaders connect, support, guide, challenge, and educate one ... Read More »
New plan to promote healing between Brisbane archdiocese and indigenous people
Brisbane Archbishop Mark Coleridge has welcomed a move to build stronger parish links with the indigenous community by adopting a new reconciliation plan (RAP). The RAP is a living document that identifies priorities and key goals in building awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, and strengthens relationships between Aboriginal and non-indigenous people across the archdiocese. “I am very ... Read More »
‘We created the abuse’: Church official leading response to child sexual abuse tells priests its time to listen to the community
AN official leading the Church response to child sex abuse has told priests in Brisbane, “we created the abuse”, now it is time for parish priests to listen to their communities, including people who have been abused and are angry with the Church. “We created the abuse. That is the harsh reality,” chief executive of the Church’s Truth, Justice and ... Read More »
‘We know the souls of the people who have been murdered’: Brisbane Coptics weep for faithful killed in deadly Palm Sunday bombings
HUNDREDS of Coptic Orthodox families in Brisbane began Holy Week with heartfelt prayers for loved ones after deadly church bombings in Egypt. “It is painful. It is tragedy. It is part of the pain that Jesus our Christ carried for us,” Egyptian-born Fr Bishoy Wassef, from St Mark and St George Coptic Orthodox Church, Strathpine, said. “Now we pray, and ... Read More »
Robots are coming to help humanity, whether we like it or not
A ROBOT can now deliver pizza, another can carry out life-saving surgery, while another is ready for dispatch along the Great Barrier Reef to detect and control the devastating Crown of Thorn starfish. The new technologies – robots and artificial intelligence – are making our world more connected, saving lives and even protecting the environment. But as these technologies enter ... Read More »
Christian survey reveals ambivalence in Australia
ABOUT a half of all Australians believe in God or a higher power, but less than one in five are regularly attending church. According to National Church Life Survey director Dr Ruth Powell recent figures showed a belief in God and church attendance were declining. “At fifty-nine per cent, the proportion of Australians who say they believe in God or ... Read More »
Beenleigh Vinnies ready to help flood victims recover
THE Beenleigh Vinnies team is gearing up to provide ongoing support to families hit hard by flooding. As the brown tide of floodwaters subsides across south-east Queensland, the clean-up is proving a mammoth task, not just for an army of volunteers, but also for agencies such as Vinnies which stands ready to help with food, clothing and furniture. The St ... Read More »
Legalised euthanasia is a ‘slippery slope’ for the vulnerable, Bill Muehlenberg says
THE euthanasia debate is full of horror stories, the author of a new book on the subject Bill Muehlenberg says. Mr Muehlenberg said people could learn from abuses that have occurred elsewhere in the world where euthanasia was legalised, including Holland and Belgium. Speaking at a forum at the Queensland Parliamentary Annex in Brisbane, promoting his new book The Challenge ... Read More »